"Gah! Agh!" She coughed, tumbling.
"Come on!" I shouted, stalking forward-only to halt as the air itself shifted.
The pressure changed. It pressed down on me, not crushing, but thick. Slowing.
Wind magic?
No. Denser. Familiar.
Another Sage technique.
Amari staggered upright, sweat beading along her brow. "Try to move now," she said smugly, holding her sword at her side.
I tilted my head.
Disappointment.
She fired another volley of lances. I stomped, the ice shockwave rolling outward, and the pressure thinned. Not gone, but weaker.
"Tch. That's all I can do." Although she sounded annoyed with herself, her smirk lingered. Still, the slowing effect clung faintly to my limbs.
She charged, sword raised. Flames licked the blade, casting her in orange light.
"You want to duel now?" I asked, catching her strike and knocking it aside with mine. In the same motion, my fist slammed into her ribs. She wheezed but kicked off the ground, twisting in midair.
I caught her mid-spin, slammed her down again, then followed with a strike that sent her skipping across the ground like a ragdoll.
"Come at me!"
Dozens of ice swords materialized above and fired in perfect formation.
Amari countered, slamming her hands together. A wall of flaming lances erupted, streaking upward to intercept. The sky turned into a battlefield of blue and gold, each impact rocking the clearing with thunderclaps.
Her arms caught fire, literal flames licking up to her shoulders.
Kayda's magic.
I narrowed my eyes. "Copying?"
"Not quite," she replied-and vanished.
She reappeared at my side. Instinct screamed. I raised an ice wall just in time. BOOM. Her dragonfire detonated, erupting in a circular shockwave that tore apart the wall and threw embers across the barrier.
"That's her element alright," I muttered, snapping my fingers. Lightning shot forward in a jagged arc.
She mirrored it. Lightning surged from her palm, colliding with mine. The twin bolts met and canceled out in a deafening crack, the light searing the inside of my eyes.
Damn, she's gotten strong. Zagan was holding her back.' I allowed myself a small smile-then winced.
My arm hit the ground.
I blinked at the stump. "You can use darkness now?"
Even as I spoke, frost raced over the wound. My arm regrew, crystalline ice knitting into flesh.
"And light." Amari's grin widened as spears of radiant energy erupted beneath me, slamming upward.
"Augh!" I growled, tails sweeping down to catch and crush them, forcing them back into the ground.
Her eyes widened. "I didn't know your tails were that strong."
The spears froze solid mid-thrust.
"Oh no, you don't!" she shouted, swinging her sword in a wide arc. The blade unleashed a wave of compressed air, a visible distortion in the world. Only my eyes tracked it.
I raised a thick shield of ice. The ripple struck, vibrating the surface, but it held.
Flash step.
I appeared behind her, hand clamping around the back of her neck. Victory for a moment.
Then three dark spears pierced straight through my torso.
"Shadows, too?" My voice was flat, pained, but unimpressed.
"Obviously," she panted, staggering as she ripped them back. Her mana reserves were burning fast.
I kicked her away, tearing the spears free.
"Don't lose focus."
"Use them," she demanded, breath ragged.
"No."
"Why not?!"
"Because nothing I know of can stop them. And I've tested it."
"Then give me a chance!" she cried, desperation threading her tone.
I sighed, letting the tension drain for one moment. A small 9mm pistol appeared in my hand, mundane, almost laughable compared to everything else.
She blinked. "Really?"
"Yup." I squeezed the trigger.
BANG!
The bullet struck her chest-and detonated. A sharp, controlled explosion swallowed her in a sphere of smoke and fire.
I flash-stepped above the crater, slicing my wrist. Blood dripped, crimson drops catching the light as they neared her mouth. Her regeneration flared, knitting flesh and bone back together in seconds.
"Never underestimate an enemy," she whispered hoarsely, grinning despite the blood on her teeth.
Then the mana shifted again.
"Don't," I warned, eyes narrowing, tails poised.
She chuckled softly, eyes blazing.
Then she detonated the entire barrier from within.
WHOOOOOM!!
The explosion rippled outward, light blinding and raw, filling the world with roaring heat. The translucent crystal flame shattered, screaming as it broke apart. For a heartbeat, everything was fire and thunder.
When the smoke cleared, I stood untouched, tails still swaying. My aura shimmered faintly from redirecting the blast.
Amari lay unconscious beneath me, armor cracked, hair singed, but alive.
I stared down at her, jaw tight. "She's definitely getting a lecture."
Back outside the barrier, Kayda turned, sensing the violent shift. Her eyes sharpened until I stepped out, carrying Amari slung across my shoulders.
"Oh hey, you're back?" she asked, brightening despite the lingering tension.
"Not quite. This peanut decided to try and kill both of us." I dropped Amari onto the floor with a thud.
Kayda blinked, tilting her head. "Yes, I saw. But I'm assuming you redirected the blast?"
"Of course, babe. Rawr. Who do you think I am? Rawr." I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her close.
"Someone who's been sticking cl-"
"No, no, no." I pressed a finger to her lips, cutting her off quickly. "You're not allowed to say that word. Only two more days of this farce. After this farce, I will take you on a proper romantic date. Rawr."
I kissed her.
She kissed me back, sighing against my lips.
"Well, I need to get back to the preparations," I murmured, stealing one more peck before letting go.
She sighed, releasing me reluctantly. "Just be careful."
I nodded, turning to open a swirling portal. The colors shimmered with faint frost.
As I stepped through, Amari stirred behind me, groaning. "Ugh... Did I win?"
Kayda loomed above her, arms crossed, expression like stone. "Winning a talking-to? Yes. You won that."
Amari blinked up at her.
Kayda's shadow lengthened over her.
Amari gulped audibly. "...Oh no."
[Draig Mansion]
[Kayda's POV]
The great doors of the Draig mansion opened with a familiar creak, their heavy hinges echoing faintly through the long marble halls. I stepped inside, the crisp scent of waxed stone and old parchment filling my senses. Amari trailed behind me, dragging her boots with all the enthusiasm of someone walking toward their execution.
She was quiet. Too quiet. Amari always had something to say-a joke, a jab, a complaint. Silence from her was unnatural and heavy. But it wasn't because she had nothing to say-it was because the lecture I had delivered on the way here had wrung the energy from her. And for once, I didn't feel guilty. She needed it. She nearly blew herself up along with Kitsuna. That was beyond reckless.
We moved down the main hall toward Stacy's study. The air in this wing was calmer than the training grounds, but it still carried that Draig weight-tradition and discipline settled into the very stones. Even the portraits seemed to watch us.
"Straighten up," I muttered over my shoulder.
Amari stiffened, lifted her chin, and adjusted her stance. Her boots scuffed less against the polished stone as she obeyed, even if the tension in her jaw betrayed her irritation.
At the double doors ahead, Stacy's voice reached us before I even knocked. "I hear armor. Is that my daughter or a thunder spirit coming to yell at me?"
I pushed the door open without waiting. "Both."
Stacy sat behind her broad desk, maps and scrolls sprawled across its surface, ink stains marking where her quill had danced. She looked relaxed at first glance, but her sharp eyes immediately flicked toward Amari, scanning her for injuries. The concern was there, buried beneath a calm smile.
Amari stepped in hesitantly. "Hey, Mom..."
"Amari," Stacy said gently. "I heard about the explosion. Are you-?"
"She's alive," I cut in, my tone flat. "Mostly because Kitsuna saved her ass."
"I had it under control," Amari muttered, arms crossing defensively.
"You were unconscious when I got to you."
"I was resting."
"You were drooling into a crater."
Stacy's lips twitched, her gaze moving between us with faint amusement. "Well, clearly someone got a talking-to."
"Oh, she did," I said firmly. "And now she's here to tell you the rest."
Amari inhaled slowly, then squared her shoulders. "I'm withdrawing from the tournament."
Stacy's expression didn't change immediately, but her shoulders relaxed ever so slightly. She rose from her chair, walking around the desk to place her hands gently on Amari's shoulders. "Why?"
"Because I'm not the right one for this next fight," Amari said, her voice steady, no longer the cocky drawl she had used earlier. "The opponent I'd be facing... he's not just dangerous. He's on another level. I can't beat him-not without risking my life. Only Kitsuna can handle someone like that."
Stacy studied her for a long, silent moment, then nodded slowly. "You're sure this isn't fear talking?"
"No," Amari said firmly. "I'm not scared. I got what I came for. I fought Kitsuna, and she gave me everything I could've hoped for. But this next match isn't a test of strength. It's suicide."
A flicker of emotion softened Stacy's eyes. She brushed her fingers lightly against Amari's cheek, a rare tenderness. "You've always been brave. Braver than I expected, sometimes too much for your own good. But today? You're being wise. That's rarer."
For a brief heartbeat, a genuine smile passed between them.
I stepped forward. "We'll file it as a precautionary withdrawal. Training-related internal strain. No scandal, no disgrace."
Stacy nodded in agreement. "I'll handle the paperwork myself."
"Thanks, Mom." Amari whispered, and the word carried more weight this time. No sarcasm. No deflection. Just sincerity.
Stacy squeezed her arm gently. "Thank you for choosing to live. That's all I've ever wanted."
A long silence lingered, warm but heavy.
Then Stacy's lips curved into a sly smile. "...Besides, this gives me time to sneak you out for cake later."
Amari blinked, then grinned wide. "Can we make it chocolate?"
"You're damn right we can," Stacy said, and pulled her daughter into a rare, unguarded embrace.
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Chapter 197: Echoes Before the Final
[POV Kitsuna]
"Yo yo yooooo! Welcome, welcome to the final stage of the Under 16 Tournament! I hope you all have your snacks and drinks ready for the first round of the final stage. Today we have three matches for all you lovers of violence!" the announcer's voice boomed across the stadium with infectious enthusiasm.
The crowd roared, cheers and stomping feet echoing like thunder through the arena.
"Now, ladies and gentlemen, I know many of you came to see four matches today, but as of two hours ago, three competitors have withdrawn from the tournament! That means the ever-lovable blond Logan goes straight to the finals!"
Boos and scattered cheers followed, with a few diehard fans chanting Logan's name.
"But wait, I know what you're thinking: if only two remain, how are there three matches? That's because the semifinals will also happen today! That's right! And the finals? They've been moved to tomorrow! So if you've already bought tickets-congrats! You're in for the Grand Finals, folks!"
Up in the stands, Apricot leaned toward me, resting her elbow on her knee. "Seems like Mom's going to be tired tomorrow," she said, eyes sharp.
I raised an eyebrow, smiling slightly. "Do you have a plan?"
She smirked. "You know how I operate, no?"
"Run in, ask questions after?"
"Hey!" She nudged me with her shoulder. "I'm joking."
Kayda joined us, folding her arms and glancing down at the arena. "Are you ready for today?"
"Of course. But why did they change the finals to tomorrow?"
Kayda gave a tight nod. "Why do you think so?"
I shrugged. "So we don't have time to prepare? Minimize casualties? To catch us off guard?"
"Exactly. The Angel cult is already in the capital."
I frowned. "So they'll only go after demons and demi-humans?"
"That's the plan. Which is why most of our operatives today are human. Let the cult focus their hatred where we want it."
"Smart and risky. But smart."
"As for your fight tomorrow-if you need help, Kayda and I are ready. Dean is stationed outside the city to intercept other forces."
"What about Amari?"
"Still recovering at home. Hospital-bound."
I sighed, nodding. "Alright. And the others?"
"Handling their assignments. Zagan's gone home."
"I'm not worried about Zagan. It's Amari I'm concerned about."
"She'll be fine. Focus on your match today. Use as little mana as possible. Don't expose your hand before Logan."
"I won't be distracted."
Apricot tilted her head toward Kayda. "Hey, Mom, aren't you up first?"
I looked down to the arena. An angel was already pacing angrily, glaring up at the stands.
"I've got ten minutes. Look at him-he's already fuming."
Kayda smirked. "I wouldn't push it. Go end your sentence quickly."
With a grin, I fast-stepped onto the arena floor-appearing just behind the angel.
"Oops, wrong side," I said innocently.
The angel jumped, wings twitching in surprise. "What the hell are you doing?!"
"Getting ready to fight. What else?"
I casually walked to my starting point, pulling a longsword from storage.
"Let the match begin!" the announcer roared.
The angel launched forward immediately, shield raised and sword glowing. I sighed and swung my blade horizontally, sending a blade of ice that struck him midair, slamming him to the ground.
He groaned. "What? What the hell was that?!"
I strolled toward him, expression unreadable. "Poison didn't work, huh?"
He blinked in disbelief. "You're immune?!"
"Obviously. Mana-based poison? That's amateur stuff."
Reaching into my storage, I pulled out a pair of mangled angel wings.
The crowd gasped in horror and awe.
"Did you talk to your companion this morning? Oh wait-he's dead."
Angry shouts erupted from the angel faction's seats.
I ignored them and stepped up to the downed angel. With one clean swing, I beheaded him. Blood sprayed across the arena floor.
"That's your second-best angel? Absolute garbage!" I shouted toward the angel delegation.
"Kitsuna Draig, please leave the arena! The next match is about to begin!" the announcer called nervously.
