2025-03-11 23:15:25
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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
Chapter 169
The tournament director's office was a study in controlled chaos. Maps and brackets covered one wall, while another displayed profiles of every competitor. Miko spotted his own, noticeably thinner than the others."Asterion," the director greeted without looking up from his desk. "Sit."Miko sat in the chair across from him, waiting as the director finished writing something in a leather-bound journal."Do you know why you're here?" the director finally asked, setting his pen aside."At the tournament? Or in your office specifically?"The director's eyes narrowed slightly. "Both, I suppose.""I received an imperial summons to compete," Miko answered carefully. "As for being in your office, I was hoping you'd tell me."The director studied him, fingers steepled beneath his chin. "Tell me about your tournament experience.""I don't have any.""None whatsoever? Not even academy competitions?""No,
Chapter 168
The imperial capital gleamed in the midday sun, all white marble and gold trim. Miko had visited before on AAU business, but never during a major event like the Champion Tournament. The streets teemed with visitors from across the empire, vendors hawking everything from commemorative medallions to miniature figurines of famous competitors."This is insane," Akiya muttered as they pushed through the crowd. "It's like a festival, not a tournament.""For most people, it is a festival," Liam replied. "The actual matches are just the centerpiece."Their carriage had been forced to stop several blocks from the tournament grounds due to the crowds. Now they walked, luggage in hand, fighting through the sea of spectators."There it is," Anna pointed ahead where the tournament arena rose above the surrounding buildings—a massive structure of stone and steel, ancient in its foundations but modernized over generations.As they approached the competitors' entrance, a harried
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