Velvet groans as they're laid on a stretcher in the medical room. The doctors work quickly, using their ether to restore Velvet's severed limbs. Despite the pain, Velvet can't help but crack a grin.
"That Xhen guy… he wasn't half bad," they mutter.
The door swings open with a loud bang, and Kenny strides in, his hulking frame filling the doorway. "Heard you survived," he says, his deep voice filled with amusement. He crosses his arms, surveying Velvet with a raised eyebrow.
Velvet smirks weakly. "Survived? More like kicked his ass."
Kenny chuckles, his booming laugh echoing in the room. "Sure, kid. You can gloat when you're not half-dead on a stretcher." He gives them a short nod. "Still, I'll admit… you've got guts. Just don't get too cocky."
Velvet raises an eyebrow. "Coming from you, that's rich."
Kenny turns, walking toward the door. "Maybe. Just don't disappoint me in your next fight," he says over his shoulder before leaving.
Moments later, the speakers crackle to life, announcing the next match:
"Ubel Adonai versus Krieg Drameus!"
Ubel stands from the bench, adjusting his coat. "Ah, against a big shot, huh? Should be fun," he jokes, earning a snicker from Leo.
The crowd roars as the two fighters step into the arena. Ubel's sharp eyes scan his opponent. Krieg Drameus towers over him, standing at an intimidating 2.5 meters tall. His muscular frame, deep scar across his chest, and fiery red hair mark him as a
"Great," Ubel mutters sarcastically. "I'm fighting a walking mountain."
The match begins with an explosive charge from Krieg, the arena floor trembling beneath his feet. Ubel narrowly dodges, slipping out of the way at the last second. "You're awfully eager," he teases, grinning. "But maybe try using something other than brute force?"
Krieg growls but keeps his composure. "Your mind games won't work on me, little man," he says, swinging his greataxe in a wide arc.
"Fine, have it your way." Ubel's grin widens. "Idiot." He sidesteps the swing effortlessly and draws his sword in one fluid motion.
Krieg lunges, attempting to grab Ubel with his massive hand, but Ubel ducks under the grasp and counters, his blade slicing clean through Krieg's forearm. Blood sprays as Krieg lets out a guttural scream, clutching the stump where his arm used to be.
"Warned you not to be so angry," Ubel quips, resting his sword on his shoulder. "You're going to overheat, big guy."
But Krieg doesn't listen. Fueled by rage, he charges again, swinging wildly. Ubel dances around him, avoiding every attack with ease. His taunts only infuriate Krieg further, who roars in frustration.
Ubel kicks Krieg back, sending him stumbling. "Seriously, you're making this too easy," Ubel says.
But then, Krieg lets out a deafening scream. A faint glow begins to emanate from his waist. Maestro Luminous Arclight, watching from the stands, leans forward, his eyes narrowing. "So… Krieg has awakened."
Ubel notices it too: a small bell tied to Krieg's waist. Its glow intensifies as Krieg's body begins to change. His severed arm regenerates in seconds, and his entire frame grows even larger. His muscles bulge unnaturally, veins glowing faintly beneath his skin.
"What the…" Ubel mutters, just before a massive fist slams down on him, launching him into the arena wall with a thunderous crash.
The dust settles as Ubel groans, pushing himself out of the crater. "Okay, that's new," he says, coughing. "He's not just an idiot anymore."
In this world, every person has a set potential, a limit to their strength and spellcasting. Once they reach this threshold, they can no longer grow naturally. To surpass this barrier, one must turn inward, conquering their inner self and achieving an awakening. This awakening manifests as a bell or instrument tied to the user's waist, granting unique abilities based on their soul. The threshold for power is shattered, allowing the awakened to develop further.
Ubel dusts himself off, observing Krieg's transformation. "So you've awakened, huh?" he mutters. "Guess I can't slack off anymore."
Krieg slams the ground, sending shockwaves through the arena. Ubel uses the wall to propel himself forward, flames sparking at his feet. Krieg swings his massive fist, but Ubel generates a burst of fire, propelling himself over the attack.
"Second Art: Ceaseless Flaming Slashes!"
Ubel's sword ignites as he delivers a flurry of blazing strikes, cutting Krieg's arms into hundreds of pieces. The audience watches in awe as the giant falters.
Ubel steps back, his flames still crackling. "Let's end this before things get out of hand," he says, raising his sword. "Second Art: Flare Volley!"
A massive fireball erupts from Ubel's blade, hurtling toward Krieg. The crowd gasps as the attack closes in, but Krieg does something unexpected. He opens his mouth wide, catching the fireball and swallowing it whole.
"What?!" Ubel exclaims, his eyes widening in shock.
Krieg lets out an ear-splitting roar, his body growing even larger as his limbs regenerate. The glow from his bell intensifies, and his scarred chest radiates heat.
"You've got to be kidding me," Ubel mutters, gripping his sword tighter.
Krieg's booming voice echoes across the arena: "Unforgivable!"