The Clash of Beasts Begin
Atta and Yoni hurtled toward each other with killing intent. Just before they collided, Yoni vanished into thin air.
What—? Atta's eyes darted around, but before he could react, Yoni appeared behind him and drove a kick square into his back.
"Ghh—!" Atta grunted, thrown several feet across the air. His eyes flared red, rage igniting, and he swung Derona with deadly force.
Yoni dodged, but when he glanced back, his eyes widened—the distant arena wall now bore a massive, glowing slash mark.
They both charged again, magic and steel ready to collide—
"ENOUGH!"
A blur appeared between them. Luke Blackwood, one hand gripping Atta's sword, the other catching Yoni's wrist mid-strike. His voice boomed with authority:
"Prince Yoni. Prince Atta. You are old enough to understand—if you fight outside this tournament, your kingdoms will bleed. Entire armies will pay the price for your pride."
The air went still. Atta exhaled, steadying himself. "…I understand, Luke. It won't happen again."
Luke released the blade, bowing his head slightly. "Thank you, my prince."
Yoni, however, sneered, yanking his arm free. "Don't you ever touch me again, lowly human."
Luke's jaw tightened, but he said nothing.
Atta's voice cut through the silence, sharp and cold. "Are you really a prince, Yoni? Because you neither look like one nor sound like one." He turned to Luke. "Make sure I face him in my next match. I've got unfinished business."
Yoni smirked. "Gladly. After Reyan and Ethan's fight, I'll be happy to discipline this shitty prince myself."
Luke sighed heavily. "Fine. But if either of you fight outside the tournament again, I'll summon King Rauf and King Ethos to discipline their own sons."
Atta clicked his tongue but nodded, flying back to the balcony. Yoni snorted and drifted toward another section of the arena.
Back at the balcony, Atta landed beside Reyan. "Your match is next, against Ethan. Nervous?"
Reyan's jaw was tight. "Prince Ethan is a three-time Theoms champion."
Atta leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "So? Do you have a strategy?"
Reyan gave a humorless chuckle. "I don't make strategies."
Before Atta could reply, Princess Isha entered.
"Congratulations on your win," Atta said warmly.
Isha huffed, folding her arms. "It wasn't a real victory. Kaiser surrendered while he could still fight."
Atta chuckled. "Tell me—were you confident you'd win if it continued?"
Isha raised a brow. "Of course I was."
"Then be happy," Atta said with a knowing smile. "Your confidence meant you wanted the fight to continue. But Kaiser? He surrendered because he wasn't confident he could win. That alone proves your strength."
Isha paused, then smiled softly. "You're such a philosopher."
Reyan groaned loudly, cutting in. "Could you two stop flirting? I've got a match against the strongest fighter here."
Atta smirked, patting his friend's shoulder. He leaned in, whispering: "Ethan's a fire mage. And you're a dragon. Why are you worried?"
Reyan clenched his fists. "I'm not—"
Before he could finish, the announcer's voice thundered through the stadium:
"Now, the most awaited match of the tournament begins! Three-time Theoms champion, Prince of the Angel Kingdom—ETHAN! Versus the brutal fighter from the last round—ANGEL REYAN!"
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Prince Ethan entered the arena, hands casually in his pockets, his expression utterly relaxed.
Atta smirked at Reyan. "You ready?"
Reyan gave a single nod.
"Then go," Atta said.
With one powerful leap, Reyan vaulted from the balcony and landed in the arena, facing the undefeated champion.
To be continued…