The finals of the Stellar Youth Tournament were only days away, and the Grand Arena had become a cauldron of raw emotion.
Every seat was filled, with overflow crowds watching on massive external holo-screens set up around Nova Prime's upper levels.
The competition had become more than a showcase of young talent; it was a battle for reputation, with alliances forming and breaking between academies, and scouts from every major sector filling the premium boxes, their augmented eyes recording every strike, every Qi fluctuation, every moment of brilliance or weakness.
Stellar Martial Academy's team had fought their way into the top four, their smaller delegation earning victories that were hard-won and often controversial.
The hostility from the crowd never let up.
Mechari supporters led the charge, their red circuit bands visible on thousands of arms as they chanted in perfect synchronization: "Stellar cheats! Stellar kills! Ghost coward!"
Banners with Nex-7's image waved high, alongside signs demanding "Blood for blood!" and "No mercy for murderers!"
Solaris and Thunderforge fans joined in with their own flair—burning mock Stellar emblems or creating thunder claps that drowned out cheers for Stellar wins.
Even neutral sections, swayed by the constant coverage, murmured trash talk like "They don't deserve the ring" or "Cheater academy."
The pressure weighed on the Stellar fighters, turning every match into a test of will as much as skill.
They adapted.
Fought cleaner.
Won closer.
Proved depth.
The tournament pushed toward its climax.
Far below the city, in the rundown underground forge that had become a hidden world of its own, time passed in a completely different rhythm.
Elara had not woken up.
Weeks had turned into more weeks since Lian brought her here, carried in his arms through the darkness.
Her alloy body was repaired to perfection—the chest plate seamless and matte black again, circuits flowing smooth, heart monitor pulsing with a steady, strong rhythm.
The healer woman checked her every single day, running detailed scans that lit up green across her aug arms.
Human parts healed completely—no bruises left, skin grafts perfect.
But consciousness remained deep and unreachable.
The sync between brain and core systems was still strained from the massive damage.
Recovery was slow and required absolute quiet.
The healer explained it patiently each time.
"Everything physical fixed."
"But mind and machine need time match again."
"Force wake bad."
"Risk permanent."
"Wait."
Lian accepted.
He barely left her side.
He sat on the same old crate beside the bed for hours every day and night.
Held her alloy hand in his.
Felt the cool metal surface.
Watched her face.
Beautiful and peaceful in sleep.
Long black hair spread across the pillow.
Blue cybernetic eyes closed.
Red heart monitor steady.
He spoke little to the others.
Mostly quiet.
Watched her breathe.
Felt the faint vibration of her systems.
The old blacksmith brought food regularly—simple but nourishing meals of protein, vegetables, hot tea.
He understood the vigil.
The healer woman checked vitals and adjusted small things.
Lian tried going out several times.
First week.
Restless.
Needed air.
Needed to search city—supplies, information, see if search eased.
Old man stopped at door.
Hand firm on shoulder.
"No."
"Danger everywhere."
"Bounty high."
"Drones more."
"Search teams deep now."
"Wait."
Lian argued quiet.
Need see.
Old man shake head.
"You leave, they find fast."
"Here safe."
"Protect her."
Lian stayed.
Paced forge.
Hammered metal angry.
Sparks fly high.
Old man watched.
Smiled faint.
"Root strong."
Second time.
Few days later.
Night.
Quiet.
Tried slip out.
Old man waiting door.
Hammer ready.
Eyes kind.
Firm.
"Boy."
"She need you here."
"Wake soon."
Lian stopped.
Nodded.
Back to bed.
Held hand.
Third time.
Week later.
Restless again.
Need move.
Old man stopped again.
Same words.
"Patient."
"She heal."
"You strong stay."
Lian paced more.
Trained little forge yard.
Hammer swings slow.
No power show.
Just root.
Old man joined sometimes.
Silent teach.
Healer smiled.
"She strong."
"Signs better."
"Wake soon."
Lian breathed.
Relief.
Waited.
Forge warm.
Underground safe.
Dark.
Rundown.
But home.
Lian watched.
Held hand.
Ready wait.
More weeks.
For her.