The coliseum was alive — loud, buzzing like a beehive.
People stumbled through the stairways and rows, trying to find their seats, chattering excitedly.
The air felt warm with anticipation, the ground vibrating faintly with the noise.
"Keep up, Hina, we need the best seats!"
Ivan pushed through the crowd, weaving easily.
Hina followed behind him, trying not to get lost in the sea of people.
When they finally found seats, Ivan sighed in relief as he dropped into his chair.
Hina sat beside him, looking down at the coliseum floor — the same arena she'd been to before, but now everything felt different.
The energy was brighter.
Harsher.
Alive.
It looked like an anticipated event.
The crowd pulsed with excitement.
Hina leaned back, letting the roar of voices wash over her.
"Hina?!"
A familiar cheerful voice cut through the noise.
Hina turned — Mera was standing right there, her entire face lighting up the moment their eyes met.
Before Hina could respond, Mera plopped down into the empty seat beside her and wrapped her in a tight hug.
"How are you, bestie?!" she chirped, her voice carrying its usual sunshine warmth.
Hina, already used to Mera's relentless cheerfulness, felt a small warmth bloom in her chest.
Truthfully… she'd grown fond of it.
Mera's presence was like a tether — something bright to keep her rooted in this new life.
"I've been well, Mera," Hina said softly.
Mera finally released her and flopped back into her seat, hands resting behind her head as she stared down at the arena.
"The place is lively today, isn't it?" Mera sighed.
Hina nodded.
It was packed — much more than the last time she came.
"You know," Mera turned her head slightly, "it'll be my first time ever seeing Asim participate in a tournament."
Hina tilted her head.
"He never took part in tournaments. Not like these," Mera continued, gaze wandering across the crowd.
"I wonder what made him."
Hina also stared ahead.
Did Asim really enter just to fight Leon?
"I—"
Before Hina could say her guess, a booming announcer voice cut through the atmosphere:
"Welcome everybody! We thank you for coming to witness this great tournament!"
The crowd erupted into cheers.
"Welcome to the Student Championship — a tournament not only to prize the strongest, but for all students to show how strong you've become! To show everyone how much you've improved!"
"Now, the first fight will start shortly. Thank you for your patience."
The stadium vibrated with excitement.
Hina exhaled slowly, her thoughts swirling.
What is Asim thinking?