Chapter 95: What's Next?

Every story has a moment when the echo of battle fades.
The roar of the crowd dies down. The blood dries.
And then, silence arrives.

It is there—
in that suspended instant between what was and what will be—
where the question no one wants to face emerges:

What comes next?

Not every ending is clear.
Sometimes, the greatest enemy isn’t defeat—
but the emptiness left behind after giving everything you had.

Because after the fall, the triumph, or the loss…
the soul still needs a reason to take the next step.

Some find it in a promise.
Others, in the memory of those who are no longer here.
But all of them—without exception—must look forward…

…and decide what to do with the person they have become.

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

The roar of applause still lingered in the air as the camera flew over the coliseum from above, showing a sea of standing spectators.
The GODS logo appeared on screen for the first time, marking the beginning of an unforgettable chapter.

From the commentator’s platform, Raijin’s voice rose with renewed excitement.

“What a legendary fight—surprise after surprise!
This clash touched the hearts of many!
The crowd rose to its feet not for victory, but for the spectacle that Adnais and Yohei gave us!
A spectacular battle that crowns Adnais Celestia as the absolute finalist!”

“After a double battle and two individual matches, this warrior will now face Takahashi Kazukane from Zutarts!”

The cameras panned across the ecstatic spectators, while the names of the finalists echoed like mythical chants.

“What surprises will this final battle bring?!
Who will be crowned the true champion of the Tournament of GOD?!
The prodigious Adnais Celestia of Wataraha…?
Or the relentless Takahashi Kazukane of Zutarts?”

The scene shifted.

A quiet room bathed in the dim lights of the infirmary.
Takahashi watched solemnly over Zipacna and Yohei, both bandaged and lying in recovery beds.

“What’s wrong? Why that face?” Yohei asked, still sounding defiant despite the pain.

Takahashi gave a light smile.

“You two look rough… she really kicked your asses.”

“Damn brat…” Yohei growled, swallowing his frustration.

“I need to apologize to both of you,” Takahashi said, lowering his gaze.
“I wasted your efforts… and let her rest before the final match.”

Zipacna let out a faint laugh—raspy, but sincere.

“You have nothing to apologize for,” he said calmly.
“We knew this outcome was possible.”

“And we can’t judge you for it,” he added. “We understand your pride as a warrior.”

Takahashi looked at them, visibly moved.

“Guys…”

“You’d better give it everything you’ve got, brat,” Yohei grunted.
“We’ll be watching.”

“The result doesn’t matter,” Zipacna said with serenity.
“Go out there and enjoy it, my friend.”

Takahashi closed his eyes and nodded, finally showing a relieved expression—one illuminated by the trust of his companions.

“Thank you… both of you.”

The scene shifted again.

The coliseum, now wrapped in dim light.
Silence enveloped the stands… until the thunder of drums shattered the air.

A symphony of white and golden lights began to ignite, one by one, bathing the arena in a celestial glow.

“Ladies and gentlemen!” Raijin announced.
“The moment has arrived—the grand final of the Tournament of GOD!
Twelve institutes, over a hundred students, countless dreams and scars… all for a single desire!
Today, we will discover who earns the title of champion—and the honor of being heard by the king himself!”

One of the coliseum entrances was illuminated by golden spotlights.
To the rhythm of a violin ensemble, a figure walked forward from the shadows with steady, regal steps.

“From the right corner—the number one of the ranking, member of the Celestia family…
a woman whose elegance and strength have been compared to divine blessings!
Behold… Adnais Celestia!”

The gates opened.

Adnais stepped forward with majesty, clad in armor white as marble, adorned with golden accents.
In her hand, a long sword of pure tones, its golden hilt shimmering under the coliseum lights.

The gods of the Council rose to their feet.
Nai Blixt, new ruler of Nork; Quetzalcóatl, regent of Zutarts; and others applauded her with solemn respect.

“Well, well…” Raijin continued.
“One more star remains tonight!
Want to know who it is?”

The coliseum roared like an ocean of unified voices.
In response, the violins faded—replaced by a powerful drumbeat that shook the arena walls.

An electric guitar screamed through the air, followed by a storm of red and orange lights.
At the opposite end of the arena, the iron bars of the entrance melted under a scorching fire.

“From the left corner—one of the greatest prodigies ever seen!
No noble surname, but an unbreakable spirit!
A force capable of razing nations, and a soul that earned the respect of the entire world!
The number two of the ranking… Takahashi Kazukane!”

Takahashi emerged from the flames.
His black armor bore glowing cracks like living magma.
In his hand, a completely dark katana with an orange grip and golden guard.

The music faded.
A sepulchral silence fell over the arena.

Takahashi approached Adnais, without looking away from her.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting… How are you feeling?”

“You’re truly foolish,” she replied bluntly.
“You wasted the opportunity your teammates gave you.”

“Yeah, I am,” he answered with a calm smile.
“But I wouldn’t feel proud winning against only 50% of your strength.”

Adnais let out a mocking laugh.

“I can’t tell if you’re an idiot… or just overly confident. But it doesn’t matter. Either way… you’ll lose.”

Takahashi extended his hand.

“Let’s have fun.”

She took it.

“Yes.”

They stepped back, preparing.
Their weapons ignited with Zenka energy.
The coliseum held its breath.
The world held its breath.

And in the midst of that silence…

history prepared to write its climax.

Before the first strike, the world held its breath.
From the edges of the sea to the peaks of ancient kingdoms, millions of eyes were fixed on the sacred arena.
Atlanteans in underwater temples, Greeks on holy mountains, citizens of Santay, Nork, Port Royal, Wataraha, and Zutarts… all waited.
All anticipated this moment.

“Begin!” Fujin’s voice thundered.

And then—without hesitation—Adnais and Takahashi launched themselves into combat, grinning with fierce excitement.
Their weapons clashed with such force that even the bald spectators had their eyebrows blown back.

The friction between their blades created a rain of sparks as they pushed against each other in a contest of sheer strength and unblinking resolve.
With feline precision, Adnais twisted on her axis and unleashed a powerful kick. Takahashi used the impact to flip backward and counter with a kick that grazed her cheek.

“Damn it…” Adnais muttered, regaining her stance.

Takahashi grinned from ear to ear, challenging her with his eyes.

“What absolute madness!” Raijin shouted, electrified by the scene. “Not even ten seconds, and they’ve already declared war with their bodies and souls!”

Adnais answered the challenge with a flurry of thrusts that multiplied like lightning strikes. Takahashi blocked each one with relentless defense.
Suddenly, she put everything into a forward thrust.
He dodged by mere centimeters, slipped behind her, and delivered a brutal blow to her back with the hilt of his katana.

The impact sent Adnais crashing into the coliseum wall. The thunder of her landing shook the stands.

Takahashi exhaled sharply. His body began to release a fiery aura.

Among the rubble, Adnais rose with unwavering steadiness.

“I have to admit… you surprised me,” she said, brushing off dust. “It’s the first time someone’s made me kiss the ground.”

“Welcome to the club,” Takahashi replied.

“Then… I hope you’re ready for the consequences.”

“Come.”

Their resolve was sealed.
Adnais sheathed her sword. Takahashi did the same with his katana.
Golden energy burst from her like a living aurora. He responded with a blazing gaze.

They charged at each other with escalating power.
Strike after strike.
Each impact stronger than the last.
The earth trembled beneath their blows. Blood flew. Pride refused to yield.

This was more than a fight—
it was a duel of wills.

Empowered by her Zenka, Adnais gathered energy into her fist and smashed it into Takahashi. He barely managed to guard.
The blow tore through his defense and launched him like a projectile, slamming him into the wall.

“What a display of raw power!” Raijin roared.
“Not a single step back! Such bravery, such madness, such technique!”
“Looks like this round goes to Adnais—she even cracked the containment barrier!”

In the observer’s section, reactions followed immediately.

“Is this for real…?” Yogen murmured with a disbelieving smile.
“In our fight, she didn’t even use half of that power.”

Zipacna watched in silence, his thoughts heavy.
“If that punch had hit me… I’d be dead.”

In the stands, other faces showed their shock.

“She’s… also a student?” Shu asked, sweating.

“Even I couldn’t handle her strength,” Lowa admitted.

“Every second she gets stronger…” Zef said, stunned.

Even Afrodita—serene as a statue—watched without speaking.

“The incomprehensible… still finds ways to surprise me.”

In the arena, Takahashi emerged from the rubble.
He looked at his trembling arms—burns, blood, bruises… and the faint white of bone peeking through.
He took a deep breath.

“If I hadn’t focused my energy there…” he whispered.

“Giving up?” Adnais asked with a mocking tone.

“Are you that scared of me?” he replied with a smile.

Both drew their weapons simultaneously.
Red and golden energy floated in the air around them.
The clash restarted: spheres of light, fire, bursts, lightning.
The coliseum became a spectacle of colors and destruction.

Takahashi summoned circles of fire beneath Adnais’s feet, forcing her to leap back.
Then he appeared behind her, launching a powerful kick.
But when their eyes met… a chill ran down his spine.

Adnais smiled.
A smile that froze the blood.

Dozens of spheres of light surrounded him—each one aimed at his heart.

“Bang,” she said playfully.

The attack was immediate.
Though he dodged the first rays, a series of light-forged blades materialized in his trajectory.
Takahashi was run through—his body erupting in blood.

Adnais walked calmly toward the wounded warrior.

“You made things more complicated than I expected. You have potential. But you made one mistake…”

“Which…?” he groaned.

“Facing me.”

The camera rose, revealing the battlefield covered in light traps—all invisible until now.
Takahashi, panting, felt the world darkening.

“When… did she…?” he thought, terrified.

His vision blurred.
His legs buckled.
His spirit cracked.

“Did I ever… truly have a chance?”

Adnais took another step forward.

“Has she… really been fighting seriously?” he wondered.

Another step.

“Is this it…? Is this how I lose?”

She reached him.
Gazed at him with compassion.
Raised her sword.

“This will hurt a little. But don’t worry. The medics will take care of you.”

“I…” Takahashi thought.

“You’ve shown great power. You should be proud.”

“I…”

“Thank you for making me enjoy myself again.”

And then, the last thing he saw was the blade coming down.

“Goodbye, Takahashi.”

The thrust was so precise it extinguished his consciousness instantly.
Takahashi’s body fell like a wilted flower in autumn.

The battle… was over.

Adnais, standing tall, whispered to herself:

“It’s done.”

The silence after the fall lasted only a few seconds.
Then, the entire coliseum trembled.

From Takahashi’s motionless body, an unnatural energy began to leak out.
A thick mist spread across the arena like a burial shroud—suffocating, dark, alive.
It was as if hell itself had exhaled onto the world of the living.

All eyes rose in disbelief.
What they felt wasn’t power.
It was terror.

Eden, face twisted in shock, took a step back.

“…This is…”

“This has to be a joke…” Vorathrax muttered. “That boy… he’s the vessel of… Satan. The demon of wrath.”

A spectral choir echoed across the arena—like tortured souls singing a requiem.

“Your Majesty!” yelled a guard from the upper stands.

“Do not intervene,” Eschatos ordered, not taking his eyes off the battlefield. “We’re about to witness something… interesting.”

Shun clenched his teeth in fury.

“What are you planning, you bastard…? If you won’t act—”

Eschatos shot him a freezing stare.
He said nothing, but the meaning was unmistakable:
Do. Not. Move.

Rage burned beneath Shun’s skin.
His fists trembled.

In the arena, Adnais took a step back. For the first time, her expression showed something other than confidence.
It showed respect… and readiness.

“So this is your true power, Takahashi.”

The figure before her was barely a silhouette.
Takahashi was wrapped in a demonic black aura so dense it seemed to devour the light around him.
The energy began to take form: torn bat wings… massive curved horns…
and two red eyes like rivers of blood.

An inhuman roar tore through the air.
A scream so violent it knocked every mortal in the stadium unconscious.
Even some lesser gods staggered, dazed and unable to remain standing.

The rest—the strongest—watched in silence.
With respect… and fear.

“It seems I’ll have to give it everything,” Adnais said.

Another sound rose, ethereal and pure:
a celestial choir.
Light and darkness clashed before their wielders even moved.

From Adnais’s back, angelic wings burst forth violently, ripping through her flesh. She screamed, but did not stop.
Pain was part of the pact.
Her body was wrapped in divine aura; her eyes turned gold—the Eyes of God.
A crown of light formed above her brow.

And the moment her power reached its peak…

Takahashi appeared in front of her.

Without warning, he grabbed her head and smashed her against the coliseum barrier, shattering it into a thousand pieces.

“Evacuate the civilians!” Shun roared.

Special forces moved instantly, carrying unconscious spectators and fleeing through the chaos.

Adnais rose from the debris with difficulty—but had no chance to recover.

Takahashi lunged with uncontrollable fury.
Every strike was a storm.
Her body, bones, skin—everything began to break.
Blood traced her path across the arena.

Cracks.
Choked cries.
Her celestial body shattered under each blow.

But then—light.

Adnais unleashed a wave of divine energy.
Her light burned the demonic darkness, forcing Takahashi to retreat.

Trembling, she stood.
Every movement was agony.
Her body was drenched in blood; her face barely recognizable.

But in her eyes… the will still burned.

“You bastard…” she gasped. “I’ll show you… my full power.”

She rose, wings beating wildly.
The heavens listened.
The angelic chorus grew louder.
Her sword absorbed that holy light, becoming a blade of blinding brilliance.

“With this… I’ll show the world my true power.”

Takahashi opened his mouth.
A black sphere began to form—so dense the air crackled.
The sky, the earth, the sea trembled.

“That technique…” Shun whispered, petrified.

“Divine Punishment!” Adnais shouted.

Both attacks fired at the same time.
Light against darkness.
Justice against rage.
Two worlds crashing in cosmic fury.

Everything froze.
The world fell silent.
The eyes of gods, conscious students—even the angels—were fixed on the heart of the collision.

And among them… Eschatos smiled.

But the scene was interrupted.

Shun and an angel—Metatron—descended like meteors, cutting through both attacks with their swords.
The collision still produced a massive explosion…
but the catastrophe was averted.

Dust covered everything.

Time stopped.
Uncertainty reigned.

Slowly, the smoke cleared… and the sight was devastating.

Both Takahashi and Adnais lay unconscious, each enclosed within a barrier.

Standing among the ruins, Shun stared forward—his face hardened by fury.

At his feet… drops of blood.

The camera rose slowly, revealing the truth:

his arm was gone.

Across the field, Metatron watched the destruction in silence.
His face was calm…
but his thoughts were not.

“So then… what was the right choice?”

The sky cleared.
The stars quietly returned to their places.

And in the midst of that ravaged battlefield…

only silence remained.

Several days passed.

A flickering screen played the news at low volume inside a white room, filled with the smell of disinfectant and silence.

“For the first time in history,” the news anchor said, “a tie has been declared in the grand final of the ‘Tournament of GOD,’ naming both Adnais Celestia and Takahashi Kazukane as joint champions. On the other hand, tensions between—”

The image cut off.
The television clicked off with a soft sound.

Adnais sat on a hospital bed, her body wrapped in bandages, her gaze lost in the void.

She frowned.

“Damn it… I don’t remember anything after my attack. Did we really end in a draw?”

Her thoughts brought no answers.
Only a nagging feeling clinging to her chest.

“And since that day… I haven’t seen Takahashi. Damn it… I want a rematch.”

Knock, knock.

The door sounded softly.
Shun's figure appeared in the doorway.

“May I come in?”

“Do I get a choice?”

“No. There’s only one correct answer.”

Adnais couldn’t help but smile.

“What are you doing here?”

“Isn’t it normal for a father to worry about his daughter?”

“It’s not normal for you.”

Shun chuckled softly. She did too.

“How are you feeling?”

“I’ve got every rib broken, an arm with the bone basically reduced to dust, a swollen lung… but aside from that, fine, I guess.”

Both of them let out a short, genuine laugh.

“And you?” Adnais asked, glancing at the empty space where Shun’s arm had once been.

“Oh, you know. Getting by. I’m learning to use the other one.”

“Is there really no way to reconstruct it?”

“The power of angels… is more complicated than you think.”

“I’m sorry. I—”

“Don’t apologize.”

“But—”

“It was the only option. If I hadn’t done it, you’d probably be dead. My arm… was a small price to pay to save so many lives.”

Adnais stared at him quietly.

“You’ve changed a lot.”

“Really? I blame that idiot.”

“That boy…? Is he really that incredible?”

“Eden? No. He’s just incredibly stupid.”

“Father…”

“Alright, alright… he is incredible. But he doesn’t know that yet.”

“Where is he?”

“Let’s just say… he’s not having a good time right now.”

“I see…”

“Well, I should get going. Try not to do anything stupid.”

“Same to you.”

The scene shifted abruptly.

A circular chamber—cold, solemn.
Twelve thrones. Twelve presences.

Takahashi, bound in chains, stood in the center, surrounded by the members of the Round Table. His eyes were dim. His spirit exhausted.

Vinland growled.

“You’d better not be playing games with us, kid.”

“If you lie even once, I’ll know,” he added, baring his fangs. “My nose is sharp.”

Georwall spoke with his metallic voice:

“There is a 0% probability you can deceive us… reincarnation of the demon.”

“Come on, relax~,” Áine chimed in with a playful smile. “He’s just a youngster.”

Mail slammed the table.

“He’s the demon’s son! We should crush him!”

Raitoerufu, with a musical voice:

“His aura is quite interesting. What do you think, Clarileo?”

Clarileo, emotionless:

“I don’t care. Let’s just get this over with.”

Rononqa smiled with reptilian eyes:

“Can I test his power? He seems promising…”

Rosmus licked his lips:

“People would pay a fortune for that sword of yours…”

Footsteps echoed through the chamber. Everyone stood.

Metatron entered with silent authority.

“Are we all here?”

Rononqa replied:

“We’re missing the old fossil… and the crazy titan.”

Three empty seats stood out: Cronos (Titan), Arthur (Human), and one with no name.

Metatron remained impassive.

“Then we are ready. Let the session begin.”

Takahashi slowly lifted his head. Confusion clouded his face.

I don’t even know what happened… he thought.
How do they expect me to defend myself?
What the hell have I gotten into…?

Weeks later.

A wide garden. Green, vibrant, filled with laughter. First- and second-year students celebrated among flowers and speeches.

All: “Cheers!”

Eris: “Congratulations on your graduation, everyone.”

Among the crowd stood Iseli, Rukia, and Alexbold.

Alexbold: “Thank you for being here. It means a lot.”

Shu, looking slightly apologetic:

“Sorry I couldn’t convince Edén. We still haven’t been able to locate him.”

Alexbold shook his head gently.

“Don’t worry. I can’t imagine what he must be going through…”

Shu pulled a letter from his jacket.

“But he left this for you before leaving.”

Edén’s Letter:

Hello Hero,
How are you doing? I hope everything’s fine.
Congratulations on your graduation.
I’m really sorry I’m not there, but I didn’t want to ruin anyone’s celebration.
Right now, I’m on a mission in a faraway kingdom.
It’s way too hot here, but they pay well, so I can handle it.
I hope I get to see you again soon. And remember:
if you ever need someone to give you a push, I’ll be there.

P.S.: Have you confessed to Iseli yet?

—Signed with lots of affection, Edén.

Alexbold lowered the letter with a smile.

“He really is an idiot.”

“He really is…” Shu agreed.

Rukia elbowed Alexbold.

“Wipe that stupid face off. Come on, we’re still celebrating!”

“Yes!”

Music and voices rose. The sun shone over the new generation of heroes.

Time passed.

A newspaper rustled in the wind.

Vendor: “Breaking news! Political tensions rise between Grek and the Kingdom of Troy!”

“Excuse me,” a familiar voice said, “could I buy one?”

“Of course. Here you go.”

The stranger paid, grabbed the paper… and walked away.

“Looks like this world just keeps getting more interesting… especially with you walking around in it, brother.”

Zero’s face was revealed—wearing a determined smile.

Ëliel: “Captain, we’ve gathered new intel. Seems we’ve found more clues about those people.”

Zero: “Damn… not even a single day of rest.”

Landis: “Captain… what now?”

Zero: “Whatever destiny throws at us.”

The perspective rose, crossing Athens, the sea, the mountains, and burning red deserts.

An imposing kingdom appeared—full of life and culture.

A lone figure walked through the sand.
The camera rose.

A teenager with a hardened gaze, wearing black armor and a weathered purple cape.

His face… was Edén’s.

But his eyes were a deep violet. His hair black, tinged with purple at the tips.

He walked with purpose. The sun burned fiercely overhead.

I won’t give up, he thought.
I’ll fight to the very end.
Until those people pay for everything. I’ll make them pay… at any cost.

His gaze lifted.
There was fire in his eyes.