Eriska's voice trembled slightly as she stared at the spot where the knight had vanished."Who was he...? And how did he just disappear like that?"
Sara stepped forward, her eyes scanning Ito closely."Ito, are you alright? Did he do anything to you?" she asked, voice edged with concern.
"I'm alright," Ito replied with a steady nod. "He just said one thing—'Watch your back.'"
"Watch your back? From who?" Shion asked, brows furrowed.
Before Ito could speak, Gakurei cut in, his tone dismissive."Whatever it was... it's gone now. We should focus on the two coming this way."
The nearby bushes rustled again.
Everyone tensed. Eyes narrowed. Muscles coiled.Fists clenched.
"I'm telling you, this is the right way," came a familiar voice from the brush.
"That doesn't sound like Zayden," Ito muttered.
But moments later, Zayden and Kajin stepped through the foliage, still mid-conversation.
"Oh... they're all here," Kajin blinked. "Guess you were right, after all."
A collective exhale followed. The tension broke, melting into shared relief.
"It's you two," Shion muttered, a mix of relief and exasperation in his voice.He looked them over, as if half-surprised they were still in one piece.
"Why's everyone looking so freaked out?" Kajin asked, scratching his head."Something happen?"
Shion gave him a wary look, his voice dropping."Some knight showed up... appeared from nowhere, then disappeared just as fast. Like a ghost."
Kajin chuckled and casually leaned against a nearby tree."Ghosts, huh? Sounds like you all need a nap."
Suddenly—
A hand clamped down hard on Kajin's shoulder.
"I see... so you do have guts," a voice growled.
Kajin turned, his grin flickering."O-Oh. Eriska! H-Hey there! Didn't see you!"
Her eyes narrowed like twin blades.
"I heard about the little competition you were stirring up," she said coolly."Having fun?"
Kajin's confidence shattered. He waved his arms around wildly."Oh, that? I-I mean, it was just a friendly thing! You know—bonding exercise, haha..."
THWACK.
A loud slap echoed through the forest.
Kajin dropped to the ground, a massive bump already swelling on his head.
"Brother!" Ito cried, rushing to his side.
Shion, Zayden, Gakurei, and Sara exchanged glances.
"Good job," Shion said with a smirk.
"Nice one," Zayden added.
"Well executed," Gakurei nodded.
"He had it coming," Sara finished with a grin.
Eriska stood over Kajin, arms crossed in quiet triumph."Maybe next time you'll think twice before pulling stupid stunts."
Shion brushed a leaf from his shoulder and stepped forward."Alright. Let's check who's still flagless."
Zayden pulled out a folded flag and flipped it with his fingers."Mine's good."
Sara smirked and revealed hers halfway from her pocket.Eriska gave a subtle nod, the edge of her flag visible beneath her cloak.Gakurei simply held his up.
Kajin raised both empty hands, a sheepish laugh escaping his lips."…Does pretending count?"
Everyone turned toward Ito.
He stood silent. His hands were empty. Shoulders squared. Jaw clenched.
Eriska stepped forward. Her gaze was sharp but calm.
"Now that we're all here," she said, "there's no reason to stick together anymore."
Her words weren't hostile. Just... honest.
"In the end, we're all aiming to win this tournament. Or not. But either way—we'll be standing against each other."
A quiet pause hung in the air.
"...I agree," Sara said softly.
Zayden stuffed his hands into his pockets."They're right. Better we start thinking ahead—before someone else does."
The group stood silent, the weight of parting thick in the air.What had been a team… was now a group of future enemies.
Ito clenched his fists.No...
His heart pounded against his chest, anxiety crawling beneath his skin.
I don't want us to split up... But what should I do?
His mind blanked.
Why does this always happen? Why now, when it matters the most...?
His head lowered. His breath grew shallow.Desperation weighed heavy on his shoulders.
"Aaarrghhhh!!"
Everyone turned.
Kajin was gripping his head, eyes wide, mouth twisted in pain.
Shion frowned. "What's wrong with you?"
Kajin screamed louder."I-it's no use! I can't remember!"
Shion stepped forward cautiously. "What is it you can't remember?"
Kajin suddenly stood up, hand raised dramatically to the sky."I saw ten different panty colors earlier—but now I can only remember nine of them!"
...
Silence.
Complete.
Awkward.
Dead silence.
Eriska stepped forward, her tone dry."...Seriously? That's what's bothering you?"
"You don't get it!" Kajin shouted, pointing a finger into the sky."It's part of the competition—between me and my brother! We can't separate! Even if we fight in the final round, we're still allies!"
He looked over at Ito."Right, Brother?"
Ito froze.
The words... were everything he'd been afraid to say.
He met Kajin's gaze—and felt something inside click into place.
The pressure lifted. His heart steadied.
A slow breath escaped his lips.
"...Yes."His voice was calm. Clear. Unshaken.
The others looked at them with mixed expressions—some amused, some confused, and a few quietly impressed.
Whatever came next...
They would face it together.