As the fight came to an end, Lukas met up with Marco and Sofie near the arena exit.

Marco let out a sharp gasp.
“Your opponent was really strong, wasn’t he?”

Lukas nodded. “Yeah. If it weren’t for my healing magic, I would’ve been devoured by his fire.”

Sofie crossed her arms, glancing back toward the stadium.
“There are really some tough guys here. I can’t even imagine what the next qualifying round will be like.”

“True,” Lukas said with a relaxed smile. “But we only have to win, right?”

Marco grinned. “Exactly. As long as we come out on top.”

After a brief pause, Sofie spoke up again.
“Since Lukas’s match is over, why don’t you guys help me train? The competition is only going to get tougher from here.”

Lukas and Marco agreed without hesitation.

Meanwhile, back in the stadium, the host was announcing the next match.

“Up next—two anima users! RIO versus Xane!”

But the trio didn’t stay to watch. Instead, they left the tournament grounds to train together.

Elsewhere, Princess Elisabeth wandered through the corridors of the stadium, scanning the area.

She was hoping to see Lukas again… but she couldn’t find him anywhere.

Why am I going out of my way to look for him anyway?
The thought made her flustered, and she shook her head, her cheeks heating up.

The tournament continued—fighter after fighter taking the stage.

After finishing their training, Lukas, Marco, and Sofie headed out to eat. On the way, they unexpectedly ran into Princess Elisabeth.

Marco and Sofie immediately bowed deeply.

“Your Highness.”

Lukas, however, simply smiled and greeted her.
“Hey. Are you okay after what happened the other day?”

Sofie instantly punched Lukas on the head.
“I’m so sorry for his rudeness, Your Highness!”

Elisabeth waved her hands quickly.
“No, no—never mind that. I just came to tell you that tomorrow’s match will be a two-versus-two battle. That’s all.”

With that, she turned and walked away.

Phhh—why did I even come to tell them? she thought as she left. They could’ve just checked the notice board! Now they’re going to think I’m stalking them!

Her face turned bright red as she silently screamed in embarrassment.

Marco and Sofie bowed once more.
“Thank you very much, Your Highness.”

After she left, Marco frowned.
“Isn’t it strange? She came all this way just to tell us something we could’ve learned from the notice board.”

Sofie nodded. “Yeah. And how did she even know we weren’t in the stadium?”

They couldn’t figure it out.

Then Marco suddenly froze.

“…Wait. We’re in big trouble.”

Sofie blinked. “What do you mean?”

Marco sighed. “We don’t even have enough people for tomorrow’s match. And we don’t know who’s partnering with who.”

Lukas shrugged.
“Marco, Sofie—you two should enter together. I’ll find myself a partner.”

Marco looked worried.
“Are you sure? You know I know some people among the participants…”

Lukas laughed.
“It’s fine. I’ll figure something out.”

Marco and Sofie stared at him, their faces pale. They couldn’t believe how carefree he was—but in the end, they agreed.

Meanwhile, Princess Elisabeth was facing a problem of her own.

She didn’t have a partner for tomorrow’s match either.