The deep hum of the ship resonated through the water.
Light reflected off the waves onto the hull, casting dancing shadows across the arena decks.
Inside, Team C gathered in the training bay.
Each member adjusted their gauntlet, their eyes scanning the holographic projections of their own logos.
"Okay… now let's test these," Riku said, voice calm but focused.
Mira, standing beside him, tilted her head.
"You really think these will give us the edge?"
Riku smirked.
"It's not about giving us the edge—it's about showing who we are. Our country, our pride. The logo isn't just for show."
Bolt growled softly, circling around them.
Toma's fingers danced across his holo-pad, projecting the glowing symbols of their new team emblem.
"When we launch," Toma said, "the Core resonance will activate along with these logos. It's like… a spiritual signature. Everyone will know who's here, and where they're from."
The three of them synced their movements.
Blue, violet, and green cores pulsed in perfect unison.
The logos on their gauntlets glowed brightly, humming with energy, reflecting the Nepali flag colors subtly in the designs.
"Nepal," Riku whispered, almost to himself.
"We represent this. Every strike, every move—it's for our people."
[Scene 1 – Preparing for Japan]
The ship slowed its engines.
A new port appeared in the distance: Japan.
"Next stop," the announcer's voice echoed through the ship.
"All international teams, prepare for boarding. Country matches will commence immediately."
Riku and Mira watched the new arrivals carefully.
Japanese teams disembarked with precision, their uniforms crisp, eyes sharp and calculating.
"Looks like they've trained hard," Mira whispered, eyes narrowing.
Riku nodded, feeling the familiar buzz in his Core.
"No one can underestimate them. But neither can they underestimate us."
From the viewing deck, Toma observed the holographic maps.
"So far, only teams from Nepal and India have been onboard. Our first matches… were just the warm-ups. Now the real test begins."
The other teams from Japan moved in formation, each member with their own aura glowing faintly around them.
Riku's team quietly positioned themselves, logo gleaming, ready to announce their presence with every Core pulse.
[Scene 2 – First Glance of Rivals]
The Japanese team's leader stepped forward—a tall boy with raven-black hair and a silver gauntlet, a faint crimson aura swirling around him.
His eyes met Riku's.
"Nepal, I presume? Heard about your last battle… impressive."
Riku folded his arms.
"Thanks. But we're not done yet."
Mira stepped forward, letting her calm aura radiate.
"We're here to play fair… but don't expect us to hold back."
Bolt let out a soft growl beside them, sparks flying lightly.
A low murmur ran through the gathered crowd of spectators inside the ship's arena deck.
Everyone sensed it: the first international match of the tournament was about to start.
[Scene 3 – Tension Before the Match]
Riku's Core pulsed faster as the team took their positions.
"Everyone… focus," Toma instructed, projecting a holographic countdown.
"This is where we show that preparation matters more than pride alone."
Japanese team members whispered among themselves.
"They've only faced Nepalese and Indian teams so far… let's see how they handle real competition."
Riku's gaze swept over the arena deck, floating platforms, and energy conduits.
"We've trained for this moment. Remember our Core, our logos, our pride. Let them see it, feel it, and know who we are."
Mira smiled faintly, adjusting her gloves.
"Let's make them remember."
Bolt crouched, his tail brushing lightly against the floor. Sparks flickered like tiny lightning bolts.
The holographic system lit up: "MATCH START – TEAM C vs JAPAN TEAM 1"
The countdown began.
3… 2… 1…
All at once, cores activated, logos flared, and the arena's atmosphere shifted.
The first clash between Nepal and Japan was about to begin.
End of Chapter 32
Next: Chapter 33 – "The First International Clash"
The Nepali team faces Japan's strongest squad.
Arena chaos, Core strategies, and the first real glimpse of international-level Core evolution.