E Block...


Elie: " Asuka!"

Asuka: " Elie!"

They ran to each other, the blonde squeezing the brunette's hands tightly.

Asuka: " I'm really really sorry! I didn't know you had an attack!"

Elie: " don't be. I'm sorry I missed your matches and wasn't there for you all."

Sendou and Gouda approached them.

Sendou: " it's alright. What matters more is your health."

Gouda: " as for us. It may be frustrating but it's fine. We were a bit carried away by our own strength."

Sendou: " how rare of you to admit that you're a muscle head."

Gouda's brow twitched looking down at the purple head.

Gouda: " I don't recall saying that!"

Sendou: " I'm just reading between the lines."

Gouda: " you..."

Asuka rolled her eyes before deciding she better ignore them as they carried on with their bicker.

Asuka: " anyway, seems the only ones who made it to the finals are Ban, Jin, Arata and Muraku..."

She looked around, making sure a certain siblings weren't nearby to hear what she was going to say.

Asuka: " so the spy should be one of the others who made it to the finals as well."

She whispered.

Jessica: " so either, Aya and Yosra, Minamo Naoki or the one who will be E Block's finalist."

Jessica added, keeping her voice low.

Elie: " are we sure it's not someone you've defeated?"

Touko rubbed her chin in thoughts.

Touko: " although it's a possibility, but we shouldn't let our guard down. We can't expect Leviathan to send someone weak."

Ban: " agree."

Muraku: " so mostly we will be working in team during the final battle right?"

He rose his eyebrow as to make sure of that point and as answer Jin nodded.

Jin: " we're the only ones who made it this far. Working together is the only option to rise our chances."

Aya then walked over to them, startling them for a moment.

Aya: " guys, the E Block matchs are about to start. We need to get going."

Ran: " sure, let's go."

And they strolled off back to their seats...


In the waiting room, the black haired young woman placed down the screw with a sigh before strapping the chest piece again.

Lillia: " that should do it."

" You're still doing maintenance."

She whirled around, facing the brunette who had brought them drinks.

Lillian: " I need to exercise caution. Don't know what kind of battles we're having. Better be prepared than sorry. And thanks by the way, Yu Zhang."

She said grabbing her drink from him. Yu Zhang smiled softly at her and took the seat across her.

Yu Zhang: " I'm really glad you chose to participate in Artemis."

Lillia's eyes were fixed upon her LBX as she sipped her drink.

Lillia: " well, I made a bet with myself. This tournament may affect my future choices."

Her eyes were narrowed in thoughts as she voiced out the last part. Yu Zhang rose an eyebrow before bringing the can of juice to his mouth.

It was a few minutes later that the call was made. And both players stood up, following the swarm of people in their way to the arena.

MC : " Ladies and gentlemen welcome back! Here we are! The last block in Artemis this year! Then! Who will be E Block's finalist!?"

Yu Zhang : " are you ready?"

He placed a hand on his friend's shoulder and she inhaled a deep breath then her head nodded.

Lillia: " let's go."

They took their spot, facing off their first opponents.

MC : " Ready!"

" Titan!"

" Queen!"

Lillia: " KeQing!"

Yu Zhang: " Xiao!"

All the LBXs landed on the diorama.

At that moment, Ruri's eyes sparkled as she spotted their diorama.

Ruri: " I. Can't. Believe. This!"

She squeaked with delight, taking everyone else by surprise.

Ken: " what's the matter?"

She turned to face her brother with an excited face, almost fume could be seen coming out of her nostrils.

Ruri: " how can't you recognize them!? The new master pieces of Ryuugen! Xiao and KeQing! They're still under tests right now, but their blueprints and specs are very promising! It's really a miracle that I've seen them close up!"

Ken sweat dropped as he tried to keep his distance from his sister.

Ken: " alright, alright. It's not like everyone is a tech freak like you."

On the other side, Eva was marveling on the designs and spec of the robots absentmindedly it took Elie several tries to shake her back to reality.

" Battle Start!"

Both LBXs dashed forward, Xiao thrusted out its lance, forcing Titan to move backwards. Queen went to help its mate out, brandishing its sword but it was blocked by KeQing.

Yu Zhang: " I will finish off Titan, you take care of Queen."

Lillia: " understood!"

KeQing kept swinging its sword, aiming for a clear hit at her opponent. Queen was doing well defending itself so far. But soon, KeQing managed to lock swords with Queen. Twirling it around, it snatched Queen's weapon of its hand, tossing it away.

The now defenseless Queen backed, its only hope was to finish KeQing with its Hissatsu.

" Attack Function: Grace Missiles!"

Though missiles lunged at the other robot, it came out of the cloud of smoke and dust unscratched, the missiles were sliced at and littered all around it.

Jessica : " it cut through the missiles!?"

Gouda: " woah man! How much is it strong?!"

Jin: " not to mention the speed. Cutting through missiles isn't really that easy."

KeQing launched forward, driving the sword right through Queen's side, causing it to break over instantly.

She turned around to support Xiao but there was no need. Though Titan was trying to impale Xiao with its drills, the other robot swiftly dodged all of its attacks when Yu Zhang spotted an opening through its defense. Xiao stack out its lance, piercing through Titan's chest and broke it over.

MC: " Break Over! Yu Zhang and Lillia's team got through their first round! They're third after both Hannibal Han and Asia champions to finish off their match!"

Lillia: " well done."

Yu Zhang: " same for you, as strong and precise as ever."

They withdrew from the arena, waiting for other teams to finish off their matches as well.

Jessica: " they're pretty strong don't you think."

Ban: " true. I bet they would be one of the finalists."

Touko: " other than those Malaysian guys, Asia champions and Hannibal Han, the others aren't really that interesting."

Ban: " Lillia and Yu Zhang's next opponent is Keita and his team."

Yuuya: " speculating the outcome is hard."

Aya: " true, Yu Zhang and Lillia seem to have more than what meets the eye."

It wasn't long before the players were called again for the second round. Lillia and Keita's teams were facing each other. Keita stepped forward and so did Lillia. The battle will be between them.

Keita : " let's enjoy this battle. May the stronger win."

Lillia: " and so it shall be."

Mc: " ready!"

Lillia: " KeQing!"

Keita: " Warrior!"

Both LBXs landed face to face, each fingering its weapon tightly in its hand.

" Battle start!"

Both robots dashed at each other instantly. The rod and the sword clinking against each other as the LBXs tried to make their way through.

Finding it useless, they quickly backed and opted for another try but the result was the same.

Keita calmly brushed away KeQing's sword, using the split second of its unbalanced to try and thrust at its side but KeQing swiftly toppled away. Standing on its feet again, The strider framed robot sprinted forward, slashing at the backing warrior with a swipe.

Keita: " fast!"

Lillia: " not the beginning of it yet."

KeQing's speed increased by the moment, literally leaving afterimages after each move. The sword was glowing in purple and for a second, it seemed as if there was lightning rising out of it. Keita had done quite well dodging and defending himself, but it was all he could do against an opponent he hardly could keep an eye on.

Lillia: " the end!"

KeQing bolted with a neck breaking speed at the other LBX, Keita was late to react, and its sword cleaved swiftly through Warrior's chest. Warrior sank down with a spurt of light as it broke over and Lillia breathed out in relief.

Ban: " she managed to defeat Keita."

Elie: " they're strong."

Keita, though frustrated at his loss, shook hands with Lillia before leaving the arena. Ami was scrolling down through her phone.

Ami: " if things go on, I bet Hannibal Han and Yu Zhang and Lillia will face each other off at the final round. But seeing how much strong Hannibal Han is, I think they almost have no chance."

Kazu: " eh? Is he that strong?"

Ami nodded.

Ami: " after losing to Yuuya years ago, it was said that he endured a hard training. He participated in a lot of tournament and almost won all of them. The chances of him winning E Block is quite high."

Evangeline : " though they had defeated the Asia champions."

Ban: " well, you know numbers can be mistaking right? Plus, it seems those two are still holding back some of their strength."

Elie: " better wait till the final round then."...


As predicted, it was soon down to Hannibal Han and Lillia's team. The finalists were adding last minute modification before they ascended the platform, assuming their places around the Diorama.

Elie: " who you think will win?"

She looked at her brother and Jin who had each a serious face on.

Ban: " there is no arguing Hannibal Han is very strong."

Jin: " but on the other hand, Lillia's team had put on good fights through the way up here. Note that they were holding back and never once used their attack functions."

Odin: " do you think one of them is the the spy?"

Beargguy: " we can't be sure as of now."

MC : " Ready!"

Lillia: " KeQing!"

Yu Zhang: " Xiao!"

Hannibal: " Kabuto!"

All of them landed safely on the diorama. Hannibal had a confident smirk on the face, almost sure of his victory. On the other hand Yu Zhang and Lillia were frowning in wary.

" Battle start!"

Both Xiao and KeQing dashed forward to attack. Kabuto held its position, brandishing its hammer around before using it to block the joined attack of the sword and lance. KeQing and Xiao pulled back quickly before Kabuto swayed its hammer to retaliate , getting back far enough to dodge the attack. Kabuto rushed after Xiao and tried swiping at the other LBX. Xiao managed to defend itself using it lance which stopped the hammer midway.

KeQing hurried to Xiao's aid but Kabuto used its force to push Xiao away, whirling around to sweep at KeQing. She skidded to a halt before ducking down beneath the hammer. It thrusted out the sword and aimed to stab Kabuto but didn't work and it backed quickly from the sword. Xiao moved on to attack this time but was blocked by the heavy hammer once more and had to pull back before Kabuto chased after them again.

Wataru: " a strong offense and perfect defense. It will be hard getting to it."

Odin M: " his skills are not to be taken slightly."

Ruri: " Kabuto isn't actually the strongest of LBX or the fastest when it comes to specs. But seeing it move that way, it makes me respect Hannibal Han even more for his skills."

Hannibal: " Go, Kabuto! We shall never bow down! The victory is ours!"

As if fired more by its owner's words, Kabuto speeded up as it swung down its hammer on both LBXs. They managed to avoid in time but were encircled by a cloud of smoke as the hammer hit the ground.

Lillia: " be careful!"

Xiao and KeQing moved slowly, keeping close to each other while waiting for the dust to clear, being cautious of Kabuto's ambush. Yu Zhang's eyes widened slightly as he spotted a shadow closing in to KeQing.

Yu Zhang: " Careful!"

Xiao quickly pushed the other robot out just as Kabuto swayed its hammer again. Xiao took on a direct hit, it was strong enough to send it hitting the other side of canyon they were in, creating a huge crack.

Lillia: " Xiao!"

There were sparks flying out of it. Yu Zhang looked down at his CCM and bit on his lip.

Yu Zhang: " I can't move perfectly with this much damage. Sorry Lillia."

Lillia's eyes were filled of concentration as KeQing strated dueling with Kabuto.

Lillia: " don't be. You just saved KeQing. Lay there for now and wait for my signal."

KeQing's speed increased even more, finally its attacks' speed overlapped Kabuto's, sneaking its sword's slashes in between Kabuto's sways.

Hannibal pulled back his LBX when he realized the amount of damage it got.

Lillia: " get ready."

Yu Zhang clasped his CCM tightly.

Hannibal: " I'll finish you with one blow. Hissatsu Function!"

" Attack Function: Swing Hammer!"

Kabuto brandished its hammer before it whirled around itself, gathering energy. It then leaped up, lunging at KeQing while pulling the weapons down on it.

KeQing was fast enough to dodge and quickly direct a few jabs at the back of Kabuto's torso, so it lost balance as it was landing.

Lillia: " Yu Zhang now!"

Yu Zhang: " Hissatsu Function!"

" Attack Function: Sonic Lance!"

Xiao used the last bit of energy it had to lung forward at the LBX struggling to stand up, its lance piercing through Kabuto's side.

The robot stood still as it exploded in blue and yellow lights just after Xiao fell to the ground.

MC : " Break Over! Lillia and Yu Zhang's team wins! They are E Block's finalists!"

The MC's face closed on to the camera as his smirk grew even wider.

MC : " with all of our finalists gathered now lady and gentlemen we've reached the final stage of Artemis! The survival battle which will decide the strongest player and their LBX in the world! Make sure to not blink an eye at what's coming!"


All people across the world had their eyes glued at their screens at that.

Hikaru: " Only Ban-san and Arata's teams made it to the finals."

Takuya couldn't neglect the crunch of worry in his gut.

Takuya: " everyone, be careful."...

Yuno: " Arata... Everyone..."...

Jinn: " seems there is a bit of bother for our plans."

Leviathan : " indeed."...

Bechir: " Aya, Yosra, just stay safe."...


Japan...

The short man had his eyes wandering back to the screen to get a glimpse of the finalists before looking back at his clock.

Zaoh: " damn it I will get really late for the meeting."

He whirled his thin mustache in between his fingers as he waited impatiently for his flight call.

" Those who are heading to Shang Pao please get ready and head to the departure hall."

Zaoh: " finally! I've told them I need private jet but they said they can't afford one today, what a pain! I had to wait this long!"

As he was about to stand up, one hand on the handle of his suitcase, a hand was placed on his shoulder. He turned his head back to tell off whoever dared to touch him when all colors drained from his face as he saw the badge held by the auburn man.

" Zhao Jinyun right? I'm Yagami Eiji and I've received strict orders to bring you back with me for investigation."

Zhao panicked, cold sweat started covering his forehead as he listened to the man in the black suit. It didn't help that three of his followers approached them.

Zhao: " you have no right to arrest me! I'm asking for a lawyer now! I won't budge unless I get one!"

Yagami: " my apologizes, but the orders are clear. We need to bring you back no matter what. You only have the right to keep quiet."

Before he even could react, Yagami had already handcuffed him.

Yagami: " bring his stuff, I'm sure we can find something important in there."

Zhao gritted his teeth in anger at the current situation as he was pushed out of the airport by Yagami. He was hoping the others could do something about it and get him out of this problem...


Tunisia...

Knight ended the call and lowered the white smartphone before turning to his secretary.

Knight: " it seems our order had come."

The woman bowed at that.

" I will see to it that it gets in and placed in their spots."

Knight nodded before waving her out and she left. He sat back on his seat as he eyed carefully the list of the finalists.

Knight: " doesn't seem promising at all. Hopefully our spy can handle it and we don't have to pass into plan B."

" You don't have too much trust in your spy, right. Though you were the one who recommended them."

The white robot jumped on the armrest, his red eyes glowing as he looked back at his owner.

Knight: " true, that person was very interesting, that's why I recommended them. But you can't be too sure, right. ' You aught to always have a plan B up your sleeve '. Said a student I once respected so much."

His eyes narrowed as he recalled that person.

Knight: " too bad our believes diverged. If it wasn't the case, the world should have been a better place by now."

" I'm really wondering who could this person be, since you had looked up to him this much."

Knight's smirk widened.

Knight: " that's a story for another time..."

He extended his arm, placing his hand down on the head of the white LBX as if patting him.

Knight: " ... Charis."...


DISCLAIMER:

I don't own the design of Xiao and KeQing, they're inspired from the characters with the same names from Genshin Impact.