Ember was nervous as she waited for her big fight. She took deep breaths, her hands clenched into fists, but the anxiety was written in every detail of her body.

Her feet tapped impatiently on the ground, as if the simple act of standing still was torture. Beside her, Sophia watched with a crooked smile and that provocative look only she could pull off.

"Why are you so worried?" the blonde said, leaning lazily against the wall. "You don't stand a chance of winning anyway."

Ember turned her head slowly, her eyes glowing like embers about to ignite.

"Say that again, you fat bitch!" the redhead snarled, already raising her hand with the clear intention of summoning a flame.

Sophia arched an eyebrow, crossing her arms without flinching.

"Well, well, looks like the little girl is scared. Gonna take it out on me because you can't handle the pressure?"

The flame budding in Ember's hand flared brightly, but before she could throw it, Sophia took a quick step forward and poked the redhead's forehead with her index finger, forcing her to step back.

"If you're gonna burn energy, do it in the ring. Out here, you'll just embarrass yourself."

Ember took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment. Her blood still boiled, but the childish spat with Sophia had served the blonde's purpose: it took some of the edge off the tension consuming her.

It was at that moment that hurried footsteps echoed down the hallway. Davi came running, sweat dripping from his forehead as if he'd crossed half the city to get there in time. Before Ember could even ask anything, he firmly cupped her face and kissed her intensely.

"But I thought you wouldn't make it…" Ember murmured softly, her face turning as red as a pepper.

"Hah… Hah…" Davi breathed heavily, he'd put in hours of overtime just to be there. "I couldn't miss supporting you at a time like this."

Ember grew even more embarrassed hearing that. Her heart raced, and she couldn't contain her excited smile.

"Go out there and show them what you're made of," he whispered, giving her backside a gentle squeeze, his voice firm and full of confidence.

"Don't get all shy just because of that!" Sophia chimed in with an ironic tone, pressing her ample breasts against Davi's body. Her hardening nipples poked his chest through their clothes.

She guided his hand from the gentle dip of her waist down to the soft swell of her hips. Davi needed no further invitation; his hand settled there, fingers pressing possessively into the yielding curve.

"You can touch me as much as you want," she whispered sensually. "No matter the moment. I'm here to please you."

"Don't butt in, slut!" Ember snapped a vain popping in her forehead.

The two glared at each other, pressing their foreheads together as they hurled insults back and forth. After a few more exchanges, the redhead finally left Sophia behind. At least her mind was no longer clouded by insecurity and fear before the fight.

Ember took a deep breath, facing her opponent. He was a muscular man with a long red beard and a completely bald head. He carried no weapon, and his confident gaze was naturally intimidating.

Vaguen was 56 years old, and many said he was past his prime, but he had been clan chief for many years in the past and was a recognized warrior.

"Are you ready?" the bald man asked with a confident smile, as flames began to envelop him.

The rules were simple: each opponent could use only one magical weapon. Leaving the arena's perimeter meant defeat. External enhancements, like special pills or fortification potions, were forbidden. Other than that, it was a straightforward fight, with both competitors wearing a bracelet that measured bodily damage. When the damage reached a critical level, the competitor would be eliminated. They could also surrender at any moment.

Ember took a deep breath, her sword glowing with her flame powers, her eyes filled with determination.

Meanwhile, Sophia approached Davi with a seductive look, pressing her body against his. "You should at least give me a kiss too," she pouted.

Sophia's gaze was an irresistible invitation. Before Davi could respond, her lips met his in a deep, insistent kiss.

He hesitated at first, his attention still drawn to the fight unfolding, but Sophia's persistence was a force of nature. One of her hands tangled in his hair, gently pulling him closer, while the other slid down his arm, guiding Davi's hand to her ample chest.

When Davi tried to turn his head for a quick glance at the arena, she subtly guided his face back to hers, whispering against his lips, "I'm right here… I'm much more interesting."

Their moment was interrupted by the arrival of another person. Turning to look, they saw it was Lara, who had arrived late. "Am I interrupting something?" she asked shyly. But when she noticed Ember already fighting, her expression turned slightly irritated. "Hey! Shouldn't you be cheering for Ember?"

It was rare to see Lara show any sign of anger, so the two stopped what they were doing. "My bad," Sophia said, realizing she'd gone too far. She had acted out of jealousy, but she knew this was an important moment for Ember.

Davi also apologized, giving Lara a quick kiss, and then everyone turned their attention back to the fight, which was nearing its climax.

Feeling pressured by her opponent, Ember was forced to activate her <Queen of Hell> ability. The arena was engulfed in powerful flames, forcing her opponent to take a few steps back. Her sword glowed with a blackened sheen, the metal vibrating from the immense amount of mana being channeled.

"You were a good opponent, but I'll end this fight here," the queen of hell said with an arrogant tone.

But her opponent wasn't about to be outdone. He activated the traditional Darnel transformation, <Ifrit>, and flames erupted aggressively around him.

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