The bus screeches to a clean stop.

  Through the windows: The Apex Circuit Arena towers like a goliath of martial ambition. It was similar to an airport, but instead of runways, there were areas. Sorry, arena… there was only 1.

  Kaizo steps off the bus first, wind catching his jacket.

  Ayame (stern): “Kaizo, please focus on the task and nothing else.”

  Kaizo (leaning back to stare at her): “And if I don't… question mark?

  Ayame (rubbing her forehead): “Kaizo, if you keep doing this shit, it’s gonna get messy.”

  Kaizo (smirking): “That’s what she said.”

  +1

  Ayame (squeezing his head): “I’m gonna kill you…”

  Still annoyed by her nephew’s coordinated method of getting in her head, she went to go find some familiar faces.

  Kaizo (to himself): “Ahhh, now that I finished bothering my amazing aunt…Time to lock in.”

  Infinity peeks over Yumi’s shoulder with a purr.

  Infinity (sleepily): Prrrrrrrrr.

  {Translation: I’m hungry.}

  The inside of the Apex Circuit Arena is massive. Wide-open atrium space with polished floors, flashing digital signs, and banners bearing different school logos. Shop stalls line the perimeter—selling custom merch, energy drinks, even Horizon-themed charms. Some areas even look like mini clothing boutiques, selling what looked like some unique designed uniforms.

  It’s less a coliseum and more like a combat convention.

  Kaizo, Yumi, and Infinity step through the main doors. Ayame was already elsewhere, talking to what seemed like some other school leaders or semi-influential individuals. Kaizo did think the place was pretty cool, but he was really here for one thing, and he was ready to go home—his eyes already scanning the escalator that leads up to the fighter preparation zone. I mean, today was Saturday, he shouldn’t even be awake right now.

  They began heading up the escalator, and Yumi and Infinity were looking around with some much interest and excitement.

  Yumi (looking around): “This place is… kind of insane.”

  Infinity (exciting): “Can I go over there?”

  Kaizo (immediately): “No.”

  As they ascend—a flicker of red catches their eye. At the top of the escalator, leaning on the glass railing of the overlook section, stands a girl with long, flowing crimson hair and an unmistakable aura of heat in the air around her.

  Kagari Akari. The Flame Empress.

  She turns at the sound of footsteps and smiles—eyes glinting with recognition. Even Yumi was taken back by her appearance.

  Kagari (smirking): “Well, well… what’s a guy like you doing in a place like this?”

  Kaizo (to us, with a shrug): {Ahh, here we go...}

  Kaizo (coolly): “Nothing much, hot stuff. Literally.”

  She raises an eyebrow, clearly entertained.

  Kagari (curiously): “Hm. We’ve got an interesting one here. What’s your name?”

  Kaizo: “Kaizo. Kaizo Nekodaira.”

  Kagari: “You can call me, Kagari.”

  She steps forward—not just toward Kaizo but also toward Yumi, who stands slightly back, holding Infinity.

  Kagari (with a softer tone): “And you must be...”

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

  Yumi (bowing slightly): “It’s an honor to meet you. I’m Yumi, Kaizo’s… (hesitation) secretary… I’ve heard a lot about you, Flame Empress.”

  She keeps her tone polite, though her fingers tighten slightly around Infinity.

  Kagari (grinning): “Cute and respectful. I like her.”

  She leans down and gently strokes Infinity’s head. His tail swishes with visible pleasure.

  Infinity (translated meow): {Keep this up and I might switch sides.}

  Kaizo (through the IR link): “Shut the fuck up.”

  Yumi (staring at Kagari): “Why do they call you the Flame Empress, if I may ask?”

  Kagari (walking past with a flick of her hair): “Oh, that? Probably something to do with my Horizon. You’ll see.”

  She turns toward the skyline viewing deck, where members of her elite school are already seated.

  Kagari (to Kaizo, without looking): “I guess I’ll be seeing your skills soon enough.”

  She walks off, heat subtly rising in the air as she goes.

  Yumi (watching her): “…What was that?”

  Kaizo (playfully): “What, jealous, Yumi?”

  She kicks him lightly in the shin.

  Yumi: “Shut up. You better not lose!”

  Kaizo (wincing, but smiling): “Yeah yeah, I know.”

  They walked toward the locker rooms, the crowd noise fading behind them. Yumi’s expression shifted—eyes narrowing in curiosity.

  Yumi: “Kaizo… What exactly is a Horizon?”

  Kaizo slowed for a moment, glancing at her before smirking faintly.

  Kaizo: “You really don’t know, huh? Guess now’s a good time to explain.”

  [Kaizo’s Explanation: What’s a Horizon?]

  There’s still a lot we don’t know, but this is everything history has taught us so far…

  Kaizo (narrating): “Horizons are unique abilities that awaken in certain people—usually around the age of nine. They trigger when something life-changing happens to you as a kid. And according to scientists… most of those moments aren’t exactly happy ones.”

  The scene cut to fragmented flash images as his voice continued:

  —A little girl staring at a house engulfed in flames.

  —Screams muffled by the roar of fire.

  —Her mind struggles to process what she’s seeing.

  —A slightly older version of her, about nine years old—fire suddenly forming around her hands when she remembers that night.

  Kaizo (narrating): “The main factor is how a child’s imagination interprets what they see. If we take Kagari, for example… she probably went through something involving fire. And knowing how fire works—it probably wasn’t fun.”

  Back in the present, Kaizo kept talking as they walked.

  Kaizo: “Horizons aren’t learned. They aren’t stolen. And they definitely can’t be copied. You either awaken one… or you inherit it.”

  Yumi (listening intently): “So… does everyone get a different power? And how can you inherit it if it’s based on trauma?”

  Kaizo gave a small shrug.

  Kaizo: “They say everyone’s power is unique because everyone’s experiences are different. Most come from trauma or intense emotion. The ability reflects something deep inside—something you carry for life. Inheritance? That’s trickier. My guess is that the bond between parent and child sometimes carries it over, and for some people, trauma could be passed down.”

  He paused before continuing.

  Kaizo: “But there’s another thing—they say if some random kid outside the family has a life-changing moment similar to the current user’s Horizon, the ‘future’ of that Horizon changes hands. The original user keeps their power, of course—you can’t erase trauma—but their kids? They don’t inherit it anymore.”

  They arrived at the locker room. Kaizo held the door open for her.

  Kaizo: “Some Horizons control elements. Some alter the body. Others… mess with the rules of reality.”

  Kaizo (to us, muttering): [and that's always a touchy subject when it comes to power building.]

  Yumi: “And Kagari’s is… fire?”

  Kaizo (deadpan): “I would assume so. She is called The Flame Empress…”

  Yumi (pinching his cheek): “Ok, smartass…”

  Kaizo steps inside, eyes adjusting to the steel-blue lighting. Rows of lockers, combat prep stations, and digital gear readouts line the walls.

  He walks toward his assigned locker, where his Hoshikawa High uniform combat version hangs—streamlined, sleek, and sharp. His aunt had told him to customize it before she ordered it for his fight.

  Yumi (from outside): “Good luck, Kaizo.”

  Kaizo (slipping on his uniform): “Appreciate it.”

  He slides the locker shut, adjusts his zipper, and throws his duffel bag into the corner.

  The camera pans behind him as he walks down the tunnel—each footstep echoing louder.

  [Announcement Overhead]:

  “Male Bracket – Apex Circuit is beginning now. Fighters, please report to your designated gate.”

  Kaizo (to himself): “Sighhhhhh, I can’t wait to go home. Let’s finish what Auntie started.”

  Infinity (from Yumi’s arms, soft meow, speaking through the IR link): Cook them, Chef.