Chapter 21: Day of euphoria

There are moments when silence weighs more than a thousand voices.
When blood has been spilled and the roar of battle fades, the only thing that remains is the echo of our choices. Glory, so coveted by the brave, often hides the price that was paid to reach it.

Sometimes victory is not measured in points or applause, but in the scars unseen, in the promises made in solitude, and in the eyes that avoid the mirror for fear of remembering what they became in order to win.

And still… we keep moving forward. Because in this world, those who hesitate fall, and those who tremble are crushed. Only those willing to sacrifice their soul for a purpose can remain standing when everything else has been swept away by the storm.

Victory… is it truly a prize? Or merely another step into the abyss?

——————————————————————————————————————————

An unbearable stench mixed with the cold steel tang of dried blood. The wind carried whispers, as if the dead still wanted to tell their story.

“What the hell happened here…?” muttered Drake, commander of the Special Police Division, as his boots crunched over a ground littered with bodies sliced apart with almost surgical precision.

Around him, silence reigned. No witnesses remained. Only the trace of overwhelming power.

“Whoever did this…” Drake continued, swallowing hard, “is dangerously meticulous. A monster.”

A few steps away, Winks, his second-in-command, arrived with a pale face and a trembling report in hand.
“Chief… they’ve found more bodies. Thousands of guards and officers… not just here. They’re appearing across all nine realms.”

Drake closed his eyes, as if that might ease the vertigo the massacre provoked in him.
“Damn it… this isn’t an attack. It’s a declaration of war.” His words dropped like stones. “Winks, contact central. We’re going to need the Berserkers.”

“The Berserkers?” Winks repeated, eyes wide. “Chief, they’re only deployed for Class Zero missions…”

“You heard my order,” Drake growled, fixing him with a hard stare. “If this doesn’t qualify as Class Zero, then nothing does.”

“Understood, sir.” Winks nodded and hurried away, vanishing into the faceless carnage.

Meanwhile, miles away from that silent hell, the city shone with lights and joy. Streets were draped with banners, magical lanterns, and the music of celebration. It was the final day of the Tournament. No one suspected the horror brewing in the shadows.

Aphrodite walked slowly through the crowd, her gaze carrying a mix of nostalgia and concern.
“You can tell it’s the last day of matches,” she said, arms crossed.

Balder, at her side, nodded without taking his eyes off the sky.
“Yes… it feels like the whole world is holding its breath. How is your student Shu holding up?”

“I suppose well enough. I left him training with Isaac this morning. You know how they are—they won’t stop even when they’re bleeding.”

“I see…” Balder answered with a faint smile.

“If I’m not mistaken, he went to Jötunheim with Thor to deal with the frost giants.”

“To Jötunheim?!” Aphrodite turned to him in shock. “What is he doing in a place that dangerous?”

“Who knows,” Balder said with a shrug. “Thor has his own methods. I barely see him—he’s always wrapped up in some mission for the special forces. It’s hard to understand how his mind works.”

“The appearance of those monsters changed everyone’s lives,” Aphrodite murmured.

“Yes…” Balder said, gazing at the city from above. “Those who fight now are no longer mere students. They’re heirs to a world on the brink of collapse.”

Far from the bustle, in a training field, Shu went flying through the air after taking a heavy strike from Isaac’s spear. His body rolled across the ground and came to a halt amid gasps and blood.

“Come on, is that all you’ve got?” Isaac shouted, his breathing ragged.

“Idiot… I’m just getting started,” Shu replied with a trembling smile.

His eyes turned gold. An invisible energy began to surround him.
“Come. I’ll tear you apart,” he whispered, his voice deep, almost inhuman.

Isaac charged again with speed and precision, but for Shu it was as though time had slowed. He could see each movement with unnatural clarity.
“I’ve got you,” Shu thought, dodging with inhuman fluidity.

A second later, Shu’s spear slammed into Isaac’s stomach, sending him crashing to the ground.

“You really are a monster,” Isaac spat, trying to get up.

But his words faltered when he saw the blood streaming from Shu’s face. His golden, radiant eyes had begun to bleed.

“Shu! What’s happening to you?”

“I’m fine,” Shu said, staggering. “It’s just the side effect of using my unique technique: the Eyes of God. I wanted to save it for Nai, but I can’t keep it active for more than ten seconds.”

“Do you need a doctor?”

“No need. Just… give me a few minutes,” he muttered, sitting on the ground.

“Fine… but the match is tonight,” Isaac said, sitting beside him. “You need to be at a hundred percent, understood?”

“Whatever you say… mother,” Shu joked with a smile.

Both of them laughed—exhausted, but determined. They knew the true battle had yet to begin.

The roar of the storm rumbled across the frozen lands of Jötunheim.
Lightning storms ripped through the sky like wild beasts unleashed. In the distance, between the frozen plains and the peaks of eternal ice, a figure descended from the heavens wrapped in thunder.

The impact was brutal: a colossal bolt shook the ground, and dozens of frost giants were hurled away like rag dolls.

“Come on, damn Jötnar!” Thor roared with a savage laugh. “Give me some fun!”

One of the colossi answered the challenge. Wielding an enormous ice hammer, he swung it down on the god of thunder with all his fury.

BOOM!
The blow buried Thor in a cloud of ice and shards. But seconds later, a blinding light engulfed the weapon. Lightning danced across its surface, and the hammer exploded into a thousand fragments.

Thor emerged from the smoke, grinning like a child amid the chaos.
“Not bad… not bad. Still, you’re far too weak.”

He raised a hand, and a spear of lightning formed in the air. With a single motion, he hurled it straight into the giant’s chest.

ZAAAKK!
The discharge tore through him as if he were paper, and the body collapsed lifeless into the snow.

“Sorry, Mjölnir,” Thor said with disdain, glancing at the hammer slung on his back, “but these weaklings aren’t worthy of your power.”

Suddenly, something shot across the battlefield at high speed. A figure smashed into a nearby mountain, embedding itself deep into the rock with violent force.

“You’re not looking too sharp, Nai,” Thor scoffed, turning toward the impact. “These ice asses are giving you a beating.”

From the cratered mountainside, Nai let out a growl.
“Shut up… I’m only warming up.”

The thunder didn’t cease, and a new threat approached. In the distance, an endless horde of frost giants marched over the horizon. Their advance made the earth tremble.

Thor smiled with excitement.
“Looks like we’ve got some company.”

Lightning erupted from both gods’ bodies. Their eyes blazed with light, their muscles vibrating with divine energy.

“This will be fun!” they shouted in unison.

But then, a deafening crash split the air. A colossal sword of ice plummeted from the sky and embedded itself in the ground right before Thor. Its blade glowed with a freezing aura.

Thor narrowed his eyes… and smiled.
“What an unexpected visit… Thrym, king of the frost giants.”

From within the horde, a towering figure stepped forth. He stood over five meters tall. His body was covered in scars, and though his face was weathered by time and battle, it bore a calm, measured expression.

“It’s been a long time, Thor, son of Odin,” Thrym said, his voice deep and resonant.

“Seems you’ve recovered since the beating I gave you,” the thunder god replied with an arrogant grin.

Thrym leaned down, revealing the full magnitude of his size before Thor.
“I carried a few scars from our encounter,” he said without losing his smile, “but nothing important.”

“And your family?” Thor added mockingly. “Oh, right… I forgot I wiped them all out.”

Thrym’s smile vanished in an instant. The giant leaned in closer, his frozen breath brushing the Asgardian’s skin.
“Keep my family’s name out of your filthy mouth, son of Odin…”

“Fine, ice-ass,” Thor replied without flinching an inch.

The clash was instantaneous.

CLAAAANK!
Both weapons collided with colossal force. The explosion from the impact hurled dozens of nearby giants into the air. The ice split apart, and the clouds overhead tore open for an instant.

“You haven’t lost any strength, ice-ass,” Thor spat, his mocking tone laced with disguised respect.

“Damn insolent…” Thrym growled before delivering a brutal strike that sent Thor crashing into the same mountain where Nai had been embedded.

Thor’s body smashed violently, carving a crack into the slope.

From above, Nai raised an eyebrow.
“Need a little help?”

Thor dusted himself off, smiling.
“No, you take care of the rest.”

He rose slowly, raising his arm, ready to unleash his full power.
“Bers—”

FLASH!
A blinding light engulfed the battlefield.

The thunder stopped. The giants froze in place. Every eye turned skyward.

A silhouette emerged upon an eight-legged steed, wrapped in a golden aura that seemed to cleave reality itself.

“Cease this battle at once!” Odin’s voice thundered.

The bustle of the market filled the city streets with voices, aromas, and colors interwoven like a chaotic symphony. Beneath a clear sky, between stalls of fruit, spices, and ancient weapons, Shu walked with firm yet thoughtful steps.

If I want even a chance against Nai… I need a shield. A good one. Something that will let me endure until I’m ready to strike.

His eyes scanned each stall carefully, until a familiar voice pulled him from his thoughts.

“Looks like you’re searching for something.”

Shu turned and found Sara, standing among the crowd, watching him curiously.

“Sara… Yeah. I’m looking for a shield. A really good one.”

“There’s a shop not far from here that sells weapons,” she said with a faint smile. “You might find one there.”

“Alright, thanks.”

“Could we talk?” she asked suddenly, lowering her voice.

“Of course,” he answered without hesitation. “We’ll talk after I buy the shield.”

“Perfect. Then I’ll go with you.”

They crossed the crowded streets until they stopped in front of a small but sturdy shop, built from black wood and decorated metal plates. Above the entrance, an old sign hung, its name barely legible: ZENOR ARMAMENTS.

Inside, the air was thick with the smell of iron, tanned leather, and smoke.

“Welcome,” greeted a burly man with a thick beard from behind the counter. “What can I do for you?”

“Hello,” Shu said. “I’m looking for a shield.”

“Any particular traits?”

“One I can use with one hand… and that’s very durable.”

Zenor nodded and headed to the back of the shop. Minutes later he returned with an object covered by a heavy cloth. With a ceremonial gesture, he removed the covering.

Before Shu rested an oval-shaped shield, a deep shade of purple. Its surface gleamed like polished glass, with green details that seemed to glow from within, as though alive.

“It’s… incredible,” Shu murmured, unable to look away.

“Isn’t it?” Zenor smiled, folding his arms with pride. “Forged from obsidian mined in Zutarts. The green fragments… they’re shards of a strange mineral brought from Niflheim.”

“Niflheim?”

“The realm of eternal mist,” Sara interjected, “where the dark elves once lived.”

“Dark elves?” Shu repeated, frowning.

Zenor nodded gravely.
“The most despicable beings of the nine worlds. Though… they’ve been gone for many years now.”

“What? How did that happen?”

“No one knows,” the armorer replied with indifference. “They just… vanished without a trace. Not that it matters. It was the best thing that could’ve happened.”

Shu remained silent for a moment.
“I see… I’ll take it.”

“An excellent choice,” Zenor said, carefully wrapping the shield.

As they left the shop, both youths offered a parting nod.

“Thank you,” they said in unison.

“Come back soon,” Zenor replied with a smile.

They walked in silence for a few steps, the noise of the market wrapping around them again. But Shu couldn’t shake a thought.

“Don’t you think it’s strange?”

“Strange? What do you mean?”

“The disappearance of the dark elves,” he said without looking at her. “I can’t understand how an entire civilization could vanish overnight…”

Sara lowered her gaze, thoughtful.
“Yes… but even if I find it strange, I wouldn’t know how to explain it.”

“I get it,” Shu nodded, then turned toward her. “By the way, what did you want to talk about?”

Sara stopped walking.
“I wanted to apologize. To you and Eden. For what happened the other day with my brother.”

“You don’t need to worry. It wasn’t a big deal.”

“I know…” she sighed. “But my brother got very violent with you.”

“It’s fine, it was nothing,” Shu answered calmly. “But I still don’t understand why he acts that way toward you. Aren’t you supposed to be siblings?”

Sara hesitated for a few seconds. Then, with a long, resigned sigh, she said:
“We’re not, not really…”

Shu turned, surprised.
“Huh? What are you saying?”

“It’s true that I’m his family… but we’re not brother and sister. Not even half-siblings.”

“Well, that’s a surprise…” Shu muttered, scratching his neck. “I was expecting some silly excuse, but this… I didn’t see this coming at all.”

He looked at her closely.
“Can I know what really happened?”

Flashback…

The childish voice of Nai cracked with a trace of annoyance:
“Mother, I don’t understand why we have to come to this…”

Elin, with that serenity she tried to maintain even in the tensest moments, replied without taking her eyes off the path:
“It’s your cousin’s birthday. The least we can do is be present.”

The boy frowned, his eyes reflecting an early contempt unfit for his age.
“But she… she’s nothing more than a mere human. Why should I mingle with such an inferior race?”

Elin stopped abruptly, turning toward him with a severe expression.
“Listen, Nai. I’m human too. Does that mean, to you, I’m inferior?”

“No… you’re different, mother. You don’t count.”

Elin sighed. She knew that one day, that boy would have to carry a weight heavier than his own life.
“Nai… one day you’ll be the new All-Father. And for that, you must learn to understand and respect every race that exists within the Nine Worlds… and beyond. Do you understand?”

The child lowered his head, biting his lips.
“Yes…”

Elin extended her hand and stroked his hair.
“Good… look, we’re here.”

A heavy silence enveloped them. Too heavy.

“Nai,” she murmured, her voice tight with icy tension. “Stay behind me.”

“What’s wrong, mother?”

“Just do as I say.”

The glass door was stained with dried blood. A red trail still dripped from the cracks, tracing a grim path down to the ground.

What the hell happened here…? Elin thought, as a blade formed from the palm of her hand, materializing into a sword.

I can’t risk Nai… but… where’s the real danger? Outside… or inside?

“Nai… get ready. We may have to fight.”

The boy swallowed hard, nodding firmly.

Elin pushed the door open. The metallic stench of blood hit her senses. Inside, torn bodies littered the floor, like discarded dolls of flesh. Claw marks, bites, deep gashes… a nightmare tableau.

Nai bent over, his body unable to endure any longer. He vomited.

Elin advanced among the corpses, checking room after room. Each step dragged her deeper into a hellish scene.
Damn it… this looks like hell itself.

She opened the last door… and saw them.

Several goblins crouched over a mutilated body, devouring the flesh ravenously. Their jaws dripped with fresh blood. Elin stifled the urge to scream, covering her mouth with her hand.
Goblins…? Here…?

Suddenly, Nai’s voice pierced her like a dagger:
“Mother! I found someone!”

The goblins rose at once, their eyes glowing in the gloom, their fangs stained red.

“Nai, silence!” Elin shouted—too late.

The creatures grinned with grotesque malice… and lunged at them.

Elin swung her sword, the clash was immediate.

“Mother!” Nai cried.

“Take the survivor and run! Now!”

“But—”

“Now!”

The boy obeyed, carrying a bloodied girl in his arms.

Meanwhile, the goblins’ claws sank into Elin’s flesh. The goddess roared, countering with a precise slash that severed throats. Crimson spray painted the walls.

Elin panted, staring at the fallen bodies at her feet.
Even if they were only two… they managed to wound me. I’m in worse shape than I thought…

With effort, she staggered outside.
“Nai…” her voice broke, “How is the girl?”

The mist slithered like a serpent through the trees, thick and cold. In the middle of the clearing, a large group of dark elves waited in utter silence. Their eyes glowed with a spectral light, and beside them, a pack of massive wolves breathed in unison, white clouds forming with every exhale.

At the front, among the prisoners, stood Nai and the rescued girl.

Elin emerged from between the trees, her footsteps striking firmly against the frozen ground.
“…Dark elves,” she muttered with disgust.

A female figure stepped forward. Her stance was elegant, yet her smile dripped with venom.
“It’s been a long time, Elin,” she said with a mocking bow.

“So it was you who caused all this… wasn’t it?”

“Who knows,” the woman replied indifferently.

“Damn you… release my son and that girl at once,” Elin roared, stepping forward.

“You’d better calm yourself,” the other cut her off, her tone sharp as a blade. “Or should I say… Lirael, princess of the dark elves.”

A freezing wind seemed to sweep through the forest.

“Shut your mouth, Xyndra,” Elin growled. “Leader of the northern troops.”

“Come now, don’t take it personally. I’m only following the King’s orders,” Xyndra explained with a smirk. “Besides, you know well that your sister betrayed the crown—that’s why she had to die. You, however… you are an exception, princess.”

“I am no longer part of the dark elves. I renounced the crown years ago.”

Xyndra clicked her tongue and slowly shook her head.
“Lirael… even if you change the way you speak, your skin, your hair… even your face. Roots remain. Always. So stop acting like a foolish child… and return to the kingdom.”

Elin clenched her fists.
“I will… but only under the condition you’ve already guessed.”

“Relax,” Xyndra smiled. “I’ll take care of that.”

Before Elin could react, the elves moved. With surgical precision, they struck the back of Nai’s and the girl’s necks, knocking them unconscious in an instant.

“Nai!” Elin shouted, stepping forward.

But then, something shifted.

Through the girl’s eyes—still clinging to the last thread of consciousness—Elin began to transform. Her skin slowly darkened to the shade of night, her eyes took on a crimson glow, and her very essence seemed to wrap itself in an ancient, dreaded energy.

It was as if the truth revealed itself in that instant.

The princess of the dark elves… had returned.

—End of flashback—
…

Back in the present, Sara lowered her gaze. They were sitting on a stone bench, in a quiet corner of the market. The sun was already setting behind the buildings.
“Since that moment… Nai has hated me. He believes his mother’s disappearance was my fault.”

Shu stayed silent for a few seconds, trying to process what he had just heard.
“I’m sorry for asking…”

“Don’t worry,” she replied with a faint smile.

Shu looked at her intently, but inside his mind, everything was tangled.
The mother of Nai… the princess of the dark elves? What really happened to them?

“Have you told anyone about this?”

“No. If people found out Nai had dark elf blood… they would probably execute him before giving him a chance.”

“I see…”

An awkward silence grew between them until Sara finally stood up.
“Well, it’s getting late. I need to go. Sorry for taking so much of your time.”

“No… it was a pleasure to see you,” Shu said, rising to his feet as well.

“Goodbye.”

“Goodbye.”
…

Night fell over Asgard, but instead of darkness, the city gleamed with a thousand hanging lights, floating torches, and crystal lanterns filled with magic. The entire place pulsed with a special energy.

“The city is beautiful with all this lighting,” said Aphrodite, stopping on one of the marble bridges.

“Yes,” Balder replied at her side. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen the city this alive.”

“By the way… why is it so cold?”

“No idea. The weather should be normal for this season… but you’re right, it’s colder than usual.”

“Yeah…”
…

Elsewhere in the city, in the coliseum’s locker room, Eden adjusted his clothes while watching Shu, who was tightening the last straps of his armor.

“The moment you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived, Shu.”

“Yes…”

Eden studied him for another moment.
“You look burdened.”

“I am,” Shu admitted. “Even though I’ve wanted this moment to smash Nai’s face in… I don’t think I can beat him.”

Eden stepped closer and tapped his fist lightly against Shu’s chest.
“It doesn’t matter what happens. If you lose, I won’t care. But if you lose without giving it your all… I’ll hate you.”

Shu looked at him… and then smiled.
“You don’t need to say it. I’ll give everything I have in this battle.”

Eden nodded, satisfied.
“Besides, you’re on the perfect stage. If you win… you’ll be the center of attention.”

“That’s boring…”

Eden chuckled under his breath.
“Good luck, partner.”

“I promise I’ll win.”

“You don’t need to promise… I know you’ll win.”

Eden left without another word. Shu remained alone, breathing deeply.

With calm precision, he began putting on his golden armor with green accents, piece by piece. It was light, yet solid. Polished. Imposing.

He stared into the bronze mirror before him.
Our pass to the second round depends on me… I have to win.

The coliseum gates burst open with a thunderous roar.
A wave of shouts erupted from the stands. Thousands of voices chanted Shu’s name as he advanced with steady steps. The lights of the spotlights gleamed against his golden-and-green armor, and the shield on his arm shone like a promise.
The spear rested in his other hand, firm and silent.

On the opposite side of the field, Nai was waiting. His face carried a crooked, confident smile.
“Are you ready to be humiliated?” he asked, not even bothering to hide the mockery.

“That’s what I should be asking you,” Shu shot back, eyes locked on his rival.

From above the arena, Odin rose to his feet.
“Good evening to everyone present!” his voice thundered across all of Asgard. “Thank you for coming to this great match that will decide who advances to the second round of the Tournament of God. Will it be Nork Academy? Or GODS Academy? Tonight we shall find out!”

BOOOOM!
Hundreds of fireworks burst outside the battlefield, painting the sky in dazzling colors. The ground shook under the fighters’ feet.

Shu tightened his grip on his spear.
“I’ll tear you apart, Nai.”

“Just make sure you entertain me, little prodigy,” Nai said with a fierce smile.

In the stands, the faces of Aphrodite, Odin, Eden, and Isaac were tense and serious. No one blinked.

“Begin!” Odin ordered.

Nai moved first. Like lightning, he lunged at Shu with his hammer wreathed in thunder. The impact was devastating, but Shu reacted in time, raising his shield.

CLAAANG!
Both were blown back by the sheer force of the clash. Smoke hissed from the edges of Shu’s shield.

“Not bad,” Nai commented, raising a brow.

Shu lowered his arm, trembling uncontrollably.
He’s a monster… one strike and my arm’s already half useless.

Nai’s body crackled with electricity. Every step he took was trailed by thunderous sparks.

The assault began. Fast. Relentless. A storm of crushing blows hammered against Shu’s defenses, barely allowing him to hold his ground.

“Having to attack all by myself is boring,” Nai sneered, then raised his arm to the sky. “Lightning Technique: Divine Fury.”

The sky darkened. Black clouds churned above the coliseum.

“Damn it… this is dangerous,” Shu muttered, bracing himself.

CRAAAACK!
Massive bolts of lightning crashed down around him, striking the ground with violent force. Shu resisted as best as he could, interposing his shield against each blast, gasping, stumbling back.

Suddenly, Nai appeared above him, suspended in the air like a storm god.

“Shit…!”

BOOOOM!
The hammer came down with brutal force. Shu’s shield exploded into shards.

“Now it begins,” Nai announced.

Another storm of lightning rained down like a divine curse. Shu was engulfed in pain, his body wrapped in smoke and electricity.

“It’s over…” Nai said.

But when the smoke cleared… Shu was still standing.
And on his arm… was a new shield.

“What…!?” Nai staggered back, stunned.

Shu stared at it as well, bewildered.
I didn’t expect this to appear now…

From the stands, Aphrodite rose to her feet, speechless.
“That’s… Athena’s Shield.”

“Tch…” Shu growled. “Looks like once again I’ll have to depend on someone else.”

He strapped the shield firmly to his arm.

Nai grinned, excited.
“Now things are getting interesting.”

Both charged.

Their bodies danced between clashes, feints, strikes, and sparks. Shu matched each offensive move. At one point, he launched a kick—but Nai grabbed his leg firmly.

“Did you really think that would work?”

Using his free hand as support, Shu spun in the air and landed a second kick square across Nai’s face.

THOK!

Nai released his leg, spitting blood.
“I didn’t expect you to make me bleed, damn prodigy…”

His energy flared violently.
“Lightning Technique: Electric Spear.”

A sharp, devastating bolt struck Shu’s new shield with crushing force, pushing him back under the pressure.

If I try to endure this attack… I’ll definitely be finished. I only have one option left.

“Eyes of God.”

His eyes shifted color, glowing with divine brilliance, as if they could see beyond time and space.

From the stands, Eden narrowed his eyes.
That technique…

Isaac noticed too.
Are you sure about this, Shu…?

Shu shoved the shield upward, redirecting Nai’s lightning spear toward the sky. A beam of light pierced through the storm clouds.

Nai’s body was left completely exposed.

And in that instant… Shu appeared right before him.
“I’ve got you!”

The hammer descended at full speed…

FWOOSH!

…but struck only empty air.

“What!?”

Shu was at his side. His spear came crashing down.

CRAACK!

Nai’s hammer shattered into pieces.

Shu collapsed to his knees, exhausted. Blood streamed from one of his glowing eyes.
I did it…

“Damn it!” Nai snarled.

From the stands, Eden frowned.
“Why did he attack the hammer… instead of Nai?”

Aphrodite folded her arms, solemn.
“Because Nai doesn’t just use that hammer as a weapon. It’s also his conduit. His energy is so colossal he can’t control it without it. Just like you.”

“…I see,” Eden murmured.

Back on the battlefield, Shu slowly forced himself to his feet.
“Have you considered surrendering yet?”

Nai spat to the side, furious.
“Shut up… Even without my full power… I’m stronger than you.”

Shu narrowed his eyes.
“And who said… I was already using all of mine?”

Narrator:
There are six types of basic Zenka energy… and countless variations.
Yet beyond all of that lie physical abilities. They can be trained, yes, but only a rare few truly awaken them.

Some allow one to grow to titanic heights… others to move at superhuman speed… or to push strength to impossible levels.
But there is an even smaller, rarer, and more feared group…
Those capable of wielding them all.

That group… is known as: Titan’s Fury.

A tremor shook the arena.
Shu’s body began to change. His muscles swelled with a powerful crack. His hair grew several inches, stirred by an unseen current. His eyes gleamed as though the very universe pulsed within them. And his aura… his aura exploded.
Imposing. Savage. Almost divine.

From the royal balcony, Odin narrowed his eyes.
“A… Titan’s Fury…?”

Aphrodite felt it too.
“Impossible…”

On the battlefield, Nai took a step back.
“What’s happening?”

There was no answer.
Only a fist.

THOOM!
Shu landed a direct blow to Nai’s stomach, driving him into the ground. The impact thundered through the coliseum. Nai dropped to his knees, vomiting blood.
“Damn… you…” he gasped.

But Shu did not stop.
With a brutal kick, he hurled him against the coliseum walls. Nai’s body was buried in stone, dust and rubble cascading around him.

From his throne, Odin rose.
“Heimdall, end the match.”

“Are you certain, my lord?”

“Do as I say.”

“Yes, sir…”

Heimdall raised his horn and blew.
VRRRUUUUUHHHHH!
The sacred sound enveloped the entire stadium.

The crowd erupted in cheers.

“Did we… win?” Isaac muttered in shock.

In the arena, Shu began to tremble. Steam rose from his skin as his body slowly returned to normal. His breathing was ragged.

“We won!” Isaac finally shouted.

The GODS Academy members began to celebrate, raising their arms, embracing with tears and laughter. On the other side, the Nork representatives stood in silence, defeat etched into their faces.

Fireworks lit up the sky once more.

Shu dropped to his knees.
“I can barely… move. I’m far past my limit…”

But the battle was not over.

“Not yet.”

Nai’s voice came as a whisper of fury.
He appeared behind Shu, staggering, but with lightning gathered in his hand.

“Watch out!” Eden shouted from the stands.

And then… a hand stopped Nai’s arm.

A towering figure restrained him with ease.
“Enough,” Thor commanded, his face stern.

Nai collapsed to the ground, drained, his eyes vacant.

Odin raised his voice once more.
“Officially, the third match goes to Shu Sagesse, member of GODS Academy. Therefore… GODS advances to the second round.”

The explosion of joy was deafening.

The GODS members leapt and embraced as if they had just conquered fate itself.

From the stands, Yohei leaned against the railing, watching.
“Looks like I underestimated the child prodigy…”

In the arena, Eden and Isaac ran to Shu.
“You did it,” Eden said, unable to hold back a smile.

“Yeah…” Shu replied, pressing his fist against his companion’s chest.

Isaac lifted him with ease.
“What are you doing?”

“You need to celebrate properly! So raise that fist.”

Shu raised his arm with effort, and the crowd answered with an epic roar, as if all of Asgard applauded his victory.

High on a distant mountain, far from the coliseum, a figure watched the scene with a twisted smile.
“Well… is it over already? What a shame.
If the beginning was this fun… then I’m going to enjoy the ending even more…
Don’t you agree?”

It was Loki.
Around him, hooded figures waited silently in the shadows.

Back in the arena, Shu lowered his gaze for a moment.
“Thank you, Athena…”

The shield on his arm faded slowly into a rain of light.

Eden watched him, a grimace crossing his face.
Even though we won… something didn’t feel right.
I thought it was just my imagination…

…until that came.