The forest had gone quiet.
Where chaos once ruled—
Now there was order.
Injured fighters were escorted out.
Officials moved through the clearing.
Collecting what remained.
The tournament—
Was over.
Benji sat on a rock.
Slowly wrapping his knuckles.
His breathing was steady.
Controlled.
Not exhausted—
Just… focused.
Nearby—
Cynus leaned against a tree.
Arms loose.
Expression bored.
The distant echo of the horn confirmed it again.
Finished.
An official approached them.
"Winners. Follow."
Benji stood immediately.
Cynus pushed himself off the tree—
Slowly.
Hands in pockets.
As they walked—
Benji glanced at him.
Measuring.
Cynus noticed.
"What?"
Benji didn't answer.
They reached a wooden table.
A metal case sat on top.
It opened.
Money.
Stacks of it.
For just a second—
Benji's eyes paused.
Cynus didn't even look.
"30,000."
The official pushed the pouch forward—
Toward Cynus.
But he didn't take it.
Silence.
Awkward.
Then—
With two fingers—
Cynus nudged it toward Benji.
"You carry it."
Benji blinked.
"Why?"
Cynus shrugged slightly.
"Because I won't."
The official hesitated.
Then gave up.
Benji took the pouch.
No hesitation.
"You're sure?"
Cynus turned away.
"Yeah."
They left the forest.
The sun was setting.
Long shadows stretched across the path.
They walked side by side.
"You don't care about money?" asked by Benji
"I just entered to fight. As people fight more seriously when there is money."
Benji nodded.
That made sense
Cynus glanced at him.
"You think a lot."
"And you talk too much." said by Benji
Outside the forest—
A small roadside stall stood quietly.
Cynus bought a drink
"You didn't need me in that fight." asked by Benji
"Correct. It was the rule to enter with a partner." replied by Cynus
No hesitation.
Night came.
They stopped near the roadside.
Benji sat down.
He already purchased two sleeping bag
One for him and other for Cynus.
Morning arrived.
A long road stretched ahead.
Benji packed his bag.
And starts moving for the next town.
Cynus was also going in the same direction on his skateboard
"How long will you go?" asked by Benji
"I don't know but I think going with you will be fun."
They both smiled
And moving for the next town together.