Next Morning.
Richard and the Four Kings were in their waiting room, waiting for the second round to start.
'By the way, System.' Ichiro said in his mind.
[?]
'Why were you quiet like 2 months.' Ichiro inquired.
[… Why do you think, you m-moron!]
'?' Ichiro was confused.
[The s-scene with Amanda. It was d-d-disgusting!]
'What?! Because of that? What are you, a kid?' Ichiro resisted facepalming.
[I don't understand you humans. How can such vulgar and brute act be any way pleasurable]
'It is all about human anatomy. For some reason, the pleasure senses get activated when you do such vulgar things.' Ichiro explained like he was talking to a kid.
[… It was still disgusting sight]
'I will try to update you, so I can disable you when I want to, happy?'
[Yes, very happy]
*Creak*
The door to the waiting room opened.
Giron appeared.
He usually wore tight shirts and jeans, but this time. He was actually wearing the same fighting uniform as them.
''Why are you wearing that, coach?'' Sariel asked.
''We need to act professionally. The people from Snowland won't be happy if we do this half-hearted.'' Giron explained.
Everyone nodded.
''Anyway, our opponent was decided,'' Giron said suddenly.
The Four Kings became serious.
Giron chuckled, ''No need to be serious. We are the top seed, and we don't get a strong opponent at the start. Our opponent is a school from Hardland, also known as Hardland's School of Fighting. They are a relatively weak school— their strongest fighter is Low Martial Captain, while others are Peak Martial Leader.''
Michael, Sariel, and Rafael instantly seemed uninterested.
''First fights will soon begin— our fight will be an hour later,'' Giron said and left the room.
*Ring*
Ichiro's phone again rang.
''Aren't you going to answer that?'' Michael asked.
Ichiro looked at the phone and saw a phone call from Azura.
It is the 10th one this hour.
But, he put the phone back in his pocket.
''No… I can't be distracted.'' Ichiro said and closed his eyes.
''Why is he so serious about this tournament?'' Michael whispered towards Richard.
Richard was confused as well.
It feels like Ichiro's life depends on this tournament, and he is trying to keep his focus on max.
…
Azura looked at her phone— her face was clouded.
For some reason, her boyfriend hasn't answered the phone at all.
He has always answered, but since yesterday, he stopped responding.
''Azura, what's wrong?'' Alena asked after seeing Azura's saddened face.
''F-For some reason… Ichiro isn't answering.'' Azura said with a shaky tone.
''He isn't? Weird…'' Alena murmured.
Abyss and Aether were in their house as well, watching a TV which showed the tournament.
Both of them looked solemn.
Azura and Alena might not know the pressure Ichiro has.
But they do.
They know perfectly.
''Azura…'' Abyss said, ''He cannot be distracted.''
''B-But… I don't think one phone call would hurt.'' Azura lowered her head and said.
''Sis… You lovebirds have all the time in the world after the tournament… But not now.'' Aether said with a smile.
But the rage burning inside him is hotter than ever before.
He hates the Moonstar family with a passion.
'Trying to forcefully get Azura? In your dreams!' He gritted his teeth hatefully.
Abyss was also serious.
If it was 6-7 years ago, he could wipe out the Moonstar family single-handedly.
But now… His strength is falling down, and soon he will be in the Martial God realm.
Even though the Moonstar family's Patriarch Avron is the weakest Martial God, he has his family, which is countless times stronger than the Nightside family.
'Ichiro… You must win…' Abyss thought.
If Ichiro wins, and the Moonstar family still tries to be forceful…
Abyss will go to war with them.
He might not survive the war, but at least he will take Avron and his son with him, and maybe 90% of the Moonstar family as well.
Abyss still has a lot of connections, and his old friends can take care of his family.
Azura looked at the picture on her phone— it showed a handsome black-haired young man with a silly smile and a beautiful black-haired girl next to him.
…
In Irio.
Kurogami Family's house was bustling.
They invited their relatives and friends to watch the upcoming tournament.
Their previous house is long gone, and their current home is much bigger.
That is because Ichiro sent half of the money he got from the High School of Fighting.
That allowed them to move to a better house with much better living conditions.
The living room was large enough to fit 30-40 people, and there was a large TV in the wall which showed the Winterlight's tournament.
The house had 3 floors, 8 bedrooms, and 4 bathrooms. There is also a large backyard and front yard.
Azumi smiled gently while talking with a group of other housewives and relatives.
But then, a group of 4 walked inside the house.
''Iris.'' Azumi smiled and hugged the beautiful middle-aged woman.
Iris, also known as Lucas' mother smiled gently.
''Azumi, this house is beautiful,'' Iris exclaimed while looking around the living room.
''This is all because of Ichiro.'' Azumi smiled and said.
Iris smiled.
She still thought that it was unreal that the young boy he met in the police station became a superstar.
''Lucas.'' Azumi smiled gently and hugged the muscular young man.
''Azumi.'' Lucas smiled and said.
Leia hugged Azumi instantly, ''Hello!''
''Hello, little Leia.'' Azumi had a huge smile and hugged the beautiful little girl.
''Leia!'' Ayako left the upstairs and ran towards Leia.
''Ayako!'' Leia hugged the cute little girl.
Their family has gotten a lot closer in a few months, mainly because Ayako and Leia are best friends currently.
Azumi and Iris also became close, and they can be called best friends as well.
Lucas looked at the TV with crossed arms.
He is currently part of Irio's High School Martial Club and became their captain instantly!
After all, he is Half-Step Martial Captain, and no one has reached Martial Captain yet.
There is another Half-Step Martial Captain, but he isn't a leader figure.
Lucas is the first one to be a Captain of the Martial Arts Club while still being a first-year in Irio's history.
Their tournament starts tomorrow, and the reason why Lucas has time to watch Winterlight's tournament is because…
Gensa's High School tournament is held in Irio!
Irio is now in the limelight because Kurogami Ichiro became one of the Kings of Coldland.
It is an incredible achievement for someone from a weak country to be an important figure in one of the Top 4 Countries.
More than 50 figures have gathered in Kurogami's residence.
And the tournament, which gives Ichiro the name of Heavenly Child.
Will soon…
Begin.