“That idiot Pantero.”

The leader of the Tiger Clan let out a heavy sigh.

The crowd cheered for Stella’s performance. Everyone thought she was the dark horse of this tournament.

“Don’t get too full of yourself Stella, Pantero just got too overconfident.”

Riri gathered herself up again.

“Dragon’s breath!”

Riri shot another beam at Stella.

Stella was too quick for Riri to get accustomed to. She was able to close in on Riri and deliver multiple blows to the gut before landing a kick right under Riri’s chin.

“B-bitch.” Riri muttered.

“...standing stampede.”

Stella continuously kicked Riri, juggling her in mid air.

“STOP!”

Mourno shouted.

Stella stopped her assault. Riri’s body fell to the ground with a sickening thud. She had already passed out.

“THE WINNER OF THE SECOND GROUP IS STELLA! But I issue a warning towards the Horse candidate. If you happen to go to far again, you will be disqualified.”

Stella nodded then made her way back to her clan’s section.

“The tournament will enter a short intermission to repair the stage.” Mourno said.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

The crowd got up and started moving about to replenish their snacks and drinks or just use the restroom.

Doriama turned towards Raion.

“So what do you think of the competition so far? Think you can handle them?”

Raion thought about it.

“Well, it looks like it’ll be tough, but definitely doable. I always fought against my master everyday, so I’m used to being in life or death sessions. So compared to this, it’s not as scary. Not too worried.”

Doriama laughed.

“I still have many more questions for this master of yours, but I’ll save it for after you win this tournament.”

Raion nodded.

“I always have questions about you too.”

“Oh, like what?”

“Don’t play games Doriama. I’m talking about this exile. Obviously mostly everyone here has some resentment towards you, I want to know why.”

Doriama leaned back into his throne.

“Sure I’ll tell you what happened after you win this though.”

“Alright deal.”

Raion looked at the other Zodiac members.

“Speaking of which, why don’t tell me a bit more about these members?”

Doriama groaned.

“What, why? What do you want to know?”

“Well I figured knowing more about my competition will help me compete better.”

“Well you have a point, sure I’ll humor you what do you want to know?”

Doriama scratched the top of his head.

“Well first of, who’s the strongest Zodiac member?”

“Me.”

Raion stared at Doriama.

“No seriously. Who is it Doriama?”

Doriama’s face had a glooming sad expression. He held his head low.

“Okay fine, who’s the second strongest behind you?”

Doriama’s head perked right back up.

“Second huh? That’d be the leader of the Dragon Clan, Kyari.”

“It didn’t look like the candidate was anything special.”

“Don’t be fooled, there’s a huge difference between the leader and the candidate. Between a leader a its candidate there’s no greater difference than that of the Dragon’s. They’re essentially in two different worlds.”

“Wow...”

Doriama rested his head on his fist while leaning to one side.

“Well then, any other leader worth mentioning?” Raion questioned.

“No one in particular, but if anything...the leader of the Dog Clan is quite something too.” Doriama said.

“What do you mean?”

“He essentially keeps the law enforced on this island.”

“How’s that special?”

“Just think about it, to enforce the law on this island takes a considerable amount of strength to do so.”

“Ohhh...”

“Also, that guy knows everything. If you’re looking to fight Bahamut in the future, you’ll definitely be running into him.”

“Interesting.” Raion whispered to himself.

“SORRY for the wait everybody!” Mourno made his entrance. “LET ROUND THREE BEGIN!”

END