Round 11.
Round 12.
The Regalons kept climbing, their performance sharpening like tempered steel, but still not enough to enter the cosmic leaderboard.
Every round came with greater trials. Gravity warped, enemies multiplied, and the challenges demanded insight as much as strength. Some Regalons staggered. Others bared their teeth and grew stronger.
And then came Round 13.
The battlefield was a colossal canyon cracked open like the jaw of a sleeping titan. Below, a molten river flowed, glowing like a second sun in the depths, its heat warping the air.
This time, the challenge was not just endurance or killing power — but survival against what could not be seen.
Invisible predators stalked the canyon, their killing intent sharp as needles, their attacks timed to perfection.
Almond stood at the edge of the cliff, twin swords hanging loosely in his hands. His breath was calm — unnervingly calm.
