The coliseum bells chimed, their echoes reverberating across all of Ironwood's capital city. Excitement saturated the air—nobles, commoners, soldiers, and even wandering adventurers had gathered to witness the survivors' battles.
In the shaded spectator seats, Kuro sat with his usual calm, Rei by his side. The others—Ryuto, Saria, and Alisa—watched intently as the announcer's voice rose above the crowd.
"Today marks the survivor's clash for Group A! Fayden Ignis of Class A versus Darius Stoneheart of Class B! Only one will advance to the semifinals!"
---
**The Combatants Enter**
Fayden was the first to stride into the arena, his scarlet flame-patterned robe trailing. His sword glowed faintly with heat. His confident smile drew cheers from the Class A supporters.
"Finally, a worthy opponent." He ran a thumb along the flat of his blade, sparks dancing. "I was getting bored."
Opposing him, Darius entered. Taller, broader, with iron-gray hair and eyes like stone, his heavy plate armor clanked with each step. A pendant carved from granite—his family's crest—hung from his neck.
"Fayden Ignis," Darius stated, his voice steady as rumbling earth. "You rely too much on speed and flame. If you cannot withstand the weight of stone… you will crumble."
Fayden spun his sword with a smirk. "Stone may endure, but don't think it can withstand my fire."
---
**The Match Begins**
"Begin!"
Fayden exploded forward, flames igniting his blade. "Flame Rush!" His strike sent a fierce arc of fire crashing toward Darius.
But the earth mage stomped the ground. "Stone Bastion!" Walls of rock rose upward, shielding him completely as the flames washed over them.
The crowd gasped as smoke filled the arena.
Fayden leapt atop a wall, eyes bright. "A fine defense. These walls only slow you down!" His sword blazed brighter. "Ignis Fang!"
He cleaved downward, flames slicing through the rock, scattering fragments across the ground.
Darius was ready. "Earthquake Shatter!" He slammed his fists into the arena floor, and tremors erupted. The ground beneath Fayden cracked, forcing him to leap back as sharp stone spires burst forth.
"Tch—persistent bastard," Fayden muttered, landing lightly. His eyes shone with fierce determination.
"You're far too reckless," Darius said. He raised both hands, gathering boulders around him like a moving fortress. "Try piercing this!"
---
**Fire vs. Stone**
Fayden grinned. "Alright then." He drove his sword into the ground, and fire rushed outward in a wave. "Inferno Surge!"
Flames erupted, melting the stone floor. Darius staggered slightly as his fortress cracked under the intense heat.
The crowd roared.
Fayden didn't relent—he charged, his blade glowing hotter than before. "Blazing Strike!"
Darius met him head-on, summoning a massive stone maul from the earth. "Stonehammer Crush!"
*Clang!* Fire and stone collided, sparks and fragments exploding across the arena.
For a moment, they were equal. But Fayden's flames crept forward, licking the hammer, softening the solid form.
"Fire… can melt even earth, Darius!" Fayden roared, and his sword erupted with crimson flames. With a final blow, he shattered the maul and thrust toward Darius's armored chest.
*Boom!* The impact sent Darius reeling backward, sliding across the rough ground. His armor was cracked, smoke rising from the scorch marks.
The referee raised his hand. "Winner—Fayden Ignis of Class A!"
---
**Aftermath**
The crowd erupted, chanting Fayden's name.
Darius groaned, kneeling on one knee. "...Fire… has no patience. But… that may be its strength." He gave a curt nod to Fayden before slumping, guards rushing to carry him away.
Fayden sheathed his sword, sweeping his hair back. "Hah. As expected."
In the stands, Ryuto let out a breath. "You can't deny Fayden's power. He might even make it to the finals."
Saria frowned. "But… his flames lack balance. He could burn out too quickly against some opponents."
Rei glanced at the silent Kuro. "What does Kuro-sama think?"
Kuro's dark violet eyes remained fixed on the arena. "...Fayden is strong. But arrogant flames always die out when faced with true resolve."
Rei's lips curved faintly. "...In other words, he cannot take *her*, can he?"
Kuro didn't answer. But when his gaze drifted momentarily to the quietly seated Alisa, whose eyes held a determined gleam, the truth was clear.
They already knew. The champion of this tournament would be…
---
✦ **To Be Continued...**