Chapter 42: The Calm Before the Final Battle


    <hr>


    The Aftermath of War


    Axel sat on the rooftop of the Helix Academy dorms, his body aching from the fight with Jace.


    The wind was cool, carrying the distant echoes of the roaring crowd from earlier.


    He had done it.


    He had beaten Jace Stroud.


    The tournament finals were next.


    And his opponent?


    Valeria.


    A fighter just as dangerous as she was mysterious.


    And—if Axel was being honest—way too interested in messing with his head.


    Tempo lay beside him, his guitar-axe balanced across his chest. “So. Big final fight, huh?”


    Axel exhaled. “Yeah.”


    Tempo smirked. “And also… big romantic problems.”


    Axel frowned. “What?”


    Tempo flicked his tail. “Oh, don’t act dumb. You’ve got multiple ladies paying attention now.”


    Axel groaned. “Dude. Not the time.”


    But before Tempo could push further—


    Someone else found him.


    <hr>


    A Late-Night Visitor


    “You’re hiding up here.”


    Axel turned—just in time to see Iris.


    She stood near the rooftop entrance, arms crossed, her long violet hair catching in the wind.


    She had that look.


    The one that said, “I’m not here to joke around.”


    Axel smirked. “Technically, I’m recovering.”


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    Iris stepped closer, sitting on the railing beside him. “And thinking about Valeria.”


    Axel raised an eyebrow. “You psychic now?”


    Iris chuckled. “Please. Every girl in the academy can tell she’s been circling you.”


    Axel groaned. “I feel like this conversation is a trap.”


    Iris shrugged. “I just came to say one thing.”


    She leaned in slightly, her violet eyes serious.


    “Don’t lose.”


    Axel blinked.


    Iris smirked. “And don’t let her get in your head, either.”


    Then—before Axel could react—


    She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.


    Soft. Quick.


    But enough to make Axel’s brain short-circuit.


    Tempo wheezed. “Oh, I like this.”


    Iris pulled back, her smirk widening at Axel’s stunned expression.


    Then—she stood.


    “See you at the finals.”


    And just like that—she was gone.


    <hr>


    Round Two: The Shadow Queen


    Axel was still processing what just happened when another voice interrupted him.


    “So. That just happened.”


    Axel froze.


    Because standing by the opposite railing, watching with a smug expression—


    Was Valeria.


    Dressed in her usual dark combat gear, her Abyssal Wraith curled lazily around her legs like a shadow given form.


    She tapped her chin. “I gotta say, I didn’t expect Iris to make a move before the tournament ended.”


    Axel sighed. “You were watching?”


    Valeria smirked. “Of course. You’re interesting to watch.”


    She walked closer, her red eyes locking onto his.


    “I have to admit, Mercer… you keep surprising me.”


    Axel rolled his shoulders. “Is that a compliment or a threat?”


    Valeria chuckled. “Both.”


    Then—without warning—


    She sat beside him.


    Close.


    Way too close.


    Axel tensed. “Okay, what’s happening right now?”


    Valeria grinned. “Just enjoying the view. You don’t mind, do you?”


    Axel exhaled. “I feel like if I say yes, I’m gonna regret it.”


    Valeria laughed. “You’re catching on.”


    For a moment, they sat in silence, the city lights below them glowing like scattered stars.


    Then—Valeria’s tone shifted.


    “You know…” she murmured. “You’re not just fighting me in the finals.”


    Axel frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”


    Valeria’s crimson eyes gleamed.


    “You’ve gotten too strong. Too fast.”


    Her fingers traced the edge of her black gauntlets.


    “And that means… certain people are paying attention.”


    Axel’s stomach tightened. “People like who?”


    Valeria didn’t answer.


    She just smiled.


    And for the first time, Axel felt a chill run down his spine.


    <hr>


    Finals: A Battle for More Than a Trophy


    the tournament brackets updated one last time.


    <blockquote>


    FINALS: AXEL MERCER VS. VALERIA NIGHTSHADE.


    </blockquote>


    The entire academy was buzzing.


    This wasn’t just about the tournament anymore.


    This was about power. Prestige. Secrets.


    And—if Axel was understanding Valeria’s warning correctly—something even bigger.


    Tempo adjusted his guitar-axe, his smirk sharp.


    “You ready for this?”


    Axel clenched his fists.


    Valeria wasn’t just a strong fighter.


    She knew things.


    Things Axel needed to learn.


    And if beating her was the only way to get those answers?


    Then he was gonna win.


    No matter what.