Somewhere in Ground Alpha…
Lyra suddenly stops walking. Arthur pauses too, looking at her curiously.
"This place is good," Lyra murmurs, glancing around before turning to face him.
Arthur tilts his head. "What did you want to say to me?"
Lyra nervously taps her fingers together, her gaze dropping to the ground.
"I… I need your help," she says softly. "There's something I've been meaning to ask for a long time."
Arthur blinks in surprise and turns to Hyorinmaru floating beside him. The spirit dragon just shrugs with a smirk.
Meanwhile…
Seraphina peeks from behind a nearby wall, ears perked.
"She wants to tell him something…" she whispers. "D-Does she want to confess her feelings?"
Tenmei, crouched beside her, grins. "Or maybe she's proposing marriage. Just imagine—"
POP! Seraphina's eyes widen, imagining a grown-up Lyra and Arthur holding hands with two kids running around them. Her face turns red instantly.
"Don't put such thoughts in my head!" she shoves Tenmei lightly, flustered.
"Suit yourself," Tenmei chuckles.
On the other side of the wall, Callista peeks out too.
"Lyra… don't tell me you've actually fallen for Arthur," she says quietly, narrowing her eyes.
Back with Arthur and Lyra—
Arthur crosses his arms, smiling. "Go on. I'm all ears."
Lyra takes a breath. "It's my training. I haven't been able to refine or create any new techniques. My magic is… complicated. So I thought maybe… you could help me invent one."
Arthur lights up with a proud grin. "Well then, no matter the technique, I'll help you."
---
Back at the Colosseum…
The crowd buzzes with confusion.
"Where did Arthur and the others go?" Riven asks.
Felix nods. "Yeah, the next match can start any minute."
Suddenly, the referee's voice echoes across the arena:
"Next match—Darius Voss versus Selera Nyx!"
The arena quiets instantly.
Darius stretches as he steps forward. "Guess it's my turn."
Damon pats his shoulder. "Go get 'em."
As Darius steps onto the stage, his eyes lock onto his opponent. A girl with long black hair and dark eyes stands calmly, her blade drawn.
He scratches his head. "First time fighting a girl… Should've asked Garold for tips."
Selera meets his gaze, her voice sharp. "You'd be a fool to underestimate me."
Darius smirks. "I won't. Promise."
"Begin!" the referee announces.
Darius draws his blade. "Spark… Denkouken!" Lightning crackles to life, dancing along the edge of his sword.
Selera sighs. "Ugh. I hate lightning." She raises her blade. "But with my magic… I suppose I'll show you something pretty."
"Bloom… Shinrinhane!"
Wooden vines erupt from her sword, wrapping around her body, forming a cocoon. Flowers bud along the surface, glowing softly.
Darius watches. "True beauty takes time, huh? Alright then."
Up in the stands, Damon groans. "Is he seriously just standing there? He should be attacking!"
Garold sips his drink calmly. "He's not like you. He's trying to show respect."
"Respect? This is a battle!" Damon argues.
"I can be respectful!" Damon adds.
Ronan coughs loudly. Damon grins, "Sore throat? Want me to heal it?"
"No thanks," Ronan replies, deadpan.
Back on the field, Darius exhales. "Oi, oi. I'm getting bored here."
He lunges forward and slashes the cocoon with a surge of lightning. The entire stage flashes in light.
Damon leans forward. "Did he get her?"
As the light fades… the cocoon floats—untouched.
Darius blinks. "Seriously?"
From inside, Selera's voice echoes: "Apologies for the wait… but now, it's time to bloom."
CRACK!
The cocoon shatters. Blinding light spills out. From the glow, Selera rises—hovering in the air with elegant wooden wings draped in leaves, her blade now alive with nature's energy.
"I am ready," she says, eyes glowing. "This is my true strength."
Darius stares in awe. "Are you… an angel?"
Selera smiles. "Hold your breath. I've come to cleanse this world."
Darius bursts out laughing. "Cleanse my foot!"
He slams his blade down. "Lightning Magic… Destructive Bolt!"
Four massive bolts spark behind him, shooting toward her. Smoke explodes.
As the dust clears… Selera remains floating, her wings shielding her.
"You dare interrupt a divine angel?" she scowls. "Then prepare for punishment."
She flips her blade, holding it upside-down.
"Return to hell, demon."
Roots explode from her wings, spiraling at Darius. He flips, slashing them down one after the other.
Another bolt flies—blocked again by her wings.
"These wings…" Darius growls, "they're a pain."
Suddenly, a root whips from behind—he flips away—
BOOM!
Another bursts from the ground, grabbing his leg. It slams him hard into the stage.
"Gah!!" Darius grits his teeth, slicing the root and breaking free. He rolls across the ground, dodging more roots stabbing down like spears.
Up in the stands, Riven watches. "He's in trouble…"
Damon shrugs. "Told you. Bad idea letting her transform."
Kaelius folds his arms. "We just have to believe in his training."
He smiles faintly.
"This fight's far from over."