The sparring grounds weren't public.
Hidden beneath a massive Essence fortress and surrounded by isolation runes, this underground arena was reserved for only the strongest—handpicked by Essence Warrior President Kensei Gojuro himself.
No cameras.No reporters.Just ten S Rank Essence Warriors—and an empty battlefield of cracked stone, swirling mist, and tension thicker than steel.
Kensei stood above them on a high platform, arms folded."You may fight freely. No killing, no Essence tools beyond your summonable gear. This is a test of instinct and control… not war."
Then he smirked.
"…Though I trust you ten can't help yourselves."
The group quickly agreed on a 5v5.
Team Riku:
Riku Hayashi
Yumi Aoyama
Kazuto Mori
Ayame Kuroda
Daichi Fenren (A silent but ruthless barrier specialist from the west)
Team Toru:
Toru Kurotaki
Rei Tanaka (Lightning Wielder, overly aggressive)
Misora Kin (Dual-blade tactician, eyes like ice)
Nobu Genda (Summoner, strange obsession with snakes)
Setsu Onaga (High-speed illusionist, known for dirty tricks)
As they took their places, Riku turned to Yumi, who was adjusting her glove-straps.
"Got a plan?" he asked casually.
Yumi blinked, thrown off a little by how close he was. His presence radiated calm but also an intimidating depth of strength.
"I–uh—" she looked up, slightly pink in the cheeks. "Well, I was thinking I hold the frontline with Kazuto. You can stay mid-range. Ayame does her weird thing from the shadows and Daichi plays defense."
Riku smiled slightly."Sounds solid."
He didn't tell them the truth.
He wasn't planning on using his full strength.Not unless he absolutely had to. This wasn't about winning—it was about watching, learning how far they'd all come. And maybe, just maybe… discovering which of them could keep up if the world fell apart again.
The horn echoed across the chamber.
Begin.
Riku stood still at first. The others surged forward—Yumi moving like a petal in a storm, blade humming with energy. Kazuto's aura lit up in a burst of flame. Ayame had already vanished into mist.
Toru charged toward him first, smirking, but Riku didn't move yet. Just watched.
Not bad, Toru. Let's see what you've really got.