House Dekus vs House Arien

The crowd roared as I stepped into the arena, the sound a chaotic blend of cheers, jeers, and scattered murmurs. It was an odd symphony I'd grown used to—background noise that stirred something primal in me yet never fazed my focus. The arena shimmered under the twilight sky, its energy shields casting faint, rippling hues of orange and gold that separated us from the spectators.

No interruptions. No interference. Just two competitors locked in a test of strength, skill, and will.

Today wasn't just another match—it was a statement.

Opponent: Ace Arien

Rank: 200

Current Rank: 215

Ace stood across the circular field, his combat stance poised yet relaxed. His crimson armor bore the emblem of Aries, the ram's fiery horns engraved on the breastplate. A quiet but intimidating hum of energy emanated from him, as if the air itself recognized his presence. His fiery red hair swayed in the wind, and his piercing amber eyes locked onto me, studying, analyzing, waiting.

"Avant Dekus," he called out, his voice resonating with a certain weight. "The so-called prodigy. I've heard you made quiet a name for yourself lately."

"Then you know how this ends," I replied, my tone even but firm.

His lips curved into a smirk. "Let's see if the rumors live up to reality."

The announcer's voice boomed, its mechanical precision cutting through the tension.

"Combatants ready. Match begins in 3… 2… 1!"

Ace was fast—blazing fast. Before the echo of "one" had faded, he surged forward, his fists igniting with the molten flames of his Zodiac affinity. His opening strike, Inferno Blitz, was as much about intimidation as it was power. The heat from his attack seared the air between us, forcing me to pivot and dodge to the side.

But Ace wasn't here to play nice.

"Too slow!" he barked, twisting mid-step to follow with a flaming backhand. This one grazed my shoulder, the impact sending sparks flying.

I skidded back, my boots digging into the scorched ground. The pain was manageable, but the force behind his attack was a wake-up call. Ace wasn't just strong—he was experienced. Each strike was calculated, precise, and relentless.

I wasn't about to let him control the tempo.

Channeling my Ophiuchus energy, I activated my Binding Chains, feeling the familiar pulse of power coursing through me. Ethereal chains of radiant silver erupted from my palms, snaking through the air toward him.

Ace's eyes widened, a flicker of surprise breaking through his confident demeanor. "What—?"

The chains struck, wrapping around his arms and locking him in place. For a moment, the crowd fell silent, their cheers turning to gasps as they witnessed the unexpected.

"This is where the fight starts," I said, tightening my grip on the chains.

But Ace wasn't done. With a roar, his flames surged, the intense heat forcing cracks along the length of my bindings. His power was impressive, a testament to the Aries lineage, but I wasn't about to let him break free so easily.

I pulled hard, yanking him off balance, and followed with a well-placed kick to his chest. The impact sent him stumbling back, his flames flickering under the pressure of the chains.

"Not bad," he admitted, his tone edged with grudging respect. "But it'll take more than tricks to beat me."

Summoning his Zodiac energy, Ace activated his domain skill.

"Aries' Aegis!"

A fiery shield materialized around him, the flames roaring to life as they pushed back my chains and created a barrier between us. The heat was intense, forcing me to take a step back. The crowd erupted in cheers, their excitement renewed by the display of power.

So, he had a domain skill. Good. I needed the challenge.

"Impressive," I said, rolling my shoulders. "But you're burning too bright, Ace. A flame like yours doesn't last forever."

He smirked. "Then I'll make sure you don't last long enough to see it burn out."

His shield flared, and he charged, his movements cloaked in flames that lashed out like whips. I dodged the first strike, then the second, but the third caught me off guard—a fiery blast that erupted from his fist, slamming into my side.

Pain radiated through me, but I gritted my teeth, refusing to falter.

"Is that all, Ophiuchus boy?" Ace taunted, his flames intensifying. "You talk big, but where's the power to back it up?"

I smirked, wiping a trickle of blood from my lip. "Careful what you wish for."

Gathering my energy, I activated my chains once more, this time unleashing their advanced form. The ground beneath us trembled as the chains erupted, not just from my hands but from the very earth itself. They coiled and twisted, forming a web of light that encased the arena.

Ace's shield flickered under the strain, the cracks forming along its surface now more visible.

"What—?" he stammered, his confidence finally wavering.

"Let me show you what an Ophiuchus Awakener can do," I said, my voice cold and resolute.

With a surge of energy, I directed the chains to converge on him, their radiant glow piercing through his fiery barrier. The impact was explosive, the clash of our powers shaking the arena and drawing gasps from the crowd.

Ace roared, his flames flaring one last time before they sputtered out. The chains wrapped around him, binding his arms and legs and forcing him to the ground. He struggled, but it was futile.

"It's over," I said, standing over him.

The announcer's voice cut through the silence. "Winner: Avant Dekus!"

The crowd erupted in cheers, their voices a cacophony of awe and excitement. I stood there, catching my breath, as the adrenaline coursing through me began to fade. My ZUA wristband chimed, displaying my new rank:

Rank 215 → 180.

Ace, now subdued and defeated, was carried off the field by medics. He had been a formidable opponent, no doubt, but not enough to stop me.

As I stepped out of the ring, a notification lit up on my wristband.

Next Match: Opponent—Rank 175.

I couldn't help but smile.

The climb had only just begun.