Aside from Bernard, the Moonwalker Squad swiftly traveled across various globes and continents, rigorously testing the abilities of potential fighters.

Those who proved their worth were granted the coveted invitation letters, while those who failed were either brutally beaten or met with a fatal end at the hands of these squad of elites.

***

~Sky Fortress, Terasville~
Within the imposing walls of Terasville, two Terasvians, named Benjamin, and his sister, Teflon, perched atop a tall skyscraper, taking in the breathtaking view of the city's centerpiece: the magnificent sky tower.

As a precaution against the frequent thunderstorms that plagued the area, the people of Terasville constructed a state-of-the-art mechanized tower capable of neutralizing the dangerous currents. The sky tower absorbed the thunderstorms, ensuring that unnecessary lightning incidents were prevented away from the city's residents.

Examining the invitation letter in his grasp, Benjamin meticulously read through its contents. He had earned this letter through a hard-fought victory earlier that day, having bested one of Netherworld's henchmen in combat.

Upon perusing the letter's contents, he heaved a tired sigh before unleashing a spark of white lightning, disintegrating the paper into a flurry of shredded fragments.

BENJAMIN: "Finally! The tournament is nigh. So long to my awaiting opponents. It's boring having to battle incompetent lightning-welders," he smirked.

TEFLON: "Humph! Don't be too excited, Ben. You may not be so lucky during the course of the upcoming tournament, especially against the Crestivenians," Teflon cautioned him.

BENJAMIN: "Heh! What matters is that I get to face more opponents with other elemental attributes besides the lightning. Moreover, I'm now at the 'lightning saint stage' within the saint realm's hierarchy. I finally caught up to you, sister." Benjamin bragged.

TEFLON: "[Unveils a calm, yet imposing sidelong glance at Benjamin.] Don't let your pride fool you. You may have advanced to my level of hierarchy but I remain the better fighter between us, dare to argue about that?"

BENJAMIN: "Heh, you forget I'm called the 'Lightning Genius' for a reason. Besides, I'm better refined at defense while you just adapt more to the offensive - so perhaps, we'd make balance for a good team, right?"

TEFLON: "Yeah... That's right." Teflon reluctantly agreed with a shrug of resignation.

BENJAMIN: "Great! Then let's show everyone at the tournament why our family harbors the best electrifying geniuses in the world!" Benjamin responded, a confident grin spreading across his face as he released bursts of crackling white electricity from his body.

With only three days remaining until the highly anticipated Universal Tribes Tournament, competitors from all corners of the universe scrambled to make their final preparations for the event.

As outlined in the invitation letters, teams of four were required to participate in the tournament. This prompted guest fighters to frantically sought out potential teammates, forming alliances in hopes of securing their chance at glory.

***

As Bernard arrived at the Land of Flames, he set his sights on recruiting capable fighters from his household to join his team for the upcoming tournament.

However, when it came time to decide his team, he hesitated to include Aurora, much to her dismay.

Despite his concerns about her safety during the tournament, Aurora felt insulted by her brother's decision to leave her out. His reasons at explanation only served to further fuel her anger, as she believed he was belittling her abilities.

She stormed off, leaving Bernard all by himself. The latter let out a deep sigh and turned his attention toward his next plan of action. He needed to assemble his team as soon as possible. But then, a realization struck him - he needed Fiona.

Of all the members of the Deity family, Bernard had always regarded Fiona as the most capable after him. She was the revered Sonic Star of the family and her flame abilities were legendary among their kin. With renewed determination, Bernard set out to locate his cousin sister in her retirement, aiming to persuade her into joining his team for the upcoming tournament.

As Bernard got to Fiona's apartment, he knocked on her door a few times, prompting a response from her.

FIONA: "Who knocks?" Fiona asked, her tone laced with nonchalance.

BERNARD: "You know who, so open the damned door!" he responded, his voice etched with irritation.

Fiona's invitation prompted Bernard to stride confidently into her apartment, a sense of self-importance emanating from his every step.

The Sonic star was engrossed in an MMA match on her computer, the sounds of the fight muffled by her headphones, but Bernard paid little heed to her activity.

Ignoring the closed door, he continued his advance into the room, his movements coming to an abrupt halt as he stood tall, his hands smugly tucked into his pockets. With an air of arrogance, he addressed Fiona in a tone that brooked no argument, his voice ringing out in a straightforward and commanding manner.

BERNARD: "I demand that you join arms with me for the tournament coming up in three days' time!"

FIONA: "Hmm! It's nice seeing you too, Bernard.
Although that would have been a great idea, regretfully, I have no interest in being a member of your league," Fiona replied to him with a stoic expression, maintaining focus in her activity.

BERNARD: "Why is that? Have you no interest in participating in the tournament?" Bernard questioned, a bit surprised at Fiona's reply.

FIONA: "Wrong! It's because I am my own league, now!" Fiona answered, suddenly flagging out her invitation letter to Bernard.

Bernard's eyes widened in shock as he caught sight of the crested letter clasped in his cousin's hand. He couldn't fathom how it had landed in her possession, and his mind raced with questions.

Fiona, catching the stunned expression on Bernard's face, flashed a frigid smile. Brimming with confidence, she elegantly rose from her seat and sauntered towards him, her steps carrying her close enough to whisper in his ear.

FIONA: "I know you may have a lot of processing thoughts in your head - such as how a mere brawler like me would bested someone at the beta stage. But know this cousin brother, a lot has changed since your absence in the past four months.
"You don't want to know what I'm currently capable of, so cease your arrogance... and behave," she cautioned Bernard, her tone cold but restrained.

BERNARD: "Hmm, be wary of your words lest you burn in it, punk. The last time I checked, you were no better than Bethany. You may end up regretting it." Bernard warned back at her.

FIONA: "[Dares Bernard with a taunting smirk.] Mmm, then how about we put our strengths to the test right now?"

The air was extremely tense with suspense as the two relatives locked eyes with each other, their daring expressions unveiling that of intense arrogance and confidence. Yet, in an abrupt shift, Bernard suddenly averted his gaze from Fiona and turned toward the door.

But it was not before delivering his own response to her.

BERNARD: "The tournament will be held in three days' time so save your energy until then. But make no mistake, you are nothing but a weak brawler before my very eyes no matter how strong you may claim to have become! Also, do pray that we don't bump into each other as opponents during the tournament."

Upon finalizing his response, Bernard stormed out of the apartment, leaving the door ajar behind him. Fiona, however, regarded his departure with a contemptuous sneer, her lip curling in disdain as she watched him go. With a decisive slam, she closed the door, the sound echoing through the room, before returning to her computer with an air of indifference.

As Bernard went on his way, a surge of anger boiled within him, his teeth grinding together in frustration. His features twisted into a menacing scowl, exuding an aura of foreboding as he struggled to contain his simmering rage in the face of Fiona's audacious attitude toward him.

(Humph! That weak scumbag doesn't seem to know her rightful place!) Bernard seethed inwardly, his thoughts consumed by indignation. (How dare her challenge me? I will make sure she's placed where she belongs during the tournament!)

With Fiona's refusal to join his team for the upcoming tournament, Bernard found himself left with no choice but to rely on his default companions. Bethany, Boid, and Shadow were the teammates he had in mind, and he was determined to lead them into the tournament, undeterred by the setback.

******