The final day of the Warrior Training Academy’s school year had arrived.

  And with it came the finals of the Academy’s annual tournament.

  Toma treated the day like any other. As he headed toward the academy in the afternoon, something unusual began to catch his eye. The entrance plaza was crowded with people, many of them browsing stalls and fan shops set up around the area.

  Then he noticed it.

  Almost everyone was wearing blue wigs.

  Do people really like me that much?

  Before he could think further, a small boy suddenly stopped in front of him, eyes wide with excitement.

  “Whoa—are you Toma?”

  Toma blinked, then nodded with a small smile.

  “Uh, yeah. That’s me.”

  The boy practically bounced in place.

  “Then can I take a picture with you?”

  “Of course.”

  The child spun around and shouted toward the crowd behind him.

  “Mom! Dad! Come quick! Toma’s here!”

  His parents hurried over, slightly out of breath.

  “Son, I told you not to run off like that!”

  “Sorry, Dad! But please, take a picture of me with Toma!”

  With a resigned laugh, his father pulled out a phone.

  “Alright, alright.”

  After the photo was taken, the parents politely expressed their thanks.

  “Thank you so much. Our son is a huge fan of yours.”

  The boy beamed.

  “We’re cheering for you in today’s final!”

  Toma smiled back.

  “Thank you, kiddo. Oh—what’s your name?”

  “I’m Sylas!”

  “That’s a good name. So, Sylas… what’s your dream?”

  Without hesitation, the boy puffed out his chest.

  “I want to become a cool, strong warrior and defeat evil demons! Have you ever fought demons, Toma?”

  “I have,” Toma answered honestly. “And I want to join a combat unit too, to protect others. So I’ll probably fight many more demons in the future.”

  “Whoa! That’s awesome!” Sylas’s eyes sparkled. “When I grow up, I want to study at the Warrior Training Academy just like you! But I’m only six…”

  “That’s fine,” Toma said gently. “Enjoy being a kid while you can. You’ll have plenty of time to fight later.”

  Sylas’s mother chuckled softly.

  “Trust me, he plays all day. He has two friends he’s always pretending to fight with. He even wants to battle inside the house.”

  That brought back memories.

  “I was just like that,” Toma admitted. “Kids like him usually grow up to become great warriors.”

  Sylas froze.

  “Really!?”

  Toma crouched down and lightly patted the boy’s head.

  “Of course.”

  His father cleared his throat.

  “Alright, Sylas. Let’s go—we shouldn’t keep Toma Sorien any longer.”

  “Okay!” The boy waved eagerly. “Good luck today, Toma! I’m cheering for you!”

  “Thank you, Sylas.”

  As the family walked away, their voices carried softly through the plaza.

  “What a likable young man.”

  “Yeah… I completely agree.”

  But the rest of the fans had already heard Toma’s name.

  “Girls, look over there! That’s the handsome guy who beat that jerk yesterday!”

  “No way—that’s seriously Toma!”

  “Let’s go over to him!”

  “For real!? I didn’t even spray on any perfume—this is so cringe!”

  “Chill, you look great! Nothing’s going to happen. Let’s just go!”

  Toma was walking quietly when a group of girls around his age suddenly stopped him.

  “Sorry—we saw your match yesterday, and we were wondering if we could take selfies with you.”

  “Sure, why not?”

  All six girls took individual selfies with him. Instead of leaving afterward, they lingered and started chatting.

  “By the way, can we follow you on Link as well?” (Link = messaging app)

  Toma pulled out his phone.

  “Of course. Here’s my profile.”

  Once they followed him, the questions came pouring in.

  “I watched all your matches! And the way you saved that silver-haired girl was so romantic!”

  Another girl immediately chimed in.

  “Yeah! And how she ran up and hugged you after yesterday’s match—seriously, it was straight out of a romance story!”

  “I actually cried! It’s such a shame there aren’t guys like you at our school!”

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  Toma listened with a polite smile, though his thoughts were racing.

  I just met them for the first time, and they’re already this forward…

  They’re nice—and pretty—but isn’t this a bit much?

  Or is this just what being famous feels like?

  One of the girls leaned in slightly.

  “By the way, Toma… are you and that girl dating?”

  The question struck Toma as odd. What kind of question is that!? But he didn’t dwell on it.

  “No. She’s just a very dear friend.”

  The girls exchanged surprised looks.

  “Seriously?”

  “I totally thought you were together.”

  “Same! You look perfect as a couple!”

  There was a brief pause, then—the girls kept firing more questions at Toma.

  “So, um… would it be okay if I hit you up later today? Or should I just message you?

  “Me too!”

  Toma blinked, a little startled.

  “Uh, sure. I’m not always free, but I’ll reply when I can.”

  “Thanks!”

  “You’re such a nice guy!”

  “Can we meet again sometime?”

  “Or—why don’t you eat with us right now?”

  “It’s on us!”

  Toma scratched the back of his head.

  “You’re really kind, but maybe another time. I don’t want to eat right before my match.”

  “That’s fine! We’ll cheer for you from the stands!”

  “Yeah—win or lose, we’d still love to see you!”

  “If you lose, I’ll cheer you up!”

  “Me too!”

  “Oh, stop it—Toma is definitely going to win today!”

  Toma smiled warmly.

  “Thank you. I really appreciate the support, but I should get going—my match is starting soon. Please cheer for me.”

  “Of course!”

  “Good luck, Toma!”

  “Can I give you a goodbye hug?”

  The question caught him off guard again, but he nodded.

  “Sure.”

  “Me too!”

  “And me!”

  By the time he finished hugging all of them and finally managed to leave, Toma felt completely drained.

  “Good grief… they’re really nice girls, but they’re exhausting.”

  Just then, someone interrupted Toma’s train of thought. “Apparently, most people would be thrilled to be surrounded by so many pretty and kind girls.”

  Toma froze for a split second, then immediately recognized the voice and turned around.

  “Arlen!? What are you doing here?”

  Arlen shrugged casually as he walked up to him. He was clearly amused.

  “I’m here to watch today’s match too. I was heading toward the stands when I noticed you completely surrounded. Quite the sight.”

  Toma let out a tired sigh.

  “Don’t even get me started. I get that they’re pretty—and sure, looks matter—but that alone isn’t enough for me. Personality matters just as much. I’d only go out with a girl whose personality matches mine.”

  Arlen raised an eyebrow, a faint grin forming on his face.

  “Like Lyrien, then? She’s not just beautiful—she’s genuinely charming too. And from what I’ve seen, the two of you get along really well.”

  Toma immediately grabbed his head.

  “Oh no. Not you too. Please don’t start with that.”

  He straightened up, his expression turning serious.

  “Lyrien is a very good friend. She’s way more important to me than all girls who took selfies with me earlier—but that’s all there is. We’re close, and she means a lot to me. Nothing more.”

  Arlen studied him for a moment, then nodded slowly.

  “I see…”

  “And it’s not just you,” Toma added, sounding genuinely exhausted. “Even my mom keeps bringing it up, asking when I’m finally going to get together with Lyrien. Hearing that from your own mother is beyond embarrassing.”

  Arlen laughed softly and nodded in agreement.

  “Alright. Then let’s drop the topic.”

  Toma nodded back immediately.

  “Please. That would be great.”

  With that, the two of them continued walking side by side toward the arena.

  After a few steps, something suddenly occurred to Toma.

  “By the way, Arlen—who are you cheering for today? Me, or Arvian?”

  Arlen tilted his head, pretending to think it over.

  “Well… you’re both close friends of mine. But considering the fact that neither you nor I have ever managed to beat Arvian since we were kids… I’m rooting for you.”

  Toma smiled, genuinely touched. “Thanks, bro. That’s really decent of you.”

  “Oh, it’s nothing,” Arlen replied lightly. “By the way, I’ll be sitting next to your family again today. Watching matches with them is way too fun—they’re hilarious.”

  “I can imagine,” Toma replied with a chuckle.

  They walked in silence for a short while after that. Eventually, the quiet started to feel awkward, so Toma spoke up again.

  “You know… this whole thing still feels strange. Everyone wearing blue scarves, blue wigs—and suddenly I’ve got this massive fanbase.”

  Arlen glanced at him.

  “And that bothers you?”

  “Not exactly,” Toma admitted. “It feels good, and I appreciate it. I just never expected it. It’s kind of unreal.”

  He paused for a moment, then added honestly,

  “What really matters to me is my own goal—beating Arvian. If I wanted to be famous and surrounded by fans, I’d have become a football player instead.”

  That made Arlen laugh.

  “Speaking of football—did you see yesterday afternoon’s match?”

  Toma shook his head with clear regret.

  “Sadly, no. I spent almost the entire day with my family. But I heard Junior played really well.”

  Arlen nodded.

  “Yeah. He scored twice. One of them was a perfect curve from a free kick.”

  And just like that, the tension faded.

  As they continued walking, the conversation naturally shifted, and the two of them spent the rest of the way casually talking about football.

  Arlen accompanied Toma all the way to the locker room. But just as they reached the door, someone was already waiting there.

  Toma stopped in surprise.

  “Lyrien? What are you doing here?”

  She answered in a soft, gentle tone, her hands clasped behind her back.

  “I just wanted to wish you good luck.”

  A small smile appeared on Toma’s face.

  “Thank you. That’s really kind of you.”

  Before the moment could linger, Arlen jumped in, clearly curious.

  “By the way, Lyrien—who are you watching the match with?”

  She hesitated, then shook her head lightly.

  “I’m not completely sure yet. My cousin Thalia invited me to watch from the VIP section, but I politely declined.”

  Arlen stared at her in disbelief.

  “You turned down an invitation from the captain of the Water Division?”

  Lyrien looked a little embarrassed.

  “Well… usually only captains sit in the VIP section to observe the match. I think I’d feel a bit uncomfortable surrounded by people like that.”

  Toma tilted his head, clearly disagreeing.

  “I’d take that opportunity without hesitation. I’d be curious to see what the captains are like as people. After all, they’re the strongest individuals in our world.”

  Arlen nodded thoughtfully.

  “That’s true. Still, they can be pretty intimidating—authority just radiates off them.”

  Then his expression suddenly brightened, as if a thought had struck him.

  “Hey, Lyrien—how about watching the match with me instead?”

  The moment those words left Arlen’s mouth, Toma slipped quietly behind Lyrien, crossing his arms into a frantic X and shaking his head as hard as he could.

  Don’t you dare.

  Unfortunately, Arlen didn’t notice—or chose not to.

  In fact, Toma’s desperate gestures only seemed to strengthen his resolve.

  “I’ll be sitting with Toma’s family in the stands. You should come too—they’d be happy to have you.”

  Lyrien hesitated again, clearly unsure.

  “I don’t want to be a burden… I don’t even know Toma’s family.”

  Inside, Toma nearly collapsed in relief.

  Thank you, Lyrien. You’re an angel.

  But Arlen wasn’t backing down.

  “Oh, it really wouldn’t be a problem. Toma’s parents already said you seem like a nice girl. And he has a really cute little sister.”

  Lyrien’s eyes lit up instantly.

  “Really? Then… I’d love to go!”

  Arlen grinned, clearly satisfied.

  “Then it’s settled. Let’s go! And good luck, Toma!”

  Lyrien turned back toward him, smiling warmly as she waved.

  “Do your best, Toma. Good luck!”

  Toma forced a smile and waved back—but inside, his mood was anything but calm.

  Shit, Arlen. As if you don’t know how hard Mom has already been pushing the idea of Lyrien and me getting together…

  Please, just let her not say anything embarrassing…

  With that anxious thought lingering in his mind, Toma finally turned and headed into the locker room to prepare for the match.

  ***

  The atmosphere in the stands was already breathtaking.

  The commentator’s voice echoed through the arena as the match introduction began.

  “Dear viewers, the long-awaited, glorious day has finally arrived—the final of the Warrior Training Academy Championship! Two first-year students, close friends, are about to face each other in the ultimate showdown!

  Arvian Lysell, the Frost Prince, youngest son of the great noble Lysell family! A truly extraordinary talent—he defeated Aron, secretary of the student council, with brilliant tactics in an unbelievable semifinal match!”

  The commentator barely paused before raising his voice even higher.

  “And his opponent—TOOOOMA SOOORIEEENN! The absolute crowd favorite! Perhaps the most beloved student in the entire history of the championship! Never before has a competitor been cheered for with such passion!”

  The stands exploded.

  Toma’s name rolled through the arena like thunder, wave after wave of cheers crashing together until the commentator could hardly be heard.

  “Toma reached the finals after dramatically saving Lyrien and defeating Velk Vandemire in spectacular fashion! And even earlier, during the desert survival challenge, he had already captured the viewers’ attention!

  Both fighters are outstanding competitors—and outstanding individuals as well! That’s enough introduction, though, because I honestly can’t tell who holds the advantage here… and maybe that’s exactly how it should be!

  And if my eyes don’t deceive me—Toma and Arvian are now entering the arena!”

  From opposite ends, the two stepped onto the battlefield, walking forward in perfect symmetry before stopping at the center, facing each other.

  Once again, a gigantic Toma poster rose above the stands, dominating an entire section.

  Toma stared in disbelief.

  I’ve seen huge crowds cheering for me before, and the atmosphere is always incredible…

  But this—this feels different. I never imagined the final would be this special.

  Across from him, Arvian took a step forward and extended his hand.

  “Ready?”

  Toma clasped it firmly.

  “Of course. May the better one win. Good luck.”

  A confident smile crossed Arvian’s face.

  “You too.”