After that, eleven more rounds played out in the tournament — and in nearly half of them, Michael came out on top. But as the final two rounds approached, a sudden change shifted the flow of the day. For reasons the organizers hadn't yet revealed, every fighter from Group A was transferred to the Group B arena.
"Huh? What are the Group A participants doing over here?" asked a spectator, craning their neck.
"Haven't you heard?" another replied.
"Heard what?"
"I heard someone broke all the walls in the other arena."
"Broke the walls!? Do you know who did it?"
"No idea, but I wish I did. Sounds like something epic happened."
Just then, the elder's voice echoed across the arena. "Dear friends! Before we begin today's matches, I must inform you that I was forced to relocate Group A here because every wall of Arena A has been destroyed. Now, I ask the first participants to prepare themselves!"
"I wonder who's fighting first?" Michael said aloud.
The answer came quickly: "First up, we have participants number 27654, Renald Solfaris, and number 763425, Erdan Moragrim!"
The two fighters entered the arena to the buzz of the crowd.
Meanwhile, a familiar mocking voice rang out.
"Well, if it isn't the weakling Michael — the one who shattered Arena A. Planning to do the same here?" Zigrane grinned.
"I have no reason to," Michael said calmly.
The match between Renald and Erdan was over quickly. Erdan lay flat on the ground, unable to stand.
"And the winner of the match is… Renald Solfaris!" announced the old man.
From the sidelines, Spinner grumbled. "Renald's guaranteed a place in the next stage. So is Ralf — hasn't lost once. But me? One more loss and I'm out."
A few minutes later, Renald walked up to Michael, casual but clearly enjoying himself.
"Hey there, Michael! I heard you beat Spinner. I have to admit… I didn't think you had it in you."
"Yeah, I defeated him," Michael replied. "Why are you emphasizing it so much?"
"Because you're still a weakling," Renald smirked. "No offense."
"Next match! Participants number 7456, Katsu Hirengin, and number 567438, Akatsuki Mubyo!" the elder announced. "Begin!"
"You're not really going to let that bother you, are you?" Katsu said as he passed by.
Michael shrugged. "I'm getting used to it."
Within minutes, the fight was over.
"And the winner is participant number 7456, Katsu Hirengin!"
As the arena cleared, Katsu walked toward Michael with a smile. "Hey, you still in?"
"Yeah. Barely. I've lost half my matches."
"Try not to lose two more. I'll be disappointed if you don't make it to the next stage."
"I don't plan on losing again," Michael said.
"Then maybe we'll meet in the next stage," Katsu grinned.
"I wouldn't mind that."
The two moved toward the arena railing as the next match was called: "Participants 11543, Torren Grummstone, and 657431, Elaira Winterglaze! Please prepare yourselves!"
"See that girl with the long, wavy, dark-brown hair?" Katsu pointed.
"I see her. Why?"
"Just keep watching."
The battle began. Torren — a muscular young man wielding an earthen blade — launched a series of aggressive attacks. But Elaira, light on her feet, dodged every blow with ease.
"You still think that's going to work on me?" she said coolly.
Michael's eyes widened. "She's dodging everything. She's not even using magic? Just sensing? ". For a moment, he wondered: "Am I really the only one who hasn't awakened properly yet?"
"Now watch closely," Katsu whispered. "Something's about to happen."
Torren raised his sword. "If that doesn't work, then I'll use this technique!"
In that instant, Elaira's calm expression faltered. Something shifted in her face — a flicker of fear?
"I give up!" she said suddenly, lowering her stance.
Torren blinked. "Wait… huh?"
"I said I give up," Elaira repeated.
"Uh… okay?" Torren said, confused.
Michael blinked in disbelief. "What just happened?"
"No one knows why," Katsu said. "When I fought her, she gave up right away, too. Said she saw no point in fighting someone she had no chance of beating. Said some fights weren't worth personal goals."
"She's… complicated," Michael muttered.
"And the winner is participant number 11543, Torren Grummstone!"
As Torren and Elaira left the arena, another familiar voice cut in.
"Michael! Katsu!" Felix jogged over, out of breath.
"Hey Felix," Michael greeted.
"I'm Katsu," Katsu said with a nod.
"Thanks! I always forget names the first time," Felix admitted.
Michael turned. "Felix, where's Cherry? I thought she was always focused on getting stronger. Is she not in the tournament?"
Felix hesitated. "Well, you see…"