Night before the 1v1 arena section.

Raja Kint and Exochos Kint are walking out of a forest with tattered clothes. King Kint in front of them. They entered their house.

Master A is sitting at a table with Martial Master. Hearing the front door open they turn their gazes.

King Kint steps in first with the two boys following.

“Seems you boys had fun,” says Martial Master.

“I’m really curious as to how far you two go,” says Master A.

Raja Kint shrugs his shoulders. “We already know I’m winning.”

Exochos Kint looks at Raja Kint. “We’ll see.”

The two boys aren’t kept for long as they retire to their rooms. Raja Kint takes his clothes off. Nakedly lying in bed. Can’t imagine him not being one of the stronger ones here. He looks toward the moon shining through the window. Lifting his upper body he opens the window as the cool air expels the stale air. He lays back down. Being first won’t be easy. I have to be very careful of using the first fist as I can’t control it too well. He smiles. “I’d like to see anyone else actually reach an accomplishment in such a technique at my age and cultivation.”

Shortly after he fell asleep.

“Raja,” sounds a young girl’s voice.

Raja Kint lazily opens his eyes. He looks toward the door. “What?”

“We’re getting ready to leave.”

“Now?”

“Now.”

Raja Kint stretches as he puts on a new set of clothes. All black with “kint sect” written in white on the left chest. He closes the window and leaves his room.

Kyoot Kint seemed more excited than usual.

“Nervous?” asked Raja Kint as they began walking.

“Excited. I’ve only gotten more excited since the free-for-all. To go against the strongest of our generation. This is a level of talent I never would’ve experienced had I stayed in the sect. And now I have the chance to learn on the same playing field as them.” Kyoot Kint’s eyes seemed to be sparkling.

Raja Kint replies, “You’re quite talented yourself. You had one of the stronger showings for an arrayist in this competition. Not to include that you’re an entire stage lower from the peak like me.”

They reached downstairs only to hear Rhode Kint. “Seems like the two who went off to play with each other. Also decided that they would sleep in. It would be too funny if you both got eliminated on the first day.”

Raja Kint says, “It would be even funnier if you were eliminated on the first day.”

Rhode Kint didn’t reply as she went to talk to Kyoot Kint. Raja Kint followed everyone to the arena. When they arrived there was a billboard showing the seven rounds of 1v1. With names only being at the bottom of the board. Underneath the board was a smaller notice. Giving instructions to the competitors. Master A had already explained everything to Raja Kint.

This time the competitors were to gather in two areas beneath the seats like gladiators. Raja Kint and Rhode Kint went to the right together. Finding the area, they allowed the guards to check their talisman placement and their names. The two were let in and found a spot to sit.

Being in the darkness brought back memories of the coliseum. Raja Kint’s nose wrinkled as he felt a coldness seeping into his bones.

“Raja!” A hand heavily shook him from the memories. Raja Kint looked at Rhode Kint.

“What is it?”

“You were giving off a scary feeling.” Her eyes motioned away from his.

Raja Kint looked around to see other nearby competitors were watching him. He turned to Rhode Kint and asked, “When is this starting?”

“Soon. They have the matches lined up in schedules over there.” She pointed to a billboard with names paired up.

Raja Kint looked at the paired names. His eyes looked to the right to see a screen displaying the arena. He also noticed that Exochos Kint would be fighting before him. The two girls after.

After some time the competition came underway. The first two competitors called forth. On the billboard two names lit up.

Some type of array huh. Well, it shouldn’t be all that complicated. The other boards are probably connected too.

With the first match underway Raja Kint calmly watched. Soon, Exochos Kint was on the stage. Easily handling his matchup. While allowing the girl to show her full abilities.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“Raja Kint.” A man called forth. Raja Kint’s pair lit up on the billboard.

Rhode Kint lightly punched his arm. “It’ll still be funny if it happened to only one of you.”

Raja Kint smirked as he walked out. The sun shined down upon the arena, now smaller than during the battle royale. As thousands of people were seated. Filling the area even more than during the battle royale. From the opposite side was a young boy walking toward the arena as well.

Raja Kint used the steps to ascend the arena. Reaching the top, he looked toward the man who rings the bell.

The man raised his arms and hit the bell. “Ding. Ding. Ding.” Signifying the start of the match.

The boy used a full-body ki lynx technique.

Raja Kint watched as the boy slowly circled him. What the hell is this? Raja Kint dashed toward the boy. The boy dashed to Raja Kint’s right then behind him.

Raja Kint was a bit surprised by the speed as he turned. A few feet from his eyes was the boy’s clawing attack. Raja Kint instinctively threw a punch. The boy stopped his attack as he zig-zagged around Raja Kint. Continuously launching attacks at blindspots.

Raja Kint felt confused. Isn’t he tiring himself out? Sure, he has speed that most wouldn’t be able to keep up with. But, if this is the extent he has. Then I've won. Raja Kint slightly bent his knees as he ran after the boy.

This quickly turned from a contest of probing to a contest of speed. Raja Kint ran next to the boy as he raised his left arm. The boy shifted directions in the blink of an eye.

Damn, he can really switch direction so sharply. Raja Kint stopped running. He stood still, nearly immediately a slash landed on his back. The second he felt the slash his left arm swung, his hips rotating. Grabbing the boy’s wrist. The boy’s face was fierce as he struck forth with his other hand while using his quick acceleration to shake off Raja Kint.

“Kitty, you’ve been really naughty running around everywhere.” Raja Kint smiled. “Let me help you rest.” He lifted the boy into the air and slammed him against the arena. “Boom.” “I don’t think one time is enough. You have quite the energy.” Raja Kint repeatedly slammed the boy.

The boy tried dragging Raja Kint with his speed, clawing his hand and biting his arm. Yet, Raja Kint was unfazed as the booming sounds rang out. After the tenth slam Raja Kint let go of the boy. The ki technique had dissipated and the boy silently lay on the ground.

Raja Kint turned his back and looked out into the crowd. Raja Kint’s right ear twitched. Instantly he turned as his right hand reached out and clamped onto a thin neck.

The boy’s bloody face was horrified. “H-H-How did you?”

“No need.” Raja Kint raised the boy and slammed him into the arena.

The boy wailed, “I quit!”

Raja Kint let the boy fall face first as the bell rang again. On the billboard, Raja Kint’s name stayed lit up while his opponent’s name dimmed. His name also moved up to a position in the top 64.

A man quickly helped the other boy off the arena as the next two competitors were called on.

Raja Kint sat down next to Rhode Kint. Ten fights later Kyoot Kint was called up. She won a hard-fought victory against a ninth stage. And Rhode Kint won not soon after.

With their fights finished they were able to leave the stadium. Rhode Kint says, “Everyone is strong now.”

Kyoot Kint nods her head. “Even with my setup I had to give my all. But we succeeded. We’re all in the top 64. Next is the top 32.”

Raja Kint asks, “How many eighth stages are still in the mix?”

“I think there’s three others,” says Kyoot Kint.

“We’ll probably get picked. It isn’t easy to make it this far at the eighth stage.” Rhode Kint glances at Raja Kint. “Much less entering at the seventh stage.”

Raja Kint calmly says, “Only a genius could pull such a feat.”

The Kint Sect adults arrive as everyone heads home to prepare for the next round in two days. As Raja Kint is in his room he gets called downstairs. At the front door he finds Calanthe Cardinal.

“Let’s go for a walk.”

With a blank expression Raja Kint says, “Why?”

Her eyebrows lightly rise. “You’d rather me walk around alone. You’re my only friend after all.”

“Exochos?”

“Acquantainces at best.”

Raja Kint went outside as the two walked toward Bisuke City. Calanthe Cardinal talked to Raja Kint about how he’s doing in the competition. Raja Kint couldn’t care less about his performance so far. He tuned her out at one point as he looked at the city they were walking through. The streets are bustling with life. Smiling and angry kids with their parents. Young adults laughing aloud. Couples enjoying each other’s company.

His stomach dropped.

He looked over at Calanthe Cardinal. “Let’s sit down somewhere.”

“I don’t know the city. You know anywhere?”

Raja Kint looked around and spotted an outdoor restaurant. The two went over and ordered some food. The food was delicious as the two ate. Yet, Raja Kint still felt the pit. He knew deep down. No matter how happy he can try to be. No matter how much tape he tries to put over the wound. He would never escape this sadness. This sadness that has etched itself into his being.

Calanthe Cardinal looked at Raja Kint spacing off. She finished chewing her food before tapping Raja Kint’s finger. Snapping him out of his thoughts. She played with her food a bit. “Ya know. I wasn’t lying when I said you’re the only friend I have. As friends, even if it’s one way.” She looked Raja Kint in his eyes. “Feel free to express your thoughts to me.”

Raja Kint’s eyes seemed to be studying his food. “Thanks, we aren't currently a one-way friendship. It’s just… just that my mind is a little.” He looked into Calanthe Cardinal’s eyes. “Tired.”

She felt her heart skip a beat. There seemed to be an inherent sadness in his eyes. A sadness that transcended her own. “If you want to find me after the competition. There’s a chance we can meet in a few years.”

“Why would I care?”

“Because the event is held by one of the strongest existences in this world. An event specific to the younger generation. I don’t know anything beyond that. But if you’re part of the younger generation then this is the event to be at. Only for those at the earth devourer stage under 50 years old.”

“You’ll reach that point in a few years?”

Calanthe Cardinal sticks her chin upward. “I’m far more talented than you know. You should be cautious to even get a chance for attendance. Of course, this is the other main reason I’ve invited you out.”