The implication hung heavy in the air. The Church's methods for securing magical knowledge were notorious, even if rarely spoken of directly."So what do you suggest?" Miko asked. "Forfeit the tournament?""No," Hayes shook his head. "The directive remains unchanged. Compete competently without revealing specialized techniques. But be aware that eyes are watching, and not all of them with benign intent."With that warning delivered, Hayes departed, leaving the team in thoughtful silence."Well," Liam said finally, "that wasn't ominous at all.""He's not wrong," Anna said quietly. "The Church's interest is concerning."Miko moved to the window, looking out at the tournament grounds where other matches continued. In the distance, he could see Bertha Stoneheart in combat, her earth techniques systematically dismantling her opponent's defenses."One match at a time," he said, more to himself than the others. "Tomorrow, it's

"You slipped," Anna said the moment they were alone in Miko's quarters. Her tone wasn't accusatory, just matter-of-fact. "The ash showed through during that random enhancement wave."Miko sank onto the edge of his bed, fatigue finally catching up to him. "I know. I couldn't control it. The wave somehow resonated with both elements simultaneously.""Who noticed?" Liam asked, leaning against the wall with arms crossed."Garcia, definitely. She mentioned it after the match." Miko ran a hand through his sweat-dampened hair. "Samson too, judging by his expression. Possibly others.""The Church representatives were practically salivating," Akiya confirmed. She'd been watching from a position near their seating section. "The moment that shadow appeared in your flames, they started scribbling notes and whispering to each other.""So much for keeping a low profile," Liam sighed."It wasn't intentional," Miko reminded them. "And it was bri

The arena hummed with anticipation. Word of Miko's victory over Garcia had spread, transforming him from unknown outsider to legitimate contender overnight. Spectators who'd dismissed him now watched with keen interest, wondering if the AAU operative could overcome his next challenge.Bertha Stoneheart entered first, her earth-brown uniform pristine, her expression carved from the same unyielding material as her element. The crowd cheered enthusiastically—Bertha was a tournament veteran with a reputation for methodical, overwhelming victories.When Miko emerged from the opposite tunnel, the reception was more mixed. Applause mingled with curious murmurs as spectators pointed and discussed the tournament's newest sensation."You've caused quite a stir," the match official commented as they approached the center. "The bookmakers have been adjusting odds all morning."Miko kept his expression neutral. "I'm just focused on the match.""As you

Miko winced as he wrapped compression bandages around his torso. His ribs throbbed with each breath – painful evidence of last night's ambush. He'd been alone in the tournament gardens when three masked attackers struck without warning.One attacker's technique had been unmistakable – earth manipulation nearly identical to Bertha's, though less refined. Clearly someone connected to her, ensuring he'd face the quarter-finals at reduced capacity."You should report this," Anna insisted, watching him prepare for the second round. "Tournament officials take sabotage seriously.""Without proof, it's just accusation," Miko replied, carefully adjusting the bandage. "A delay would only serve their purpose.""At least let me apply a healing compress," she urged.He shook his head. "No detectable magical signatures. Bertha will be watching for any advantage."Liam paced nearby. "Our information trap caught nothing. Whoever's leaking is car

"The AAU's Dark Horse Two Matches From Championship!" Headlines across the capital proclaimed Miko's victory over Zoe, transforming him from curiosity to legitimate sensation. What had begun as an unknown operative's unexpected participation had become the tournament's central narrative.Miko ignored the attention, focusing instead on the implications of Aria's warning and his semi-final match against Blaze. His team had gathered in his quarters, security measures in place to prevent eavesdropping."Sacrifices for the Battery Chamber," Liam repeated, processing Aria's revelation. "It makes a disturbing kind of sense.""The empire gets replacement conduits, the Church maintains their influence over Abyssal boundaries, and the academies get prestige from their champions being 'selected' for a vital mission," Anna summarized grimly. "Everyone wins except the mages themselves.""And Hayes is part of a resistance?" Akiya shook her head in disbelief. "Our trap clearly showed him leaking inf