WHO THE HELL ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO BE?

DOEM

“He’s strong...”

I heard Iris mutter the words from the seat next to me. Down in the arena, Jimina was already making his exit, leaving a defeated Annerose in his wake.

“Absolute confidence... Your intuition was spot-on, Princess Iris,” I said, doing my best to keep the tremor out of my voice. Inside, I was actually reeling.

“No, even I didn’t expect this,” Iris replied. “I can’t wrap my head around it. How has a Spellsword of his caliber remained a complete nobody until now?”

“I’m with you there. Jimina Seinen... The name doesn't ring a single bell.”

“I’ve never even seen a style like that. It was sharp—and more than anything, it was beautiful.”

“It’s certainly not one of the established schools,” I added.

Honestly, I’d never seen a blade flow like that in my life. I’m willing to bet Iris hadn't either. It looked like some secret, underground style was finally making its big debut on the world stage.

“Clearly. I won’t know for sure until I actually talk to him, but... wow. Just wow.”

Iris sank back into her chair, letting out a long breath to bleed off the tension.

The VIP section was a total zoo. The crowd had already moved on from Annerose and was obsessing over Jimina. Naturally, the only thing anyone wanted to talk about was his next match.

“So, it’s you versus Jimina in the 2nd Round, then?” I asked.

“Yep.” Iris actually had a little smile on her face.

“You sound pretty confident.”

“I plan on winning.”

“Ho...?”

“His swordsmanship is fast, sharp, and gorgeous. Honestly, I’m not even in his league when it comes to the ‘beauty’ of the craft. But matches aren't decided by aesthetics. If that was him going all out, he’s still not on my level.”

“I concur,” I said, nodding along while my brain added the fine print.

If that really was Jimina’s full power, Iris still has the edge. Her Magic Power is high enough that she can brute-force her way through most technical gaps.

But what if he was holding back?

“He’s hiding something,” Iris continued. “His posture, his stance, his form—it’s all a front. He’s faked his way through the entire tournament just to get this far.”

“You’ve realized that much, and you still think you’ll win?”

“I don’t care what he’s hiding. I’ll just cut through that, too. I’ve got a bit of a competitive streak, you see.”

Iris stood up with a sharp, beautiful smile. It was the kind of smile people wear when they’re looking for a fight.

“I see.”

“Anyway, I’ve got a match to get to. Excuse me.”

I watched her walk away and let out a massive sigh. I’d done my homework. I’d vetted every single person who could possibly throw a wrench into the plan, and Jimina Seinen hadn’t even been on the list.

If he’s going to be a problem, I need to scrape him off the board sooner rather than later... but there’s no need to panic yet. I’ll wait until after his fight with Iris to make the call.

Jimina Seinen. A man with a perfectly honed, beautiful blade.

It just didn’t sit right. How does someone that good stay anonymous? There has to be a reason. A reason he’s hiding his true strength. A reason he couldn’t show his face in the sun.

Maybe it’s some "one-heir-only" style lost to history? Or maybe he’s some thug from the Lawless City with a forged ID.

The Lawless City—that's a lovely den of sin and desire that doesn't answer to any government. Even The Cult hasn't managed to get their claws into the three rulers over there or their inner circles.

If anyone was going to wander out of that hole, it’d be someone from the Queen of Blood's Family. Judging by his strength, Jimina would have to be executive-class at minimum. Great, another background check to run.

Then there’s the Shadow Garden possibility. But Jimina’s a dude. Besides, I don't see why those lunatics would want to draw this much attention to themselves at the Bushin Festival. It’s a long shot.

Regardless, I get a bad vibe from the guy. He feels bottomless. He feels like a resident of the Underworld... just like me.

“Just who the hell are you...?” I muttered, but my voice was swallowed up by the roar of the stadium.

ANNEROSE

“Wait, Jimina!”

The moment I came to, I sprinted out into the hallway to intercept him. He stopped and turned around. I skidded to a halt, trying to catch my breath.

“It was a total blowout,” I said, looking up at him and forcing a smile. “I really couldn't do a thing, could I?”

I’d left my country to get stronger. I’d convinced myself I’d evolved since then. But somewhere along the way, I’d let myself get arrogant.

I held out my hand. Jimina stared at it for a long beat before slowly meeting me halfway.

“I learned a lot today. Thank you,” I said.

“It was the first time I’ve ever removed my shackles,” he replied. “There is no need for shame.”

“...That’s nice of you to say.”

I smiled, and we shook on it.

“Jimina, who are you, really? How did you get that strong?”

He gave me this incredibly lonely smile and looked away. His eyes seemed to be staring at something miles and miles away.

“I’m just a fool... who cast everything aside in pursuit of nothing but strength...”

“Jimina...”

My chest tightened just looking at his profile. He looked so solitary. He must have some kind of tragic past that drove him to this point.

“If... if you ever want to, would you consider a commission in the Vegalta Empire? I could make sure you got a position worthy of your skills.”

But Jimina just shook his head.

“...It’s a bit too bright for me.”

He turned his back and started walking.

“Wait! I’m leaving tomorrow! If you change your mind before then, come find me!”

He didn't stop a second time.

I watched him go until he disappeared around the corner, then I turned on my heel. I guess there’s always a bigger fish. Being able to fight him—being able to witness that sword firsthand—was the experience of a lifetime.

It wasn't just swordsmanship; it was a work of art, honed to the absolute limit. It felt like he’d packed his entire soul into every swing.

He’s going to win this whole thing. I know it. Eventually, the entire world is going to know his name. He’s going to climb to some height I can't even imagine.

Right now, all I can do is look up at him. But I can still get stronger. Jimina showed me the path with his blade.

I’m going to get stronger. I’m going to find him again someday.

Until that day comes, I’ll keep on fighting. I swear it.