Kenzo tended to his wounds and put a bandage on the cut across his cheek. He returned to his seat and as he sat down Rika turned around, looked at him with a small smile and gave him a thumbs up.
Kenzo stood frozen in surprise for a few seconds, then broke into a wide grin and gave her two thumbs up in return.
Rika turned back around to keep watching the matches, while Kenzo's cheeks flushed slightly at her gesture.
Some of the boys who saw it immediately felt jealous, both because of the attention Kenzo had received and because he was one of Rika's few friends.
—Who's up next? Zeik asked, arms crossed.
—No idea. I hope it's someone interesting, Matteo replied.
A boy walked toward one of the arena entrances, which slid open to mark the start of the fiftieth match.
FIFTIETH MATCH
RAIDEN KUROHA VS DAEL ARVANT
Raiden stepped into the arena, his gaze burning with unwavering resolve—the resolve to win.
Dael entered at the exact same moment, carrying himself with absolute confidence; he could not afford to let his clan down.
The two stared straight at each other from opposite ends of the field. Neither looked particularly remarkable at first glance, yet there was something strange about Raiden, something that stirred curiosity among the Marks and the Promises.
READY… BEGIN
The instant the signal was given, Raiden darted forward at tremendous speed. Dael tried to block with his katana, but Raiden's blade struck his own hard enough to force his guard back and nearly make him drop his weapon.
No one could even follow the movement Raiden had made with his hand to deliver that strike.
Only Arien, Kael and Terrmomix had seen it clearly. Dael stumbled back, but the moment his foot touched the ground again Raiden was already inches away, closing the gap once more.
Dael tried to create some distance, but every time he retreated Raiden was right there in front of him, never giving him the chance to unleash his technique.
He stepped back again, only for Raiden's katana to crash against his own once more. The force of the impact threw both their arms wide open, leaving Dael's entire abdomen exposed.
—You can finish him right there with your technique! Liang called out, watching intently.
Dael was completely vulnerable; any direct attack or special move would have been enough to wound him and end the fight.
But instead, Raiden rushed in at full speed and aimed only with the tip of his blade. Dael managed to recover his stance just in time and parried the strike.
Finally Raiden stopped attacking and leaped backward, putting some space between them.
—Why didn't you finish this with your technique? Dael demanded, furious. You could have ended it right then and there.
Raiden stayed silent, his hands tightening slightly around the hilt of his katana.
—Do you really think I'm so weak that you don't even need to use your full power against me?
—That's not it.
—Then why didn't you use it?
—Because… He hesitated for a moment. Because I don't have one, he said flatly.
Dael and the entire arena fell dead silent. Everyone struggled to process what they had just heard.
—You don't have a technique… Dael whispered.
Then he burst into loud, uncontrollable laughter.
—Are you serious? Then what are you even doing here? Did you sneak in without permission? Or is this some kind of mistake the academy made?
Raiden remained still and silent, meeting Dael's gaze without letting his words or laughter get to him.
—Is it really true that he doesn't have one? Rika wondered out loud. She turned to her right. Do you know anything about this, Arien? she asked, equal parts surprised and curious.
Arien stared at the ground, a finger resting against his chin.
—No. Not my grandfather, not my father, not any of my cousins ever mentioned anyone without a technique in all the generations I know of. He looked up toward Raiden. This must be something entirely new and unique.
—What do you make of it, Kael? Matteo asked.
—He passed the entrance exam and came here knowing full well he has no technique… That takes real courage, Kael answered.
—I still don't see how he'll get very far without one, Liang remarked.
Zeik gave him a light tap on the head.
—Never underestimate someone just because they seem weak. There's a fire in his eyes that says everything.
—Director! Is that even possible? Professor Elion asked. To be admitted to the academy without having a technique?
Director Lion stroked his white beard thoughtfully.
—It is possible. Everyone talks as if having a technique is a requirement, but that's more of a general expectation than an actual rule. There's nothing in the regulations that bars anyone from entering without one.
—And how did he perform in the entrance exams? Professor Mari asked.
—From what I remember, he did exceptionally well. He ranked among the top twenty students. Even without a technique, he earned his place here just like anyone else.
Dael's laughter slowly died away, leaving only a cold, mocking expression.
—I still don't get it. Without a technique you'll end up at the very bottom of the rankings.
—Is that what you think?
—Of course it is. Without a technique you're nothing. That's just how things are, and they always will be.
—I understand that perfectly. I know I'm at a huge disadvantage, Raiden said as he shifted into a fighting stance, raising his katana. But even so, I'll give everything I have. And I will never give up.
Dael ground his teeth in frustration and gripped his weapon tighter.
—All that effort won't mean a thing against someone who actually has power! Thick black smoke began to pour from the blade of his katana.
Raiden rushed forward immediately; he knew he could not win if this turned into a long-range battle.
—Smoke Technique: Combustion Grenade! The smoke swirling around Dael condensed into several dense spheres.
Dael clenched his fist, and the spheres shot straight toward Raiden.
Raiden darted in wide circles around Dael, dodging every projectile with incredible speed and reflexes.
—How is this possible? How can some trash without a technique move like that? Dael thought to himself.
The smoke billowing from his weapon was harsh and stung his eyes—his technique was still far from perfect. He squeezed his eyes shut for just a second to clear his vision, but when he opened them again, Raiden was gone.
Dael spun around searching every corner of the arena, but there was no trace of him. It was as if he had vanished into thin air.
Anyone who had ever trained or fought against Raiden always said the same thing: Never take your eyes off him, or it will be the last mistake you ever make.
Panic began to set in as Dael looked everywhere for his opponent, until he felt a presence looming high above. He glanced up and saw a dark silhouette framed against the sun, plummeting straight down toward him at terrifying speed.
He braced himself for the impact. The two katana collided with a thunderous crash that shook the ground and sent up a massive cloud of dust and smoke.
The entire crowd held their breath in silence. When the smoke finally cleared, Dael was lying flat on his back in the dirt. Standing over him was Raiden, the tip of his blade pointing straight down at Dael's forehead.
Dael reached out desperately for his own weapon, which lay on the ground just out of reach—but Raiden placed his foot firmly on his wrist, holding him in place.
Dael burned with rage and disbelief. He could not accept that someone without a technique had defeated him so completely.
THE FIFTIETH MATCH HAS ENDED. DAEL ARVANT IS UNABLE TO CONTINUE. RAIDEN KUROHA IS DECLARED THE WINNER.
Raiden sheathed his katana, let out a long breath of relief, and walked toward the exit. The entire arena, students and teachers alike, remained stunned by what they had witnessed.
Floch started clapping slowly.
—Well now. Someone with no technique at all beat someone who had trained one his whole life. That's the kind of thing people say could never happen.
The Marks, the Promises, Naeris and Varek all stayed quiet, but every single one of them was deeply impressed. Kenzo looked at Raiden with nothing but admiration in his eyes.
After that incredible upset, the matches continued one after another, each one managing to excite Floch even more than the last.
—Ah! That technique was absolutely AMAZING! Floch shouted.
Terrmomix watched every fight without the slightest hint of interest or emotion, his gaze distant and unfocused as if his mind were somewhere else entirely.
The Promises and the Marks also observed closely, gathering information on potential opponents—though they all knew deep down that very few people in this tournament could ever pose a real threat to them.
And then, at last, the final match of the first round arrived…
SIXTY-FOURTH MATCH
RYU TANAKA VS… TERRMOMIX
Floch had already guessed who was next, but that didn't stop him from cheering.
—Good luck out there, Terr!
Terrmomix stood up from his seat and walked down through the stands toward the entrance. All the other students turned to watch him pass; there was something strange about him, something unnatural. He seemed completely devoid of any feeling or emotion whatsoever.
Arien and Kael both looked up as they heard the name called—they already knew that Terrmomix was unlike anyone else here.
Terrmomix stepped into the arena. The air around him felt different, neither heavy nor light, just… still. He was ready to finish this, and he wanted it over quickly.