Felix explained everything in detail to Michael, and since Katsu was nearby, he listened as well. The more he heard, the more pieces of the puzzle started to fall into place.
"Now I understand. Thanks for telling me," Michael said sincerely.
"I figured it would be something like that," Katsu added calmly.
Felix raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean? You knew something?"
"I usually train near Love Lake," Katsu replied. "The atmosphere helps me focus. I was there the day you two talked. I didn't hear what you were saying, but... I could guess. I didn't want to interrupt."
Felix gave a small nod. "Makes sense. Well, I'll leave you two to it. See you around!"
With a wave, Felix left, disappearing into the crowd.
Katsu turned to Michael. "I should head off too."
"Alright. See you later," Michael replied.
A little while later, a familiar figure approached Michael — sturdy, earth-tuned, and smiling without a trace of mockery.
"Hey! You're the guy with the 4th level of magical power, right? What was your name again?" the boy asked.
"I'm Michael. And you're the one who helped me during the Awakening Ceremony. I'm sorry, I never got your name," Michael said.
"It's Torrin. Earth-element mage," he said with a friendly grin.
"Glad to finally talk to you properly."
Their conversation was cut short by a blinding flash of light and a thunderous crack, like a bolt of lightning exploding in the sky.
Michael flinched hard, eyes wide. "W-what was that?!"
Torrin, unfazed, pointed toward the arena. "See for yourself."
Michael moved closer and caught sight of a blonde-haired boy standing over an unconscious, scorched opponent. His expression was one of irritation rather than triumph.
"So you couldn't handle my attack either. How disappointing. I guess I'll have to count on the final match for any real entertainment," the boy muttered.
The elder's voice followed: "And the winner is participant number 3210, Blitz Crackle! The opponent is unable to continue. Get him to the medical center at once!"
A team of medics rushed in and carried the fallen fighter away.
Michael clenched his fists. "He did that to him?!"
"Yeah," Torrin said simply. "That's Blitz for you."
The elder called for a short break before the next match.
Michael started walking. "I'm going to talk to him."
Torrin held out a hand. "Don't. He's dangerous."
Michael's eyes flared. "He nearly killed someone! How can I just ignore that?!"
"The rules forbid killing. If he crosses the line, he'll be disqualified — maybe even arrested. He knows exactly how far he can go. And no… he's not strong enough to actually kill. Not yet."
Michael paused, his anger still bubbling but nodding slowly. "I guess that makes sense."
Then, as if summoned, Blitz himself walked over.
"Didn't expect to find you two here," he said, smirking.
Michael turned, already seething.
"...Torrin. And the one I've set as my next goal to surpass," Blitz said, pointing at Michael.
"Name's Michael," he said through clenched teeth. "And what the hell was that in the arena?!"
"Blitz," the blond replied, deliberately ignoring Michael's tone. "And what are you so angry about?"
"You nearly killed your opponent!"
"Oh, that? So what?"
Michael's eyes widened in disbelief. "So what?!"
"He's alive, isn't he? Killing him would've been a waste. Besides..." Blitz's grin widened into something feral. "I've done the same thing to all of them — even the guy standing behind you."
Michael turned to Torrin. "Is that true?"
Torrin nodded. "Even Katsu lost to him the same way."
Michael's anger deepened. His blood boiled.
Blitz leaned closer, voice quiet but full of venom. "You'll see, Michael. I'll face you in battle, and when I do, I'll teach you the limits of what's allowed."
"Now that's the spirit," Blitz added with a gleam in his eye before turning and walking away.
Just then, the elder reappeared. "Our break is over, and the injured participant is stable. Let us continue with the next match! Step forward, participant number 2 — Michael Blazeheart — and number 156 — Ralph Galeheart!"
Michael felt the tension flood his body. Torrin clapped him on the back.
"Good luck. And don't get yourself scorched."
Michael nodded, his focus sharpening. This next battle wasn't just a match. It was the next step toward facing Blitz — and proving he belonged in this tournament.
With fire in his chest, Michael stepped into the arena.