The air was still thick with tension from Lee’s earlier breakdown. He sat under the shade of a large training post, the cool breeze offering little relief from the lingering headache pounding in his skull. His shirt clung to his skin, damp with sweat from his earlier training.


    Prathisya and Riven sat beside him, the three of them enjoying a rare moment of peace.


    "You seriously need to learn how to pace yourself," Prathisya muttered, handing Lee a cloth to wipe his face.


    Lee took it without a word, staring at the dirt beneath his feet. His mind replayed the terrible visions—the monstrous power that threatened to consume him every time he pushed himself too far. Not again…


    Riven, who had been watching Lee carefully, exhaled and leaned back on his arms. "You know, for someone who acts like he doesn’t care, you sure push yourself too hard. Maybe you should take a break."


    Lee shook his head. "I don’t have time for that."


    Prathisya frowned. "Lee—"


    "Speaking of time," Riven cut in, "the tournament’s just a few days away."


    Lee paused, looking up.


    "The top five winners will get direct training from the Elder and the Vice Leader," Riven continued. His expression turned serious. "That includes real battle techniques—something no ordinary clan member gets."


    Prathisya crossed her arms. "Which means if we don’t at least place in the top five, we’ll be stuck at the bottom of the clan’s hierarchy."


    Lee clenched his fists. Training under the Elder… He hated the clan’s leadership, but he knew one thing—if he wanted to change the system, he had to rise through its ranks first.


    "I’m going to win," Lee muttered.


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Prathisya and Riven exchanged glances.


    Riven smirked. "Then you better not hold back."


    <hr>


    The tournament grounds were packed, clan members gathering from all corners to witness the fights. A massive stone stage stood at the center, surrounded by tall banners bearing the clan''s emblem.


    Lee, Prathisya, and Riven stood among the participants, waiting for their names to be called. The rules were simple:


    <ol>


    <li>


    Each match would continue until one fighter yields.


    </li>


    <li>


    No killing.


    </li>


    <li>


    Victory earns a place in the next round.


    </li>


    </ol>


    A drum sounded, and the announcer stepped forward.


    "For our first match—Prathisya versus Kaela!"


    <hr>


    Prathisya stepped onto the stage, twin short swords in hand, her dark combat attire fitting snugly over her agile frame. Across from her, Kaela stood tall, wielding a long sword with both hands.


    The two warriors locked eyes.


    "Begin!"


    Kaela moved first, dashing forward with surprising speed, her sword slashing diagonally in a powerful arc.


    Prathisya sidestepped, her body twisting just enough for the blade to graze past her. In an instant, she retaliated, her left sword slashing toward Kaela’s exposed side.


    Clang!


    Kaela blocked, forcing Prathisya back with raw strength.


    The crowd roared as the two fighters clashed again, Prathisya weaving through Kaela’s powerful swings, landing quick, precise strikes whenever an opening appeared.


    Kaela growled, gripping her sword tighter. She shifted her stance, suddenly striking low with the full force of her blade.


    Prathisya leaped, flipping over Kaela in a dazzling display of agility. As she landed behind her opponent, she spun, slashing her blades in a deadly cross-pattern.


    Kaela barely managed to block—but the force sent her staggering back.


    Prathisya pressed forward, attacking relentlessly. Her movements were like a dance, her twin swords striking from all directions.


    Kaela tried to counter, but Prathisya was too fast.


    Then—Clang!


    Prathisya locked Kaela’s blade between her twin swords. With a sharp twist—


    Crack!


    Kaela’s sword was wrenched from her hands. It clattered to the ground.


    Before she could react, Prathisya’s short sword was at her throat.


    Silence.


    Kaela’s breathing was heavy. Her arms trembled. Then, finally—


    "I yield," she said.


    The crowd erupted in cheers.


    Lee smirked from his seat in the participants'' podium. "Told you she wouldn’t lose."


    Riven nodded. "She’s got skill. But the real challenge starts now."


    Prathisya turned to the crowd, raising her swords in victory. But as she walked back to her friends, her eyes found Lee’s.


    She saw the quiet storm brewing beneath his calm expression.


    She knew something was coming.


    And whatever it was, this tournament was just the beginning.