Scene: Arena Floor – Single Elimination Round One

  The crowd is back on their feet, cheers rolling like thunder through the stands. The arena has shifted—no longer just a battlefield, but a stage for duels. The magic circle that once marked the boundary for the battle royale has vanished. In its place, an open stone platform surrounded by floating runes now radiates energy, pulsing in time with the audience’s excitement.

  Announcer

  (from his floating podium above the ring)

  “Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen! The single elimination round begins now! No ring-outs this time!”

  A ripple of magical light surges through the platform as the crowd leans forward.

  Announcer

  “Magic is allowed! Knock your opponent unconscious or make them yield—those are your only ways to win!”

  He points theatrically to the left side of the arena.

  Announcer

  “On this side—we have Shana! Fast, fierce, and flaming with mystery!”

  Shana steps forward, spinning her sword lazily in one hand, then rests it on her shoulder. The air around her already feels heavier… slower… like a dream thickening into something more dangerous.

  Announcer

  “And facing her—Lennox the Twin Blade! Veteran of the northern warfront and undefeated in over twenty pit fights!”

  Lennox spins his twin daggers, crouching low into a ready stance. Sparks flicker along the blades as a trace of wind magic whips around him.

  The crowd roars.

  Announcer

  “Fighters ready…?”

  A tense beat.

  Announcer

  “BEGIN!”

  Scene: Arena Platform – Shana vs. Lennox

  The air thrums with energy as the two fighters stand across from each other. The crowd falls into a hush, eager for the first taste of magic-fueled combat.

  Lennox

  (grinning as he spins his daggers)

  “Didn’t think they’d throw me a warm-up match first. You don’t look like much, girl.”

  Shana

  (tightens the grip on her sword, says nothing)

  Lennox

  (snickers)

  “No witty comeback? Don’t tell me you’re scared already.”

  Shana

  (still silent, eyes half-lidded, bored)

  Lennox

  (snarls a little)

  “Tch. Fine. I’ll carve that smirk into your pretty little face.”

  He rushes forward in a blur, twin blades gleaming in the sun.

  Shana sidesteps fluidly, her sword clashing once with his—sparks flying on contact. She doesn’t flinch. Her stance barely shifts.

  Lennox

  “What—?”

  Shana

  (quietly, at last)

  “You talk too much.”

  She drives a palm into his chest mid-combo, sending him stumbling back. He skids to a stop, gritting his teeth.

  Lennox

  (panting)

  “Fast. Alright, then. Let’s see how you handle this!”

  Wind magic swirls around his legs as he dashes again—faster this time, blades moving like fangs. The clash begins in earnest.

  Steel rings against steel. Sparks fly. The crowd roars.

  Lennox

  (grinning, tightening the wrap on his fists)

  “You sure you’re ready for this, princess? I don’t go easy, even on pretty faces.”

  Shana

  (flatly)

  “Great. I don’t go easy on idiots.”

  The bell rings.

  Lennox dashes in fast, swinging a wide arc of his polearm toward Shana’s side. She seems to dodge lazily—then vanishes entirely. His weapon cleaves through a mirage, which bursts into a flurry of black and violet feathers, fluttering to the ground like ash.

  Lennox

  (taken aback)

  “What the—?”

  “Before he can turn fully, a chill runs up his spine.”

  Shana

  (behind him, voice smooth)

  “You missed.”

  She slashes.

  The flat of her blade cracks against his side with surgical precision, sending him sprawling across the stage. Lennox hits the ground, gasping for air. The crowd roars.

  Announcer

  “Lennox is down! The winner is—Shana!”

  Shana twirls her blade once, calm as ever, and sheathes it in one motion as the feathers settle around her.

  Shana

  (yawning)

  “That was mildly entertaining.”

  Scene: Prep Room – Moments Later

  The door swings open as Shana steps back in, brushing a feather off her shoulder. Her expression hasn’t changed—cool, almost bored. Yuya looks up from the bench where he’s adjusting his sword strap.

  Yuya

  “What was that move you pulled? The one with the feathers.”

  Shana

  (smiling faintly)

  “Mirage Step. Illusion technique. Leaves behind a fake while I slip away.”

  Yuya

  “So… clone and vanish. Stylish.”

  Shana

  “It’s not about style. My magic is dream magic. Im able to toy with my enemies senses and emotions but most of the time i rather put them to sleep…..saves me the hassle.”

  Karin, sitting against the wall, eyeing her from the side.

  Announcer (voice echoing through the prep room):

  “Next match—Yuya vs. Roderick. Fighters, prepare for entry!”

  Yuya stands up, rolling his shoulders as he heads for the door.

  Yuya

  “Guess it’s my turn.”

  Shana

  (leaning back against the wall)

  “Try not to turn him into paste.”

  Yuya

  “No promises.”

  The door closes behind him with a click.

  Scene: Tournament Arena – Single Elimination Round Two

  Match: Yuya vs. Roderick

  The crowd is alive again as Yuya steps into the ring, cloak swaying behind him. His eyes flick briefly to the stands where Ruri is stationed among the guards, arms crossed, trying not to look worried.

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  Across from him stands Roderick—a towering man with a thick beard and dual axes slung across his back. His arms are tattooed with coiled beasts and old war symbols.

  Announcer

  “Next up—Yuya versus Roderick! No ring outs, magic is allowed… but let’s try not to splatter too much blood, alright?”

  Roderick

  (grinning, drawing his axes)

  “You don’t look like much, pretty boy. I break guys like you before breakfast.”

  Yuya

  (calm, hand on his sword hilt)

  “Then consider me your second course.”

  The bell tolls.

  Roderick charges first, swinging both axes in a wide, brutal arc. Yuya sidesteps effortlessly, cloak fluttering. His sword stays sheathed.

  Roderick

  “What’s the matter? Forgot how to fight?”

  Yuya

  “I’m just measuring the gap between us.”

  Roderick snarls and swings again—this time tighter, more controlled. Yuya ducks low, finally drawing his blade in a single smooth motion. Steel flashes.

  Clang!

  Yuya parries one axe and plants his foot in Richter’s chest, sending the brute staggering back.

  Yuya

  “You swing with strength. But no rhythm.”

  Roderick recovers and hurls one axe like a spinning disc. Yuya shifts just enough to let it scrape his sleeve.

  Roderick

  “What are you, a dancer?”

  Yuya

  “No. A swordsman.”

  He closes the distance in a blink, blade low. Richter pulls a knife from his belt, desperate now—but Yuya deflects it with a twist of the wrist, then steps past him with a clean slash across the back of Roderick’s knee. The man drops to one leg, howling.

  Yuya points the tip of his sword to Roderick’s throat.

  Yuya

  “You’re done.”

  Announcer

  “Match over! Yuya advances!”

  The crowd erupts. Yuya sheathes his sword and turns away without another glance.

  From the sidelines, Shana watches with one eyebrow raised.

  Shana

  (quietly, to herself)

  “He’s holding back.”

  Scene: Tournament Arena – Single Elimination Round Three

  Match: Karin vs. Maeve

  The magic circle flares again, resetting the ring. Karin steps into the arena with quiet confidence, her black guard cloak now off, revealing a fitted combat uniform and a single katana sheathed at her side.

  Maeve waits at the other end—tall and wiry, sharp-eyed, a jagged glaive resting lazily over one shoulder.

  Announcer

  Match three: Karin of the Royal Guard versus Maeve of the Windspire! Magic is permitted—victory by knockout or surrender!

  Maeve

  (grinning)

  So the Queen’s hound fights with a toothpick? This’ll be over quick.

  Karin

  (flatly)

  Try.

  The bell rings.

  Maeve charges with wide, sweeping glaive strikes, aiming to overwhelm. Karin doesn’t draw her blade—she sidesteps, evades, eyes narrowed and calculating.

  Maeve

  What, afraid to unsheathe it?

  Karin ducks a thrust, finally drawing her katana in a single, fluid motion. One strike—clean and fast—slices through the haft of the glaive just below the blade. The weapon’s head clatters to the floor.

  Karin

  I don’t need more than one.

  Maeve stumbles back, pulling a dagger, furious. She lunges—but Karin is already behind her, blade resting lightly against her neck.

  Karin

  Done.

  Maeve freezes.

  Announcer

  Karin wins by surrender!

  Applause follows, scattered at first, then building. Karin sheathes her katana without a word and walks off, her expression unchanged.

  Scene: Prep Room – Backstage Arena Hall

  The room hums with tension. Stone benches line the walls. A few healing mages tend to bruised fighters; others quietly sharpen weapons or meditate. The sound of the crowd outside roars like distant thunder.

  Yuya leans against the wall near the corner, arms crossed, cloak draped over his shoulders. His sword rests beside him, untouched since his match. Across the room, Shana lounges on a bench, eyes closed, sleep imminent.

  Karin enters, freshly off her victory, calm and composed. She walks over to Yuya.

  Karin

  You held back.

  Yuya doesn’t look up at first, then gives her a faint smile.

  Yuya

  Guess I’m not the only one watching their steps.

  Karin

  If you’re trying to stay low, this tournament wasn’t exactly the smartest idea.

  Karin glances toward the wall where the tournament bracket is being magically updated. Their names sit uncomfortably close to each other.

  Yuya gives a dry chuckle.

  Yuya

  And here I thought you were just a soldier. Turns out you read people too.

  Karin

  I watch people. That’s what guard duty teaches you. People lie. Motives don’t.

  She leans against the wall beside him, both watching the next match unfold on a viewing crystal embedded in the stone.

  Karin

  You’re hiding something and I’m going to expose it

  Yuya doesn’t answer.

  Karin

  Just don’t let it get you—or anyone else—killed.

  Shana glances up from the bench, eyes flicking between them, then returns to her nap with a knowing smirk.

  Scene: Prep Room – Moments Later

  The crystal embedded in the wall flares brightly, showing the final moments of a match. A cloaked figure falls to the arena floor with a thud, unconscious.

  Announcer (from crystal)

  And that’s it! The winner—Sir Garrick of Vaelmont! What a finish! Give it up for that precision!

  The crowd’s cheers shake the prep room walls. Fighters glance up, some disappointed, some impressed.

  Yuya lifts his gaze toward the crystal as the announcer’s voice continues, rising with dramatic flair.

  Announcer

  And now… for our next match!

  Drums roll behind his voice. The magical bracket flashes, names shifting.

  Announcer

  A clash of blades and wills—next up: Yuya versus Karin of the Queen’s Guard!

  Murmurs ripple through the prep room.

  Karin, standing across from Yuya, exhales slowly. She doesn’t look surprised—just focused. Her hand rests calmly on the hilt of her katana.

  Yuya pushes off the wall, grabbing his sword without a word.

  Karin

  Guess we’re skipping straight to it.

  Yuya

  We always were going to.

  They walk out, two different souls each carrying the weight of something unspoken. As the arena gates rise, the crowd rises with them.

  Scene: Arena Stands – Moments Later

  The crowd continues to buzz as the next match is announced. Shana makes her way up the stone stairs, slipping her hood down as she scans for a seat. She finds one near the center, with a perfect view of the ring, and flops into it with a lazy grin.

  Shana

  Front-row violence. Just how I like it.

  A moment later, someone slides into the seat beside her. Shana glances over—and blinks in surprise.

  Shana

  …Ruri?

  Ruri, still in her guard uniform, adjusts her cloak and smirks faintly.

  Ruri

  What? Thought I’d miss seeing my two idiot friends beat the crap out of each other?

  Shana (raising an eyebrow)

  Didn’t figure you were the sentimental type.

  Ruri

  I’m not. Just figured someone ought to be here in case one of them gets stabbed in the face.

  Shana (chuckling)

  Touching.

  They both turn their attention back to the ring. The atmosphere grows tense as Yuya and Karin step out from opposite gates, the sunlight catching the steel of their blades.

  Ruri (quietly, almost to herself)

  Still… this is going to be interesting.

  Scene: Tournament Arena – Main Ring

  The crowd quiets as the two fighters take their places. Karin stands poised with her katana drawn, lightning faintly crackling at her fingertips. Yuya keeps his stance relaxed, his sword lowered slightly—eyes calm but alert.

  Karin

  This is it, Yuya. I’m going to expose you… here and now.

  Yuya (frowning slightly)

  Expose me? What are you talking about?

  Karin (voice sharper now)

  Don’t play dumb. I know what you are. I just want everyone else to see it too.

  Before he can reply, she thrusts her palm forward. A sharp crack echoes through the arena as lightning lashes from her hand, streaking across the space between them.

  Yuya reacts in a flash, sidestepping the strike and raising his sword defensively. The bolt scorches the stone behind him.

  Yuya

  Karin! Magic’s allowed—but don’t go overboard!

  Karin (advancing, her voice low and angry)

  Don’t act like you’re scared of that. You’ve been hiding this whole time… hiding him.

  She flicks her fingers again. Another bolt flashes out—this time, Yuya deflects it with the flat of his blade, but the impact forces him to slide back across the stone.

  Yuya (gritting his teeth)

  This isn’t about the tournament for you, is it?

  Karin

  No. It’s about the truth.

  The audience is leaning forward now, unsure what kind of tension they’re witnessing. Ruri watches from the stands, jaw clenched. Shana doesn’t blink.

  Shana

  She’s baiting him….but why?

  Ruri (softly)

  Hmmmmmm

  Back in the ring, Karin dashes forward with a burst of speed enhanced by lightning surging around her legs. Her katana swings in a clean arc.

  Yuya raises his sword just in time, the blades clashing with a clang that sends sparks flying.

  Yuya

  Then let’s see if you can force it out of me.

  The ring flares as Karin’s blade presses down harder on Yuya’s. Electricity dances off her weapon, surging through the point of contact. Yuya grimaces, bracing his sword with both hands to hold her off.

  Karin

  You’re holding back. Why? Afraid they’ll see who you really are?

  She twists her body, driving her heel into Yuya’s side. He’s knocked back, boots skidding across the stone as he barely regains balance. He raises his sword again, exhaling sharply.

  Yuya

  I’m not afraid… I just don’t want to hurt you.

  Karin (coldly)

  Too late for that.

  She slashes again, faster this time—her katana crackling as she weaves in bolts of precision lightning with each swing. Yuya ducks under one, parries another, then shifts to the side and counters with a clean sweep. She leaps over it, flipping midair and landing behind him.

  Shana (watching from the stands)

  She’s good. That speed’s not normal even for lightning types.

  Ruri (tightening her grip on the rail)

  She’s trying to push him over the edge…

  Back in the arena, Yuya adjusts his grip. He swings, this time with more weight behind the strike, forcing Karin to block and slide back. She lands lightly, a smirk forming on her face.

  Karin

  There. That’s more like it.

  Yuya

  You’re not making this easy.

  Karin

  You don’t deserve easy.

  She flings her arm out—five bolts of lightning arc through the air toward him. Yuya drops to a knee and rolls forward, coming up inside her guard. Their blades meet again, steel singing.

  Yuya (quietly, close to her ear)

  Please… stop doing this.

  Karin (whispers back)

  Then prove me wrong.

  They break apart in a flash. The crowd roars at the intensity.

  Announcer (from above)

  Incredible speed from both fighters! But how long can they hold back before this turns into something… more?

  The energy in the ring shifts. Karin tightens her grip on her katana, sparks surging down her arm and into the blade. Her stance changes—lower, poised, and deadly calm.

  Karin

  You won’t walk away from this untouched, Yuya.

  “Raikō: Crescent Fang!”

  She slashes the air. A brilliant arc of lightning bursts forward in a crescent wave, tearing across the arena floor toward Yuya. The crowd gasps.

  Yuya (eyes widening)

  Tch—

  He twists his body, leaping just in time. The edge of the arc clips his cloak, burning through it as the wave crashes behind him in a spray of lightning and stone.

  Shana (in the stands)

  Why isn’t yuya using magic. I doubt he could win if he doesn’t take this seriously

  Ruri (concerned)

  She’s trying to end this…

  Yuya lands, skidding backward, bits of smoke curling off his singed cloak. He tosses the remains of the fabric aside, revealing the sword strapped tight to his back and a tense, determined look in his eyes.

  Yuya

  You’re really serious about this.

  Karin

  I gave you a chance to run. This is what you chose.

  She raises her blade again, lightning wrapping around her like a storm about to burst.

  Karin

  “Raikō: Thunderstep!”

  With a sudden flash, she vanishes—reappearing just behind Yuya. He reacts instantly, raising his sword to block her overhead strike, the force of the impact sending shockwaves through the ring.

  Yuya (gritting his teeth)

  I won’t lose to you.

  The clash of steel echoes across the arena. Karin and Yuya exchange blows, their swords a blur. Sparks from Karin’s lightning-charged strikes light the air, while Yuya narrowly parries with raw, restrained precision.

  Suddenly, a commotion erupts in the stands. A sharp, commanding voice cuts through the noise.

  Royal Guard Captain

  Seize her! Lady Ruri of the Guard, you are under arrest for suspicion of treason against the Crown!

  Gasps spread like wildfire through the crowd. Yuya freezes mid-step, his eyes locking on the scene above. Ruri, in her guard cloak, stands surrounded by royal guards. Confused. Defiant. Betrayed.

  Yuya (shouting)

  What the hell is going on!?

  Karin (coldly, stepping back)

  You know exactly what’s going on.

  Yuya’s grip tightens on his sword, his breath short. The guards seize Ruri’s arms and begin to drag her out of the stands.

  Yuya

  Stop it—she didn’t do anything!

  Shana, who had been watching from nearby, jumps to her feet.

  Shana

  Let her go!

  She’s immediately surrounded by guards as well, blades drawn. One grabs her by the shoulder. She instinctively flares her magic—just enough to shake them off—but more converge.

  Shana (growling)

  You really want to test me right now?

  Guard

  Stand down or be detained for obstruction.

  Yuya looks back at Karin, his eyes burning.

  Yuya

  Was this your plan? You used this fight to distract me—

  Karin (lowering her blade, voice steely)

  This is the truth, Yuya. You brought her into this. You dragged her into your mess.

  Yuya

  What are you talking about?

  Karin

  If you don’t do something now… there’s a good chance Ruri will be executed. And it will be your fault.

  She pauses, taking a slow step forward.

  Karin

  Because you didn’t have the guts to face what you are.

  She raises her katana again, her eyes sharp with both judgment and pain.

  Karin

  There’s only one way to save her.

  She points her blade at him.

  Karin

  And you know what you must do… Demon scum.

  Scene: Tournament Arena – Yuya vs. Karin (Mid-Battle)

  The crowd is roaring, but Yuya’s focus is elsewhere. His eyes lock onto the stands where chaos begins to unfold. Royal guards suddenly surround Ruri, weapons drawn.

  Guard Captain

  Ruri Korosaki! You are under arrest for suspicion of treason against the crown!

  Ruri backs up, startled. Shana immediately stands up from her seat.

  Shana

  Hey! What the hell is this?!

  Guards move to restrain her, too. Ruri’s expression twists—confusion turning to fear.

  Yuya (to Karin, voice sharp)

  What the hell is going on!?

  Karin doesn’t stop moving, lightning crackling at her fingertips.

  Karin

  You know exactly what this is. You brought this on her. If you don’t act now… Ruri dies.

  She leans in, eyes full of quiet rage.

  And it’s all your fault… demon scum.

  Shana is pinned down by guards. In the stands, Ruri is grabbed by the arms, struggling. Something inside Yuya snaps.

  He turns, pointing his sword toward the guards surrounding Ruri. Flames begin to writhe around the blade—black, alive, hungry.

  Yuya (low and deadly)

  Get away from her.

  The ground around him begins to crack with heat. His cloak burns at the edges, revealing the sin mark on his arm—Wrath.

  Yuya

  Hellblaze: Obsidian Sever!

  With one clean motion, he swings his sword. A crescent of black fire tears across the arena, shrieking through the air like a scythe of vengeance. It crashes into the guards near Ruri, knocking them back in an explosion of dark flame and searing smoke.

  The crowd gasps. The match is forgotten. The Sin of Wrath has awakened