The arena reset.
Again.
Because apparently the system enjoys emotional trauma as a spectator sport.
The crowd hadn't even settled when the nameplates flashed.
[FINAL MATCH
ZEREF vs EUNJI]
Fire flared across the arena the second Zeref stepped forward. Not explosive. Controlled. Like a predator stretching before the kill.
I rolled my shoulders, adjusted my grip on my longsword, and exhaled slowly.
Of all people.
Of course it had to be him.
Zeref smiled at me, staff resting lightly on his shoulder. "Try not to trip this time."
"I fell once," I shot back. "You burned down three forests."
He laughed. Loud. Intentionally. I could feel Kael sulking from the waiting area like an offended cat.
The timer dropped.
Zeref immediately backstepped.
Fire bloomed.
Walls of flame surged up between us, heat crashing against my armor. I charged forward anyway.
Bad idea.
