"Kachina, are you okay? Don't mind them. There are people like that every year. Just focus on competing well afterward. I believe in you." After chasing off the two young men, a staff member comforted Kachina.
"Alas, there are always people who crave glory yet cannot endure the agony of defeat." Another staff member sighed deeply as he spoke. The staff then left, since they had plenty of work to do.
"All right, Kachina, pull yourself together. Get some proper rest today, and show everyone what you can do tomorrow." Marani encouraged Kachina. The previous team match had shown her just how strong Kachina was—far stronger than before. She would definitely achieve victory in this Sacred Night Pilgrimage of Returning Fire.
"Thank you." Kachina looked deeply moved.
Afterward, the group continued resting there until the staff announced the end of the team matches. Kachina, Marani, and Giniqi immediately went to draw lots to determine their opponents for tomorrow's first round.
"Do your best tomorrow."
After drawing lots, the group went their separate ways. With the individual matches taking place tomorrow, they all needed to prepare properly. Shen Fei and the other two continued wandering around the Sacred Fire Arena.
"So you're Kachina. Before coming here, many people said I'd drawn a lucky lot, but I don't see it that way. There are no coincidences in the arena. Anyone who can stand here cannot possibly be as weak as people outside claim. Show me what you've got. I haven't had my fill in the preliminaries yet, so don't disappoint me."
The next day, the individual matches began. Kachina's first opponent was a burly man from the Kingdom of Wolou. Although he had no Vision, he was an Ancient Name bearer and counted as a strong fighter in Natlan. His weapon was