As the sun painted the sky with vibrant shades of orange and pink, Kibou embarked on his journey along the winding trails that wound through the lush forest, leading to Ethan's temple home. The air was crisp with the promise of a new day, and Kibou's heartbeat with eager anticipation as he pedaled furiously, his bike kicking up small clouds of dust behind him.

With each turn of the pedals, the forest whispered secrets of ancient mysteries and untold adventures, urging Kibou onward. The winding trails seemed to dance beneath his wheels, guiding him ever closer to his destination with a tantalizing promise of excitement and discovery.

As rays of sunlight filtered through the dense canopy above, dappling the forest floor with patches of golden light, Kibou's senses were alive with the sights and sounds of nature awakening. Birds chirped joyfully in the trees, while the gentle rustling of leaves provided a soothing backdrop to the rhythmic hum of Kibou's bike.

With every twist and turn of the trail, Kibou's excitement grew, fueled by the thought of reuniting with his friend Ethan and the mystery surrounding Celina. Each pedal stroke brought him one step closer to the answers he sought, and he pushed himself harder, determined to reach Ethan's temple home before the sun reached its zenith.

"HAHAHAHA, I SHOULD HAVE BIKED DOWN HERE SOONER!" Kibou exclaimed, his voice echoing through the tranquil surroundings.

Beside him, Ruby floated through the air, her red cloak flowing in the wind as she flew with determination to keep pace. "Hey! Wait up! I can't fly that fast!" she protested, pouting slightly as she struggled to match Kibou's speed.

As they pedaled onward, the landscape unfolded around them in a breathtaking display of natural beauty. The winding trails led them through dense forests teeming with life, where towering trees reached towards the sky, their branches swaying gracefully in the gentle breeze. Sunlight filtered through the canopy above, casting a dappled pattern of light and shadow upon the forest floor, where wildflowers bloomed in a riot of colors, painting the landscape with vibrant hues.

At long last, they reached Ethan's temple home, a hidden gem nestled amidst the tranquil embrace of nature. The temple stood as a testament to ancient craftsmanship, its weathered stone walls adorned with intricate carvings that spoke of a bygone era. Lush greenery cascaded down its facade, weaving a tapestry of life and vitality around its serene surroundings. As they approached, a sense of peace washed over them, enveloping them in the sanctuary of the temple's sacred grounds.

Sliver and Assassin stood waiting for Kibou as he finally pulled up, his bike rolling to a stop amidst a cloud of dust. Sliver shot him a disapproving glance, his arms crossed in front of him, while Assassin leaned against a nearby tree, arms folded casually.

Kibou hopped off his bike, his expression a mix of excitement and sheepishness. He quickly dusted off his clothes, his eyes darting around as if searching for an excuse. "Hey, this place is out in the middle of nowhere! I needed a map!" he exclaimed, trying to justify his tardiness.

Ruby, fluttering beside him, added her two cents with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "We were lost!"

Sliver couldn't help but shake his head in amusement. "Alright, let's just get going," he said, stepping forward to lead the way. "We've got a lot to do today."

As the group entered the courtyard of the temple, they were greeted by a spacious and well-maintained area that served as both a tranquil sanctuary and a dynamic training ground. Lush greenery lined the perimeter, casting dappled shadows on the cobblestone paths that crisscrossed the courtyard. Tall, ancient trees stood sentinel, their branches reaching skyward and providing shade from the midday sun.

In the center of the courtyard, a large open space awaited, its smooth stone surface marked with intricate patterns and symbols. This was the heart of the training grounds, where Ethan and his companions honed their skills and sparred with one another under the watchful gaze of the temple walls.

Training equipment dotted the edges of the courtyard, from wooden dummies and sparring mats to hanging ropes and balance beams. Weapons racks lined one side, displaying an array of swords, staffs, and other martial implements.

Despite its serene atmosphere, there was an unmistakable energy in the air, a palpable sense of determination and focus that permeated the space. This was a place of growth and discipline, where warriors came to test their limits and forge themselves into something greater.

As Kibou and Sliver approached the temple courtyard, the sound of clashing wood echoed through the air, drawing their attention. They exchanged curious glances before quickening their pace, eager to see what was happening.

As they entered the courtyard, they caught sight of Ethan in the midst of intense training, his movements swift and precise as he wielded a wooden sword with practiced skill. Sliver marveled at his friend's dedication, while Kibou's eyes lit up with admiration.

"Whoa, look at Ethan go," Kibou whispered, his voice filled with awe.

Sliver nodded in agreement, a proud smile gracing his lips. "Yeah, he's really putting in the work."

"He's like a samurai!" Ruby exclaimed, her voice carrying across the courtyard. Her smile wasn't even trying to hide.

With each strike and parry, Ethan's focus remained unwavering, his determination evident in every movement. As Kibou and Sliver watched, they couldn't help but feel inspired by their friend's relentless pursuit of excellence.

In the courtyard of the temple, Ethan stood with a wooden sword in hand, his muscles tense with concentration as he moved through a series of practiced strikes and blocks. Adam, his seasoned partner, watched from the sidelines, his keen eyes following Ethan's every move with a critical gaze.

Ethan's movements were fluid and precise, each swing of the wooden sword executed with controlled power and finesse. He shifted seamlessly between offensive and defensive stances, his footwork agile and deliberate as he danced across the stone surface of the courtyard.

Adam nodded in approval as he observed Ethan's technique, noting the refinement and discipline evident in his swordplay. Despite the wooden blade in his hand, Ethan wielded it with the skill and confidence of a seasoned warrior, his focus unwavering as he continued to push himself to new heights.

As the training session progressed, Ethan's movements became more fluid and instinctual, his mind fully attuned to the rhythm of combat. With each strike and parry, he grew more confident in his abilities, his determination shining through in every motion.

Adam watched with a sense of pride as Ethan's skills continued to improve, knowing that he was witnessing the blossoming of a true warrior. In the courtyard of the temple, amidst the tranquil surroundings and the whisper of the wind through the trees, Ethan's journey towards mastery had only just begun. As the champion, Ethan has come a long way, but he still has much to learn.

Ethan paused, his breaths coming in heavily as he set aside his wooden sword, his gaze locking onto Kibou and Sliver, along with their phantoms, as they entered the courtyard.

"You're late," Ethan remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice as he wiped the sweat from his brow.

Adam nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Time waits for no one," he remarked, his tone carrying a hint of sternness as he regarded the tardy pair.

Kibou shifted uncomfortably under Ethan and Adam's scrutiny, his cheeks flushing slightly. "I'll remember to set an alarm next time," he replied sheepishly, a sheepish grin tugging at the corners of his lips.

Ruby floated closer to Sliver, her feet barely touching the ground as she approached him. "Hey, Sliver, where's Senji?" she inquired, her tone curious.

Sliver glanced at Ruby, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "He's meeting with a friend who came into town," he replied, his voice calm and collected.

Meanwhile, Assassin stood nearby, his posture relaxed but alert as he surveyed the courtyard. "It's good for him to catch up with old friends," he remarked, his gaze drifting thoughtfully around the courtyard.

Ethan's gaze swept over the group, his expression serious and tired. "I'm guessing you guys are looking for the kid," he remarked, his voice carrying a hint of weariness as he gestured for them to follow him inside.

Inside, they found Celica, the pale child, immersed in a game of Mighty Action X. Her pouting expression revealed a newfound range of emotions, a stark contrast to the stoicism of yesterday.

"No! I lost," she exclaimed, her voice filled with frustration as she pouted, her determination evident despite her apparent defeat.

Kibou chuckled lightly, teasing Ethan as they observed Celica's newfound interests "Hehehe, it seems Mister Champion has actual interests," Kibou remarked with a grin.

Ethan's reaction was swift, grabbing his wooden kendo blade and lightly bonking Kibou on the head. "Keep talking and I will shove this up your ass," he threatened, a hint of embarrassment coloring his cheeks. "I can have hobbies."

Ruby sighed in exasperation, shaking her head at the exchange. "Why is my user such an idiot?" she muttered, though deep down, she knew she might do the same in a similar situation.

Sliver stepped in, his voice calm and diplomatic amidst the brewing tension. "Now now, let's all calm down. It seems Celica is okay, so let's think of a plan on what to do now other than train—"

Before he could finish, Kibou's flip phone started ringing, interrupting him mid-sentence. Kibou glanced at the caller ID and raised an eyebrow. "Why is Iris calling me?" he muttered, answering the call and putting it on speaker mode for everyone to hear.

Iris's cheerful voice filled the airwaves. "Good, you're all there. I need to tell you guys about a certain tournament that you need to enter," she announced, her tone brimming with excitement. "Meet me at Blue Cats Coffee in like an hour. Trust me, you won't want to miss it." With that, she hung up, leaving the group with more questions than answers.

Ethan, ever the strategist, saw the potential benefits of the tournament. "Hmm, a tournament could help you two get stronger," he remarked, casting a meaningful glance at Kibou and Sliver.

Kibou scratched his head in confusion, echoing the sentiment of the group. "Yeah, but my question is, why a coffee shop?" he pondered aloud, his brow furrowed in thought as Ruby entertained Celica in the background.

The group entered Blue Cats Coffee, a quaint and cozy café nestled in the heart of the bustling city. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeted them at the door, enticing them with its rich and inviting scent. Soft jazz music played in the background, adding to the café's relaxed atmosphere.

The interior was warm and inviting, with comfortable seating arrangements scattered throughout the space. Large windows let in streams of natural light, casting a soft glow over the rustic wooden tables and plush armchairs. The walls were adorned with eclectic artwork and shelves lined with books, creating a cozy and eclectic ambiance.

At the counter, Iris sat perched on a bar stool, her short, curly black hair framing her face in a halo of unruly curls. She sipped on a cup of steaming coffee, her gaze focused on something unseen as she waited for the arrival of her friends. Her attire was both formal and stylish, a reflection of her unique sense of fashion that effortlessly blended sophistication with a touch of whimsy.

Madeline, the owner of Blue Cats Coffee, greeted the group with a warm smile as they entered the café. Her presence exuded a sense of calm authority, despite the absence of a phantom by her side. Instead, her aura radiated a quiet strength that spoke of years spent honing her skills as a phantom duelist.

"Ah, Iris, are these the fighters you told me about?" Madeline inquired, her smile widening as she addressed Iris. Her green eyes sparkled with curiosity as she observed the group, her gaze flickering from one member to the next with keen interest.

Iris nodded in affirmation, her eyes shining with determination as she spoke. "Yes, this is Kibou and Sliver, two new phantom fighters and perfect fits for the Catacombs Contest," she confirmed, her tone filled with unwavering confidence.

As Iris mentioned the Catacombs Contest, a tense silence settled over the group, punctuated only by the subtle shifting of their expressions. Adam and Ethan exchanged worried glances, their brows furrowed with concern for Kibou and Sliver. Their voices echoed with apprehension as they voiced their concerns about the perilous nature of the contest.

"The Catacombs Contest?! You must be joking!!" Ethan exclaimed, his voice laced with disbelief as he turned to Iris, his eyes wide with worry. Beside him, Adam's expression mirrored his concern, his features drawn with apprehension.

Kibou and Sliver exchanged confused looks, their brows knit in confusion as they tried to make sense of the situation. Their phantoms hovered nearby, their auras pulsing with uncertainty as they mirrored the emotions of their partners.

Iris smiled softly, her eyes closing briefly as a sense of reassurance washed over her. Beside her, Cinder, her loyal phantom, materialized with a silent grace, her presence a silent reminder of strength and protection. "I am not joking; those two are perfect for it," she said with a smile.

Sliver and Kibou exchanged uncertain glances, their curiosity piqued by the mention of the Catacombs Contest.

"What exactly is the Catacombs Contest?" Sliver inquired, his voice tinged with a hint of apprehension as he looked to Iris for answers.

Kibou nodded in agreement, his expression reflecting a mix of curiosity and concern. "Yeah, I've never heard of that before. Could you fill us in?" he added, his tone earnest as he awaited Iris's response.

Iris giggled lightly as she turned to Madeline, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Madeline, could you show them?"

Madeline nodded, a knowing smile playing on her lips. With practiced ease, she walked over to a seemingly ordinary wall of the cafe and pressed a hidden panel. Suddenly, the wall slid open, revealing a spacious elevator hidden behind it.

"Step inside," Madeline gestured, her tone laced with anticipation. "I'll take you down to where the real action happens."

As the elevator descended deeper underground, the atmosphere shifted, the air humming with anticipation and excitement. When the doors slid open, the group found themselves in a vast underground chamber that resembled an ancient arena.

The arena was surrounded by tiered seating, packed with spectators who cheered and roared with enthusiasm as they watched the battles unfold below. The walls were adorned with banners and flags bearing the emblems of various phantom dueling factions, adding to the grandeur of the spectacle.

In the center of the arena, beneath a transparent surface, lay the holo projector, hidden from view but its effects visible throughout the arena. It projected a variety of environments and battlegrounds onto the surface above, creating an immersive experience that felt real to the senses.

As the projection shifted, the arena transformed into a majestic castle surrounded by lush greenland. Turrets and battlements rose from the ground, while the air was filled with the sound of birdsong and rustling leaves, transporting the spectators to another world.

The battlefield itself was alive with action, phantoms clashing in fierce combat as their users commanded them with precision and skill. The ground beneath their feet trembled with the force of their strikes, and the air crackled with energy as spells and abilities were unleashed.

Above, the ceiling was adorned with intricate designs and glowing runes, casting a mystical glow over the entire arena. The sound of cheering and chanting reverberated through the chamber, creating an electrifying atmosphere that filled the air with excitement and tension.

As the group took in the scene before them, they couldn't help but feel a surge of adrenaline coursing through their veins. This was no ordinary contest – it was a battleground where phantoms clashed, and champions were made. And they were about to be a part of it.

As the group entered the underground chamber, Kibou's eyes widened with excitement as he spotted a fight unfolding in the arena below. Without hesitation, he rushed to the front seats, Ruby fluttering beside him, eager to get a closer look at the action.

Down in the arena, the atmosphere crackled with energy as a lone figure faced off against three opponents. The arena itself seemed to pulse with anticipation, the crowd's cheers echoing off the walls.

Rando 1: "Hah, you're going to regret challenging all of us. Let's get her, boys!" the lead challenger taunted, his voice drowned out by the roar of the crowd.

But their opponent, a young woman with an air of confidence, stood her ground poised for battle. With a swift and graceful movement, she evaded the onslaught of attacks from her three opponents, her movements fluid and precise.

With each dodge, she seemed to anticipate their every move, her strategy flawless and her execution impeccable. Then, in a breathtaking display of skill, she countered, striking with lightning speed and devastating accuracy.

In an instant, all three opponents were down, their phantoms dephantomized and defeated. The arena erupted into applause and cheers, the crowd in awe of the young woman's prowess.

Announcer: "Another stunning victory from Rina Kaido! A favorite to win in this year's Catacombs Contest with her unbeatable phantom, Pyrrha Nikos!"

As the cheers subsided, Rina dephantomized, her expression calm and composed as she checked her watch, her victory achieved with effortless grace.

Rina: "2.8 seconds, as expected," she remarked coolly, before leaving the arena with her phantom, leaving behind a trail of awe-inspired whispers in her wake.

Sliver's eyes widened in awe as he watched Rina's impressive display of skill. "Woah, impressive, like she did it on the fly," he remarked, clearly impressed by the fluidity of Rina's movements.

Kibou shook his head, his expression serious as he observed the battle with keen insight. "No, she planned that to every second," he replied, his tone tinged with a sense of admiration for Rina's strategic prowess.

Suddenly, a voice called out to Kibou, causing him to turn pale. He slowly turned his head towards the source of the voice, his eyes widening in fear as he recognized the figure approaching them. "KIBOU, WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!?" the voice exclaimed.

Kibou's heart raced as he instinctively moved to hide behind Ruby, his phantom, seeking protection from the unexpected visitor. "H-Hey, Big Sis Courtney," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper as he tried to mask his nervousness.

Courtney, Kibou's older sister, approached with a mixture of concern and curiosity in her eyes. Her presence loomed over him, her imposing figure casting a shadow over the courtyard. As she drew nearer, Kibou couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, unsure of what her sudden appearance might entail.

Kibou shifted uncomfortably, attempting to divert the conversation away from his own presence at the catacombs. "Well, what are you doing here?" he asked, his voice tinged with nervousness.

Courtney's expression softened slightly as she responded, her tone carrying a hint of exasperation. "Well, if you must know, I'm here to do a news article on the recent rise of these so-called Berserk Phantom Fighters. I thought I would find some here. They've been causing quite a scene," she explained, her eyes scanning the bustling arena as she spoke.

Kibou's gaze fell to the ground, a sheepish expression crossing his face. "W-Well, we're kinda doing the same thing and planning to fight here," he admitted reluctantly, knowing full well that his own actions could easily fall under Courtney's scrutiny.

Before Kibou could say more, Courtney launched into a stern lecture, scolding him for his reckless behavior and impulsive decisions. Her words washed over Kibou like a wave, each admonition hitting him with the force of reality.

Meanwhile, Ruby observed the exchange with a knowing look, her eyes darting between Kibou and Sliver. "I'm guessing this is often," she remarked dryly, directing her comment towards Sliver.

Sliver let out a resigned sigh, nodding in agreement. "Yes... yes it is," he admitted, a hint of frustration evident in his voice as he facepalmed in response to Kibou's antics.

Ethan stepped forward, his expression firm as he interjected, accompanied by Adam at his side. "Courtney, hold on a moment," he said, his voice carrying a note of authority.

Courtney turned her attention to Ethan and Adam, her brow furrowing in confusion. "What is it?" she asked, her tone tinged with impatience.

Ethan took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "Kibou may have a tendency to act impulsively, but he's doing okay," he explained, his voice steady and reassuring. "We've been keeping an eye on him, and he's been handling himself surprisingly well."

Adam nodded in agreement, adding his own reassurance. "Yeah, he's been training hard and making progress. He's got a good head on his shoulders, even if he does occasionally get himself into trouble," he chimed in, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips.

Courtney regarded them skeptically for a moment before relenting, her expression softening slightly. "Well, I suppose I'll take your word for it," she conceded, her tone less accusatory than before. "Just make sure he stays out of trouble, okay?"

Ethan and Adam exchanged a knowing glance before nodding in unison. "Don't worry, we've got it under control," Ethan assured her, a sense of determination in his voice.

Iris stepped forward, her gaze unwavering as she addressed Sliver and Kibou with a sense of urgency. "Listen, you two," she began, her tone serious. "You have one week to prepare for the Catacombs Contest, and that's not a lot of time. I suggest you train like you've never trained before."

Sliver and Kibou exchanged a glance, a mixture of determination and apprehension flickering in their eyes. They both knew the stakes were high, and they were ready to rise to the challenge.

"And Kibou," Iris continued, her voice softening slightly as she turned her attention to him. "You need to find your second phantom. It's time to embrace your true potential and harness the power within you."

Kibou nodded solemnly, a sense of resolve settling over him. He knew that finding his second phantom was crucial, not just for the contest, but for his own growth as a phantom fighter.

With Iris's words hanging in the air, the group fell silent, the weight of their impending challenge looming over them. As they prepared to embark on their journey of training and self-discovery, the future remained uncertain, but one thing was clear: they were ready to face whatever lay ahead, together.

As the group absorbed Iris's words, the scene shifted to another part of the city, where snowflakes danced gently in the air, blanketing the streets in a pristine white. Amidst the wintry landscape, a figure emerged, her hair as pure as freshly fallen snow, cascading in gentle waves around her. With each step, she exuded an air of elegance and grace, her presence commanding attention.

The camera followed her as she walked with purpose, her movements fluid and deliberate. In her hand, she held a gleaming rapier, its blade catching the soft light of the snow-covered street lamps.

As she disappeared into the snowy night, her silhouette fading into the darkness, the sense of mystery surrounding her only deepened. Who was she, and what role would she play in the events to come? The answer remained shrouded in secrecy, waiting to be unveiled in the days ahead.

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Hello everyone, apologies for the delay in releasing Chapter 4. College has been quite demanding lately. Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy it! Feel free to leave a comment sharing your thoughts on this chapter. Until next time!