“I won’t use it until you get up.”

***

Toshi’s voice rang out, “Hey, Arata, this isn’t the time to joke around. Finish the match somehow. If you can’t fight with the katana, then fight some other way!”

Arata thought. ‘Well… everyone’s getting angry because of my actions. But what can I do? They don’t know about this…’

***

“Ken, would you give me that, please?”

Kazuma scoffed. “Sakura, you won’t be able to use it even if you take it. It’s not possible. Only the first person who touches it can use it.”

“Huh? Then I won’t be able to use it?”

“You dumb girl, we’ve been talking about that the whole time.”

“Take this. But you can’t use it—only I can.”

She took it gently, looking down at the hilt. The cloth wrapped around it was faded and torn.

“Ken, get a new cloth for the katana.”

She passed it back to Ren, expression disappointed.

“Master, tell me about katanas. You never tell me anything about them—”

Again freeze.

“Can I tell another one?”

“Huh, another one?”

“After defeating my opponent, I won't be able to use this on that day.”

“So, you're saying you take the whole day? Mad boy… Tch, stop. I also want to play fair. That’s why I didn’t do anything to you.”

Arata stepped forward, closing the gap slowly.

Time... resumed.

***

In the stands, a woman, around thirty with a milkshake in hand, Her light steps brought her to the row where Miya, Kiko, Maki, and Toshi sat watching the match.

“I think Arata’ll win, senpais.”

Miya turned back. “Huh, Mira? Why do you think like that?”

Mira plopped down casually between Miya and Kiko. “Just a hunch. I don’t know if he's intelligent or an idiot, but in this situation, no one does that many times for no use.”

Suddenly—Freeze Again.

But this time, the entire arena held its breath.

Arata had moved first. In a flash, he stretched the katana horizontally across Kazuki’s neck, holding it firmly with one hand. With the same motion, his other hand clenched the front of Kazuki’s shirt. Kazuki had barely begun to react—when it was already over.

“I know that your katana still breaks the time freeze before the time limit. Don’t move. Admit defeat.”

“Huh… How?”

“How? You’re asking that now?... Why don’t you consider that I can just freeze this 3-meter radius instead of the whole arena?”

“Then why didn’t you use it before, you idiot?”

“Because I didn’t know the radius. And I had to freeze it before that. Count—this is the tenth freeze.”

“Still…”

“I already said, right?... I figured your katana might break my freeze. So I got close and used a quick-speed dash right away. I think it broke in two seconds.”

“Then what’s the use of mine?”

“That’s for you to figure out. And by the way… you had a chance during my cooldown… But you didn’t do anything.”

“You mean… I have to admit defeat for doing nothing after the first freeze? It’s unfair.”

“I already told you. I don’t give chances.”

Kazuki held the glare a moment longer… then let his breath out. “I admit defeat.”

Haruto stepped forward. “Contestant Number 200 is the winner!”

Kazuki threw one last glare over his shoulder. “Hey! You have to fight me outside. I won't lose again!”

“Haa… okay, okay. But thanks again.”

Kazuki’s face turned red. “Shut up, idiot! I don’t want your thanks—I wanted to win too!”

“Mira, you guessed it right!”

Miya scooted closer, draped an arm around Mira’s far shoulder, and with a playful grin, rubbed their cheeks together, clinging to her like a cuddly doll.

Mira grabbed her face and gently pushed it away, half-pouting. “Senpai, why do you always do that only to me? There are so many others, right?”

“Because you’re the cute doll who doesn’t scold me when I do that.”

Mira faintly smiled. “Play with Kiko-senpai if you want.”

***

Outside the arena, Yuta’s eyes widened as he finally understood what had just happened.

Just then, Yui stepped out gracefully, ( She wore a high-collared tunic of vibrant plum-toned fabric, flowing to her ankles with elegant side slits for easy movement. A belt cinched her waist. Over it, a long, tailored coat draped just as far—structured yet fluid. The coat wasn’t pinned at the collar or attached to anything, adding to its sleek look. She wore cropped plum culottes underneath. )

“Hey Yuta, is it over?”

His mouth opened slightly in shock. “Neesan? Is that you? You look…”

Yuki smirked. “Stylish, right?”

“Huh? Oh—Yuki?! I thought it was Neesan. Cropped pants?!”

“At least that’s the one dress I convinced her on. And it’s light to wear.”

– “Stop. Okay, now it’s all over, right? We have to go.”

Yui's eyebrows raised. “You're coming now?”

Yuta’s eyes narrowed. “Neesan, you missed a good fight. Though honestly, I didn’t see much either because of that.”

“Huh? I missed it, okay? But you saw it, right?”

“Yes, but the people in the arena know better. Well, come on, I’m going.”

***

“Master? Now you have to say.”

“First of all, I don’t know. How should I say it?”

“Say what you know.”

“I know three points. First, I don’t know how many there are. Second, besides those two, I know there’s an element breaker. Third, I don’t even know how they exist.”

“Huh? That’s it? You said something about touching.”

“Whoever touches it first is the only one who can control and use that katana. Once that person dies, the katana vanishes.”

“Vanish?! Is that even possible?!”

“That’s what I’m saying. You heard the third point, right?”

She sulked just a little. “Why are you angry, Master? You’re not like before… Anyway, you said you know three. So, Ken’s katana is the fourth, right?”

Ren listened quietly.

“Well, you can think of it that way. But I didn’t read anything about that katana in the scrolls. Only Ken knows. He said he can open dimension portals with it—but even he doesn’t know its rank.”

“Rank?”

“Yeah, but I don’t know how they rank them. I only know about three. That guy—number 200—is using a katana said to be rank 7, but some scrolls say it’s rank 10. So it’s uncertain… Well, rank doesn’t matter. The user who wields it is what matters.”

“So Ken has that type of katana? Is he lucky, or…”

Ren said, “Lucky. And mostly I use it only for opening dimension portals. Other than that, I mostly rely on tai art. I am not the combat type.”

“Why are you saying that? You only said every type has its advantages. I know you’re strong. So don’t act like that.”

– Hey Kazuma, did you say anything?

– Well, she eventually knows. Don’t worry about that. But did you find any clues?

– No, but maybe my guess is right. I didn’t tell Sakuragi why I stopped. But in any case, that’s my fault. Now I’m also starting to doubt. Why?

– I know too, but don’t think about it too much and don’t rush.

***

Yui and Yuta walked over to the seat where Miko was sitting. Miko noticed Yui. “Huh! Yuki liked that color?”

Yuki smiled faintly. “I know, Maa, you think like that. So I was in control before coming here.”

“Okay, sit.”

Some people watched matches intently, while others drifted in and out of the arena, doing what they wanted and eating what they wanted.

***

The palace entrance led directly into the throne room. On both edges—left and right—there were narrow paths between the throne room and the private chambers or guards’ rooms. These paths led to a staircase ascending to the next floor, where the king and queen’s rooms, children’s rooms, guest rooms, and other areas like the kitchen, dining hall, storage, hall and so on… The throne room’s entrance sat just beneath the balcony above.

Sujin asked, “Hey, Inori, did you watch the fights? The first match was Roy’s, and that guy who defeated him fought again in the third match—and then disappeared in the fog during the fight.”

“Oi, mental. You know I was watching—and you’re asking again?”

“No, I didn’t mean it like that. Did you observe that guy? That’s what I’m asking.”

“Well, yes, I saw him… I even invited him to dinner. We need to talk privately, without interruptions.”

“When did you meet that guy?! And what do you mean by private?”

“It’s about Roy. You said he disappeared in the third fight. Four idiots barged into my room, and that injured guy is still here.”

“What!? How did they get into your room?”

“Oh, I forgot to mention—he opened a dimensional portal using his katana. I was shocked too. He said they came accidentally.”

“Dimension portals?! You’re giving me shock after shock.”

“Well, that red-haired guy behaves like him… same eye color. Of course, those eyes see things differently, and…”

“Umm, what are you talking about? Who looks like whom?”

Inori’s tone grew sad. “Ah, well, it’s nothing.”

“Has anything happened? Did those guys cause trouble?”

“You idiot, why would they do anything? I mean, he talks like Kazuma… and those green eyes…”

“Huh! There are so many people like that.”

“But… well, you might be right,” Inori admitted reluctantly.

“Would you like to tell Haruki? He can take them here.”

“He already said he’ll come, so don’t worry.”

“Jin won.”

“I know. He’s my son.”

“Well, you care about Roy, right? That’s why I mentioned it.”

Inori snapped, “Huh!? I care about all of them equally! Did Jin tell you I didn’t care? Ask him if you have doubts, you idiot.”

Sujin fell silent, smirking.

***

“This is the last match for today. The remaining matches will continue tomorrow.”

“The match is between number 45 and… number 46.”

Both stepped into the arena. The first was a hoodie-clad figure, about 16, wearing a mask with the hood pulled over his head. The other, slightly older, appeared to be under 20.

Miko’s eyes narrowed as she blinked sharply. “Huh!”

“What, mom?”

“Nothing... You’re not a Sensemitter, right?”

***

On the other side, tears began to pool in Mira’s eyes. Miya, sitting close by, noticed immediately and gently brushed a stray tear from Mira’s cheek.

“Why again? Every time you see it, you cry. It’s been so many years.”

Mira’s voice cracking like fragile glass. “But… It’s because of me, right? He might be that…”

“Stop. You idiot, you don’t know for certain, right?”

Mira’s breath was shaky. “Even though I don’t want to remember, when I see… I can’t stop.”

***

“Start.”

The hoodie-clad figure moved swiftly behind the other guy, his hand striking the opponent’s neck sharply. Before the opponent could react, a hooking kick swept low, catching the ankle.

That boy stumbled, losing balance instantly. The hoodie guy pinned the opponent’s hands behind his back.

The pinned man’s breath hitched, face contorted as pressure on his wrists intensified.

‘What? I can’t s—’

“Ahhh!” A sharp scream cut through the air as he pinned the man’s hands more tightly.

“I admit defeat, please stop!”

***

Miya turned to Mira with a teasing glint. “Huh, hey, he won.”

“Why are you saying that to me, Miya Senpai?”

Miya continued teasing, “Because you’re supporting him.”

“Why would I support him? I don’t even know who he is.”

“The winner is 45.”

***

Miko’s eyes impressed.

“Mom? Do you know that guy?”

“I know.”

“Who, Mom? I can’t see his face, but you can sense him, right?”

“I know, but I don’t want to tell you,” she thought, ‘What is she thinking, sending out like this?’

“Who, Maa? Aren’t you going to tell me too?”

“So what? I treat you and Yui the same—it’s just that I’ve spent less time with you, so I’m a bit friendlier with you.”

Yuki pouted. “...”

“First, I don’t like either of you. I like Yuta the most, so don’t fight in your mind. And for that question, I already said, right? I don't want to get involved in others' matters.”

“I know, Mom. You love me the most—more than Neesan. That Yuki… she’s just taking advantage.”

“Say that word again.”

His voice was nervous. “No, Mom, I didn’t mean it that way. Yuki is a good girl, and she’s another sister to me.”

– { Yuki, happy? }

– ‘Honestly, Maa, I’m impressed—you’re still managing both of them, even at their age.’

– { I’m not controlling them, Yuki. They respect me, that’s all. If they don’t want to, there’s nothing I can do. }

– “Don’t say it that way, Mom. We always respect you; we don’t think in that way.”

***

Night fell. The dining hall was quiet.

‘Huh, that idiot—why didn’t he come? Did he forget?’

Half an hour ticked past.

“Shit, I have to tell Haruki.”

Haruki stood outside Sujin’s room.

***

“Hey, Haruki, come here.”

“Huh?”

Inori's voice hardened. “Come.”

‘Why is Inori-sama angry?’

He took a few steps. “Tell Inori-sama, is there any problem?”

Inori’s hand yanked Haruki’s ear. “You didn’t come until I called twice! I treat you like my little brother, you dumb idiot! How many times have I said not to call me Inori-sama?”

“Inori-sama, please calm down. I call you that out of respect. Tell me what happened; I’ll try to fix it.”

“Uff, you saw the first fight—the one who fought Roy, right?”

“Yes, Roy lost.”

Inori yanked his ear again. “Roy lost? Are you happy? Saying it like that... I’ll kill you.”

“Okay, I won’t talk like that. Tell me what to do.”

“I invited that guy to dinner to discuss something, but he didn’t come—maybe he forgot. Can you bring him to this place?”

“I’ll try. He may be in the contestants’ quarters.”

***

A few moments earlier, Ren and Kazuma approached the palace doors.

A guard blocked their path.

“Hey, it was the Queen who called us.” Kazuma’s brow furrowed.

“Huh? Why would Inori-sama call you?”

At that moment, Kenzo walked past, heading to other rooms in the palace.

‘Huh? I saw that guy somewhere... Ah, this morning he controlled the crystal without falling.’

“Hey Ken, what are you doing here?”

"They said Inori-sama called them.”

“Hey, do you think we’re lying?”

“Well, well, stop. Jiro, you can ask directly by going in. We’re guarding here, not because anyone’s coming, right? I know them.”

“Well, I’ll ask. You can talk with them.” Jiro motioned toward Ren and Kazuma. “Names?”

“Ken and Azuma.”

***

“Ken—you said this is your first time here, so how do you know Inori-sama?”

Kazuma stepped forward. “First, move aside. At least let us come in.”

They slipped past Kenzo, walking toward the throne.

“Hey, until that guy comes, can we sit on that throne?”

Kenzo’s eyes widened in shock. “What are you talking about? If anyone sees—”

“Huh, so what? What if someone sees? And there’s nobody here.”

“Show respect, man. Even if no one sees, we have to respect that seat.”

“If you don’t want to sit, then don’t come… Ken, come.”

Kenzo’s voice was nervous. “Hey, why are you acting like that?”

Kazuma grabbed Ren’s hand. “Come on, we’re not doing anything wrong.”

He settled onto the main throne with an easy, casual posture.

Two smaller seats were a few steps back on the left, and a large throne-like seat was on the right.

“Hey, you sit too. I’m giving you this right-side seat.”

Kenzo blinked. “Even though nothing’s happened, you’re sitting on the King’s throne, man? Get up.”

“This is just a chair—no one’s using it.”

Ren lowered himself onto that chair.

***

Jiro met Haruto and reported quietly.

They came down and looked up. Haruki folded his arms in frustration. “Hey! What are you doing?”

Before they responded, a cool, calm voice echoed from seemingly nowhere.

“It’s just a chair. Why are you shouting?”

Kazuma’s eyes widened. ‘Where’s that voice coming from? Who’s talking? Has anyone been watching all this time?’

Haruki looked confused. “But—”

“It’s just a chair, right? Why bother?”

Haruto’s anger softened. “Well… come this way. Inori-sama is waiting for you.”

Kazuma and Ren rose from the throne and followed.