The next morning arrived quietly—too quietly.
But unlike previous days, the academy was already overflowing with people long before the match was scheduled to begin.
Students pushed toward the stands.
Reporters crowded the gates.
Parents, citizens, tourists—everyone wanted to witness the final match of Round Two.
*Astra Noire vs Raze Arcwell*
The prodigy vs the anomaly.
The girl born with overwhelming power vs the boy with none.
The nation's brightest star vs the Arcwell heir wielding mysterious technology.
The entire stadium buzzed with restless excitement.
"Obviously Astra is going to win."
"Yeah, but how far can Raze push her?"
"I heard Arcwell tech is insane—maybe he has a chance?"
"Even a chance is impressive against Astra."
"I just hope he survives."
No one doubted Astra's victory.
Not because they disliked Raze—
but because Astra was simply *that* strong.
Still, curiosity burned in every eye.
*How would Raze Arcwell fight a monster like her?*
◆ ◆ ◆
*Inside the Hero Class Waiting Room*
Raze tightened the Starbreaker gloves around his wrists.
Astra floated beside him, legs gently swinging in the air as she rested on a cushion of force.
Their classmates surrounded them—Rain, Bam, Roger (bandaged like a mummy), Selene, Gray, and even Mira.
Bam slapped Raze's back proudly.
"Bro! You better not die! I bet my lunch money on you lasting at least five minutes!"
Rain smiled softly.
"You'll do great, Raze. Just stay calm."
Roger raised a fist dramatically.
"Show them the power of our Class 1-H!! And if you lose, lose epically!"
Selene added with sparkly eyes,
"Crash boom! Big light! Very hero!"
Mira giggled.
"Raze, no matter what happens… we'll all cheer for you."
Astra watched him quietly.
"You look nervous," she said softly.
"I'm always nervous," Raze replied.
"But today… you're trying to hide it."
He exhaled slowly.
Astra smiled.
"Don't. Just be yourself. Fight me seriously."
"I will," Raze said, meeting her eyes.
Astra nodded once.
Then—both turned as the stadium speakers crackled to life.
◆ ◆ ◆
*Unprecedented Security*
Outside, the entire academy felt different.
Drones filled the skies.
Dozens of pro heroes lined the outskirts.
Barriers shimmered faintly, layered five times thicker than usual.
Even the audience murmured:
"Security is insane today…"
"They're expecting Nightveil, right?"
"Yeah. This must be the highest alert level."
"Do you think he'll really show up?"
The tension was suffocating.
Titanheart himself stood near the announcer booth, arms folded.
Teachers scanned the crowd with stern gazes.
The principal sat in the hero's box, eyes sharp and wary.
Everyone knew: **if Nightveil planned anything… today was the day.**
◆ ◆ ◆
*The Arena Awakens*
The hologram screens flared alive—bright enough to light the entire stadium.
FINAL MATCH — ROUND TWO
ASTRA NOIRE (Nexas: Super Trifecta)
VS*
RAZE ARCWELL (None / Arcwell Technology: Starbreaker)
A wave of cheers erupted.
Kids screamed Astra's name.
Teenagers chanted for Raze.
Adults whispered theories.
Heroes leaned forward in interest.
This was more than a match.
It was a clash between raw potential and engineered brilliance.
It was the fight the entire world had been waiting for.
◆ ◆ ◆
*The Entrance*
The announcer's voice boomed across the arena:
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!
THE FINAL MATCH OF ROUND TWO—
BEGINS NOW!!!"
The ground vibrated as spotlights shot across the stage.
"FIRST—
NEXARA'S GOLDEN STAR!!
THE GIRL WHO DEFEATED A FALLING METEOR—
ASTRAAAAA NOIRRRRE!!"
Astra stepped into the arena, hair illuminated like sunlight.
The crowd roared in pure admiration.
Then—
"AND HER OPPONENT—
THE BOY WITH NO NEXAS…
THE RISING PHENOMENON OF ARCWELL TECHNOLOGY—
RAZE!!
ARCWELLLLL!!"
Raze walked out, Starbreaker humming with controlled power.
The cheers were different—curious, supportive, hopeful.
Astra smiled at him across the battlefield.
Raze returned the expression with a steady nod.
The entire stadium held its breath.
Even the heroes grew silent.
Tomorrow did not matter.
Nightveil did not matter.
Fear did not matter.
Only this moment existed.
Only this battle.
The referee raised his hand—
And the world braced for impact.