Felix explained everything in detail to Michael, and since Katsu was nearby, he also listened carefully.
"Now I understand. Thanks for telling me," said Michael.
"I figured it would be something like that," said Katsu.
"What do you mean? What are you talking about?" asked Felix.
"I usually train and meditate by the Love Lake," Katsu replied. "The atmosphere there just feels right for it. I happened to be there when you and Cherry were talking. I didn't hear what it was about, but I could guess. I just decided not to interrupt you two."
"Now I get it! Well, I'll see you around then. Bye!" said Felix as he went on his way.
"I should go too, then," said Katsu to Michael.
"Yeah, go ahead. Bye!" Michael replied to Katsu.
Some time later, Torrin approached Michael.
"Hey, you're the one who got the 4th level of magical power, right? What was your name again?" Torrin said.
"Hi, I'm Michael. And you're... the guy who told me to look at the sphere in my hands back then! Sorry, I don't know your name," said Michael.
"No worries! I'm Torrin, and as you might've guessed, I'm an earth-element mage," Torrin said with a smile—not a mocking one, but a sincere one.
"Good to know!" said Michael.
"Sounds good," replied Torrin.
Then suddenly, a flash of light and a loud crack—like a lightning strike—erupted from the direction of the arena. Since Michael had never experienced anything like that face-to-face, and it happened so suddenly, he was startled. His joyful grin turned into a shocked and scared expression. He couldn't even speak for a few seconds after it was over.
"Hey, Michael! Are you okay?" asked Torrin, who didn't even flinch—he had encountered something like this before in a tournament.
"Huh? Yeah! What was that?" asked Michael.
"Better look at the arena," Torrin replied.
"What's there?" asked Michael.
"Just look!" said Torrin.
Michael walked over and saw a blond-haired guy in similar clothes standing with a displeased expression over his unconscious opponent—who looked a bit scorched.
"So, you couldn't withstand my attack either! I was hoping I'd have fun fighting you, but I guess I'll have to count on the last opponent. Not that I expect much from him either." said the guy with yellow hair
That guy was none other than "Guy 4," who had been mentioned earlier.
"And the winner is contestant number 3210, Blitz Crackle! The opponent is unable to continue!" announced the elder. "Get him to the hospital, quickly!"
A group of medics ran over to the defeated participant, picked him up, and rushed him to the hospital for recovery. Meanwhile, Blitz walked off the arena.
"He did that to him?!" asked Michael, clearly angry.
"Yeah, you got that right," Torrin replied.
"We'll take a short break before the next match!" said the elder.
"I'm going!" said Michael.
"Where?" asked Torrin.
"To have to talk with that Blitz guy!" replied Michael.
"Better not!" said Torrin.
"But he almost killed someone! How can I ignore that?!" said Michael, with a serious and angry expression.
"According to tournament rules, he's not allowed to kill. If he does, he'll be disqualified—and probably imprisoned. So, trust me, he has every reason not to cross that line. Besides, he doesn't yet have the power to kill," said Torrin.
"Fair enough, makes sense!" said Michael.
And then Blitz approached them, "Didn't expect to see you two here..."
Michael turned around and saw Blitz, and his desire to teach him a lesson grew even stronger.
"...Torrin, and the one I've set as my goal to surpass!" Blitz finished.
"First of all, my name is Michael. Second—what was THAT?!" Michael asked Blitz.
"And I'm Blitz, that's first of all!" Blitz mocked Michael's emotions slightly. "And second—what are you even talking about?"
"You nearly killed your opponent!" Michael said, clearly furious.
"Oh, that? So what?" Blitz replied, now knowing what Michael meant.
"'So what?!'"Michael repeated, frustrated.
"I left him alive, didn't I? Killing him would've been a bad move anyway. And besides..." Blitz continued, his face turning into a crazed smile, "...I've done the same thing to all of my opponents—including the guy behind you."
Again, Michael was shocked, realizing how many people had the same fate. He turned to Torrin and asked, "Is that true, Torrin?"
"Yeah, it's true. Even Katsu lost to him the same way," Torrin replied.
Michael grew even angrier now that his worst thoughts had been confirmed. He turned to Blitz to ask him more but saw that Blitz was already walking off the arena, saying with rage, "You'll see! I'll face you in battle and put you in your place—so you learn what can and can't be done!"
"Heh!" Blitz smiled wider. "Now that's the spirit!"
Then Blitz walked away. The old man returned at that moment.
"Oh, crap! I'm supposed to go out now!" said Michael, running toward the arena entrance.
"Good luck, Michael!" called out Torrin.
The old man clapped his hands and spoke again, "Alright, friends! I'm back! The participant is fine! He'll sleep for a few hours and be as good as new! Now, let's begin the next match! Step forward, participants number 2—Michael Blazeheart, and number 156—Ralph Galeheart!"