The night air was crisp as Cruzer left the private training grounds, his muscles aching but his mind sharper than ever. Jean had pushed him hard, harder than he had expected, but that was exactly what he needed.
Not yet.
That phrase echoed in his mind, a challenge he had set for himself. Anup stood at the peak right now, but the peak wasn't unshakable.
All he had to do was climb.
As he walked through the hotel corridors, the tournament's weight settled over him again. The round of 4 was tomorrow.
One step closer to the finals. One step closer to facing Anup—if he made it there.
He went to his hotel and slept as his mind was full of thoughts.
Next morning, in the stadium, The atmosphere in the arena was electric as the tournament advanced into its final stages. The quarterfinals had concluded, narrowing the field to the elite four: Rin, Aria, Cruzer, and Anup. Each had showcased unparalleled skill and determination, earning their spots in the semifinals.
