That night, we did not do much celebrating. Our next match was the Grand Final, the winning team to determine the future Emperor of the Empire of the Smart. By tradition, the two teams in the finals would stipulate a 2-2 draw on their individual matches without fighting them, and slug out the final determination of the Emperor in a massive team fight. The spectacle assured all who watched would know the Empire was in good hands.

  Soon we learned our opposing team as they, too, won their semifinal match. It would be the Realm of Magitech. As they sent over the offered stipulation, Elemental Master briefed us on the plot against us.

  "The plan, as my sources understand it, is to attack the arena during the final match with outside forces," Elemental Master explained, his voice grave. "In the chaos, damage will be done to your team, and the forces will flee once it seems your loss is assured. If, however, you manage to win anyway, it will be claimed it was only due to outside interference—masterminded by you—and your victory will then be annulled."

  The room fell silent as we absorbed the implications of his words. This was a sneak attack, a desperate move by the forces arrayed against us to ensure our loss. We knew we had to be ready for anything.

  "So, what's the plan?" Sassy asked, her tail wagging nervously. "Do we just wait for them to make their move?"

  Elemental Master shrugged. "You will have your hands full with the Realm of Magitech. Your focus needs to be on beating them, and beating them as fast as you can, before outside forces can interfere. I will muster those who believe in your cause to defend the arena, giving you time to win your match before outside interference can reach it."

  Mizuno and I nodded to each other. We sent a reply back to the Realm of Magitech, accepting the stipulated 2-2 and reducing the match to just the teamfight. Winning even one fight before the forces arrayed against us would be a challenge.

  "Time to study our opponents," I said. "Mizuno?"

  Mizuno's fingers danced across her holographic interface, pulling up a wealth of information on our upcoming opponents. The realm of Magitech was known for its innovative combination of magic and technology, creating unique and formidable fighters. We gathered around her, our eyes scanning the data as she brought up videos of their previous matches.

  "Let's start with Speedblade," Mizuno said, queuing up a video. The scene opened with Speedblade darting through a crowded marketplace, her movements a blur of super-speed. She wielded a sleek, magical blade that cut through anything in her path, leaving a trail of destroyed stalls and surprised bystanders.

  "Speedblade's magitech allows her to override the laws of energy and momentum," Mizuno explained. "Her blade can cut through any substance, and her speed makes her virtually unstoppable in combat. She's a force to be reckoned with."

  I nodded, my mind already racing with strategies. "I'll take her on. My dumb aura might be able to disrupt her sense of balance and momentum, slowing her down enough for me to land some hits."

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  Mizuno smiled, clearly pleased with my confidence. "Good choice. Next up is Realityforge." She pulled up another video, this one showing a hulking robot with multiple arms, each wielding different tools and weapons. The robot moved with precision, its arms blurring as it constructed and deconstructed complex structures mid-combat.

  "Realityforge combines reality manipulation with advanced robotics," Mizuno said. "He can create and manipulate objects out of thin air, and his robot body is virtually indestructible. He's a master of control and strategy."

  Misty stepped forward, her armor clanking softly. "I'll handle him. My durability and strength will be crucial in wearing him down and disrupting his creations."

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  Sassy wagged her tail enthusiastically. "That leaves me with..." she paused as Mizuno queued up the next video. A fighter clad in sleek, form-fitting armor stood on a platform, his body glowing with magical energy. He raised his hands, and bolts of lightning arced from his fingertips, striking a distant target with pinpoint accuracy.

  "Thunderstrike combines electrical magic with technological enhancements to create powerful ranged attacks," Mizuno said. "His armor also grants him enhanced agility and reflexes."

  Sassy barked excitedly. "I'll take him on! My speed and playfulness will help me dodge his attacks, and I can use my auras to turn the tide of battle."

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  Mizuno nodded, her eyes reflecting the holographic displays. "Finally, we have Phaseshift." The video changed to show a fighter cloaked in a shimmering field, phasing in and out of existence as she moved through a crowded arena. She left behind afterimages, confusing and disorienting her opponents.

  "Phaseshift can phase through solid objects and create decoys to confuse enemies," Mizuno explained. "Her ability to control her density and form makes her an elusive and dangerous opponent."

  I looked at Mizuno, and she nodded in agreement. "Another one I counter," I said. "My dumbness can disrupt her phasing, making her solid and vulnerable to attacks." Turning to Mizuno, I asked, "We'll need to work together on both Phaseshift and Speedblade, if I'm tanking them both. How will your side of things work?"

  Mizuno thought for a moment before responding, "I'll use my holographic constructs and drones to harass and disrupt both of them. By creating multiple targets for them to deal with, we can wear them down and create openings for you to strike. I'll give my Arcane Hacking a whirl, and see if I can also disrupt their abilities. I'll also use my combat skills to engage Phaseshift directly, keeping her off balance and preventing her from supporting her teammates, giving you a window to focus on smashing Speedblade. Take out her blade, and we can move on to other targets."

  Misty chimed in, "And I'll support you both by taking out any decoys Phaseshift creates. My strength and durability will be key in keeping them at bay."

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  With our strategy set, we turned our attention to the specifics of the battle plan. Mizuno pulled up a holographic map of the arena, marking key positions and chokepoints.

  "You need to win this quickly," Elemental Master reminded us. "The longer the fight goes on, the more likely it is that outside forces will interfere. Your goal is to take out their key members as fast as possible."

  I nodded, my resolve firming. "We stick to the plan. I'll start by disrupting Phaseshift and Speedblade, while Misty takes on Realityforge. Sassy, you focus on Thunderstrike and create openings for the rest of us. Mizuno, you back me up and provide support where needed."

  Mizuno smiled, her eyes gleaming with determination. "Let's do this. May the power of dumbness be with us!"

  As we prepared to face the Realm of Magitech, I couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement. This was it—the final battle that would decide the future of the Empire of the Smart. And I was ready to give it my all.

  The Lives of Velnin. I do so enjoy stealing from my own stories.