Morning sunlight poured through the towering windows of the royal palace, painting the marble hallways in brilliant shades of gold. The Kingdom of Ryūgū, usually peaceful during the early hours, had transformed into a city overflowing with excitement.
Today was no ordinary day.
Today marked the beginning of the Grand Shōtotsu.
From every district of the kingdom, Elementalists, merchants, nobles, adventurers, and ordinary citizens flooded toward the Arashi Arena. Colorful banners bearing the crest of the Ryūgū Kingdom fluttered proudly from rooftops while children ran through the streets pretending to duel with imaginary Elemental Arts.
Even the air itself seemed alive with anticipation.
Inside the palace, however, another kind of excitement lingered.
After nearly an hour of preparation, everyone had finally gathered in the palace entrance.
Kasai adjusted the straps of his combat uniform before stretching his shoulders with a confident grin.
"This is finally it."
"I've been waiting for this tournament forever."
Shadow leaned against one of the palace pillars, arms crossed as always.
"Try not to get eliminated in the first round."
Kasai clicked his tongue.
"That's rich coming from you."
"I'm planning on knocking you out myself."
Shadow simply smirked.
"We'll see."
Nearby, Kayosha adjusted the ribbon tying back her beautiful blue hair while inspecting her academy uniform one last time.
"It feels strange..."
"This academy uniform suddenly feels much heavier."
Sora smiled softly beside her.
"It's because today's different."
"It isn't just another school competition anymore."
"We're representing the Kingdom."
Yuki tightened the gloves around her wrists before taking a deep breath.
"And we're going to win."
Her determined voice immediately lifted everyone's spirits.
Only one person was missing.
Yuki glanced toward the palace entrance before crossing her arms.
"...What's taking Ryūsei so long?"
Kasai immediately laughed.
"For a guy who can teleport instantly..."
"...he sure is always late."
Shadow chuckled.
"That's surprisingly accurate."
Even Kayosha couldn't hide her smile.
"He always ends up making everyone wait."
Ryūshi quietly observed the group before letting out a small laugh.
"I'll go check on him."
Without waiting for a response, the Crowned Dragon of Creation calmly turned around and walked back into the palace.
The corridors were quiet.
Unlike the lively entrance hall, this section of the palace had become almost completely deserted.
Ryūshi slowly made his way toward Ryūsei's room.
As he approached the wooden door, he heard a familiar voice coming from inside.
"...This is it, Ryūsei."
There was a brief pause.
"You've worked hard for this."
"So..."
He clenched his fist.
"...try not to lose."
Ryūshi smiled knowingly.
"...Talking to yourself again."
He gently knocked once before opening the door.
The room was tidy, with Ryūsei already dressed in his academy battle uniform.
Standing before a large mirror, Ryūsei stared at his own reflection.
His fists were clenched.
His expression wasn't one of confidence.
It was filled with anxiety.
Ryūshi quietly entered before closing the door behind him.
"Something bothering you?"
Ryūsei jumped slightly before turning around.
"Ryūshi..."
He forced a smile.
"...Is it that obvious?"
Ryūshi nodded.
"You're usually smiling before a fight."
"But today..."
"You look nervous."
Ryūsei remained silent for several moments.
His gaze slowly drifted back toward the mirror.
"It's Catherine..."
His voice was much quieter now.
"If I lose..."
He slowly lowered his head.
"If I lose a match that I'm supposed to win..."
"...history changes."
His hands trembled slightly.
"And if history changes..."
He swallowed.
"...Catherine might disappear."
Silence filled the room.
Ryūshi understood exactly why Ryūsei felt this way.
Until now, Ryūsei had only been fighting for himself.
For his friends.
For his dreams.
Now...
Every battle carried the weight of someone's future.
Someone's very existence.
Ryūshi slowly walked beside him before placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"Ryūsei."
The young Dragon Sage looked up.
"You've always had a habit of worrying about everyone else."
Ryūshi smiled warmly.
"And that's one of the reasons Akashino believed in you."
Ryūsei blinked.
"But worrying won't win today's battles."
"As long as you fight with everything you have..."
"...the future will continue moving forward."
Ryūshi's smile became a little wider.
"Just remember one thing."
Ryūsei listened carefully.
"Never underestimate your opponent."
"A single mistake..."
"...can decide an entire battle."
Ryūsei slowly nodded.
The tension in his shoulders finally eased.
"...You're right."
He let out a long breath before smiling.
"Thanks."
"I really needed to hear that."
Ryūshi laughed.
"Then let's not keep everyone waiting."
Ryūsei nodded confidently.
"Right."
Together, the two left the room.
The moment they stepped outside the palace—
"There you are!"
Yuki immediately shouted.
"What took you so long?!"
"We're going to be late!"
Ryūsei laughed awkwardly while scratching the back of his head.
"Sorry..."
"I was just—"
"No excuses."
Yuki grabbed him by the sleeve.
"Move!"
Before Ryūsei could even finish apologizing, Yuki had already begun dragging him toward the palace gates.
Kasai burst into laughter.
"Serves you right."
Ryūsei sighed dramatically.
"...I haven't even fought anyone yet."
The group finally departed from the palace.
Ryūsei.
Ryūshi.
Jikan.
Catherine.
Yuki.
Shizen.
Shadow.
Kasai.
Sora.
Kayosha.
Together, they walked through the bustling streets toward the heart of the capital.
Everywhere they looked, citizens were heading in the same direction.
People eagerly discussed which academy students might become champions.
Children mimicked famous Elemental Arts while parents laughed.
Food stalls filled the streets with delicious aromas.
The entire kingdom had become one enormous celebration.
Eventually...
The towering walls of the Arashi Arena came into view.
Its enormous stone structure dominated the skyline like an ancient fortress.
Countless flags bearing the royal crest waved proudly from its highest towers.
The cheers of thousands of spectators echoed throughout the district long before they reached the entrance.
As they approached the main gate, everyone's footsteps gradually slowed.
Standing before the entrance was an enormous monument carved from brilliant white stone.
A lone warrior stood proudly upon its pedestal.
His cloak flowed behind him.
One hand rested upon the hilt of his sword.
His gaze overlooked the entire kingdom.
Even in stone...
His presence felt majestic.
Ryūsei stopped walking.
His eyes remained fixed upon the monument.
"...Grandpa..."
he whispered.
The name escaped his lips almost unconsciously.
Arashi Ryūgū.
The Third Grand Elementalist.
The Storm Dragon.
The legendary hero whose deeds had shaped the history of the kingdom itself.
Ryūsei quietly stared upward.
He had never met him.
Never spoken with him.
Never heard his voice.
Yet...
His grandfather's legacy surrounded him everywhere.
Shizen noticed the expression on Ryūsei's face.
Without saying much, he gently placed a hand on his younger brother's shoulder.
"...It's a shame."
"You never got to meet him."
Ryūsei smiled sadly.
"...Yeah."
Yuki also looked toward the monument.
A nostalgic smile appeared on her face.
"I'd love to see Dad again too."
Her quiet words carried a longing shared by all three siblings.
For several moments...
No one spoke.
Then—
"There you all are!"
A familiar voice called out from behind.
Ryūsei, Yuki and Shizen immediately turned around.
Their faces instantly brightened.
"Dad!"
Ryūsei shouted.
Standing only a short distance away was a tall man wearing elegant royal robes trimmed with silver and deep blue.
Despite wearing a king's attire, the warmth in his smile was unmistakable.
King Yogan Ryūgū.
The current ruler of the Kingdom of Ryūgū.
The eldest son of Arashi Ryūgū.
And father to Ryūsei, Yuki, and Shizen.
Without hesitation, Ryūsei ran forward and embraced him.
"Dad!"
King Yogan laughed warmly before returning the embrace.
"It's good to see you, Ryūsei."
He stepped back, looking proudly at his youngest son.
"I heard the news."
"You've finally awakened your Elemental Art."
Pride filled his eyes.
"You've grown."
Ryūsei smiled brightly.
"Thanks, Dad."
King Yogan rested a hand on his shoulder.
"I always believed you'd find your own path."
Nearby, Yuki stepped forward.
"Hi, Dad."
King Yogan's gentle expression softened.
"Hello, sweetheart."
He sighed apologetically.
"I'm sorry I haven't been around very often."
Yuki smiled.
"It's okay."
"You're the king."
"I know how busy you are."
King Yogan smiled gratefully.
"You've become so understanding."
Shizen folded his arms.
"So..."
"Any chance you'll tell us what the Grand Shōtotsu is actually going to be like?"
The King laughed.
"I was wondering how long it'd take before one of you asked."
Shizen grinned hopefully.
"So?"
King Yogan shook his head.
"I'm afraid not."
His smile remained.
"It wouldn't be fair to the other participants."
"If I revealed today's events beforehand..."
"...the competition would lose its meaning."
Shizen sighed dramatically.
"Worth a try."
At that moment, Ryūshi, Jikan, Catherine, Kasai, Shadow, Kayosha and Sora approached.
Ryūshi bowed politely.
"It's been far too long..."
"...King Yogan."
The King's eyes widened.
Then—
A smile spread across his face.
"Ryūshi!"
"And..."
He looked toward Jikan.
"...Jikan as well."
"What an honor."
"The stars truly favor us today."
"To think the Kingdom would welcome not one..."
"...but two Crowned Dragons."
He respectfully bowed.
Jikan smiled politely.
"I hope our presence isn't an inconvenience."
King Yogan immediately shook his head.
"Not at all."
"The honor is ours."
His gaze eventually shifted toward the young girl standing quietly behind Ryūsei.
"And who might this young lady be?"
Ryūsei nearly froze.
"...Uh..."
His mind raced.
He certainly couldn't say—
"She's my granddaughter from the future."
Instead—
"This is Catherine."
He smiled awkwardly.
"A friend."
"She came to watch the Grand Shōtotsu."
Catherine almost slipped.
"Hello..."
She bowed politely.
"Great Grand—"
She immediately caught herself.
"I-I mean..."
"...King Yogan."
"It's a pleasure to meet you."
Ryūshi discreetly covered his mouth, hiding a laugh.
Jikan simply looked away.
King Yogan smiled kindly, unaware of the near disaster.
"The pleasure is mine, Catherine."
"You are most welcome in our kingdom."
He turned toward one of the nearby Imperial Knights.
"Prepare front-row seats for our honored guests."
The knight saluted immediately.
"At once, Your Majesty."
King Yogan glanced toward the arena.
"The time has come."
"The Grand Shōtotsu is about to begin."
With one final smile toward his children, he departed toward the central stage where the opening ceremony would soon commence.
The group watched him leave before Ryūshi turned toward everyone.
"Good luck."
His voice was calm but sincere.
"Ryūsei."
"Yuki."
"Shizen."
"Kasai."
"Shadow."
"Sora."
"Kayosha."
"I wish every one of you the best."
The participants smiled confidently before making their way toward the center of the arena grounds.
There, before the massive entrance gates, stood an enormous stone monument known throughout the kingdom as the Dragon Sage Tablet.
Countless names had been engraved upon its weathered surface over generations.
Each name belonged to a Dragon Sage who had devoted their life to protecting the Kingdom of Ryūgū.
Some had fallen in battle.
Some had vanished while safeguarding countless lives.
Others had become legends whose stories would be remembered forever.
The tablet was more than a monument.
It was a reminder of the responsibility carried by every Dragon Sage who stood before it.
Around the sacred monument, hundreds of participants had already assembled.
The excited chatter gradually faded as anticipation spread through the crowd.
Everyone waited.
They waited for the arrival of the King.
Only after King Yogan delivered his opening speech...
...and revealed the rules of this year's Grand Shōtotsu...
...would the greatest tournament in the Kingdom of Ryūgū finally begin.
The enormous plaza surrounding the Dragon Sage Tablet buzzed with anticipation.
Hundreds of Chīmas stood shoulder to shoulder, their academy uniforms and battle attire forming a sea of colors beneath the clear blue sky. Conversations filled every corner of the gathering area as Elementalists from every academy and province of the Kingdom of Ryūgū waited for the event they had dreamed about for years.
Beyond them, the towering walls of the Arashi Arena enclosed one of the largest stadiums in the Elemental World. Tens of thousands of spectators had already filled the stone seats, their voices blending together into an endless roar that echoed throughout the arena.
Massive banners bearing the crest of the Ryūgū Kingdom fluttered proudly from the towering pillars surrounding the stadium.
The atmosphere was unlike anything Ryūsei had ever experienced.
It wasn't merely a tournament.
It was a celebration of the Kingdom itself.
Yet despite the excitement surrounding them...
Nothing was happening.
Minutes slowly passed.
The participants continued waiting.
Shizen folded his arms impatiently before letting out an exaggerated sigh.
"...What's taking Dad so long?"
He glanced toward the massive royal platform that overlooked the arena.
"The suspense is killing me."
Kasai bounced lightly on the balls of his feet, unable to stand still.
"I don't care how long the speech is."
"I just want the Grand Shōtotsu to start already!"
His fiery eyes sparkled with excitement.
"I've been waiting for this for months."
Shadow shook his head with a chuckle.
"You've been talking about nothing except this tournament."
"And you're surprised no one can stand listening to you anymore?"
Kasai smirked.
"That's because this is going to be legendary."
Nearby, Yuki scanned the upper balconies with growing impatience.
"Seriously..."
"What's taking him so long?"
She tapped her foot repeatedly against the stone floor.
"I thought Dad hated making people wait."
Just then—
Ryūsei looked toward the royal platform.
His eyes widened.
"There!"
He immediately pointed toward the enormous staircase leading to the stage.
"Look!"
"It's Dad!"
Everyone instinctively turned toward the direction Ryūsei was pointing.
At the top of the staircase...
A tall figure dressed in magnificent royal robes slowly emerged into view.
Golden embroidery shimmered beneath the morning sunlight.
A royal cape flowed gently behind him as he walked with calm confidence toward the center of the platform.
King Yogan Ryūgū.
The current King of the Kingdom of Ryūgū.
The eldest son of the legendary Arashi Ryūgū.
The moment he stepped onto the stage—
The entire arena erupted.
Thunderous applause echoed throughout the stadium.
Thousands upon thousands of spectators rose from their seats.
Cheers erupted from every direction.
The deafening sound rolled across the arena like crashing waves.
Ryūsei smiled proudly.
"Dad..."
Even after becoming king...
...his father was still loved by the people.
King Yogan stood silently before the enormous crowd, patiently waiting.
Gradually...
The applause subsided.
The roaring cheers faded.
Within moments, the enormous stadium had become completely silent.
Every eye focused upon the King.
King Yogan smiled warmly before taking a single step toward the edge of the platform.
His voice carried effortlessly throughout the arena.
"Welcome..."
"...everyone..."
"...to this wonderful day."
The crowd listened attentively.
"Today..."
"We gather not only as competitors..."
"...not only as spectators..."
"...but as one united Kingdom."
His gaze slowly swept across the countless young Elementalists assembled below.
"Today..."
"...we revive a noble tradition."
"A tradition that has not been held..."
"...since the glorious era..."
"...of Arashi Ryūgū."
At the mention of the legendary Third Grand Elementalist...
The entire arena erupted into applause once again.
King Yogan allowed the cheers to continue before raising one hand.
Silence returned.
"My father..."
"...devoted his life protecting this Kingdom."
"He sacrificed countless things."
"He endured battles no ordinary Elementalist could imagine."
"He stood against impossible odds..."
"...so that future generations could live peacefully."
His voice carried unmistakable pride.
"Today..."
"...we honor that legacy."
The enormous monument of Arashi overlooking the arena seemed almost alive beneath the brilliant sunlight.
King Yogan continued.
"To every Elementalist participating today..."
"I sincerely wish each and every one of you..."
"...the very best of luck."
A smile appeared upon his face.
"Show us the fruits of your training."
"Show us the countless hours you've spent mastering your Elemental Arts."
"Show us the spells you've created."
"The strategies you've developed."
"The trust you've built alongside your Chīmas."
His voice gradually grew stronger.
"Today..."
"...is your day."
"The day your hard work bears fruit."
"The day your determination is tested."
"The day you stand proudly before the Kingdom..."
"...and show us exactly what your generation is capable of."
The participants unconsciously straightened their posture.
Even Ryūsei could feel his heartbeat quickening.
King Yogan's words stirred something deep within every young Elementalist present.
Then...
The King's expression became more serious.
"As many of you already know..."
"...the seats of the Gādians..."
"...are no longer full."
A quiet murmur spread throughout the arena.
"There remain positions..."
"...waiting..."
"...for those worthy enough..."
"...to inherit them."
Ryūsei's eyes widened.
Even among the spectators, excitement began spreading rapidly.
The Gādians.
The elite protectors of the Kingdom.
Becoming one was every Elementalist's greatest dream.
King Yogan extended one hand toward the competitors.
"Show us..."
"...that you possess the heart..."
"...the courage..."
"...and the strength..."
"...worthy of standing among them."
"Show us..."
"...what your generation can accomplish."
His voice echoed throughout every corner of the stadium.
"And with that..."
"I hereby declare..."
"...today..."
"...the beginning..."
"...of the Era of the New Grand Elementalist."
For a single heartbeat...
Complete silence.
Then—
The entire Arashi Arena exploded into celebration.
Thunderous applause shook the stadium.
People leaped to their feet.
Countless voices cheered at once.
The sound became almost overwhelming.
Ryūsei felt goosebumps run across his arms.
"This..."
He whispered.
"...is incredible."
Kasai pumped both fists into the air.
"THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!"
"I'M FIRED UP!"
Shadow laughed.
"I figured you'd say that."
Yuki smiled confidently.
"Dad always knows how to make an entrance."
Even Catherine, Ryūshi, and Jikan watched quietly from the front-row seats prepared for them.
Ryūshi smiled.
"The Kingdom has changed..."
"...yet some traditions never do."
Jikan nodded.
"That's why this timeline deserves protecting."
Eventually...
The applause settled once more.
King Yogan raised his hand.
"There is, however..."
"...one final matter."
Instantly, the arena became quiet again.
"The rules."
A massive magical display appeared high above the arena, glowing brilliantly with countless runes.
King Yogan continued.
"This year..."
"...a total of..."
"...two hundred sixty-three Chīmas..."
"...have successfully registered."
Gasps spread throughout the competitors.
That number alone was staggering.
But then—
"Unfortunately..."
King Yogan paused.
"...only sixteen Chīmas..."
"...will advance..."
"...to the next round."
Silence.
Then chaos erupted.
"What?!"
"Only sixteen?!"
"That's impossible!"
"So many teams are getting eliminated immediately!"
The participants erupted into loud discussions.
Shadow stared blankly ahead.
"...Only sixteen."
He let out a slow breath.
"This tournament is going to be much tougher than I expected."
Yuki sighed dramatically.
"...Leave it to Dad..."
"...to make everything ridiculously difficult."
Sora quietly calculated the odds in her head.
"Two hundred sixty-three..."
She swallowed.
"The chances of advancing are much lower than I imagined."
Kayosha looked toward Ryūsei.
A hint of concern appeared on her face.
"...Are you going to be alright?"
She knew Ryūsei would be fighting alone.
Unlike most competitors...
He had no permanent Chīma beside him.
Ryūsei smiled reassuringly.
"I'll manage."
He clenched his fist.
"I have to."
Kayosha nodded slowly.
"I believe in you."
King Yogan resumed speaking before the crowd became too noisy.
"As stated..."
"...only sixteen Chīmas..."
"...shall advance."
"The first round..."
"...will be known as..."
He allowed a brief pause.
"...the Chīma Showdown."
The name alone caused curiosity to spread throughout the arena.
King Yogan smiled.
"This challenge is designed to test far more than raw strength."
His voice echoed powerfully.
"It is a battle..."
"...where teamwork..."
"...determination..."
"...adaptability..."
"...and mastery over your Elemental Arts..."
"...will determine victory."
He looked directly toward the assembled competitors.
"Your trust in your Chīma..."
"...your ability to fight as one..."
"...and the resolve you display under pressure..."
"...will decide whether you advance..."
"...or fall."
A heavy silence settled over the participants.
No one knew exactly what the Chīma Showdown would entail.
But one thing had become abundantly clear.
The Grand Shōtotsu was unlike any tournament they had ever experienced.
And for Ryūsei...
Standing among hundreds of hopeful Elementalists with Catherine's future resting upon the outcome...
The true challenge was only just beginning.