Chapter 5: The Final Five Selection
There were now only ten left.
Ten warriors who had proven themselves in bruising bouts, narrow victories, and sudden surprises. The courtyard now bore the stains of sweat, dust, and a few drops of blood—marks of a battle for pride.
Master Rendo stood in the center, expression grave.
"This next set of matches," he said, unrolling a fresh bracket, "will determine the final five to represent Addson Dojo."
His voice carried over the crowd.
"These five will compete in the regional qualifiers. And possibly… beyond."
The students' eyes burned. The Federation Tournament wasn't just a chance to prove strength. It was a gateway. A single win could change your rank, your reputation, your fate.
"Kairo vs. Saya."
Whispers sparked again.
"She's strange…"
"No one's seen her fight yet."
"She's from the outside."
Saya stepped forward. Her eyes were half-closed, body wrapped in thin gray cloth that swayed like mist. No visible weapons. No emotion.
Kairo didn't underestimate her.
> "Careful," Evalof muttered. "She's either holding back or hiding something. I'm getting strange readings. Mana? No... something older."
Kairo entered the circle.
The signal was given.
Saya moved first.
Not with an attack—but with a step that blurred space. One blink, and she was already inches from Kairo, fingers aimed at his throat.
Ting!
> Danger Detected! Activating: Quickstep.
Kairo twisted back just in time. Her strike grazed the air beside his neck, silent and deadly.
The crowd gasped.
Kairo countered with a sweeping kick. She danced over it, landing behind him.
> [Mission Prompt: Land 3 hits on Saya.]
Reward: 'Breath Control' Passive, +1 AGI, +100 EXP
Kairo surged forward. His training, his instincts, and Evalof's system synced as he began reading her patterns—noticing the pauses, the half-steps, the twitch of her left foot before each move.
He struck once—blocked.
Second—grazed her arm.
Third—connected.
A clean hit to her ribs with the back of his elbow.
Saya slid back, stunned.
Then… smiled.
Just a little.
For the first time.
"I see now," she said quietly, "You're not ordinary."
Kairo exhaled. His palm still buzzed.
> Mission Complete. +1 AGI. EXP Gained: +100. Passive Unlocked: Breath Control I.
Before the next attack came, Master Rendo raised a hand. "Enough. That's a draw."
Both fighters stepped back. The crowd was quiet.
They had all seen it: Kairo, the boy with no talent, had held his own—against the most mysterious fighter of the class.
Later that day, the final five names were called:
1. Kairo.
2. Saya.
3. Tarn, the Iron Elbow.
4. Riya, the Flame Fist.
5. Leno, the Arc Arrow.
As cheers rang out, Kairo remained calm. Inside, a new panel appeared in his vision.
> "Federation Tournament Arc Unlocked."
System Update: Regional Map Access Granted.
Regional Ranking: 122,901
(Yes. You're that low.)
Evalof chuckled.
> "We've got a long way to go, kid. Let's see how far we can climb."
Kairo looked to the sky. He could feel it.
This was just the beginning.