2025-08-11 08:58:00“Something's wrong," Anna said as soon as they were alone in the preparation chamber. The brief recess between rounds gave them only minutes to confer, but her concern couldn't wait.
"What do you mean?" Miko asked, wiping sweat from his face with a towel."Bertha knew exactly how to counter your opening techniques," Anna replied. "Not just generically, but specifically—the exact combinations you practiced yesterday."Miko paused, towel halfway to his face. "You think someone's feeding her information?""It would explain how prepared she was for your approach," Liam agreed. "Those first attacks were perfectly designed to neutralize your style.""But who would—" Miko began, then stopped as realization dawned. "Someone from the AAU."The implication hung heavy between them. Someone they worked with, someone they trusted, was betraying Miko to his opponents."We need to find the leak," Akiya said, her expression hardening. "
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Chapter 178
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
Chapter 177
“Something's wrong," Anna said as soon as they were alone in the preparation chamber. The brief recess between rounds gave them only minutes to confer, but her concern couldn't wait."What do you mean?" Miko asked, wiping sweat from his face with a towel."Bertha knew exactly how to counter your opening techniques," Anna replied. "Not just generically, but specifically—the exact combinations you practiced yesterday."Miko paused, towel halfway to his face. "You think someone's feeding her information?""It would explain how prepared she was for your approach," Liam agreed. "Those first attacks were perfectly designed to neutralize your style.""But who would—" Miko began, then stopped as realization dawned. "Someone from the AAU."The implication hung heavy between them. Someone they worked with, someone they trusted, was betraying Miko to his opponents."We need to find the leak," Akiya said, her expression hardening. "
Chapter 176
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
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
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