The figure that emerged from the fog was a sight to behold. Towering over the crowd, he stood at least six feet tall, his dark eyes glinting with a sinister intensity. His long, black hair, styled in a spiky, rebellious fashion, framed his face. Though shirtless, he was adorned in a flowing black outfit that draped over his right shoulder, adding to his imposing demeanor. His black trousers and the iron sword slung at his waist completed his warrior's ensemble.
Despite his youthful appearance, he exuded an aura of experience and power. A confident smile played on his lips, a smile that reminded Caitrin of Valdis's infectious grin, yet somehow more restrained and enigmatic. His eyes, however, held a mischievous glint, as if he were sizing up a worthy opponent.
"There's usually no one around here who challenges me that much," he said, his voice a low rumble. "So, how about you show me what kind of face you have under that mask?"
Orano remained silent, his gaze unwavering beneath the mask. Then, with a deliberate movement, he removed the mask and tossed it to the ground.
His face, revealed for the first time, was etched with a hint of anger. His eyes, a fiery intensity, seemed to burn with a silent rage.
Genju's smile widened. "Just as I thought," he said, his voice filled with excitement. "A pair of eyes that are burning with anger and a face with a desire to fight."
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High above the arena, Queen Elara watched the unfolding drama with a mixture of excitement and curiosity. Her eyes were fixed on Orano, who had just revealed his face, his expression a stark contrast to the calm demeanor he had displayed earlier.
"Someone who can challenge Genju without a second thought," she murmured to herself, her voice barely audible. "That boy has more courage than I anticipated."
A sly smile crept across her lips. "I wonder what kind of show he'll give us tonight," she mused, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
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As Orano and Genju continued to stare at each other, a fierce intensity passed between them. Orano, his patience wearing thin, finally spoke. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice cold and deliberate. "I'm not here to fight or waste my time. Whatever plans you have in mind, you'd better cancel them now."
His anger was palpable, his eyes burning with a fury that matched the intensity of his words. "Get out of the way," he demanded.
Genju, however, remained unperturbed. His wide grin widened even further. "Oh? So you want me to get out of your way? Then you should know that you have to make the first move."
Caitrin, watching the tense standoff, couldn't help but intervene. "Tatsumi! Don't listen to him! He's trying to provoke you into a fight!"
Orano glanced at her, his expression softening slightly. "Wait here and don't move until I say so," he instructed. "I'll get us out of here."
Just as he finished speaking, the announcer's voice echoed through the arena. "Well, it seems we'll have to cancel the first event tonight and make some changes."
The crowd murmured in disappointment, their anticipation dampened by the unexpected turn of events.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" the announcer continued, his voice regaining its enthusiasm. "Welcome back to our special guest match tonight! With Evander Boras's mysterious disappearance, we now have a new contender! The real match of the night starts now!"
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The crowd erupted in cheers, their excitement reignited by the prospect of a new match.
"In one corner is the champion, Genju Nasaki, undefeated with a score of 27-0!" the announcer proclaimed.
Caitrin's heart sank as she heard the undefeated record. "27-0? Are you serious?" she muttered to herself.
"And in the other corner," the announcer continued, "is someone who has just entered the competition but is already well-known among the people! He is one of the legendary creature hunters! He is... Orano Tatsumi!"
The announcement of Orano Tatsumi's name sent a shockwave through the crowd. A wanted criminal, a figure of infamy, was about to face off against the undefeated champion.
"Orano Tatsumi?" the crowd murmured in disbelief. "That guy caused trouble in Emperal?"
"I saw him back in Faye," someone else recalled. "He was at the Ceremony."
"He looks dangerous," another spectator commented.
Despite their concerns, the crowd was still eager to witness the spectacle. "Mr. Nasaki! You can do this!" they chanted. "Give us a good show, Mr. Tatsumi!"
Caitrin, her heart pounding in her chest, knew they were trapped. "Now it's too late," she whispered to herself. "We can't get out of here anymore."
Genju, his face split into a wide grin, removed his sword from his belt. "Then let the show begin," he said, his voice filled with excitement.
As the crowd fell silent, Orano and Genju drew their swords simultaneously, their blades clashing in a blinding flurry of steel. They circled each other, their eyes locked in a deadly dance.
Genju, impressed by Orano's skill, commented, "You are stronger than I thought! But I think you can show me more."
With renewed vigor, Genju launched a series of attacks, his sword a blur of motion. Orano, his reflexes honed by countless battles, parried each strike with expert precision.
As Orano dodged Genju's attacks, he thought to himself, "He's attacking quickly, trying to wear me down. I need to find a way to stop this and counterattack."
Seizing an opportunity, Genju aimed a blow at Orano's right arm. However, Orano, with a swift movement, caught the sword with his armpit and retaliated with a powerful palm strike to Genju's chin.
Genju staggered backward, but quickly recovered. With a graceful somersault, he landed behind Orano and attempted a surprise attack on his neck. Orano, however, was prepared. He raised his sword, deflecting Genju's blow, and then pushed him away with a forceful kick to the belly.
As Orano and Genju caught their breath, their eyes locked in a fierce intensity. "You're very good at defending yourself," Genju said, his voice laced with admiration. "And you can repel any incoming attack. But you haven't shown how good you are at attacking. So how about we make this game a little more fun?"
Orano's response was unwavering. "I'm not here to prove anything to you," he replied, his voice filled with determination. "The only thing that will settle this is a decisive conclusion."
"Then we have no choice but to finish this," Genju said, his voice rising with excitement.
The two warriors clashed once more, their swords a blur of motion. The crowd roared in approval, their excitement reaching a fever pitch. Caitrin, watching the duel with a mixture of fear and admiration, felt a pang of worry as she heard Lydia's voice through her Zon Device.
"Caitrin! Can you hear me?" Lydia asked, her voice urgent.
"Yes, I can," Caitrin replied, her heart pounding. "What happened?"
"They've closed the first port," Lydia explained. "Abort the escape plan and meet me at port three. I'll get a ship ready as soon as possible, but we have to leave immediately!"
"Understood," Caitrin replied, her voice filled with determination. "We'll do our best."
As Caitrin continued to watch the duel, her eyes were drawn to a particularly intense exchange. Orano and Genju, their swords locked in a stalemate, had leaped into the air, their blades clashing with a deafening force. They landed, their swords still intertwined, and exchanged a fierce glance.
Genju, seizing the moment, struck Orano in the stomach with his knee, disarming him. He then lunged forward, his sword raised high. Orano, barely recovering, rolled to the side, avoiding the deadly blow.
As they both stood up, panting heavily, Genju launched another attack. Orano, his reflexes lightning-fast, threw his sword to the ground and blocked Genju's strikes with his fists and feet. With a well-timed kick, he sent Genju sliding backward.
Orano then picked up his sword and leapt into the air in a swift and powerful movement, ready to strike. He landed on the hilt of his sword, his body perfectly balanced, and delivered a devastating kick to Genju, opening up a huge distance between them.