The arena had never felt so fragile. Silence poured down like heavy rain, swallowing even the sound of breath. Tens of thousands of eyes were raised to the sky, unable to blink. The announcer, who had been shouting wild praises for hours during the fashion show, stood like a statue with his microphone trembling in his hand. His lips moved, but no words dared to leave. The weight of divinity pressed down on everyone.
Light erupted above the stage. It was not sunlight, nor the artificial brilliance of lamps. It was something older, heavier, sacred. Four figures emerged from the heavens, each one wrapped in an aura that shifted the rhythm of the world itself. The audience leaned forward unconsciously, hearts beating together as though controlled by unseen hands.
The first figure was Arrito, the God of Hope. He descended slowly, like dawn crawling back after a storm. His long hair, as white as winter snow, glimmered with the faintest hints of silver. Lashes the same pale color framed eyes that glowed pure and soft, like candles that never flickered. He wore a robe so white it seemed woven from morning mist, every fold releasing a scent of lilies as he walked. He smiled gently, fragile in appearance, but that smile carried the weight of mercy itself. People in the first rows began weeping without even realizing. Hope did not need words. Hope was enough.
The second figure was Prestik, the God of Speed. He landed with no sound, as if gravity itself dared not touch him. His pink hair was short and sharp, reflecting a metallic shimmer under the torchlight. His green eyes sliced like blades, cold and impossible to read. A skin-tight rose suit clung to his muscular frame, displaying every tendon, every fiber of strength. He looked like a man in constant motion, even when still. The crowd felt as though if they blinked, he would vanish and reappear behind them. A murmur spread across the arena, half fear, half fascination.
The third figure drifted downward in a storm of blossoms. Lysia, the Goddess of Flowers, breathed life into the air with every step. Her golden hair was woven with roses, daisies, and tulips, spilling down her shoulders in cascades of color. Petals swirled around her body like a private garden in eternal bloom. Her blue eyes radiated endless meadows, and her smile softened even the tightest chests. Old men pressed their palms to their hearts. Women gasped. Youth felt a sudden rush of spring in their veins. Beauty itself had taken a human shape.
The fourth figure shattered the calm.
James, the God of Wrath.
He did not descend. He fell, like a meteor. The ground shook when his crimson armor hit the stage. His entire body was encased in thick plates that pulsed with veins of molten fire. A massive blue nunchaku, so large it bent the air, rested against his shoulder. His brown hair hung loose around his scarred face, brushing against his jaw. His blue eyes were void of light, carved in fury. His face was locked in an expression that knew no softness, no humanity. He was rage given form, a statue of wrath forced to breathe.
Gasps cut the silence. Mothers shielded their children. One child began to cry, and the mother covered his mouth with trembling hands. No one wished to be heard. Not even sound itself wished to disturb this god.
Kuina's eyes widened. Her lungs refused to work. The moment she saw him, memories ripped through her like blades.
Eleven years ago. The schoolyard. The shade of the old tree. She had been sitting with a book open on her lap, calm, lost in another world. Then James had appeared. He had kicked the book from her hands, booting it across the dirt. She had stood and shouted, her small voice breaking in frustration.
"What are you doing?! Why?! Why do you keep bothering me?!"
James had leaned down, smiling with sadism. His words had been seared into her memory.
"Because it is my purpose to humiliate you. To beat you. To show you who is boss. You think I need a reason? Or a motive? You are wrong, Tyorkin."
He had laughed, a cruel sound, the kind that never leaves. That laughter echoed in her ears even now.
Back in the present, Kuina's fists clenched until blood seeped from her palms. Rage roared in her chest, unstoppable.
"That bastard. He became a god? I will kill him!"
Her body moved before thought. Her axe slid into her grip as if summoned by fury alone. Energy exploded around her. Kylie gasped, reaching for her.
"Kuina, wait!"
But Kuina was already gone. She soared across the arena, red aura trailing like fire. Her voice split the silence.
"James! Die now!"
The axe came down with the weight of mountains. The arena shook. The blade crashed against his armor.
The axe cracked. It splintered into useless shards in her hands. James had not moved. He had not flinched. He had not even looked at her. He stood like a monument, her wrath nothing more than a whisper against stone.
Kuina stumbled back, horror painted across her face. "How… how did that not hurt you?"
Mira screamed from the stage, her red gown glittering. "Kuina, what the hell are you doing?!"
James tilted his head slowly, his voice cutting like iron. "Tyorkin. That is you, isn't it?"
The name stabbed into her like fire. For the first time in years, fear touched her.
From her throne, Ortus rose. Her silver eyes glowed like moons in flame. Her aura burst, a storm of purple energy flooding the arena. Her voice roared, layered with echoes like a thousand demons speaking at once.
"Kuina. You dare interrupt us in the middle of this sacred moment!"
Kuina spat on the ground, rage devouring fear. "Go to hell! You liar! Recruiting James as a god? Really, Ortus? I thought maybe I could respect you, but I was wrong."
Purple energy ripped cracks across the floor. The crowd screamed, stampeding in terror. Dozens were crushed underfoot. Glass shattered. Banners tore apart.
Only the gods stood still.
Kuina staggered, barely holding her ground. Moly shielded her face with trembling arms. Lika tried to fly but was thrown down. Mira's curls whipped violently, her gown almost tearing from the force. Clara clenched her fists and glared upward. Kylie tried to soar through the window, but the gravity-like energy crushed her wings.
Ortus's scream split the air. "From this moment, no one interferes! Mira, you will hear our blessings. Then I will announce what comes next. Kuina, leave. All of you, leave now!"
Kuina snarled, her voice cutting through the chaos. "Your words mean nothing to me!"
For a brief instant, Ortus faltered. Why is she defying me like this? Has she discovered the truth?
James lifted his head. His blue eyes locked onto Kuina. Instantly, darkness pressed against her chest, crushing, merciless. She gasped. "What is this feeling?"
The pressure burst. Without moving, James's gaze launched her backward. She flew across the arena, slammed into the wall, and coughed blood.
"Kuina!" Piper screamed. She leapt onto Mortis's back. The unicorn spread his wings and they soared. Moly sprinted, her face twisted with panic. Lika stumbled forward, arms trembling. Mira tried to follow, but Lysia held her wrist gently. "Wait, sweetheart. Not yet."
Piper spun toward Ortus, fury blazing. "You bitch! Don't you dare talk to my goddess like that! Kuina has her reasons!"
Ortus glared, but Piper smirked. "Scary. Maybe you will take my ovaries next, huh?"
Mortis groaned, muttering. "Piper, stop. Do you want her to make us horny? I am not in the mood."
Piper smacked him on the forehead. "Speak nicely, Mortis!"
The unicorn's eyes crossed. Nervous laughter erupted from scattered rows of the audience, even through fear.
Lysia giggled, her voice warm. "She is brave and sweet."
Kuina, bloody on the floor, rasped. "Sorry, Mira. I have unfinished business. I will make it up to you."
The arena quaked again. Ortus hovered higher, purple aura rising like a hurricane. "Enough! Mira, receive our words. Then, I will announce something greater."
The Blessings of the Gods
Ortus floated above, her voice softening but still thunderous.
"Mira, my darling flame… congratulations. You were the sexiest, the wildest, the one who drove me insane. That is why I chose you. Your fire made me burn with desire. You are worthy of my blessing."
Lysia clapped lightly, blossoms swirling from her hands.
"Yes, Mira, you impressed me too. Elegant, radiant with fire, and still graceful. A true queen of flame. Do you see? I even made a joke, because you are the Queen of Fire."
Mira blinked, confused. "Uh… was that supposed to be funny?"
Prestik's expression stayed stone, his voice flat but undeniable.
"I am not a lover of fire. Nor of red. But even I must admit, you are stunning. May speed favor you."
Finally Arrito stepped forward, resting his glowing hand softly on Mira's shoulder. His aura wrapped her like dawn itself.
"I do not see outer beauty. I see within. And within you, Mira, there is pride, yes, but also love. Most of all, I see hope. You always cling to it, even when it hurts. That makes you worthy. But remember, child, this moment is not everything. You must live with humility and grace. Still… I am honored to see someone like you win."
He embraced her gently, and the audience erupted in applause and tears.
Outside the hall, Kuina lay bruised but alive. Piper landed beside her and crouched close, pressing her hands to Kuina's cheeks. "Kuina! Are you okay? Say something!"
The others arrived one by one. Moly dropped to her knees, gasping for breath. Lika landed and wrapped her arms around Kuina's shoulder. Clara stormed forward with fists tight, her eyes filled with rage. Kylie stumbled out last, her face pale.
Kuina coughed, forcing herself up. Her voice was low but sharp. "I am fine. That power was insane, but I survived. Listen to me. Ortus is no goddess to admire. She is a monster. She brought James, my bully from school, and made him a god. I do not know how he became so strong, but I swear I will erase him. And now I know the system is hers. She controls it. Maybe she will stop feeding me strength. Fine. I will grow even without it. I will crush him with my own hands."
The girls froze. Silence cut between them. Only Kylie lowered her gaze, shame burning in her cheeks.
"Yes… it is true," Kylie whispered. "Ortus created the system. I worked with her. I should have told you, but if she finds out, she will kill me."
Lika's arms tightened. "We will not let her. We will protect you, Kylie."
Clara's voice cracked with fury. "Of course! I would destroy Ortus every day and every night if I could."
Kuina winced but rose to her feet. "No. Leave Ortus to me. James is mine. He is my enemy. I will kill him. For now, let us give Mira her respect."
They began walking back together, battered but united.
Inside, Ortus turned to James. Her voice rang like silver striking steel. "Your turn. Say something."
James's face remained empty. His words were void of passion.
"Queen of Fire, is that what they call you? Tell Kuina it would be better not to approach me. She is weak. Pathetic. Clinging to grudges for nothing. I say this for her own good."
Mira stiffened. "That was cruel. What you did to her was not right."
James did not reply. His body dissolved into a swirl of dark magic, leaving the stage empty.
Ortus's smile sharpened. "I will deal with him later. Do not mind him. Now for my great announcement. One week from now, the War Tournament will begin. One-on-one battles, no excuses. Mira, as part of your prize, you will not fight. You will host the tournament. You will choose the matches. You will decide who faces who."
The crowd roared in shock. Mira's eyes widened. "Me? Host the tournament? Really?"
Ortus's silver gaze glinted. "Yes. That is your honor."
The audience erupted again, louder than ever. Flowers and banners shook. Mira lifted her chin and nodded. "Very well. I accept."
But Ortus was not finished. Her stare swept to the group returning through the curtain. Her eyes narrowed on Kylie.
"And you," she said. "You thought I would not find out? Foolish girl. You told her the truth. That is why she dares to speak against me. You will regret that."
The crowd gasped as Ortus's aura flared. Kylie's breath caught, and for a heartbeat she looked small, cornered by the goddess of sex herself.
Lika stepped in front of her, spreading her arms. "You will not touch her!"
Clara clenched her fists, fire in her eyes. "If you lay a hand on Kylie, I will fight you myself!"
Ortus only smiled, cruel and calm. "We will see."
Above them all, the gods stood silent. The War Tournament was set. The air crackled with destiny.
The war had only just begun.
To be continued.