“You’re the head of the Sensemitter Team.” 

Daikin let out a long sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. “Well… let’s go. I don’t have any work right now anyway.”

His gaze drifted to little Hina, clinging to Kaizen’s side, and a gentle smile softened his face. Looking at Hina, he asked, “Will you come with me? I’ll buy you a dango.”

Kaizen gently took Hina’s small hand. “Well, alright. We’ll come along,” he said warmly. “But I’ll be the one buying.”

*******

(Tournament Day)

The main road into the capital buzzed with activity. People clustered near several large white screens embedded with crystals.

Yuta, Yui, and Miko walked past the bustling crowd. Inside, Yuki’s gaze latched onto the shimmering screens through Yui’s eyes.

– ‘Hey, what’s that screen?’ Yuki’s voice echoed curiously from within.

– “Oh, that gives the live feed of the tournament. Some people watch it from here instead of going to the arena.”

– ‘Is it like a TV?... I guess it only shows live things.’

Yui sighed lightly, brushing her hair from her eyes. – “Think whatever you like. Crystals are part of daily life here.”

Miko, walking a step ahead, spoke without turning around. “Yuki, you’re probably asking Yui, right? I think in your world, things might be more advanced.”

– ‘Give me control.’

“How did you know, maa, I was asking that?”

Miko gave a small shrug, her voice calm. “Just a hunch.”

She pointed toward one of the large screens. “Those screens have built-in Display and Sound Crystals for viewing. But the main one—the Kairo Telecast Crystal, or KTC—is probably placed near the arena or wherever the current round is happening.”

Yuki furrowed her brow, eyes darting around as she asked, “Where are those crystals found?”

Yui crossed her arms. – “Hey, I already told you. Did you forget?”

– ‘When did you tell me that? I don’t remember.’

Yui sighed, shaking her head as a small irritation played on her eyes. – “Ah, now I remember. When I was explaining it, you cut me off. You didn’t even listen and now you’re just asking again.”

Stepping closer, Miko’s voice softened. “Yuki, crystals are found in the Deep Canyon.” She pointed vaguely southeast. “It’s deep underground—kilometers below the surface. Skilled users live and work near the merchant hub.”

– “See, I wanted to tell you that before, but you didn’t listen.”

Pouting, Yuki crossed her arms defiantly. – ‘Buu, I didn’t listen. So what?’

Yui sighed, shaking her head in reluctant defeat. – “Huff… I can’t argue with you.”

*******

Kazuma’s gaze sharpened as he mocked. “Hey, you said you didn’t feel anything. What if you don’t pass?”

Straightening, Hisagi’s voice grew firm. “Why are you cursing, Master? I didn’t feel anything, but I did exactly as you said.”

Kazuma folded his arms, voice calm but serious. “Well, the test will decide.”

Hisagi’s fingers tapped impatiently on his thigh. “Can I use that scroll now?”

Kazuma smirked playfully. “If you pass, then use it. By the way, who do you want to use it with?”

“Huh? What do you mean ‘for who’?”

“Oh, you didn’t open it fully, huh? It’s a scroll used for the mind voice exchange art—to make an agreement. There are different types—one-to-one, three, four, five…”

Hisagi frowned as he didn't understand. “What are you talking about, Master?”

“Hey, idiot,” Kazuma teased, “the art only works if you make an agreement with someone. The scroll I gave you is for one-to-one use. After we each drop a bit of blood on it, we need to send a transmission link. Then you’ll be able to talk to me through it. But if you can’t send the link, we’ll have to wait. That’s why I told you to increase your Kairo energy.”

“What’s a Transmission link?”

“Uff, well… first, pass the test. Then I’ll tell you.”

“Tell me, Master! I’ll definitely pass—just tell me now!”

Kazuma sighed and said, trying to reassure Hisagi, “You have to imagine it. Well… don’t worry, I’ll tell you.”

*******

Arena details : The grand tournament arena is a massive circular coliseum with a seating capacity of 3,000. The structure rises in tiers, giving every spectator a clear view of the battle area at the center.

Sections of the Arena:

1. Audience Stands: 3,000 seats spiral upward in neat rings, offering spectators a full view of the arena. (Some contestants may also sit here.)

2. Contestant Cabins: Several wooden cabins line the upper wall of the coliseum. These provide a clear view of the arena and contain basic seating and a table for writing or planning strategy.

3. Entrance : Just beneath the arena floor lies a subterranean entrance tunnel used for entering the arena. Contestants can either walk in through the tunnel or jump directly onto the arena floor from the stands.

4. King’s Platform: Opposite the main gate stands a special elevated platform, like a cabin, where the King sits openly on a throne. Two honorary seats are placed slightly ahead and beside him—for the chiefs of two towns.

*******

The palace is at the center, with five main roads. One road runs straight in front of the palace and leads to the main entrance of the Capital City, which faces west. Several smaller inner roads and crossroads branch off and connect the five main roads, which curve and wind through residential areas. Every road ends at a wall with a small gate that leads to the other side—except for the big gate at the main entrance.

The second road leads to the forest, with the arena situated between the first and second roads. The third road runs behind the palace and leads to other towns and villages. Between the second and third roads lie the quarters for contestants and their families who pass the test. The remaining two roads lead to the south side of the capital city.

*******

Yuki’s eyes widened with curiosity. – ‘How many will participate in the tournament?’

– “Almost everyone aged sixteen to twenty-five. Roughly ten thousand.”

– ‘That many people?’

– “Yes, but only about a hundred or so will actually qualify by passing the test. Most come just for the coins.”

Yuki tilted her head, confused. – ‘Huh?’

Yui explained patiently. – “Sujin Sama gives coins as a gift just for showing up. Mostly, academy students or self-learners pass. Others come, collect their coins, and leave—some even suppress their powers because they get bored.”

Yuki’s tone shifted to curiosity. – ‘Well, how many days will the tournament last?’

– “It depends on the players. Don’t worry—we have quarters for contestants who pass the test. They’ve built enough rooms for many. Yuta will definitely pass. The rest can come watch and then go home if they want. It’s up to them.”

Yuki frowned, puzzled. – ‘Why do fewer people pass?’

– “Many have to support their families—craftsmen, farmers, cloth makers… They just want to live peaceful lives. Plus, many don’t know how to increase their Kairo Energy. After twenty-five, some try to improve their energy to work better.”

Suddenly, a crisp announcement echoed from the screens around the city. |“All participants, please gather at the north side of the Capital City. Assemble at the edge of the Forest."|

Yuki blinked. – ‘What’s that announcement?’

– “That’s for the ten thousand participants. Around twenty members will check Kairo Energy stats and finalize the list. It might take some time—the first round may start this afternoon.”

“Yuta, go ahead. We’ll wait in the arena.”

Yuta smirked confidently. “Haa, don’t worry.”

Yui called Miko softly, “Mom, come on. Let's go.”

Contestants headed toward the forest through the small gate. Some participants had already arrived from other sides.

*******

Kazuma stretched and smirked. “Finally... Well, of course it’s easy for us. Right, Ken?”

Ren’s eyes narrowed sharply. “You arrogant idiot. You have to be careful in all situations.”

Kazuma laughed lightly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Haa, okay, okay... I get it.”

Across the forest outside, tall towers stood outside the forest. On one of them, Haruki (30 years old) stood and spoke through the Kairo Resonance Crystal (KRC), <“Hey, all members form the lines! We can speed up the process and start the round!”>

Kazuma scoffed, folding his arms. “Who’s that idiot? He thinks he’s the boss or something?”

Haruki’s mind raced as he leapt gracefully from the tower to the ground below. ‘This time, I’ll see how many actually pass. Um... useless contestants will pass? Or even after lowering the level... more will pass than the usual limit? ... I won’t know until after the test.’

He landed gracefully on the ground after jumping down.

*******

Hisagi approached innocently, looking up at Ren with hopeful eyes. “Master, how much Kairo Energy do we need to pass?”

Ren shook his head, exasperated. “Hey, I only agreed to be called ‘master.’ Ask Azuma, not me. I’m not making you my disciple—I don’t want to teach.”

Hisagi’s voice dropped to a sad plea. “Please accept me, Master. I’m not asking for the impossible, right?”

Ren sighed deeply and patted Hisagi’s head. “First, just concentrate on the test.”

Kazuma cut in from the side, smirking. “You can ask me. I’ll tell you.”

“...”

Kazuma grinned wider. “Hey, ask me. Then I’ll tell you.”

Hisagi sighed, defeated. “Okay… Tell me, Master.”

“Umm... I think around 150 to 175.”

Hisagi’s brow furrowed. “How much does Sakura have?”

“Uff, if she really focused, she’d have more by now. In the first year I trained her, she leveled up fast and made it to the tournament. But after that? All she does is ask for fights.”

*******

Haruki’s tone was a mix of calm and frustration. “Hey, come on, we have to check now!”

Hisagi looked at Kazuma, eager. “Master, how do they check our levels?”

Kazuma pointed toward a glowing crystal nearby. “See that? It’s the Kairo Gauge Crystal (KGC). It measures our Kairo Energy level. Of course, it can’t tell if you suppress your energy.”

He smirked. “Well, come on. Let’s pass this easily.”

Hisagi hesitated and did not move.

“Hey, what’s with the silence? Come on!”

Hisagi’s voice softened, nervous. “You go ahead, Master. I’ll come later.”

Kazuma put a hand on Hisagi’s shoulder with a grin. “Hey, don’t worry. Even if you fail, you can stay with us and watch the remaining rounds.”

Hisagi puffed up with false bravado. “Huh, why would I fail? I just want to come late, that’s all.”

“I get it. Well... I’m going.”

*******

The members formed into lines, nerves and anticipation thick in the air. Some instructors moved quickly to start, others waited calmly. Haruki stood for checking, but no one approached. Contestants trickled toward the other lines instead.

Haruki’s voice snapped with frustration. “Hey, come here!”

Then, he softened his tone, sighing and calming himself. “Why aren’t you coming to this side? I’m not a ghost—I’ll just check, write things down, and say pass or fail. That’s it.”

Ren was the first to step forward towards Haruki. Slowly, other participants began lining up behind him. Kazuma and Sakura soon followed. Haruki spotted Ren and called out in a calm, almost curious voice. “Haven’t seen you before—not in the capital, towns, or even past tournaments… First time participating?”

Ren nodded quietly. “Yes.”

“Say your name.”

“Ken.”

“Okay. Place your hand on this crystal and transfer your Kairo Energy.”

Ren’s thoughts spun. ‘What’s the minimum level to pass? I’m watching the other lines, but the crystals all face away—I can’t see the numbers.’ He cursed inwardly. ‘Damn, why did I go first?’ Then aloud, he asked, “Can I ask you a question?”

Sakura’s voice rang out from behind, “Hey, K-Ken, place your hand!”

Ren saw Sakura, who was behind in the line, then took a deep breath to focus.

“Hey,” Haruki said again, his tone firm but patient. “You have to place your hand—just that, nothing else. Is that clear? Need me to explain again? Just imagine transferring your Kairo Energy through your palm.”

Murmurs bubbled from the line behind them.

“Hey, why isn’t the line moving?”

Haruki raised his voice. “Hey! Be quiet! You didn’t even come first, so don’t complain about the line!”

Kazuma activated mind voice Exchange art. – Hey, put your hand up. Why are you standing there like a statue?

Ren’s voice was shaky and unsure. – What is the minimum level to pass?

Kazuma blinked in mild disbelief. – Huh… If you didn’t remember… Well, even if you put it higher, nothing changes. You’re 25 now in their eyes.

Ren shifted uncomfortably, his voice low and hesitant. “What’s the minimum Kairo Energy level to pass?”

Haruki gave him a long look—from head to toe—and sighed, “What difference does it make if you know? Just place your hand, man… It’s 100.”

Ren blinked. ‘100 only? Has the level dropped? Or is he messing with me?’

– 100 only? Kazuma, what do you think?

– Even if you suppress it down to the minimum and use your katana when needed, it won’t be a problem. It’s your call. Like I said, nothing happens even if you keep it high.

Ren’s voice was a little uncertain. “Umm... just 100?”

Haruki snapped, eyes flashing with irritation. “Hey, place your hand! I’ve been calm so far. I already told you the passing level.”

Ren nodded, deciding to play it safe as want suppress it to 101. He placed his hand on the crystal. It glowed with a bright white aura.

Haruki stared at the glowing crystal silently for a moment.

Ren's thoughts swirled. ‘Why isn’t he saying anything? Did I get the level wrong? Wait! …’

Finally, Haruki muttered, “Pass.”

Ren’s eyes widened. “Huh?”

“Pass. You can go to the arena and wait for the Contestants.”

Kazuma stepped up next.

“Name?”

“Azuma.” He placed his hand on the crystal.

Haruki looked him up and down, then waited.

Kazuma’s voice, laced with mock irritation. “Hey, bastard. Tell me—did I pass or fail?”

‘Huh? What did I do to him? Why did he call me a bastard? This guy…’ Then asked with a smirk, “Hey, what if I say you fail?”

“I already heard when you said the level, so I knew I’d pass.”

‘Shit, why did I say that? I want to play with guys like him.’ Haruki leaned in, hand resting on Kazuma’s shoulder, eyes narrowed. “Huh… Hey, I haven’t seen you around either, same as the last guy.”

Kazuma smirked, voice thick with sarcasm. “Take your hand off. What if you didn't see me? Do I not have the right to participate?”

Haruki narrowed his eyes, his temple twitching. ‘This guy's really getting on my nerves…’ he pointed away. “Go.”

*******

Ren didn’t move. He stood nearby, waiting for Kazuma. Then, casually, he lifted his hand and whacked Kazuma lightly on the head. – Hey! Why the hell are you acting like that?

Kazuma shrugged, a mischievous smile tugging his lips. – Huh? Just for fun.

He looked around. “Should we go? Or do we wait? Sakura’s coming soon, but Hisagi isn’t near us. He said he’d come late.”

“We’ll wait. He’s not too far—look, I think he’s around 20th in line.”

“He should’ve just come with us. He’s probably scared he won’t pass.”

“You gave him all the info. It’s fine.”

*******

Just then, Hisagi's turn arrived.

“Place your hand.”

Hisagi gulped, hesitated for a second, and then nervously placed his hand on the crystal.

Haruki’s eyes widened, staring at the numbers displayed. ‘What… is this score…?’

Author’s Note:

> I use:

|“ ”| — For dialogue shown on-screen

<“ ”> — For KRC.