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Chapter 175
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.
Chapter 174
"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
Chapter 173
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
Chapter 172
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
Chapter 171
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
Chapter 170
Morning arrived with the distant roar of the crowd already filling the arena. Miko had barely slept, the anonymous warning playing on repeat in his mind.He'd shown the note to his team over breakfast."Could be anyone," Liam had said, examining the handwriting. "Someone trying to psych you out, or maybe a genuine warning.""Either way," Anna had added, "it confirms what we already suspected. Your ash element is drawing attention."Now, as Miko waited in the preparation chamber below the arena, those words echoed in his head. The room was designed for final equipment checks and mental preparation—bare stone walls, a simple bench, and a water basin. No distractions.The door opened, admitting Hayes of all people. He wore his standard AAU uniform, looking completely out of place among the tournament pageantry."Coordinator," Miko stood, surprised. "I didn't know you were coming.""Official AAU representation," Hayes r
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