Still nothing. Just those eyes, still fixed on him.Asta's nervousness was transforming into frustration now. He took another step forward, close enough that he could feel heat radiating from beyond the gate,not uncomfortable, but present, a reminder of the fire that dwelled within this creature."Why were you sealed inside of me?" The questions tumbled out faster now, urgent and demanding. "Who sealed you inside of me? Was it really my father like the dragon in Jabber said, or is that just part of the story? And why me specifically? What makes me so special that an emperor dragon decided to take up residence in my body?"He paused, breathing hard from the emotional weight of the questions, then pushed forward with the one that really mattered. "And what do you want from me? What's the endgame here? Am I just a container for you, or is there something more? Because I'd really like to know if I'm supposed to be a partner in whatever this is or if I'm just... just a vessel.”The sile

His hands were clenched into fists at his sides, his knuckles white with tension. This was what Asta had been waiting for,a chance to prove himself, to show everyone that being flameless didn't mean being worthless. Every day he'd hoped his number would be called, and every day he'd been disappointed."Number 22!" The announcer proclaimed.Asta's breathing stopped."And number 4!"For a moment, Asta didn't move. Didn't react. Just stood there frozen like he couldn't quite believe what he'd just heard. Then, slowly, his face split into the biggest grin Jabber had ever seen on him."Yes!" He threw his arms up in the air, jumping slightly, all his earlier pain and discomfort completely forgotten. "Yes! Finally! It's about time!"He spun in a circle, energy suddenly flooding through him, and Jabber couldn't help but laugh at the display. It was impossible not to be infected by Asta's enthusiasm, not to feel that same rush of excitement even if it wasn't his own match."Yeah, man!" Jab

Far above the lower training facility, in a completely different section of the complex, the Elite Arena stood like a monument to power and prestige. This wasn't the rough, functional space where initiates and trainees fought to prove themselves. This was where the best of the best gathered,warriors who'd already made their mark, who'd earned their place among the strongest.The Elite Arena was built on a grander scale. The walls were polished stone instead of rough brick, decorated with banners representing different squads and teams.The seating was actual cushioned benches instead of hard wooden bleachers. And suspended from the ceiling, positioned so everyone could see it clearly, was a massive flame crystal television,an expensive piece of magical technology that could display events happening elsewhere in the facility.Right now, that crystal screen was showing the lower arena. Showing Asta and number 22 facing off against each other.The elite squad members sat in their designa

Rael's grin vanished. His face went pale, and he dropped back into his seat so fast he nearly fell over. "I…yes. Yeah. Understood. Totally understood. Shutting up now."His teammates erupted into barely-suppressed laughter. Kerr was shaking with it, trying to keep quiet and failing. Dren had given up any pretense and was laughing openly, tears streaming down his face. Even their squad leader cracked a smile, though he tried to hide it behind his hand."Told you." The female teammate said, her voice carrying immense satisfaction. "Told you that you'd embarrass us.""Shut up, Lyris." Rael mumbled, slumping down in his seat like he wanted to disappear through the floor.Across the arena, Elara turned back to face the crystal television, her expression returning to that cool, composed mask. The flames around her hands extinguished as quickly as they'd appeared. She sat back down next to Lucien with perfect poise, like nothing had happened.Lucien was laughing,a rich, genuine sound tha

"Now that's adaptability!" Commentator Vex's voice rang out with genuine approval. "Asta Xavier isn't wasting time mourning a damaged weapon,he's already armed again and back in a defensive stance! That's the mark of a trained warrior, folks! Always thinking ahead, always preparing for the next move!"Number 22's expression had shifted from mocking confidence to irritation. His jaw clenched, and the flames around his sword flared brighter, hotter, responding to his emotional state. This was supposed to be quick. This was supposed to be easy. The flameless kid was supposed to go down fast, proving to everyone that he didn't belong in this arena.But Asta was still standing. Still fighting. Still refusing to quit."This match is over." Number 22 snarled, his voice loud enough to carry to the spectator sections. His eyes locked onto Asta with pure frustration and determination. "I'm ending this right now!"He raised his flame sword high, and the fire intensified until it was almost w