My eyes shot open. A sharp, searing pain radiated through my body. I groaned softly, the ache impossible to ignore, as if my entire being had been wrung out and left to dry. A heavy blanket pressed down on me, its weight both a comfort and a prison. The room around me was small, dimly lit by the faint glow of a oil lamp hung overhead. I blinked, trying to orient myself. Is this where I ended up after losing?

God… that was pathetic. The memory of the fight clawed its way to the forefront of my mind. He had more experience than me. I clenched my jaw, the bitterness of defeat settling like a stone in my gut. Hopefully Jane isn’t traumatized. The thought of her witnessing my humiliation made the sting even worse. I need to thank Lucas for not killing me. Shifting beneath the blanket, I winced as my muscles protested the movement. The sterile smell of disinfectant filled my nose, and my surroundings became clearer. The realization hit me like a splash of cold water: I’m in a hospital. The stark white walls and the soft hum of medical equipment confirmed it, as did the sharp tug of something attached to my arm. I glanced down, noticing a thin tube leading to an unfamiliar device beside the bed. Frowning, I grasped at it, giving it a slight wiggle, my curiosity overriding my discomfort. I’ve never seen this before. A deep voice rumbled through the quiet, startling me. "State-of-the-art medical equipment. Courtesy of me."

I froze, then turned my gaze toward the source. Sitting casually in a metal chair near the door, arms crossed over his chest, was the Demon Buddha himself. His imposing frame seemed almost too large for the modest seat, his presence commanding even in stillness. I moved again, but something warm and soft brushed against my legs. I glanced down to find Jane sprawled across me, her small form rising and falling with the rhythm of her breathing. Her weight pinned me in place, a tether to reality in this strange, clinical space. My lips twitched into a faint smile as I gently wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer without waking her. My gaze flicked back to the Demon Buddha, suspicion creeping into my voice. “What do you want? Did you… notice it?”

"Of course I did. You used Piercing Hand. His martial arts style." he said. My instincts flared, and adrenaline surged through me. I have to fight! I primed my hand, fingers tensing as I prepared for an attack. The weight of Jane on my legs was the only thing keeping me from springing out of the bed entirely. He raised a hand, his expression calm yet commanding. "Calm down," he said, shaking his head. "I won't misunderstand like the others. I'm actually glad you're here." I froze, thrown off by his words. What’s he talking about? He leaned forward slightly, his tone shifting to something almost nostalgic. "When Zero took you all those years ago, I was just a teenager. In the Leadership War, your parents sided with Zero—that was their one and only mistake." He paused, a flicker of regret crossing his features. "Leo… and God willing, I wish it could’ve gone another way, killed them. He did so in a painless way."

The words hit me like a hammer to the chest. My breathing slowed, the weight of his revelation sinking in. "But you're here now." he continued, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. "And you escaped! You even learned his style, which was nearly lost to time." He stood up from his chair, his towering form casting a shadow across the sterile hospital room. The metal groaned softly under the sudden release of his weight. "Your parents and I had a great relationship. They were like my aunt and uncle. I do not blame them for being manipulated by Zero’s idealism." He exhaled, his arms falling to his sides as his gaze grew distant. "We live in a world of ruthlessness, where kindness is for fools. They were like light." His eyes locked onto mine, and for the first time, I saw something beyond his usual stoic demeanor. Was it… sincerity? Reverence? I couldn’t tell, although his words were clear. "You are light too." he said, his voice soft yet firm. "You are the last Cardaire." Cardaire? That sounds.. familiar. I blinked, trying to process it. I assume he’s talking about my parents… My fists clenched tightly at my sides, the rage and confusion boiling inside me. "Why did you let Sun change?" I demanded, my voice shaking with anger. "If my parents were light, then you're darkness."

His face darkened, contorting with anger as his voice sharpened. “Don’t insult me, Vellin. Sun is not in its best state right now. The only reason we’re like this is because we’re weak. For God’s sake, Obsidian is equal to us now! We used to eclipse them by miles.” His fists clenched. “If we stayed under Zero’s leadership, we would never have won the war against them. Leo was needed, and that’s why the majority of Sun allied with him—and still follow him. Leo will change when this is all over. I trust him.” This makes things a bit more complicated. Zero painted himself as the rightful leader, unjustly overthrown. Which, technically, he was. They have their reasons for their actions. Does that justify what they do now? Jane stirred, rubbing at one bleary eye as she pushed herself upright. “Sorry, Caleb,” she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep. “I fell asleep...” Caleb. That’s his name.

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Jane’s eyes began to glisten with unshed tears as she turned to me, her expression melting into one of relief. She leaned forward, wrapping her arms tightly around me. This time, her aim was true. “You’re okay!” she cried, her voice cracking as she clung to me. “Thank goodness...” I hugged her back, the warmth of her embrace momentarily easing the storm inside me. “I’m sorry for worrying you,” I whispered, my voice low with guilt. “I won’t do something like that again.” Caleb’s serious demeanor softened as he chuckled. “You’re well underway to carrying on their legacy.” He rose from his chair, his movements deliberate, and extended a hand toward me. “I’m thinking of canceling the tournament and bringing both you and Ryan in as Officers. You’re too valuable to lose. We’re family.”

Family? I glanced at his outstretched hand, but the weight of my failure bore down on me. “I lost,” I admitted, my voice heavy with shame. “I lost to Lucas. He was just too strong.” Caleb hesitated, then slowly withdrew his hand. His expression shifted, and he spoke again, his words careful yet electrifying. “Oh... I forgot to tell.” I looked up, confused by the sudden change in tone. His eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, it felt as though he could see through me—past flesh and bone, into something deeper. “Your lineage is special.” he said. “Your mom and dad were exceptionally kind, but inside their souls… a god resides.”

I tilted my head, confusion etched into my face. “What are you talking about? I still lost.” Jane jumped in, her voice firm and insistent. “No, you didn’t. After you got knocked out... you rose again. You continued to fight, but in a different way. You were efficient, dominant.” Caleb nodded, his expression resolute. “Your girlfriend is right. You awakened that god.” His tone carried a gravity that made the air in the room feel heavier. “To awaken it at the age of twenty... a late bloomer.” He chuckled softly. “We’ll discuss Zero and where we can catch him another time. He’s probably already moved from where he trained you.” His voice faltered slightly, and to my shock, I saw a tear streak down his cheek. He wiped it away quickly, but his words betrayed his emotions. “I’m just glad we’re together again.” I swiped his hand away as he offered it once more, standing my ground. “Thanks for the gesture,” I said firmly, my voice cutting through the air like a blade, “but I will win the tournament fair and square. I don’t care if you recruit Ryan, either. I will not go back on my word—I will beat you and become a Flame.”

Caleb regarded me for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, without a word, he turned and walked toward the door. Ducking under the low frame, he paused and glanced back, a shadow of a smirk tugging at his lips. “If that’s your choice, so be it. But don’t get too cocky.” His eyes gleamed with a dangerous light. “I was the one who stopped your rampage in that form. I’ll schedule the fight for eleven.” The door clicked shut behind him. Jane’s fist shot out, punching my thigh hard enough to make me flinch. “You want to fight again?” she exclaimed, her voice rising with exasperation. “You nearly died!” I unwrapped the bandage from my forearm slowly. I revealed the unmarred skin beneath. “I’m in top condition,” I said, flexing my fingers. “I also don’t have to hide Piercing Hand anymore.” I met her gaze. “You get what that means, right?” Jane stared at me for a long moment before sighing in defeat. “Since you’re so adamant… I’ll allow it. But this is the last time, okay?” A small smile crept onto her face, though it was tinged with worry. “Promise me.” I couldn’t help but smile back at her, the tension in my shoulders easing just a fraction. “Yes, ma’am.” I said, the corner of my mouth quirking up in a faint grin.

The next day..

“We made it!” I shouted. The energy in the arena was electric. “The Demon Buddha wanted to recruit them both, but Vellin demanded the show must go on! What a great guy!” The spectators erupted in cheers, their enthusiasm feeding off the intensity of the moment. I gestured dramatically toward Vellin, who stood menacingly in the sand, his stance relaxed. “Look at him!” I exclaimed, my voice rising in excitement. “When he declared he was going to challenge the Demon Buddha, I thought he was just bluffing! Although now—” I paused, “—now it looks like it could actually happen!”

My voice surged as I pointed to the other side of the arena. “Ryan was severely injured in the last fight! Can he keep up with Vellin, who looks no worse for wear?” The crowd murmured in speculation, some betting whispers already turning into shouts. “Ryan has made an interesting request!” I continued, raising my hand theatrically to build suspense. “He’s added a nickname for himself—The Red Dragon! Sounds pretty cool, doesn’t it?” The crowd cheered in approval, the name resonating with the fiery roar Ryan was known for after that last match. “Wait!” I shouted, pivoting to him. “Vellin has chosen a nickname too! He will now be known as The Piercing Serpent!” I paused for dramatic effect, letting the name sink into the crowd. “Pierce, huh? He’s going to show us something new!” The buzz intensified as I gestured toward the betting board. “And the stakes are set! Twofold return for Ryan, twofold for Vellin! This is the match of the century! Our top gladiators can't even compare!” I opened my palm, signaling the referee to stay back. “Let’s countdown together for the final match!” I bellowed.

“Three... two... one... begin!”