~Medical care center~
Bethany lay in a private ward, receiving meticulous care from the skilled medical team at Central Continental. Of every one present, her injuries were by far the most severe. The extent of the damage was too significant for her body to mend in mere minutes, despite her natural ability to heal. Left to her own abilities, it would take at least three hours for a full recovery. As a result, medical assistance became essential to hasten the process, ensuring she could heal much sooner than her body's natural pace would allow.

Bernard, Shadow, and Boid were also in the ward, standing by as the medical staff worked on Bethany's injuries. Mounted on the wall, a plasma screen displayed the live broadcast of the fierce battle between Team Aurora and The Saints. Bernard watched the match in silence, his expression unreadable as he followed the intense duel between Donald Sunaro of The Saints and Vanessa Penablintze from Team Aurora.

However, after a brief moment, his attention shifted from the screen. He turned away from the clash unfolding on TV, his focus drawn back to Bethany.

BERNARD: "Never thought Vanessa would be participating in the tournament. Though she's faring against a capable punk like Donald, do you think she'd stand a chance?" Bernard asked Bethany, requesting her opinion on the match.

BETHANY: "My sister, though a brawler may seem inferior against an opponent like Donald who happens to be at the extreme stage, she is quite capable. But who am I to say? I barely stood a chance against Nicholas." Bethany responded with a downcasted expression.

BOID: "[Trails into the conversation.].... None of us would have fared well in combat against an opponent like Nicholas. Defeating someone of the Beta stage caliber wasn't something you were prepared for,"

SHADOW: "You fought well; Bethany. Very few at the extreme stage would have been able to put up an impressive fight like the way you did against Nicholas. He was simply too strong!" Shadow added to the conversation, his hooded expression unveiling a calm composure.

BERNARD: "[Gets irritated by everyone's response.] Humph! Only gullible fools and scum losers would confide in such a pathetic excuse for failure. Excluding me, no existence can be too strong. My victory over Maxwell should set a good example.
"[Reaches out for the door knob of the ward.] Perhaps, it's for the better if you all can start reasoning like actual conquerors and not some nagging losers." Bernard sternly gave his cocky response, abruptly stepping out of the ward, and leaving his crew behind.

Following Bernard's exit, Shadow frowned heavily and let out a grimaced sigh in response to Bernard's perceived arrogance.

SHADOW: "Tsk, that damn son of a bitch! Who the hell does he take himself for!? As it is known, arrogance begets arrogance. I honestly look forward to the day of his defeat,"

***

Bernard stepped out of the ward, pacing through the quiet halls of the medical wing, trying to shake off the whirlwind of thoughts clouding his mind. Lost in his musings, he barely noticed when he crossed paths with David and his crew, who were casually conversing, oblivious to his presence. At first, Bernard moved past them without a second thought. But then, as if struck by a sudden jolt, his instincts flared. A searing rush of energy surged through him, his emotions sparking to life. He whipped around, a fierce cyan flame igniting in his hand, its glow intensifying with the force of his anger.

Sensing the hostility, David equally snapped his attention toward Bernard. In a heartbeat, his eyes flared with a blazing, ferocious light, a silent warning to back off, prepared to defend himself and his crew if needed. For a brief, charged moment, they stood frozen, their gazes locked in a battle of silent, deep-rooted animosity. The air between them thrummed with tension, electric and dangerous, each daring the other to make the first move.

DAVID: "[Eyes still dazzle brightly.] You!... You are that annoying cunt from earlier, ain't ya? Give me a reason why I shouldn't cut you down right now!?" David asked with a grimaced expression.

BERNARD: "Humph! You've got balls; you weak scumbag! How dare you confront me with those pathetic brawler flames? Punk! You should be making your peace with denizens of hell for hurting my sister. You tell me why I shouldn't pulverize you into a pile of ash?" Bernard verbally countered with another question, his expression filled with murderous intent.

David was suddenly thrown into confusion by Bernard's response. The mention of the word 'sister' struck him like a bolt, leaving him momentarily stunned.

DAVID: "Sister? What in the devil's hell are you talking about?" David inquired, his expression horrified as his blazing eyes flickered.

BERNARD: "Humph! Let me jolt your memory; you brain-dead eyesore. Does the name 'Aurora' ring any bell of remembrance to you?" Bernard answered with a sneer.

DAVID: "[Eyes widen as he gasps in surprise.] By the heavenly one! You are the one Aurora once made mention of - The arrogant brother that goes by the name.... Bernard Deity!" David voiced out in realization.

BERNARD: ".... And you are the mysterious scumbag my sister mourned! The rumored scion of the holy flame..... David Blaze!" Bernard replied with a cold smirk.

Milla and the rest of the crew standing behind David strained to follow the tense exchange between him and Bernard, trying to grasp the meaning behind their words. But the moment Bernard finished speaking, he dropped into a battle-ready stance, his intent unmistakable. He was prepared to strike, determined to teach David a lesson - and anyone who dared to intervene would face the same fate.

Ignoring the strict "nonviolence" regulations of Central Continental City, Bernard's defiance radiated, his focus set solely on dealing with his foe.

But before Bernard could make his move, another group of contestants, known as the Thundercrackers, intervened. This team, made up of Terasvian teenagers from the Sky Fortress, was led by a broad, muscular Asian guy named Sudara Sunamah. With a sharp, commanding voice, Sudara suddenly barked at both David and Bernard, his tone laced with disapproval.

SUDARA: "What do you two think you're doing?" he demanded, his eyes narrowing as he sized up the escalating situation.

BERNARD: "[Turns toward Sudara with a scowl.] It's none of your goddamn business; punk!"

Upon hearing Bernard's response, Benjamin Blazers; who was also part of the Thundercrackers team, suddenly voiced out in a resolute tone.

BENJAMIN: "You must be courting death by attempting to break the rules of the Universal Truce of Unity. You may have potential but do you honestly believe you'd stand a slightest chance against Central Continental all by yourself?"

As Bernard listened to Benjamin's words, his aggressive stance faltered. Though his face remained twisted in anger, deep down, he knew Benjamin was right. He couldn't afford to face the consequences of breaking Central Continental City's rules by starting a fight in the ward. With a reluctant sigh, Bernard turned his back on the group, the tension still simmering in the air. As he walked away, however, he paused for a moment and, without turning around, made a final request to David.

BERNARD: "I'll spare your life for now. However, try not to lose until we meet again," Bernard spoke to with undisguised arrogance before leaving the scene.

As Bernard walked away, a wave of relief swept over everyone. Though David had been prepared to defend himself, he had no desire to violate the city's nonviolence regulations and risk implicating his teammates. He silently appreciated the Thundercrackers' timely intervention, which had defused the tension before it spiraled out of control. With a humble expression, David turned to the Thundercrackers team, offering his sincere thanks for their wise counsel and stepping in when it mattered most.

Sudara had a jovial and easy-going demeanor, while Benjamin appeared more prideful but remained calm and calculated. Their team conversed well with David's, establishing a friendly rapport. However, their conversation was soon interrupted by the ringing sound signaling the end of the Team Aurora and The Saints match, and the beginning of a new one. The outcome of the match revealed that Aurora and her team had emerged victorious, leaving Jane and her cronies defeated.

The crackling sound of their team name being announced through the in-ceiling speakers signaled Sudara and his crew's turn to compete in the next match against their rivals, the Team Betas. With a mix of anticipation and regret, they had to bid a quick farewell to David and his team.

As they turned to leave, Teflon, a third Thundercrackers member and Benjamin's sister, extended a warm invitation, suggesting that David's team come to the coliseum to watch their match. David nodded in agreement, urging his crew to follow the Thundercrackers and support their new allies.

However, there was something else tugging at his mind. While the others headed toward the arena, David knew he had unfinished business. With a sense of urgency, he broke off from the group - his focus set on one goal: finding Aurora again.

***