The old man paused, closing his eyes as if deeply reflecting.
Then, he opened his eyes again. "Ah, what was the question, Julius?"
Julius chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Forget it, Elder. It's not important."
"Good, good," the old man said with a grin, standing up from his seat. "Then I'll take my leave."
He strolled leisurely out of the bakery and headed toward his home. Julius locked the doors, tidied the last of the dishes, and went straight to bed.
The morning sun broke through the sky as Michael made his way toward the tournament grounds. Today was the final day of the second qualifying stage.
The atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Warriors, fighters, and sorcerers gathered. Michael found Torren, Katsu, and Felix chatting near the arena stands.
"Morning, Michael!" Torren greeted him.
"Hey, ready for the big finish?" Katsu added with a grin.
"Good luck if you have to fight again," said Felix.
Michael smiled. "You too."
Michael nodded, glancing toward the elder—who, as always, stood ready to announce the next matches. The elder raised his staff and spoke, his voice carrying across the arena.
"Dear friends!" he boomed. "The time has come for the final two matches of the second qualifying stage! I've saved the best for last—the juiciest battles for your enjoyment!"
The crowd erupted in cheers.
"Now then," continued the elder. "I call to the arena competitors 136 and 156—Zigrane Vaynran and Ralph Galeheart!"
Michael's attention sharpened immediately.
Zigrane stepped onto the stage with a fiery aura surrounding him. Ralph followed, calm but focused.
"So, we meet again, Ralph," Zigrane said, his voice dripping with restrained rage. "You humiliated me once before. Today, I'll return the favor."
Ralph raised an eyebrow. "You really haven't changed, Zigrane."
Zigrane sneered. "Changed? Oh, I've changed plenty! Before, I sometimes fought at full strength to win. But now... I crush everyone using no more than fifty percent of my true power—including you."
The elder signaled for them to begin.
The battle exploded into motion. Zigrane attacked aggressively, weaving speed and strength into relentless strikes. Ralph, experienced and disciplined, dodged and blocked as best he could, retaliating when possible.
Michael and the others leaned forward, watching every move.
The matches had now begun, and one by one, all other contestants had fought their battles, except for Ralph, Zigrane, Rob, and Michael himself.
After a while, Torren said, "Some of us already fought our matches. But not everyone. I still might have one more."
"Same here," Katsu added. "Still waiting to hear if I'm up."
Michael nodded, focusing back on the arena.
"Zigrane's holding back?" Michael thought. "Even now?"
Ralph managed to land a few hits, but it was clear Zigrane dominated the fight. Every minute, Ralph's breathing grew heavier, while Zigrane seemed to get faster.
Still, Ralph didn't back down. Blow after blow, he fought on with grit and determination, refusing to fall easily.
Zigrane smirked between attacks. "Still standing? Not bad. But it's over now!"
He unleashed a burst of speed so intense that Ralph couldn't react in time. A punch slammed into Ralph's ribs, sending him skidding across the arena floor.
The crowd gasped.
Ralph struggled to his feet, swaying slightly, but standing nonetheless.
"Good... fight..." he muttered.
Zigrane approached slowly and, without hesitation, delivered a brutal final blow. Ralph collapsed to the ground.
The elder began the countdown. "Three... two... one!"
When Ralph failed to stand, the elder raised his staff and declared, "The victor is competitor 136, Zigrane Vaynran!"
Zigrane grinned darkly and muttered loudly enough for many to hear, "One down... five to go."
Michael watched silently, feeling a surge of emotion.
"Soon," he thought, "it'll be my turn."