Mira attacked with a precision spiral, trying to pin Iron Orbit against the arena’s ridge. Kai countered instinctively, angling the launch to shift momentum. Iron Orbit slid, edged, then found purchase—not by power, but by timing. It hooked beneath Celeste Nova and forced a glance-off that made the audience gasp.
Outside, the city lights blinked like distant arenas, each one holding stories of trials and tiny triumphs. Kai packed Iron Orbit away, already thinking of modifications, of the next rhythm to master. The championship belt felt heavy in his bag, but lighter than the promise of another launch.
“Three… Two… One… Launch!”