Part 2 – Scarlet, Awakening of Blood
Atlas.
A world that appears peaceful on the surface, yet stands at the very heart of the universe's organization.
On one side: ordinary citizens, living normal lives.
On the other: the Universal Government, the central authority that governs neighboring planets and oversees Sub-0—an artificial prison planet where the most dangerous beings known are confined.
Atlas is also a world of excellence.
Prestigious academies. Elite students. Martial traditions.
Among them… Scarlet.
Nineteen years old.
Heir to a noble family.
A student at Atlas's greatest academy.
Passionate about fencing and gifted with natural talent, she trains several times a week and competes in numerous tournaments.
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— And now, the final match of this tournament! announced the referee.
— Scarlet versus Eden! Two promising fighters, two styles… one champion!
From the eastern corridor, Eden appeared, raising a hand toward the cheering crowd.
From the opposite side, Scarlet stepped forward as well—upright, focused—under the spectators' enthusiastic cries.
— Hey, Scarlet! Eden called with a smile. I'm aiming for first place, but I won't hold back.
— Eden… just making it to the finals must already be an achievement for you.
She smiled—a light jab.
— Thanks. And good luck.
The gong echoed.
The duel began.
Very quickly, Eden was pushed back. One mistake, one knee touching the ground… and victory would belong to Scarlet.
Yet despite the pressure, he held on.
Technique. Speed. Precision.
He wasn't easy to overwhelm.
— If you want to give up, now's the time, Scarlet said with an amused smile. I might start getting serious.
— Are you kidding? We trained to give everyone a great fight! Go all out, Scarlet!
— As you wish.
She charged. A fast, rising strike.
Eden tried to parry—
—but his blade shattered instantly.
He was thrown backward, sliding across the floor.
The referee immediately raised his arm.
— Victory! Scarlet wins the final and claims first place!
The stands erupted in applause.
Scarlet approached her opponent and extended a hand.
— Well fought, Eden. You held on until the end.
— Haha… you really are the strongest, Scarlet. Congratulations.
He stood up.
Scarlet turned toward the crowd.
The shouts of her name washed over her.
For the first time… she understood that she had succeeded.
A real smile escaped her—
sincere, fragile, radiant.
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— Third place: Rose!
— Second place: Eden!
— And finally… the tournament's grand winner: Scarlet!
Applause. Cameras. A roaring crowd.
Then families stepped forward. Friends. Loved ones.
The fighters reunited with their parents, classmates… their supporters.
Scarlet looked around.
No one.
Not a glance.
Not a smile.
Not a familiar figure.
She stood still, alone behind the others.
— What was I expecting… she murmured. Of course they wouldn't come.
A discreet tear slid down her cheek—quickly wiped away.
— I'm the one who won… so why… why am I always alone?
Her voice was so quiet that no one heard it.
— Scarlet! Are you coming? There's a banquet! Eden shouted, turning back.
— Sorry, Eden. I… I have to go to work. Enjoy it for me.
— You work? Seriously? Well, good luck then! Take care!
Eden walked off toward the banquet with the other contestants.
Scarlet remained motionless at the edge of the arena, watching them leave one by one.
The roar of applause slowly faded.
She looked away.
— Why did I lie… again?
She took a deep breath, wiping away another tear.
What she truly wants…
what she never dares to admit to anyone…
…is simply to go home.
To see her parents.
To receive—even just once—a sincere smile from them.
To spend a moment together. Nothing more.
She clenches her medal in her hand.
Not to celebrate her victory.
But because she hopes that one day…
she'll be able to show it to someone who will say:
"I'm proud of you."