Chapter — "Arrival at Nexus City"
The silver gates of Nexus shimmered like glass under the morning sun. Beyond them, the hum of life filled the air — airbikes zipped through levitating lanes, holographic billboards flashed training scores, and vendors sold everything from glowing fruit to enchanted bracelets.
As the three approached, the guards at the entry checkpoint stood at attention. Their armor was sleek, silver-black with faint blue lights running across it. The senior guard's eyes widened as he recognized them.
"Kael?" he said, stepping forward with a grin. "Long time, yaar! Thought you were still on missions near the Southern Ridge."
Kael smiled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Was, until monsters decided to ruin our schedule."
The guard laughed. "Happens every week. Come on, you're all clear — your IDs are already registered with the Academy database."
He scanned his wrist console, and the barrier around the gate shimmered open. "Welcome back to Nexus City."
"Thanks," Kael said, walking through. Anay and Liora followed close behind, the glow of the barrier reflecting in their eyes.
The moment they entered, the city felt alive — a blend of futuristic brilliance and old-world heart. Floating platforms carried travelers above street level. Markets buzzed with merchants selling spirit artifacts, robotic pets, and steaming vada pavs. Monks in saffron robes walked beside engineers in high-tech suits.
Anay whistled. "This place looks like Mumbai and Tokyo had a baby."
Liora smiled slightly. "You're not wrong. It's overwhelming but beautiful."
Kael looked around, eyes nostalgic. "Still the same old Nexus — chaos with a hint of genius."
As they moved deeper into the city, they reached an open square filled with floating banners that read "Yuddha Tournament – Registrations Open". But before heading there, Kael was pulled aside by a familiar voice.
"Arre Kael! You finally decided to show your face!"
Three young people ran up — one tall boy with messy hair, one bespectacled techy-looking guy, and a cheerful girl holding a steaming cup of coffee.
Kael grinned. "Arjun, Veer, Tia — didn't think you all would still be hanging around Nexus."
Arjun smirked. "And miss the Yuddha Tournament? Not a chance."
Tia waved at Liora and Anay. "New friends?"
"Yeah," Kael said. "Meet Liora and Anay. They're part of my new team."
Veer nodded politely. "Welcome to Nexus, you two. Careful, the food here tastes so good you'll forget about training."
Anay chuckled. "If the food's good, I'm already halfway sold."
They shared a small laugh before heading toward the Yuddha Registration Hall — a massive building of crystal-like walls glowing faint blue. Holographic boards displayed last year's winners and ongoing matches from other divisions. Inside, dozens of students were lined up to register.
At the counter, a woman with short hair and an electronic tablet greeted them.
"Name?" she asked.
"Kael," he said confidently. "From Astral Academy, Wing A."
She scrolled through the tablet and then frowned slightly. "Kael… you're sixteen, right?"
"Uh, yeah. Why?"
Her tone softened. "I'm sorry, this year's tournament is restricted to participants under fifteen."
Kael blinked, his smile fading. "Wait, what? Since when?"
"New rule," she said gently. "They changed the categories for fairer evaluation. You can still register as a mentor if you wish."
Kael sighed. "Great. I was actually looking forward to smashing some overconfident kids."
Anay patted his shoulder. "You can still cheer for me, though."
Kael shot him a side glance. "Don't rub it in."
Liora chuckled quietly, trying not to laugh.
The woman turned to Anay. "And you?"
"Anay," he said, handing her his ID. "Same academy, Class Wing A."
She scanned it and smiled. "You're clear. Registration complete. Your number's 49. The preliminary matches start two days from now."
Anay nodded. "Got it."
As they left the hall, Kael was still sulking. "Under fifteen… seriously? I trained for months."
Anay grinned. "Maybe next year, Grandpa."
Kael gave him a light punch on the arm. "Watch it. I still train harder than you eat."
Liora rolled her eyes. "Both of you are hopeless."
They stepped out into the sunlight, the city buzzing louder now with energy and anticipation. Flyers drifted through the air, showing holograms of fighters preparing for battle. The crowd was filled with laughter, vendors shouting offers, and somewhere, a group of kids sparring with glowing sticks.
Kael stopped for a moment, looking around with a faint smile. "You know… even if I can't fight, it feels good to be back here."
Anay looked up at the enormous banner of the Yuddha Tournament shimmering above them. "Then let's make it worth it," he said. "We'll make sure your name's remembered through me."
Kael laughed, shaking his head. "Cocky, aren't you?"
"Confident," Anay corrected.
They walked toward the central plaza as the sun began to dip, the light turning orange over the metallic skyline. Nexus City — the place of power, ambition, and destiny — had just opened its gates for them.
this tournament new battle awaits for anay