gallery link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/11XY8iSx2ghO2h4d7ssOR_0U-s2tsLE8XKEtSZALaFY4/edit

Korie takes a deep breath as she stands alone in the hallway before entering the arena.

Announcer: “For the first match of the qualifying round… we have Korie Roseline versus Zazushi Giho!”

Zazushi and Korie walk out into the large stadium from opposite ends of the arena and draw their blades.

Announcer: “Now for the moment you’ve all been waiting for! 120 seconds are on the clock. Get ready fighters… TRIUMPH OR DIE!”

Korie tightens her grip on the hilt of her sword as it trembles in her hand, her heart pounding as the crowd roars to life around her. Across the arena, Zazushi stands motionless. His head is tilted slightly as if he’s already listening for her, feeling the wind, waiting. The timer begins. Zazushi lunges first, his movements a blur of calculated precision. Korie’s instincts kick in, and she barely manages to sidestep, the force of his blade cutting the air where she had stood just a breath earlier. She stumbles slightly but recovers, her heart racing as she feels the raw power behind Zazushi's strike. Forcing herself to focus, she lunges forward, slashing with a quick upward arc aimed at his chest. Zazushi blocks it effortlessly with a single, almost casual twist of his wrist. His swordsmanship is elegant and arrogant, as if he’s toying with her. Korie grits her teeth. She can’t afford to be distracted by his showmanship. Every second counts. They exchange strikes, her movements fluid but defensive. Zazushi is relentless, each swing designed to overwhelm her. His speed, his reach—it’s as if he knows exactly where she is, where she’ll step next, without needing to see her. Korie has no choice but to keep retreating, barely fending him off, each of her strikes either parried or dodged with infuriating ease.

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Zazushi: “You’re slowing down,”

Zazushi casually parries another one of Korie’s strikes

Zazushi: “What’s the matter, Korie? Is your fear weighing you down?”

She says nothing, her breath growing more ragged as she pushes herself harder. She is truly scared, and she knows it, but she can’t afford to give in. Not now. Not with Vequora watching somewhere in the crowd. Korie spins on her heel, attempting a low strike aimed at his legs, but Zazushi counters with brutal efficiency, slamming the flat of his blade against hers. The impact sends a jarring vibration up her arm, nearly making her drop her sword. He doesn’t stop. In the blink of an eye, Zazushi advances again, his sword aimed directly at her throat. She barely ducks in time. His blade slices the air above her, so close she can feel the rush of wind against her skin. She knows she’s in trouble. Zazushi fights without mercy, each move designed to drive her into a corner, to leave her with no options. The audience is on the edge of their seats, sensing that the end is near. But Korie isn’t done yet. With a burst of determination, she feints to the left, drawing Zazushi’s attention for just a split second before pivoting on her back foot. She throws her weight into a powerful horizontal slash, aiming for his midsection. For the first time, Zazushi seems surprised, his body jerking slightly as he parries her blade. The clang of metal against metal reverberates through the arena.

Zazushi: “Not bad,”

Zazushi shifts stance slightly. He’s taking Korie more seriously now. Seconds are ticking down on the timer. She’s running out of time. Zazushi presses forward again, his strikes faster, more aggressive. Korie is forced back, her body in agonizing pain from the strain as she parries, ducks, and dodges. She knows she can’t hold out much longer. With a final, vicious strike, Zazushi knocks her sword from her hand, sending it skidding across the dirt arena floor, kicking up dust. Korie freezes. Zazushi stands over her, his sword raised high for the killing blow. The crowd gasps. She has seconds. Maybe less. In a last-ditch effort, Korie rolls to the side, narrowly avoiding the blade as it comes crashing down where she’d just been. The timer blares, signaling the end of the match just as Zazushi’s sword embeds itself in the ground, inches from where she lies. Breathing heavily, Korie scrambles to her feet, heart pounding in her chest. She’s made it—just barely.

Announcer: “Time's up! The match is over!”

Zazushi lowers his sword, a disappointed smirk playing across his lips as he turns to leave.

Zazushi: “Consider this a warning for you and your sister.”

Korie stands frozen for a moment, her body trembling with adrenaline and exhaustion. She’s alive.