The Undermaze had changed over the past two years.
Or maybe—Luka had.
He didn’t feel like the same weak kid who once trembled at the sight of an Onix. His body moved differently now—faster, stronger. His muscles had hardened from relentless training, his mind sharpened by experience.
But some things never changed.
Like how Mina still barged into their home uninvited.
The metal door slammed open, and in walked Mina ‘Ghost Fingers’ Estel, her usual smirk plastered on her face.
Trailing behind her, hands in his pockets, was Eros.
Luka barely had time to react before Mina dropped a heavy bag onto the table. “Alright, Mask Freak. I brought the shipment.”
Sun, still leaning back in his chair, didn’t even look up. “You’re early.”
“You’re late,” Mina shot back, flopping down on the couch.
Luka wiped the sweat from his forehead, his breath steady. He had just finished another brutal training session with the gravity rings, but now his attention was on Eros.
Eros stared back at him.
Something was different.
They had both changed.
Eros looked taller, sharper, stronger. His golden eyes had a sharper gleam, his white hair slightly longer. His posture was looser but controlled, his movements precise.
Luka smirked. “You got stronger.”
Eros grinned. “You too.”
Mina rolled her eyes. “Ugh, you two are so weird. Haven’t seen each other in two years and all you care about is strength?”
Sun chuckled from his seat. “That’s just how fighters are, sweetheart.”
Mina ignored him and turned to Luka. Her eyes flickered down to his arms, where the black metal gravity rings were still locked onto his wrists.
She blinked.
Then she stared.
“Wait a damn second—you’re still wearing those?!”
Luka raised an eyebrow. “Yeah?”
Mina whirled on Sun. “HOW LONG HAS HE BEEN WEARING THEM?!”
Sun casually sipped his tea. “Two years.”
Silence.
Mina’s jaw dropped.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
“Two. Years?! You had a kid walking around with that much weight for TWO YEARS?!”
Sun shrugged. “He’s fine.”
Luka tilted his head. “I don’t feel anything anymore.”
Mina looked like she was about to pass out.
Eros, on the other hand, was grinning. “No wonder you look different.”
Luka pulled up his shirt to wipe the sweat off his face—revealing toned muscles underneath.
Mina choked.
“WHAT THE HELL—?! Why does a 12-year-old have muscles like that?! That’s illegal!”
Eros burst out laughing. “I dunno, Mina. Kinda impressive, don’t you think?”
Mina covered her face. “No. No, it’s weird. A kid shouldn’t have abs! This is unnatural!”
Sun sighed dramatically. “Ah, puberty. It comes for us all.”
Mina threw a wrench at him.
Luka caught it.
Without thinking.
With two fingers.
The entire room froze.
Sun grinned. “See? Training works.”
Mina just groaned into her hands. “I hate this place.”
Eros smirked, crossing his arms. “Alright, Luka. Since you’re some freak of nature now—what do you say to a little challenge?”
Luka raised an eyebrow. “What kind of challenge?”
Eros’s grin widened. “A tournament.”
Sun suddenly leaned forward, interested. “Go on.”
Eros’ golden eyes gleamed. “The Black Market Underground Tournament. No rules, no age limits, just pure fighting. Strongest wins.”
Luka tilted his head. “And what do we get if we win?”
Eros smirked. “Money. Fame. Connections. And best of all…” His voice dropped into a whisper.
“A chance to fight some of the strongest underground Jōki users.”
Luka blinked.
Then—he smiled.
“I’m in.”
Mina was not having it.
She stood with her arms crossed, glaring at both Sun and Luka like they had lost their minds. “No. Absolutely not. Do you two even realize what kind of people compete in that tournament? Killers. Mercenaries. Psychopaths.” She jabbed a finger at Luka. “This kid will get eaten alive!”
Luka, unfazed, simply blinked. “I’ve faced death before. This is nothing.”
Eros, leaning against the wall with a smirk, chuckled. “He’s got a point, Mina. He literally fought an Onix at ten years old. I think he can handle a few meatheads swinging their fists around.”
Mina whipped around and glared at him. “That’s not the same, and you know it!”
Meanwhile, Sun was laughing his ass off.
“You’re acting like this is some kind of death sentence,” he said, waving a hand dismissively. “Relax. It’s just part of his training.”
“JUST PART OF HIS TRAINING?!” Mina yelled. “YOU WANT TO THROW A TWELVE-YEAR-OLD INTO A BLOODSPORT FOR TRAINING?!”
Sun tilted his head. “Yes.”
Mina groaned, dragging a hand down her face. “You’re insane.”
“That’s old news, sweetheart,” Sun said with a grin.
Mina turned to Luka, hoping at least he would have some sense. “Luka, listen, you’re strong, sure, but this is different. These aren’t brainless Onix. These are trained fighters who know how to kill. You don’t even know how to fight other humans yet!”
Luka stared at her. Then, calmly, he said, “That’s why I have to go.”
For a moment, Mina was silent.
Then she sighed, shaking her head. “You two are impossible.”
Sun patted Luka’s head, pleased. “Good answer, kid. You’re learning.”
Eros smirked. “I like it. This’ll be fun.”
Mina groaned again, but then something Sun said finally clicked.
“Wait,” she narrowed her eyes. “You planned this, didn’t you?”
Sun grinned behind his mask. “Obviously.”
Mina’s stomach sank. That look on Sun’s face always meant trouble.
She crossed her arms. “Alright, what’s the real reason you want him in this tournament?”
Sun leaned back against the counter, tapping his fingers idly. “You remember the Xeno organ auction from two years ago?”
Mina frowned. “Yeah… you killed the guy running it.”
Sun shook his head. “No. I killed a middleman. The real mastermind never showed his face.” His fingers drummed against the counter. “But I’ve seen him before.”
Mina stilled. “You’re saying—”
“He’s connected to the tournament,” Sun finished.
A heavy silence filled the room.
Mina swallowed. “And you think Luka competing will help draw him out?”
Sun shrugged. “Maybe. Maybe not. But it’s a good start.”
Eros let out a low whistle. “Damn. So this is bigger than just a tournament.”
Sun chuckled. “Everything’s bigger than it seems, kid.”
Mina rubbed her temples. “So let me get this straight. Not only are you throwing Luka into a brutal underground tournament, but you’re also using him as bait to catch some underground crime boss?”
Sun crossed his arms. “See? Now you’re getting it.”
Mina wanted to punch him.
Luka, meanwhile, was still thinking about one thing.
He turned to Sun. “Master.”
Sun raised an eyebrow. “Yeah?”
“I’ll win.”
Sun grinned. “That’s my boy.”
Eros, standing beside them, suddenly shouted. “Wait—WHAT?!”
“You can’t seriously expect him to win this thing!” Eros said, looking between them like they were insane. “These guys are stronger, more experienced, and Luka’s only twelve! He’s good, but he’s not that good!”
Sun chuckled. “Yeah, I know.”
“…Then why—”
Sun grinned wider. “Because he’ll still kick some serious ass.”
Eros opened his mouth—then closed it. He glanced at Luka, then sighed. “I hate that you’re probably right.”
Luka didn’t say anything. He just clenched his fists.
He wanted this.
He needed this.
Sun ruffled his hair. “Alright, my disciple. Go and make me proud.”
“No problem, Master,” Luka said seriously.
Mina exhaled, defeated. “Fine. Whatever. If you’re really doing this, I’ll at least get you some gear—”
“No need,” Luka said.
Mina blinked. “What?”
“I’ll use my katana,” Luka said. “My master got it for me. So I have to protect it like it’s my own body.”
Mina raised an eyebrow. “That katana? The one from the auction?”
Sun clapped his hands. “Alright, Mina, stop ruining the sentimental moment. Let the kid believe I actually bought it.”
Mina laughed. “I swear, you two are a menace.”
Sun grinned. “And you love us for it.”
She groaned. “I really don’t.”
But deep down—
She couldn’t deny it.
And as she watched Sun and Luka bicker, something nagged at her.
Their relationship—the way they talked, the way Luka trusted Sun completely, the way Sun knew exactly what Luka needed—
What the hell kind of training did these two go through?
For two years, just the two of them.
Mina had seen mentor-student relationships before. But this?
This was different.
And she had a feeling she’d never understand.