The competitors' pavilion hummed with conversation, all of it centered on the morning's matches. Miko sat alone at a corner table, still in his tournament attire, muscles aching from his victory. Garcia had pushed him hard in the second round, but he'd managed to prevail, securing his advancement to the next stage. "Mind if I join you?" Miko looked up to find Liam standing beside the table, two cups of steaming tea in hand. "Please," Miko gestured to the empty chair. Liam set one cup in front of Miko before taking a seat. "You've caused quite a stir," he said, nodding toward the other competitors gathered in small groups throughout the pavilion. "The mysterious AAU operative defeating Garcia in straight rounds." "Where are Anna and Akiya?" Miko asked, deliberately changing the subject. "Anna's analyzing match recordings. Akiya's scouting your potential next opponents." Liam leaned forward, low

The crowd's energy had shifted noticeably since the first round. Where before there had been dismissive curiosity about the unknown AAU operative, now there was genuine anticipation. Whispers spread through the stands—had Garcia's first round loss been a fluke, or was this Asterion truly a contender?Miko stood on his mark, centering himself as the match official prepared to announce the second round challenge. Across from him, Garcia had abandoned her earlier casual confidence. Her stance was tight, focused, her eyes never leaving Miko."Round two," the official announced, "will feature environmental hazards. Periodic waves of elemental energy will sweep across the arena at random intervals. These waves can amplify or disrupt your techniques depending on timing. Prepare yourselves."Interesting. The first round had tested adaptability to changing terrain. This would test timing and elemental control."Competitors ready? Round two begins in t

The transport stopped before an imposing building of dark stone and glass. Unlike the ornate architecture of the palace, the Bureau was deliberately austere, projecting authority through simplicity.Inside, they were led to a conference room where Ambassador Chen waited alongside several imperial officials Miko didn't recognize. More concerning was the presence of three Church representatives, Samson among them."Ah, our AAU colleagues have arrived," Chen greeted with diplomatic smoothness. "Please, join us."As they took their seats, Miko noted the careful positioning—empire officials at the head of the table, Church and AAU representatives on opposite sides. A physical manifestation of the empire's role as mediator between competing institutions."Let us address the matter directly," Chen began once everyone was settled. "The Church has expressed concern regarding certain techniques displayed by Competitor Asterion during yesterday's match.