After the matches concluded for the day, Kazuki found himself surrounded by the crowd, various competitors and spectators mingling around him. He had just stepped off the arena and was met with applause and admiration from many onlookers, which felt surreal to him. Despite his initial reluctance to participate, he was starting to enjoy the attention.
Elyra approached him, her expression serious. "You have real potential, Kazuki. If you're interested, I'd like to discuss some things with you about your… unique skills."
Kazuki raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"I've heard rumors about you," Elyra said, glancing around to ensure no one was eavesdropping. "About your ability to manipulate mana, even without a staff or formal training. It's unusual, and it could be very beneficial in the fight against the demon king."
Kazuki frowned, unsure of how to respond. "I'm just trying to get by. I'm not looking to become some kind of hero."
"Sometimes, circumstances force us into those roles whether we want to or not," Elyra replied, her tone firm. "And you'll need allies if you plan to face the threat ahead. You've already shown you can hold your own in the tournament. Why not use that to your advantage?"
Just then, Leo and Serena approached, overhearing the conversation. Leo's eyes widened in excitement. "What's this about facing the demon king? You've been holding out on us, Kazuki!"
Serena shot a curious glance at Elyra. "And who exactly are you?"
Elyra smiled, clearly unperturbed. "Just a sorceress looking for potential allies. If Kazuki is as strong as he seems, we could be of great use to each other."
Kazuki rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the weight of the conversation. "Look, I appreciate the offer, but I'm not sure if I want to get involved in anything serious."
Elyra crossed her arms. "This isn't just about you, Kazuki. There are lives at stake. The demon king's forces are growing, and we need all the help we can get."
Kazuki looked at his friends, their expressions reflecting a mix of curiosity and concern. "What do you think?"
"I think we should hear her out," Leo said enthusiastically. "If there's a chance to gain more knowledge or allies, we should take it."
Serena nodded. "It could be a good opportunity. Besides, we're already here. Why not gather more information while we can?"
Kazuki sighed, feeling the pressure mounting. "Fine, but I'm still keeping my distance. I don't want to get too involved."
"Of course," Elyra replied, a knowing smile on her face. "Meet me later at the inn. I'll have some information that might interest you."
As the day wore on, Kazuki couldn't shake the feeling that this tournament was just the beginning of something much larger. He had already met strong competitors, formed a few unexpected alliances, and felt a growing sense of purpose. But at the same time, he remained cautious, aware that every new connection came with its own risks.