Immortal Mythos Awakening-Chapter 71: Scythes and Sparks

A boom echoed through the skies as Yuki and Nyra launched backward from their collision, each skidding to a halt at opposite ends of the arena, breathing heavily.

Ren folded his arms, eyes gleaming. "They're pushing each other beyond their natural rhythm. This isn't just combat... it's synchronization."

Nearby, Haru snorted, noodles hanging from his lips. "Whatever, I give it to Nyra... anyone who can make Yuki sweat in a fight deserves some respect."

Himari, sitting on a higher ledge, narrowed her eyes. "Or she's just trying too hard to show off..."

Aiko stood with her arms crossed, an unreadable expression on her face. Her fingers twitched slightly as Nyra laughed mid-fight, twirling her scythe like it was a dance partner.

"Oh come on," Aiko muttered. "Is she flirting in the middle of a battle?"

Kai, munching loudly beside her, blinked. "I mean, to be fair... Yuki did compliment her footwork. Twice."

"Shut up, Kai."

Back in the arena, Nyra grinned wide, blood trickling from her temple. "You're strong, Yuki. Not just power... you've got style."

Yuki scratched his head awkwardly. "Thanks, I guess? You're... not so bad yourself."

That's it.

Aiko jumped down from the ledge, a spark of aura in her eyes.

"She better not try to kiss him after the match," she muttered darkly.

From the side, Himari giggled softly. "You're jealous."

"I'm not jealous. I'm concerned. Big difference."

Nyra cracked her neck, raising her scythe for the final blow. "Let's finish this. One last strike. Winner takes the spotlight."

Yuki nodded, and in that instant... his void aura wrapped tighter, reality fracturing slightly beneath his feet.

They launched.

Scythes collided mid-air in a spinning cross pattern... energy exploding around them in a shockwave so powerful it cracked the protective barrier around the arena.

When the dust settled... one figure stood.

Both Yuki and Nyra had landed... but Nyra dropped to one knee, her weapon shaking slightly in her grasp.

"I yield," she said with a smirk. "Void beats Blossom."

Yuki exhaled. "Barely."

From the stands, Aiko clapped slowly... then walked down to Yuki's side.

"You good?" she asked coolly, brushing a speck of dust from his shoulder.

"Yeah," he nodded, before noticing the slightly too intense look in her eyes. "...Why are you glaring at me?"

"I'm not."

Nyra chuckled. "Guess I'll be seeing more of you, Yuki."

Aiko stepped between them. "Only if you survive next round."

Himari, watching from above, whispered to herself, "This tournament's getting very entertaining..."

The roar of the crowd still echoed in Yuki's ears as he stepped off the arena floor, the weight of Kuragari resting comfortably against his back. His legs felt heavy... like he'd carried the sky on them... but his heart was alight with exhilaration. freewёbn૦νeɭ.com

Nyra met him just beyond the exit tunnel, silverfire twin-blades sheathed at her sides. She offered him a sideways grin that felt more genuine than the curt bow she'd given in the ring.

Nyra: "Not bad for a Voidwalker. You held your ground."

Yuki managed a small smile. "You weren't easy to read."

She shrugged, glancing at the crowd still chanting her name. "Most can't keep up with Soulfire... but you did."

They walked down the coliseum's marble corridor side by side, their footsteps echoing in tandem. The late afternoon sun poured through high windows, casting shifting patterns across the floor.

Meanwhile, above in the VIP gallery, Aiko leaned on the balcony rail, arms folded. She watched them, chest tightening each time their shoulders brushed.

Aiko (muttering): "Walking together like they've known each other forever... Ugh."

Himari hovered beside her, serene but perceptive.

Himari: "Jealous?"

Aiko flushed, spinning around. "No! I'm... concerned. That's all."

Himari smirked. "Concerned enough to stare."

Aiko shot her a glare, then looked back down as Yuki and Nyra paused beneath a banner of the Prime Flame's sigil.

Back in the corridor, Nyra turned to Yuki.

Nyra: "Hey. This tournament... whatever happens next, watch your back. Not everyone plays fair."

Yuki nodded, heart thudding in his chest for reasons beyond the warning. "Thanks... Nyra."

For a heartbeat, their eyes met... void and silverfire... and something unspoken passed between them: respect... perhaps more.

Then a trumpet blared.

A booming voice echoed through the halls:

"Contestants, prepare! The next match is upon us!"

Yuki's shoulders straightened as Nyra slipped away, merging into the milling crowd of fighters. He drew a steady breath and headed back toward his team, determination flaring in his eyes.

At the gathering point, Kai was juggling three energy orbs, Haru was sparring with an invisible opponent, and Ren simply stood, calm as the eye of a storm.

Yuki approached, meeting Aiko's gaze. She looked away almost immediately, cheeks still rosy.

Haru: "Not bad, Yuki. Made her statement."

Yuki (smiling wryly): "Statement... right."

Aiko swallowed. "Your next match is against Nokai, the Spirit Monk. He reads spiritual flows... won't be easy."

Ren cracked his knuckles. "A monk, huh? Should be good practice."

Kai added, "Don't worry about me. I've got the culinary bracket... rumor is I face that beast-tamer next."

Yuki glanced at Aiko. "Ready?"

She nodded, fingers brushing the hilt of her Mirror Fans. "I am."

Final moment before the next round, Yuki closed his eyes, letting the hush of the corridor fill him. He could still feel Nyra's presence, like the afterglow of embers. And somewhere, in the shadows of his mind, Velar's soft laughter lingered.

He opened his eyes, firm with resolve.

"Let's go."