I sat on the bench, elbows propped on my knees, holding the bottle of water. Beside me, Seraphine sat upright, her fingers fiddling with the hem of her long white t-shirt with her usual air of playfulness.

    I still remember when I first saw her she was so serious and less talkative but now she is completely opposite. I guess that just show how comfortable she feels around me.

    "So, Blazer, huh?" Seraphine started, turning to me with her smile. Her tone was light, but her curiosity was ahead. "He was something else out there. And that starting move of yours... Care to share how you managed to, you know, disappear like you were never even there?"

    I took a slow sip of water, my expression unreadable. "It''s not something I feel like explaining."

    Seraphine pouted, puffing her cheeks dramatically. "Oh, come on, Cutiepie. You always do this. Keeping your secrets locked up. We''re friends! You could at least let me in on one or two of them."

    I shrugged. "Not everything needs to be shared, Seraphine. Besides, we are friends yes, but we will be competing against each other as well. Don''t forget that."

    "Hmm, you are right about that one." she said, crossing her arms. "Sorry for that." She said, with a sighh.

    "It''s okay. Don''t be." I said, patting her shoulders.

    "Fine. Keep your secrets, mysterious one," she muttered under her breath. Her gaze softened, though, as she said, "Still, whoever Blazer was, that guy was insanely strong. I don''t think I''ve ever seen someone with moves like his."

    I set the water bottle down on the floor beside me, clasping my hands together. "He wasn''t just strong. He was obsessed. That kind of skill comes from more than talent—it''s endless hours of relentless training, pushing himself to the brink and back. He must''ve trained like a complete psychopath."

    She tilted her head, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "You''re probably right. But, you know..." She turned to me, her lips curling into a sly smile. "You were stronger."

    "Well, yeah," I replied nonchalantly.

    "Not just stronger, though," she said, her voice softening slightly. "You were really cool out there, Cutiepie. The way you fought, the way you moved—it was mesmerizing."

    I glanced at her, noticing the faint blush creeping up her cheeks. She hesitated, then added in a quieter voice, "And... well... sexy, too."

    "Thank you," I said simply, my tone as calm and collected as ever. But I couldn''t help the faint flicker of amusement that passed through me as I saw her face turn even redder.

    Seraphine leaned in slightly, her fingers brushing my cheeks. Her eyes glimmered with a mix of admiration and something deeper. "Cutiepie..." she whispered.

    "Seraphine..." I murmured back, my gaze locking onto hers.

    The world around us seemed to fade away. She leaned closer, her lips parting slightly, her face mere inches from mine. I could hear her heartbeat thudding in her chest, breaking the rhythm of my calm. Our breaths mingled, and as our lips were about to meet—

    Knock* knock*

    The sound jolted both of us back to reality. Seraphine straightened up abruptly, her cheeks glowing crimson. I leaned back, picking up my water bottle to cover my own reaction.

    The door creaked open, and in stepped Darius, Seraphine''s ever-dutiful guardian. His sharp eyes immediately scanning the two of us.

    "Am I interrupting something?" he asked, his tone polite but carrying a subtle curiosity.

    "No, not at all," Seraphine said quickly, her voice a little too high-pitched. She cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure. "What brings you here, Darius?"

    "I hope Seraphine will be okay."

    ------

    The crowd erupted into a deafening roar, their cheers reverberating through the massive arena as the announcer''s voice thundered over the speakers.

    "Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the first semi-final match of the tournament!" His voice carried the enthusiasm, hyping up the audience further.

    The stands came alive with stomping feet, clapping hands, and chants, their collective energy crackling in the air. High above the chaos, the Queen sat in her elevated booth, sipping wine from an elegant, crystal cup. Her gaze was calm and enjoying the moment and sharing conversation in between with her royal guards.

    "And now," the announcer continued, "welcome our first fighter! The woman who has won not only her battles but also the sympathy and hearts of all those watching... Seraphine!"

    The crowd erupted into cheers once more as Seraphine stepped onto the stage. She walked confidently, her long white t-shirt swaying slightly with each step, her blue denim shorts and black stockings emphasizing her body. Her blue-and-white sneakers glinted in the light, and the steel sword resting in her hand.

    She gave up on wearing armor as it was destroyed in her last fight with Braun.

    Her expression was calm yet determined, her silver eyes scanning the arena briefly before locking onto her opponent''s entrance.

    The announcer wasn''t done yet.

    "And now... her opponent! The mysterious, sexy fighter of the tournament! The woman who defied all odds and defeated last year''s undefeated champion... CUTIEPIE!"

    The crowd''s reaction was explosive, far louder than before, shaking the very walls of the stadium.

    "CUTIE-PIE"

    "CUTIE-PIE"

    "CUTIE-PIE"

    "CUTIE-PIE"

    "CUTIE-PIE"

    They chanted my name over and over, their voices mingling into a singular wave of sound.

    I walked onto the stage, unfazed by the loud noise from around. My sword hung at my waist, untouched, and my hands stayed buried casually in the pockets of my jacket. The bubble gum in my mouth shifted lazily as I chewed, my jaw moving in slow rhythm as I glanced at the crowd and then back at Seraphine.

    The announcer''s voice carried over the cheers. "Just look at that support! The crowd is absolutely in love with her!"

    Seraphine and I stood facing each other at the center of the stage. The noise of the crowd felt like a distant noises as our gazes locked. Her silver eyes burned with resolve, while mine remained casual and cold.

    Neither of us spoke. There was no need. The air between us was heavy with tension, an unspoken acknowledgment of the battle ahead.

    The crowd''s cheers faded into muffled murmurs as we stood there, unmoving, our swords and spirits ready to clash.