The fights thundered across the twelve arenas at once. Roars, screams, and explosions blended into a storm of sound.
On the third arena, a boy with crimson hair clashed against a massive student with skin as rough as stone. The giant swung his arm like a hammer, shattering the ground, but the red-haired boy flicked his fingers. Sparks erupted, then chains of fire whipped out, wrapping around the giant's body. With one command, the fire ignited. The giant screamed before collapsing into smoke and ash.
"Winner, Number 33!"
The crowd roared, their voices echoing like drums.
On the eighth arena, another fight raged. A slender girl with icy-blue hair stood calm and composed. Her opponent was a muscular brute who charged in like a bull. He didn't make it three steps. Frost spiraled from the girl's hands, coating the arena floor in jagged spikes. The brute slipped, and before he could rise, a shard of ice pierced his chest.
"Winner, Number 56!"
Cheers erupted, but I barely heard them. My eyes stayed locked on the glowing screen above, where the next numbers were pairing off.
"Match Twenty-One! Number 47 versus Number 58!"
My chest tightened. Finally.
I stepped forward, rolling my shoulders, the weight of every eye in the arena sinking onto me. From the opposite side, my opponent appeared — a tall boy with pale skin and long silver hair that glistened under the lights. His weapon was a thin blade, sharp as a fang. His smile was cold, deliberate.
"So, you're my prey," he said smoothly, raising the blade.
I smirked, aura simmering beneath my skin. "Prey? Let's see who's hunting who."
The crowd hushed as the referee raised his hand.
"Begin!"