The next morning, the Tsukimori Association turned into a hive of activity.
Tournaments of this magnitude were rare; the political tension between Japan, China, and Korea added even more pressure. Every corridor was filled with warriors preparing, strategizing, or whispering rumors.
In the central hall, the large displays flickered to life.
Yuna stepped forward, robes shimmering with faint celestial energy.
Behind her were the representatives from Korea's Arc Guardians and China's Heavenly Jade Division.
"Welcome to the Supernova Clashes," she announced.
"Let the fixtures be drawn."
The holograms spun into dazzling spirals, showing the ranking paths.
The Rank System
AETHER (1st Tier)
Only one from each country is chosen — the pinnacle of power.
Japan: Sae Shinazuki (Strongest Modern Tsukimori), Hishimiya Itsugoyorozu (Second Strongest Modern Tsukimori)
Korea: Gwan Seo-young — Frost Mirage wielder
China: Lin Yuexian — Jade Dragon Manifestation
Kuzuremono: Yami herself
KRAKEN (2nd Tier)
Six from each nation — raw destructive potential.
Here, Kaito, Sayaka, and Akihiro's names appeared.
Their faces lit up with shock.
Kaito clenched his fists. "Kraken Grade… that means we're considered elite level."
Akihiro adjusted his scarf. "Doesn't make it less terrifying."
Sayaka smiled softly. "We'll grow into it."
PHOENIX (3rd Tier)
Those with resilience and tactical minds.
China's Qi Warriors
Korea's Ember Twins
Japan's Tsukimori veterans
ECLIPSE (4th Tier)
The starting tier — unpredictable and often underestimated.
Young rookies, fresh Tsukimori graduates, and several Kuzuremono foot units.
As the fixtures finalized, a sudden silence filled the hall.
Kage's name appeared under Kraken Grade — Japan.
Gasps echoed everywhere.
A Kuzuremono… representing Japan.
Yuna spoke to the crowd:
"Kage has chosen alliance. By ancient law, he will be tested not by his origins, but by his actions."
Akihiro muttered, "We're fighting alongside him?"
Sayaka whispered, "This is going to get complicated…"
Kaito didn't speak. His eyes were locked on Yami across the hall — standing with the Kuzuremono team, watching them with a smile that promised disaster.
The Teams Began Planning
Japan formed strategy circles.
China practiced group formations.
Korea tested synchronized Eien flow.
The Kuzuremono stood quietly, each of them emanating eerie, unnatural power.
Kage walked to the Japan team, ignoring the glares.
Kaito finally approached him.
"You're really fighting with us?"
Kage nodded. "If Yami grows unchecked, the world will fall into her hands. I'm not letting her become what I once was."
Sayaka stepped forward gently.
"We don't trust you yet… but if you're truly choosing a better path, we'll see that through."
Akihiro crossed his arms.
"Just don't betray us, or I'll sense it immediately."
Kage gave a small smirk.
"I expect no less."
The fixtures locked into place.
The Supernova Clashes
had officially begun.
And across the room, Yami whispered to herself:
"Let the nations fight.
Let fate tear itself apart.
The winner won't control the world—
I will."