Day Two of the Dawnforge Tournament began with confusion.
Everyone expected the first match of the day to be Match 3—Zack Kreiger versus Selene Ward.
But when the announcer's voice thundered across the stadium:
"First match of Day Two: Roger Castellan versus Naomi Crest!"
The entire arena exploded with murmurs.
"Huh? Wasn't Zack supposed to go first today?"
"Why the schedule change?"
"Did something happen!?"
Inside the Hero Class waiting room, the atmosphere was thick with worry.
Rain Lancelot clasped her hands nervously, sea-green eyes darting toward the empty doorway.
"…Zack still hasn't shown up."
Astra Noire's golden gaze sharpened, arms folded.
"He injured himself while training last night. Burns. Severe ones."
Roger exhaled heavily, running a hand through his spiky hair.
"Damn idiot… why was he practicing fire maneuvers alone? He knows how unstable his bursts get when he pushes too hard."
Raze Arcwell completed the answer calmly, voice steady.
"He was trying to refine mid-air fire propulsion. He lost control. The chamber wasn't fully reinforced for that level."
Rain whispered anxiously, twisting her fingers.
"What if he can't fight…? The tournament won't wait."
Before anyone could respond—
A staff member rushed in, face flushed.
"Zack Kreiger is receiving emergency treatment. Severe second-degree burns across his arms and torso. He may not be able to fight on schedule."
The room fell silent.
Roger stepped forward immediately, determination blazing.
"Move my match earlier. I'm ready. Let Zack recover."
The staff member hesitated, then nodded.
"I'll relay the request."
And so the order changed.
Roger versus Naomi happened first—and ended with one of the most explosive comeback victories in tournament history.
The stadium was still buzzing from Roger's impossible prison break and barrier-shattering finale when the announcer's voice thundered again:
"Next match! Zack Kreiger versus Selene Ward!!"
The stadium went silent.
"Is he even able to fight?"
"Is he coming?"
"He was bandaged head to toe…"
Then—
FWOOOM!!!
A burst of flames erupted from the entrance tunnel—controlled, but wild at the edges.
A figure walked out slowly.
Bandaged from neck to wrists.
Skin red and blistered where visible.
Limps stiff and clearly painful.
But eyes blazing with unquenched fire.
Zack Kreiger had arrived.
The crowd erupted in disbelief and awe.
"He showed up!?"
"With those injuries!?"
"He's insane!"
Across the arena, Selene Ward stood frozen—violet eyes wide with fear and worry.
Her short silver hair caught the lights, hands trembling at her sides.
She took a step forward, voice cracking.
"Z-Zack…! You shouldn't— you're hurt— y-you—"
Zack raised a bandaged hand sharply, cutting her off.
"No excuses. No backing down."
His voice was rough, pained—but unwavering.
"I'm here to fight."
Selene swallowed hard, tears threatening.
Then she nodded with quiet determination.
"…Okay."
The referee lifted his arm.
"Match Start!"
◆ ◆ ◆
Lightning Strikes First
Zack pushed off the ground—igniting small flames at his feet for propulsion.
But the pain slowed him—burns pulling, muscles protesting.
Selene vanished in a flash.
ZAP—!!
A bolt of lightning struck his ribs.
Zack stumbled sideways, gritting teeth.
"Kh—!"
Again—
BZZT!
A jolt hit his shoulder—precise, controlled.
Selene bit her lip, voice trembling.
"…y-you're too hurt…"
Zack snarled through the pain, flames flickering erratically around him.
"Don't pity me!"
He ignited fully—
FOOOOM!!
Flames roared to life around his body—hotter than usual, unstable from injury.
He winced as fresh burns reopened, blood seeping through bandages.
Selene saw it clearly.
Her face hardened with resolve.
She didn't want to hurt him further—
But she respected him too much to go easy.
"Lightning—Pierce!"
ZAP! ZAP! ZAP!
Three precise bolts struck in rapid succession—chest, thigh, arm.
Each one calculated to disrupt without permanent damage.
Zack dropped to one knee, smoke rising from impact points.
From the participant area:
Rain whispered, hands clasped tightly.
"She's faster… and she's holding back as little as she safely can."
Astra nodded, arms folded.
"She knows he would hate mercy. True respect means fighting seriously."
Roger clenched his fists. "Come on, Zack… get up!"
Bam watched silently, expression grim.
Raze's eyes narrowed—admiration mixed with concern.
Zack's spirit was unbreakable.
But his body… was breaking.
◆ ◆ ◆
Zack's Counterattack — Fire Cyclone
Zack slammed both bandaged hands to the floor—ignoring the agony.
WHOOOSH—!!!
Flames spiraled upward violently, forming a rising tornado of fire that twisted toward the sky.
Heat waves distorted the air, forcing Selene to leap backward—shielding her face with an arm.
Zack roared through gritted teeth:
"I'm not… done yet!!"
His cyclone surged forward—roaring, consuming oxygen, turning the arena into an inferno.
Selene threw up a crackling lightning barrier—electricity weaving into a net.
BOOOOOM!!
The two forces collided—fire versus lightning.
The arena shook under the clash—shockwaves rattling barriers, lights flickering.
Sparks and flames danced wildly.
Zack's cyclone pushed forward inch by inch—fueled by sheer will.
His flames flickered dangerously—unstable, draining him faster with injuries.
But he stood tall, body shaking, eyes fierce.
"I'm still fighting—!"
The crowd chanted his name—respect swelling for the wounded warrior refusing to yield.
Selene's barrier held—but cracks formed.
She whispered to herself:
"I can't let him hurt himself more…"
◆ ◆ ◆
Selene's Hidden Power — Lightning Halo
Selene inhaled slowly, centering herself.
Tiny sparks formed around her feet—then arms, then whole body.
Electricity built rapidly.
Then it rose above her head—
Forming a glowing ring of rotating lightning—a halo pulsing like a living storm.
From the sidelines:
Astra's eyes widened slightly—the first real surprise she'd shown.
"That's not basic lightning manipulation. She's advancing—stabilizing a higher form."
Rain whispered in awe:
"Her control… it's awakening more of her Nexas right now."
Roger pumped a fist. "Come on, Selene! Show him!"
The halo pulsed brighter—crackling with raw power.
Selene pointed at Zack, voice steady despite emotion.
"…Lightning—Burst."
The halo exploded downward—
KRA-KOOOOOM!!
A massive column of lightning swallowed Zack whole.
His flames struggled desperately—roaring defiance.
But the lightning overwhelmed.
His body vibrated violently—muscles locking, nerves firing uncontrollably.
Burns seared anew.
He screamed through clenched teeth:
"AaaAAAHH—!!"
The cyclone wavered…
Then collapsed.
Flames went out completely.
Smoke rose from his scorched uniform.
Zack dropped to his knees—then forward.
◆ ◆ ◆
Endgame
Selene stood trembling—not from exertion, but emotion.
Tears welled in her violet eyes.
She raised one shaking hand.
"…I'm sorry… Zack."
ZAP.
A small, precise bolt struck his chest—gentle but firm.
Not lethal.
Not cruel.
Just enough to end it.
Zack coughed once—blood on his lips.
He smiled faintly through the pain.
"Heh… Guess you win…"
Then collapsed fully.
The referee raised his arm immediately.
"Winner — Selene Ward!"
The stadium roared—thunderous, respectful.
◆ ◆ ◆
Aftermath
Selene rushed forward instantly—kneeling beside Zack, hands hovering worriedly.
"Z-Zack—!! A-are you okay—!?"
Medics were already approaching, but she didn't move.
Zack groaned weakly, managing a smirk.
"I'm alive… barely. You hit like a lightning storm."
Selene flushed deeply—sparks popping harmlessly from embarrassment.
"I-I'm sorry… I didn't want to hurt you more…"
He waved a weak, bandaged hand.
"Don't apologize. You won fair. Clean."
Astra stepped closer from the sidelines, nodding.
"Well fought—both of you."
Rain approached, eyes soft. "That lightning halo… remarkable control, Selene."
Roger whistled loudly. "You two nearly burnt and electrocuted the whole stadium! That was sick!"
He slapped Zack's back lightly—earning a wince.
"Ow— idiot— burns—!"
Raze knelt beside them quietly.
"You stood your ground even when you shouldn't have. That spirit alone makes you stronger—win or lose."
Zack breathed out slowly, satisfied despite defeat.
"I said I'd fight no matter what. And I did."
Selene bowed deeply to him, tears finally falling.
"Th-thank you… for the match… It was an honor."
Zack managed a thumbs-up.
"Next time… I won't lose."
Medics lifted him carefully onto a stretcher.
The crowd chanted both names—Zack for his unbreakable will, Selene for her graceful victory.
Respect filled the air—thick, genuine.
The announcer's voice boomed over the lingering cheers:
"That concludes the intense second match of Day Two! Prepare for the next battle!"
The fire wielder had fallen—
But not in disgrace.
The lightning girl had risen—
Not in arrogance, but earned glory.
Day Two continued—hotter than ever.
And the Dawnforge Tournament marched on… with its sixth victor decided.
(Word count: 1996)