As the crowd continued to celebrate, Mazu slowly regained consciousness. He stood up with effort, his eyes fixed on Miranda.

  Nika noticed Mazu regaining consciousness and looking at Miranda. "Looks like Mazu's coming to, and he's eyeing Miranda.”

  Mazu, still recovering, stared at Miranda with disdain.

  Nika noticed Mazu gazing at Miranda, picking up on his animosity. “He does not look too happy about his defeat.”

  Miranda, feeling Mazu's stare, turned around and looked at him.

  Nika perceived Miranda acknowledging Mazu’s gaze. “Looks like she’s aware of his displeasure.”

  Mazu grunted, still catching his breath. Miranda approached Mazu, a hint of arrogance in her stride.

  Nika noticed Miranda approaching Mazu with arrogance. "She's clearly reveling in her victory. She's enjoying this.”

  Mazu glared at Miranda as she approached him. In response, Miranda smirked at Mazu. Mazu's eyes narrowed, not amused by Miranda's smirk.

  Miranda spoke confidently, her tone carrying a hint of teasing. "Not so tough now, huh?”

  Mazu gritted his teeth, annoyed by Miranda's taunting.

  Miranda let out an overconfident chuckle. "Now, now. Don't be a sore loser.”

  Mazu's irritation grew with Miranda's smug attitude.

  Miranda, relishing in her victory, continued taunting. "Can't stand that I’m undefeated?”

  Marco's voice echoed through the arena once more, announcing the next phase.

  "Attention, everyone! The first match of the tournament has reached its conclusion. Let’s give Miranda a big round of applause!”

  The crowd erupted into cheering and applause, echoing Nika and her friends’ claps.

  Nika and the girls joined the crowd in clapping for Miranda's victory.

  Zalgo clapped along with the crowd, praising Miranda. "She’s impressive.”

  Rachel also clapped, impressed by Miranda's skills. "She definitely dominated that match.”

  Alice clapped, acknowledging Miranda's victory. "Definitely a tough opponent.”

  Marco continued, "And now, the tournament shall continue! We will announce the combatants shortly, but for now, enjoy a short break as we await the next round!”

  The girls listened to Marco's announcement.

  Zalgo was curious. "Who’s next up?"

  Rachel leaned forward in anticipation. "I can't wait to find out.”

  Alice was just as intrigued. "This is getting to be really interesting. So what do we do until then...?”

  “Oh, I can help you with that…”

  A voice came from behind Alice, a familiar voice that sent a shiver down her spine as memories began flooding in. She turned around and saw none other than...

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  Celeste.

  Alice’s eyes widened in surprise as she recognized Celeste.

  "Celeste...?” she said, her voice a mix of disbelief and shock.

  Nika's eyes lit up with a hint of amusement. "Ah, you know who this is?”

  Celeste nodded nonchalantly, a slight smirk playing on her lips. "That I do. I taught your three friends here everything they know.”

  Alice's disbelief remains high, her brow furrowing. "What are you doing here?”

  Celeste shrugged with her trademark smirk, a nonchalance in her demeanor. "Just observing. After all, your teacher has to see how her students fare.”

  Alice leaned forward. "But how did you know we were here or were coming here?"

  Celeste replied coolly, "It's just a matter of coincidence, Alice. My reason for coming here was to allow your other friends to test out their skills after everything I've taught them since your departure from my citadel."

  "You mean..."

  Alice was cut off by Celeste gesturing to her right, showing that Sharline and Blair were also present, both of the girls beaming at the sight of their old friends.

  Alice was completely taken aback. "Sharline! Blair! You guys too??"

  Sharline chuckled, her usual humor shining through. "Yeah, we're here too! Can't let you have all the fun.”

  Blair nodded in agreement, her voice as peppy as ever. "Wanted to surprise ya.”

  Nika chuckled softly, finding the situation amusing. "Seems like you guys have some unexpected guests here.”

  Alice's disbelief was overwhelming, but a smile played on her lips. "This is insane.”

  "Tell me about it," Blair quipped with a grin. "We're nothing like our old selves. I dunno about you guys, but me and Sharline, we're waaay better at Void Magic after training with Celeste all this time.”

  Sharline nodded in agreement. "We’ve learned a hell of a lot. Celeste’s really good. My kicks are much more powerful since I got better at Augmentation, while Blair has a set of fire-based abilities that she uses in conjunction with her wrestling moves.”

  Nika's interest was sparked. "Hold up, sorry to interrupt your li'l reunion here but— did you say wrestling? I'm a wrestler myself!”

  Blair's eyes lit up in pleasant surprise. "Oh yeah? That's awesome! I didn't expect you to be a wrestler too!”

  Nika nodded, a smile on her face. "Yep! I'm a pro-wrestler who's been at it for years. I'm pretty damn good, if I do say so myself.”

  Sharline chuckled, amused. "Oh, really now? Quite full of yourself, ain't ya?”

  Nika smirked in good humor. "I just like to think I'm confident. Being a supermodel as well means confidence is mandatory.”

  Sharline smirked playfully, teasing. "Oh yeah, the supermodel part. Big stuff, huh?”

  Nika chuckled, playing along. "It has its perks, that's for sure. I can beat people up in the ring and then turn heads on the catwalk.”

  Blair raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Woah woah woah, you're both a wrestler and a supermodel? That's amazin’!"

  Nika nodded, clearly proud of her accomplishments. "Yeah, I manage to juggle both worlds pretty well. It has its challenges, sure, but the thrill of both worlds keeps me going.”

  Sharline leaned back, impressed. "Well, color me impressed. That's a damn impressive resume you got there.”

  Nika smirked, clearly happy to hear the praise. "I like to keep myself busy, what can I say?”

  "Say," Celeste butted in, "We have a suite in this Coliseum that we're staying in for the duration of this tournament. You girls should stop by and hang with us until the next match. Especially you three, Alice, Rachel, and Zalgo. I have more things to teach you.”

  Alice, Rachel, and Zalgo perked up at Celeste's invitation.

  Rachel's eyes lit up with curiosity. "You have more to teach us? That sounds really intriguing.”

  Zalgo smiled, excitement in her voice. "I'm definitely up for learning more. Count me in!”

  Celeste nodded with a small smirk, pleased with their enthusiasm. "I've got some things I think you'll find interesting. And it'll give us a chance to chat.”

  Sharline smirked, chiming in. "Plus, we got the full bar stocked, and a pretty kick-ass suite too. You can't pass up an offer like that.”

  Nika smirked, appreciating the proposal. "A suite and a full bar? Consider me convinced.”

  Blair clapped her hands together excitedly. "Yup! This is gonna be so much fun.”

  Celeste nodded, a hint of mischief in her expression. "It will certainly be something worth seeing.”

  Zalgo looked at Rachel and Alice, seeking their opinions. "What do you guys think? Should we accept Celeste’s invitation?”

  Rachel and Alice gave each other a small nod, clearly convinced.

  Rachel couldn't help but be excited. "Duh, Zal! I mean, who could resist a chance to learn more and have a good time?”

  Alice agreed confidently. "I'm on board. Learning more and having fun? Count me in.”

  Sharline smiled at the decision. "Great! It's settled then. Let's head to our suite, and we can chat over some drinks.”

  Blair grinned widely, energized. "Hells yeah! Let's do it!”