The last day of the tournament began differently from the others.
There was no euphoria in the streets. The sound was more subdued, heavier. People spoke quietly, as if they feared attracting bad luck simply by raising their voices too much. The entire city seemed to be holding its breath.
I woke up with the sun already high, my body heavy, my muscles stiff. Every movement reminded me that I had pushed past my limits more than once over the past few days.
Liriel was sitting on the edge of the bed when I opened my eyes.
"Good morning," she said, with a restrained smile.
"Important day," I replied.
She nodded. "The last one."
In the hallway, Elara walked slowly, still feeling the effects of the previous day's effort. Vespera seemed better, but her eyes revealed tension. Scarlet was waiting for us in the main hall, arms crossed, posture firm as always.
"Today there is no margin," she said as soon as she saw us. "Either we win, or we become history."
No one answered. There was nothing to say.
The arena was more crowded than ever. People from other kingdoms, other races, merchants, nobles, and adventurers mixed in the stands. The banners swayed in the morning wind.
The announcer made a point of prolonging the suspense.
"Third and final day of the Annual Guild Tournament."
A collective roar echoed.
"The finals will be decided in team battles."
I felt my stomach tighten.
The first fight of the day was announced quickly.
"Human Guild versus Demi-Human Guild."
Scarlet glanced at me from the side. "So it's now."
We stepped into the arena together. On the other side, two demi-humans. One was tall, covered in dark scales, holding a heavy spear. The other was shorter, agile, with eyes far too attentive.
"They won't hold back," I murmured.
"Neither will we," Scarlet replied.
The signal was given.
The fight began with immediate violence. The spear-wielding demi-human charged straight at me, while the other tried to circle around Scarlet. I exchanged quick blows, feeling the impact reverberate through my arms.
Scarlet wasted no time. A single advance, precise and brutal, forced her opponent to retreat.
The fight turned into controlled chaos. Crossed attacks, dust rising, shouts from the crowd.
I managed to disarm my opponent after a minimal mistake. I used it as an opening. A direct strike to the chest sent him backward.
Scarlet finished the second opponent almost at the same time.
Silence.
"Victory for the Human Guild."
I took a deep breath, feeling part of the weight lift from my shoulders.
When we left the arena, the sound of the crowd seemed distant. The exhaustion was finally demanding its price.
"You're at your limit," Scarlet commented.
"I know."
"Save what's left. You'll need it."
It didn't take long for the next announcement.
"Elven Guild advances directly to the final."
A murmur ran through the arena. Many complained. Others simply accepted it. The elves' advantage was clear.
While we waited, we watched their final fight against a smaller guild. It was quick. And far too efficient.
"They're still fresh," I murmured.
"And confident," Scarlet replied. "That can be a problem."
When the sun began to descend in the sky, the final announcement came.
"Decisive battle of the Annual Guild Tournament."
Humans versus elves.
We entered the arena under a deafening noise. On the other side, two elves. Both calm, serene, as if they already expected victory.
I felt sweat run down my forehead.
"Don't overthink," Scarlet said quietly. "Fight."
The signal was given.
The elves moved as one. Perfect coordination. Precise attacks. I was pushed back at the very beginning, forced to defend more than attack.
Scarlet advanced without hesitation, breaking their rhythm with brute force.
The fight lasted longer than I thought possible. Every second felt like an eternity. My body screamed for rest, but I ignored it.
When I saw the opening, I knew it was now or never.
I advanced with everything I had.
The impact was strong enough to knock one of the elves down. Scarlet seized the moment and finished the second with a clean strike.
For an instant, no one reacted.
Then the arena exploded.
"Victory for the Human Guild."
The sound was overwhelming.
I fell to my knees, breathing with difficulty. Scarlet remained standing, looking around, as if she still couldn't believe it.
Humans champions.
Something that hadn't happened in centuries.
When we left the arena, I saw Liriel, Elara, Vespera, and Rai'kanna running toward us. Their faces mixed relief, pride, and pure emotion.
"You did it," Liriel said, holding my face.
"Not alone," I replied.
Scarlet approached, a slight smile on her lips.
"I was wrong about you," she said. "And about your group."
Before I could respond, she leaned in and kissed me quickly.
The world seemed to stop.
A shout echoed behind us.
"THAT WOMAN HAS GONE TOO FAR."
Rai'kanna had to be held back by Lyannis, completely furious.
Scarlet simply laughed, stepping away.
"Until next time, Takumi."
The commotion was contained, but the atmosphere became strange.
Later, already at the mansion, the exhaustion finally overcame me. I went to the room, feeling the weight of everything that had happened.
That night, the women of the group quietly entered the room. They lay down beside me, one by one.
Rai'kanna also came closer, staying far too close.
I closed my eyes.
The tournament was over.
But I knew the consequences were only just beginning.