The morning of Phase 3 began with the roar of the city.
I stood by my hotel window, staring down at the streets of Uonuma City. Merchants shouted over each other, vendors lined the roads with banners, and screens across every building broadcast live tournament coverage. The city was alive—too alive.
I pulled on my black combat gear and tightened my mask, the fabric snug against my face. My reflection in the glass stared back at me: sharp eyes, steady breath, but underneath it all, tension rippled like a brewing storm.
This was it. Phase 3—the moment where the weak were culled, and the strong carved their names into history.
Elarion's words rang in my mind:"Your mission is to investigate a demonic human sacrificing humans."
I strapped on my gloves and slung my short blade across my back.
"Alright…" I exhaled, flexing my hands. "Time to see what Phase 3 has planned."
The arena lobby was buzzing with competitors. Kuro sat lazily in one of the lounge chairs, spinning his dagger with casual precision. When he noticed me, he smirked and tilted his head.
"You look tense, Tarek," he teased, his crimson eyes gleaming. "Phase 3 jitters already?"
Behind him, Astrid leaned against the marble pillar, her silver hair catching the morning light. "Ignore him," she said, crossing her arms. "Phase 3 isn't about nerves. It's about precision. They'll be changing the rules again."
"Changing the rules?" I asked, stepping closer.
Astrid gave a small nod. "I overheard officials whispering last night. This phase isn't about single matches anymore. It's about survival."
Kuro's smirk widened. "Now that sounds fun."
I frowned. "Survival?"
Kuro leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Imagine this: they drop us all in a battlefield. No safe zones. No clean duels. Just chaos. And whoever's standing at the end moves forward."
Astrid shot him a glare. "Don't speculate. Whatever it is, we adapt. That's all that matters."
Her sharp tone silenced even Kuro for a moment. But my mind wouldn't stop spinning. Chaos matches? Battlefield survival? If that was true… it wouldn't just be a test of strength. It would be a bloodbath.
We reached the arena gates an hour later, walking into the thunderous roar of thousands of spectators.
The massive jumbotrons flickered on, and the announcer shot out from beneath the ground with his usual fireworks display, his tall brown hat practically glowing in the sunlight.
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!" His booming voice echoed like a war drum. "AFTER YESTERDAY'S CAPTURE-THE-FLAG MADNESS, OUR WARRIORS STAND AT JUST 64 REMAINING CONTESTANTS!"
The crowd roared like an earthquake.
He spun his mic theatrically and shouted, "AND NOW… PHASE 3 BEGINS!"
The entire arena rumbled, panels shifting and opening like the maw of a beast. Massive walls emerged from the ground, twisting the arena into a labyrinth of towers, platforms, and narrow corridors.
"WHAT'S THIS, YOU ASK?" The announcer grinned, fireworks erupting behind him. "WELCOME TO THE GAUNTLET OF SURVIVAL!"
The crowd exploded.
"FOR THIS ROUND," he continued, "OUR COMPETITORS WILL BE DROPPED INTO A THREE-ZONE BATTLEFIELD—FOREST, RUINS, AND CLIFFSIDE! TO ADVANCE, YOU MUST COLLECT THREE EMBLEMS FROM YOUR OPPONENTS. NO TIME LIMIT. NO RETREATS. AND REMEMBER…" His grin widened, sharp teeth glinting just faintly under the lights. "IF YOU DIE, YOU DIE!"
A chilling cheer surged through the audience.
I tightened my fists. The words rang louder than they should have. "If you die, you die." His tone—it wasn't just theatrics. There was something sinister beneath it.
"Three zones?" Astrid murmured, analyzing the massive shifting arena. "This is worse than I thought."
Kuro chuckled darkly beside her. "Sounds like a good way to get rid of the weak."
I stayed silent, my gaze locked on the announcer. There was something off about him. His words, his smile… it reminded me too much of that cold, bloodstained presence from last night.
"Phase 3 will begin in one hour!" the announcer bellowed. "Prepare yourselves, warriors!"
As competitors scattered to gear up, I pulled Astrid and Kuro aside.
"This isn't just a tournament anymore," I said lowly. "Something's wrong with him. The way he said those words…"
Astrid raised an eyebrow. "You're saying the announcer's involved in something?"
"Not saying," I replied firmly. "I know."
Kuro tilted his head. "You've been acting weird since yesterday. Care to share what's going on in that masked head of yours?"
I hesitated. The truth about my suspicions underground… and about a new guy named Lucien… it wasn't time yet. Not until I knew more.
Instead, I gave them both a sharp glance. "Stick close. Don't trust anyone. Especially not him."
As the preparation horn echoed, I stepped onto the platform leading down into the gauntlet. The storm from last night still lingered faintly in the sky, thunder growling in the distance like a beast waiting to strike.
This wasn't just about survival anymore. This was about answers.
And if I had to tear through every single fighter in this arena to find them… so be it.
"Lucien... Announcer.....Underground… Whatever's coming, I'll be ready."
I cracked my knuckles, my mask shadowing my grin.
"Phase 3," I muttered under my breath. "Let's see what hell tastes like."