The days that followed were a blur of intense matches, growing suspicions, and careful planning. Kazuki's alliance had grown, and they were now in regular contact with several other competitors who shared their concerns about the demon king's forces.
As the tournament progressed, the battles became fiercer. Kazuki found himself pitted against stronger and more unpredictable opponents, each fight testing his limits. But it wasn't just the physical toll that weighed on him—the mental strain of constantly watching his back was beginning to wear him down.
In the quiet moments between matches, Kazuki and his allies continued their investigation, gathering information on the suspicious competitors Darius had mentioned. They quickly realized that the threat wasn't just limited to a few individuals—there were entire groups within the tournament that seemed to be working together, their motives unclear but undeniably dangerous.
One night, as Kazuki lay awake in his quarters, he heard a soft knock on the door. Instantly on alert, he reached for his sword before cautiously opening the door.
Standing in the hallway was Mira, the healer who had warned them about the demon king's forces.
"I've found something," she whispered urgently. "You need to see this."
Kazuki followed her down the dimly lit corridor, his heart pounding in his chest. Whatever Mira had discovered, it couldn't be good. They made their way through the inn's back entrance and into the nearby forest, where the moonlight barely pierced the thick canopy of trees.
Mira stopped suddenly, pointing ahead. "There."
Kazuki squinted, his eyes adjusting to the darkness. In the clearing ahead, he could make out the faint glow of magical runes etched into the ground, forming a complex circle. Standing within the circle were three figures, their faces obscured by hoods. They were chanting in a language Kazuki didn't recognize, their voices low and menacing.
"They're summoning something," Mira whispered, her voice filled with dread. "Something dark."
Kazuki's grip tightened on his sword. The tournament was no longer just a competition. The demon king's forces were already here, and the real battle was about to begin.