The buzz in the stadium lobby is electric. Spectators, reporters, scholars — everyone’s murmuring the same question:

  “Who is that guy?”

  Footage of Kaizo’s fight against the Sun Empress replays on hanging tv displays. The crowd’s begun imagining greater exploits and potential matchups for him in the future.

  Kaizo leans against a marble pillar, duffel bag at his side, waiting for Ayame.

  Yumi approaches, eyes wide with awe, Infinity perched on her shoulder.

  Yumi (quietly): “Kaizo… that thing you did out there… what was that?”

  Infinity: “Same here. What the hell was that? I was curious too.”

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  Kaizo (shrugs, scratches his chin): “I don’t know..”

  Tournament Parking Lot – Evening

  Ayame’s waiting on the bus, legs crossed, calm as ever. Beside her: the sealed prize chest. It was heavier as not only did Kaizo win his male bracket, he defeated Kagari for the combined prize as well, coming to a total of: 100,000,000 yen. (Where the fuck did they get that money from?)

  Kaizo, Yumi, and Infinity walk toward her — but before they can board—

  Kagari appears.

  Still glowing faintly, but her demeanor has changed — no longer fiery, but reflective. She looked a little confused as they were getting closer, but when she saw them, her face lit up again.

  She hands Kaizo a gold-sealed envelope.

  Kaizo (curiously):

  “What’s this?”

  Kagari (excitedly):

  “An invitation. The right… to challenge the Top Ten — the top 10 strongest Horizon users alive.”

  She turns away, but not before Kaizo catches her subtle smile — the smile of someone rethinking the world just a little… maybe.