The battlefield had fallen into an uneasy silence.
Not the peaceful kind of silence that came after a battle had ended, but the suffocating silence that descended when everyone present realized that something far more dangerous was about to begin.
Above the replica Kingdom of Ryūgū, thunder rolled across the heavens.
Dark clouds had gathered over the artificial city, their enormous shadows swallowing what remained of the daylight. Every few seconds, lightning flashed through the clouds, briefly illuminating the ruined streets below.
Smoke still drifted through the air from Kasai's earlier attacks.
The streets were scarred by craters.
Stone walls had collapsed into piles of rubble, while wooden buildings burned weakly in several places. Broken windows glittered across the ground, and pieces of shattered masonry were scattered everywhere.
The battlefield looked as though a war had already taken place.
Yet nobody was paying attention to the destruction anymore.
Every gaze had shifted toward two people.
Kasai.
And Sora.
The revelation that Sora was the legendary Sky Musketeer had changed everything.
She was no longer simply the girl Kasai had grown close to.
She was the current heir of the Kūki clan.
The bearer of the Sky Dragon Blessing.
A power that had been passed down through the Kūki bloodline for generations.
A power so extraordinary that countless Elementalists throughout the Kingdom of Ryūgū had coveted it.
Some had admired it.
Some had worshipped it.
Others had tried to steal it.
And because of that power, the Kūki clan had spent generations protecting its heirs from those who sought to exploit them.
Kasai finally understood why Sora had always been so distant whenever their relationship began to cross certain boundaries.
Why she sometimes disappeared without explanation.
Why she had rejected him despite the feelings she had clearly tried so hard to hide.
Why she had always seemed afraid whenever he spoke about staying beside her.
It had never been because she didn't care.
It had been because she cared too much.
And there was someone who understood that better than anyone.
A man stood quietly among the members of the Kūki clan's hidden branch.
His arms were crossed.
His posture was relaxed.
His face was almost expressionless.
Yet there was something frightening about the calmness in his eyes.
His name was Shōgeki Kūki.
The Cold-Blooded.
One half of the infamous Cold-Blooded Duo of the Kingdom of Ryūgū.
Shōgeki looked at Kasai for several seconds.
Then, slowly, the corner of his mouth lifted.
"I'm sure Sora here hasn't told you the true reason she's been rejecting you."
Kasai's expression immediately changed.
"What?"
Sora's eyes widened.
"Shōgeki..."
There was desperation in her voice.
"Please."
But Shōgeki ignored her.
He looked directly at Kasai.
"It's completely obvious that she wants to be with you."
Kasai's eyes widened.
He turned toward Sora.
"Sora..."
The determination that had filled his face only moments ago disappeared.
His voice became quieter.
"Please... tell me."
Sora couldn't meet his eyes.
Her gaze fell toward the ground.
Her fingers curled tightly against the fabric of her clothes.
For so long, she had kept this secret.
She had convinced herself that pushing Kasai away was the only way to protect him.
If he hated her, perhaps he would leave.
If he left, perhaps he would survive.
That had been her logic.
But now that the truth had finally been exposed, she realized how fragile that logic had always been.
Because Kasai was still standing there.
He hadn't run.
He hadn't turned his back on her.
He was simply waiting for her to tell him the truth.
Shōgeki finally spoke.
"For generations, the heirs of the Kūki clan have wielded an ability known as the Sky Dragon Blessing."
Kasai listened without saying a word.
Shōgeki continued.
"Sora is the current heir."
Kasai's pupils trembled slightly.
He had always known that Sora possessed extraordinary power.
But he had never understood the weight that came with it.
The power wasn't simply an ability.
It was a responsibility.
A legacy.
A target painted upon her back.
Shōgeki's voice became colder.
"Naturally, many Elementalists have desired that power."
He paused.
"Some wanted to learn its secrets."
His eyes narrowed.
"Others wanted to possess it."
Sora's shoulders lowered.
Kasai's fists slowly tightened.
"And countless people have already tried to steal the power of the Kūki clan."
The words settled heavily over the battlefield.
Kasai looked toward Sora.
Suddenly, memories began returning to him.
Every time she had pushed him away.
Every time she had told him that they couldn't be together.
Every time she had smiled at him while there was unmistakable sadness hiding behind her eyes.
He had thought she simply didn't feel the same way.
Perhaps he had even wondered if he had done something wrong.
But now...
He understood.
Shōgeki continued.
"That is why a branch of the Kūki clan was created."
He glanced toward the members of the hidden branch.
Ishi.
Gēti.
And the others who stood silently behind him.
"They operate in the shadows."
His expression became emotionless.
"They investigate anyone who poses a threat to the clan."
He lowered his voice.
"They eliminate potential dangers before those dangers can reach the main family."
Kasai's stomach tightened.
"And they will do whatever is necessary to protect the Sky Dragon Blessing."
The implication was obvious.
Kasai stared at Shōgeki.
Then slowly looked back toward Sora.
"If you, Kasai..."
Shōgeki's voice became heavier.
"...continue pursuing Sora..."
He paused.
"You might be killed by the very people whose purpose is to protect her."
Kasai froze.
For a moment, he couldn't speak.
He looked at Sora.
"Sora..."
His voice trembled.
"Is..."
He swallowed.
"...this true?"
Sora closed her eyes.
She had wanted to lie.
Just once more.
She wanted to tell him that Shōgeki was exaggerating.
That everything would be fine.
That there was nothing to worry about.
But she couldn't.
Not anymore.
"It... is."
Her voice was barely audible.
Kasai's expression changed.
Shock.
Confusion.
And then understanding.
Sora opened her eyes.
"And Shōgeki is..."
She hesitated.
"...the captain of that branch."
Kasai stared at him.
Then his eyes nearly bulged from their sockets.
"Sh-Sh-Shōgeki is the captain?!"
A faint smirk appeared on Shōgeki's face.
"Of course, you runt."
He slowly stepped forward.
"The entire future of the Kūki clan rests upon our shoulders."
Kasai stared at him.
Then his expression hardened.
"But still!"
He stepped forward.
"It's Sora's choice!"
Sora's eyes widened.
Kasai pointed toward her.
"She's the one who gets to decide who she wants to be with!"
His voice echoed across the ruined battlefield.
"Nobody else gets to decide who she loves!"
Sora's heart skipped.
"Kasai..."
Shōgeki remained silent.
For several seconds, he simply stared at the young man standing before him.
Then his expression darkened.
"I've had enough of your talking."
The atmosphere changed instantly.
The wind seemed to stop.
Even the surrounding members of the Kūki clan grew silent.
Shōgeki lowered his arms.
"I was going to let you leave unscratched."
His eyes became cold.
"But you've left me with no choice."
Kasai immediately summoned flames around his body.
The temperature around him rose.
Fire coiled around his arms like living serpents.
"Then bring it on."
Kasai stared directly into Shōgeki's eyes.
"I ain't afraid of you."
For several seconds, Shōgeki said nothing.
Then he smiled.
"How about a little wager?"
Kasai paused.
"A wager?"
"What do you have in mind?"
Shōgeki's gaze shifted briefly toward Sora.
"If I win..."
He looked back at Kasai.
"...you will never pursue Sora romantically again."
Sora's eyes widened.
Shōgeki continued.
"You'll remain her Chīma."
He pointed toward Kasai.
"Nothing more."
Kasai's expression became serious.
"Nothing less."
Shōgeki nodded.
"Exactly."
For a moment, Kasai remained silent.
Then he looked toward Sora.
She was staring at him with wide eyes.
Her lips parted slightly.
She looked frightened.
Not of Kasai.
Of what might happen to him.
Kasai's expression softened.
Then he turned back toward Shōgeki.
"Fine."
His flames grew brighter.
"If I win..."
He looked at Sora once again.
"...Sora gets to be with the person she loves."
Sora's face immediately turned crimson.
"Kasai..."
Shōgeki nodded.
"Agreed."
He extended his hand slightly.
"I hope you don't go back on your word."
Kasai clenched his fist.
A confident smile appeared on his face.
"I never go back on my word."
The wager was sealed.
And with it, the future of Kasai and Sora's relationship had been placed upon the battlefield.
Sora suddenly stepped forward.
"Shōgeki."
He looked at her.
"Before you fight..."
She took a breath.
"Can I talk to Kasai for a moment?"
Shōgeki shrugged.
"Sure."
Sora immediately grabbed Kasai by the arm.
"Come with me."
"W-Wait!"
She dragged him several meters away from the others.
Once they were far enough away, Sora turned toward him.
"What the hell were you thinking?!"
Kasai blinked.
"What?"
"That stupid family rule!"
Her voice was filled with frustration.
"It isn't some game!"
Kasai frowned.
"I know."
"No, you don't!"
Sora clenched her fists.
Her voice trembled.
"You don't understand what you're getting yourself into!"
Kasai's expression softened.
Sora looked away.
"I've seen what happens to people who get involved with the Kūki clan."
Her voice became quieter.
"People disappear."
Kasai's eyes widened slightly.
"Some of them never come back."
Sora's hands began trembling.
"I kept pushing you away because I was scared."
She swallowed.
"I thought that if you hated me... you'd leave."
Kasai remained silent.
"And if you left..."
She squeezed her eyes shut.
"...you'd be safe."
A tear gathered at the corner of her eye.
"But you never left."
Kasai's heart tightened.
Sora looked at him again.
"I don't want to lose you."
Her voice cracked.
"I don't want to lose you because of my family."
Kasai stepped closer.
"Sora..."
"If you lose this..."
She struggled to continue.
"We won't be able to be together anymore."
Those words hurt more than either of them expected.
Because they made the wager real.
This wasn't simply a battle between two Elementalists.
It was a fight over whether their feelings were allowed to exist.
Kasai slowly reached out.
He didn't say anything at first.
Then he smiled.
"You don't have to worry."
Sora looked at him.
"I won't lose."
His eyes were filled with determination.
"I'll win this."
He clenched his fist.
"And I'll change this stupid family rule of yours."
Sora stared at him.
Her cheeks slowly became red.
"Kasai..."
She lowered her gaze.
Then, after a moment, she looked back at him.
"Be at your best, okay?"
Her expression became serious.
"It's Shōgeki we're talking about."
Kasai nodded.
"I know."
"I mean it."
Sora's eyes trembled.
"Don't hold back."
Kasai stared at her.
Then he nodded.
"I won't."
He suddenly remembered something.
"I've heard about him from Yuki before."
Sora's expression changed.
Kasai continued.
"There was a Chīma from her batch who only accepted assassination quests."
His eyes narrowed.
"Venom Shiori..."
He paused.
"...and Shōgeki Kūki."
The names carried weight.
"The Cold-Blooded Duo of the Kingdom of Ryūgū."
Sora nodded.
"I'm glad you're aware of their reputation."
Then her expression became serious again.
"But reputation isn't enough to understand what you're facing."
Kasai remained silent.
"Shōgeki is the strongest Elementalist in the hidden branch."
She hesitated.
"And I..."
Her fingers trembled.
"I..."
Her face turned red.
"I don't want to lose you."
Kasai smiled.
"Don't worry."
He raised his fist.
"I won't lose to Shōgeki—"
Before he could finish.
Sora suddenly stepped forward.
Kasai froze.
She leaned toward him.
And then—
Kiss.
Her lips gently touched his cheek.
The world stopped.
Kasai's eyes widened.
His entire body froze.
For one impossible second, he forgot how to breathe.
Sora immediately pulled away.
Her face was completely red.
Kasai stared at her.
His mouth opened.
No words came out.
"S-S-S-Sora..."
He slowly touched the cheek she had kissed.
"I..."
His face turned crimson.
"Wha..."
Sora clasped her hands nervously in front of her.
"A gift."
She looked away.
"T-to give you a little motivation."
Kasai stood there in complete silence.
Then he took a deep breath.
"I'll be going now."
He turned around.
He needed to leave before his embarrassment killed him.
Sora smiled.
"Good luck, Kasai."
Kasai stopped for a moment.
Then he raised one fist.
Without turning around, he smiled.
"I'll win."
And he walked back toward the battlefield.
Sora watched him go.
Her smile remained.
But beneath it was fear.
She knew exactly what Kasai was walking toward.
And she could only pray that he would walk back.
At the Spectators' Area
The spectators had witnessed everything through the massive holographic projection.
For several seconds, nobody said a word.
Then—
"Ooooooooooooooh!"
Professor Volt shot to his feet.
His eyes were sparkling with excitement.
"What do we have here?!"
He pointed dramatically at the projection.
"Forbidden love!"
Professor Hex immediately turned toward him.
"Shut it."
He pushed his glasses upward.
"You're making it weird."
Volt laughed.
"Come on, Hex! You saw that!"
"I saw it."
"Then admit it!"
Professor Hex sighed.
"I said you're making it weird."
Volt grinned.
"Still counts as a victory for me."
Professor Hex pinched the bridge of his nose.
He already regretted watching this battle.
Back at the Arena
Kasai approached Shōgeki.
The embarrassment from moments earlier had vanished.
There was no longer any trace of the flustered boy who had just been kissed on the cheek.
His expression was focused.
His breathing was steady.
And his eyes were filled with determination.
Shōgeki looked at him.
"Finished with your little chat?"
Kasai stopped several meters away.
Shōgeki's eyes narrowed.
"That little kiss she gave you..."
His voice became colder.
"...will be the last."
Kasai's fist tightened.
"I won't lose, Shōgeki."
He glanced toward Sora.
She was watching him.
Her hands were clasped tightly against her chest.
Kasai smiled faintly.
"Sora is counting on me."
Shōgeki's expression remained unchanged.
"So am I."
The two Elementalists stood opposite one another.
The wind began to move.
Loose pieces of rubble rolled across the ruined street.
The thunder overhead grew louder.
Even the Phantom Knights seemed to pause.
Everyone was waiting.
Kasai lowered his stance.
Fire Dragon energy began gathering around his right hand.
The flames twisted around his arm.
They grew hotter.
Brighter.
Denser.
Kasai's eyes sharpened.
"Fire Dragon..."
The flames compressed around his fist.
"INFERNO KNUCKLE!!!!"
WHOOSH!
Kasai exploded forward.
The ground beneath his feet cracked from the force of his acceleration.
He crossed the distance between them almost instantly.
His flaming fist shot directly toward Shōgeki's face.
BOOOOOOM!
The impact created a tremendous explosion.
Fire erupted across the battlefield.
Smoke swallowed the two fighters.
Kasai immediately pulled his fist back.
"How about that?!"
The smoke began to clear.
Shōgeki was still standing.
His head had been pushed backward slightly.
But that was all.
Kasai's smile disappeared.
Shōgeki slowly returned his gaze to him.
"Is that the best you can do?"
Kasai's eyes widened.
"What?"
Shōgeki hadn't even taken a step backward.
Kasai gritted his teeth.
"Fine!"
He pulled his arm backward again.
The flames around his fist intensified.
"FIRE DRAGON—INFERNO KNUCKLE!!!!"
He charged.
His fist slammed into Shōgeki's face.
BOOM!
Another explosion.
Kasai didn't stop.
Again.
BOOM!
Another punch.
BOOM!
Again.
BOOM!
His fists struck Shōgeki's chest, shoulders, stomach, and face.
Every impact sent flames across the battlefield.
Kasai attacked faster and faster.
"Take this!"
BOOM!
"And this!"
BOOM!
"And this!"
His fists became a blur.
"AND THIS!"
BOOOOOOM!!
The final punch created a massive explosion that swallowed Shōgeki completely.
Kasai landed several meters away.
His chest rose and fell rapidly.
Smoke surrounded him.
His arm trembled from the strain.
He stared toward the cloud of smoke.
For a moment, there was nothing.
Then the smoke slowly dispersed.
Shōgeki emerged.
Kasai's expression froze.
There wasn't a scratch on him.
Not one.
Shōgeki calmly brushed a small amount of dust from his shoulder.
Kasai's eyes widened.
"...What?"
His breathing stopped for a moment.
Shōgeki looked at him.
"It's my turn."
Kasai's instincts screamed.
"What—?!"
Shōgeki disappeared.
Kasai's eyes widened.
"What?!"
A fraction of a second later—
BOOM!
Something struck his stomach.
Kasai crossed both arms in front of his body just in time.
The impact was monstrous.
His feet left the ground.
His body was launched backward.
CRAAAAASH!!
Kasai slammed into the ground.
He bounced once.
Then twice.
Then rolled across the shattered street before finally coming to a stop.
Silence returned.
Kasai lay there for several seconds.
His arms trembled.
His vision blurred.
Slowly, he pushed himself upward.
"What..."
He coughed.
"...was that?"
Kasai stared at Shōgeki.
"Why was his punch so heavy?"
He looked down at his arms.
He had blocked the attack.
He knew he had.
Yet the force had still traveled through his guard and shaken his entire body.
"It felt..."
He gritted his teeth.
"...like I got hit by a cannon."
Sora immediately stepped forward.
"Kasai!"
Her voice was filled with concern.
"Are you okay?!"
Kasai slowly stood.
He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth.
"I'm fine."
But even he knew that wasn't entirely true.
His arms still hurt.
His stomach burned.
And the impact had left his entire body trembling.
He looked toward Shōgeki.
"But his attacks..."
Kasai narrowed his eyes.
"...are heavy."
Across the battlefield, Shōgeki raised his fists.
There was no anger in his eyes.
No excitement.
No bloodlust.
That was what frightened Kasai the most.
Shōgeki wasn't enjoying the fight.
He wasn't trying to intimidate him.
He was simply confident.
Absolutely confident.
Kasai's mind returned to everything Yuki had told him.
The assassination quests.
The reputation.
The Cold-Blooded Duo.
For the first time, Kasai understood that those stories hadn't been exaggerated.
Shōgeki Kūki wasn't simply the captain of the Kūki clan's hidden branch.
He wasn't simply a powerful Elementalist.
He was an opponent who had reached a completely different level of physical strength.
And Kasai had only received his first real taste of it.
Behind him, Sora quietly clenched her fists.
"Kasai..."
Her voice was barely audible.
She knew him.
She knew that look in his eyes.
He was frightened.
But he wasn't going to retreat.
Because now he wasn't fighting only for himself.
He was fighting for the future he wanted with her.
Kasai slowly raised his fists again.
The flames surrounding his body began to grow.
At first, they flickered weakly.
Then they surged.
His eyes sharpened.
"Okay..."
He smiled.
"If that's how strong you are..."
The flames around his fists intensified.
"...then I'll just have to hit harder."
Shōgeki's expression remained cold.
"Come."
Thunder roared overhead.
Lightning illuminated the ruined kingdom.
The flames surrounding Kasai surged toward the heavens.
Sora watched him from behind, her heart pounding.
She had spent so long trying to push him away because she was afraid of losing him.
Now, ironically, the only thing she could do was watch him fight for the right to remain beside her.
She clasped her hands together.
"Please..."
Her voice trembled.
"Come back to me."
Kasai didn't hear her.
But perhaps he didn't need to.
Because the determination burning within his eyes had already given her an answer.
He would fight.
He would endure.
And no matter how overwhelming the opponent standing before him might be—
He would not surrender the future he had finally realized he wanted.
The thunder above them roared once more.
The flames around Kasai surged.
Shōgeki lowered his stance.
And the battle between the heir of the Fire Dragon and the Cold-Blooded captain of the Kūki clan's hidden branch—
had only just begun.