Shinshi and Nina's vortex tightly enclosed Rawa. The electrified air and compressed water surrounded him from every direction, forming an inescapable cage. Rawa struggled, trying to push the energy away, but the pressure kept increasing, completely restricting his movement.
Nina exchanged a silent glance with Shinshi. No words were needed. They both understood the timing.
Shinshi slowly raised his hand… and snapped his fingers.
In an instant, the sphere surrounding Rawa exploded with a powerful burst of energy. The arena shook, and dust filled the air. When the smoke cleared, Rawa lay unconscious on the ground.
Silence filled the arena for a brief moment… then the first match was declared over.
Victory belonged to the second team.
After the match ended, the second team entered the resting room. Exhaustion was visible on their faces, but the feeling of victory lightened the weight of fatigue.
Shinshi sat down and said,
"Guys… that one named Rawa… he was stronger than us individually."
Nina nodded calmly.
"Yes, you're right. If we hadn't used that combined attack… we would have lost."
Gan lowered his head slightly.
"I'm sorry, guys… I felt like I was a burden to you."
Nina quickly smiled and replied firmly,
"No, you weren't. Your opponent was strong, and you were amazing in your fight."
Shinshi added with encouragement,
"Yeah, you were great, Gan."
Gan laughed confidently.
"Hehehe… it doesn't matter. I was way stronger than him anyway!"
Nina smiled and said,
"Sure, sure…"
But in her mind she laughed softly.
"They were actually equal… but Gan is great because he's optimistic… even if he's a little arrogant."
Meanwhile, Kazuki left the arena with Mitsu and Mio after the match ended.
"That was an amazing fight… don't you think?" Kazuki said.
Mio replied,
"Yes, it was really good."
Mitsu added casually,
"It was kind of exciting. I managed to analyze their movements."
But Kazuki wasn't fully smiling.
Inside his mind, thoughts weighed heavily:
"I'm weak compared to my team… and the other teams too. Even if I ranked twelfth… there must be many who didn't show their true strength in that test. Maybe they only released a small amount of their Parka… so no one would know how strong they really are."
Mitsu noticed his silence.
"Hey, Kazuki… what are you thinking about?"
Kazuki took a deep breath and smiled.
"I was thinking… we should go have dinner at my house."
Mio smiled lightly.
"Let's go."
And the three of them walked together as night slowly fell over the city.