Mechion brought the Shadow Brawlers and the heirs into her office to tell them about the situation, showing them a photo of several employees, military executives, and scientists, all of whom Cree figured was part of the Herdsmen and Ursa Protocols.

Akilah stepped out of the corner. "This is a message sent to me. My Orbit are doing everything to try to de-escalate the tension," showcasing them Battle Circuit events were tournament fighters were shown using Scope Switches.

Candy and Sehki looked away from the brutality.

"Worse," showing them people who've been arrested, hospitalized, or detained, "our culprits have been former vets, young delinquents, and Ursa users."

"Oh no. The kids!"

Don't worry," said Rigal, tapping Sehki, showing him a live recording of their hometown. "I've upped personnel to keep them safe."

"Okay, this can't continue. Let's think," with Mechion confirming his suspicions: Proxim's plans were leading into each other. "If they've been collecting data and trying to make Scope Switches, the portal from Coastal leads to Shugoda, so the final facility is there."

"But we've checked every aerial, land, and oceanic area possible."

Lorena jumped in. "So like on campus, there's a dealer blending into society."

"Then let's just lure them out in the open," Taylor yelled.

"Ocean boy, if it was easy we could just beat them up and stop them all in one fell swoop."

Sehki beamed. "Wait, that's a great idea! Let's start a tournament!"

Confusion united their faces against him. "Huh?"

"Here me out, we've got a week or so left until Cassie's demands. We stage a huge battle royale based on the Battle Circuit! Anyone can compete, they get points based on their status in society, and put a cash prize on the line."

Lorena scratched her chin. "That could lure out desperate users. Plus, Cassie's after Rigal and Queen Akilah. If we have them compete and make their targets the highest price, someone's going to slip."

"How are we going to measure who gets the points?"

Akilah used a Starlight portal and showed off a suit she was using for Cree's training similar to the one the Herdsmen StellArts users wore for combat, quickly tinkering with them and pulling out a game from Venuscillin Haven to use as a model with a health gauge.

"It'll take me some time, but if I can mass produce these and hand them out the day of the tournament, I'll be able to detect and track the signatures and status of anyone wearing them."

"Mom, you sure about this?"

"I can handle myself. Besides, I need to remind the other Spouses while we're the most advanced of the countries."

Mechion smiled. "And we can use Shugoda's military to investigate and protect the non-participants in case. It's risky, but Lorena, Akilah, stay behind with me."

Wali could only blink at such an idea.

"This is no way there's going to work."

Two weeks later.

"Welcome one and all to Shugoda's First Ever Battle Circuit Royale! This isn't just any tournament, but a tournament to see who'll claim the title of Shugoda's strongest!"

Almost one thousand contestants were listening at Station Square as they were handed Sprite Suits, being told if their suits reached zero, they were eliminated from the competition.

Everyone looked down at their suits, containing a measured unit of everyone's power wrapped in a number specifically catered to their energy levels.

"Combat is restrictive to authorized fields, and points are tallied based on how much you're able to deplete off others. How you choose to earn those fights is up to you, but punishment will be administered to any violence committed on or by an eliminated contestant."

"Now, let's continue! Introducing our elite contestants!"

The announcer's voice went deep with vibrant music as the monitors showed off the first contests.

"The lost long heir's convictions are as sharp as his deadly shroud. Those devoid of empathy will drown in darkness: Sehki Shakuheld."

"My shadow will cast out your malice."

"From Alpha to Aquila, the Sky Monarch's storms are as striking as his presence. Shugoda's heir will deliver a shocking blow to any challenger, Rigal Bezek!"

"Face the talons of Shugoda's pride & sins."

"Tellus' Muse of Terra's ready to carve their own road and crush convicts with the weight of their creations: Ainsley Spica!"

"You'll make great fertilizer for my masterpiece." Huh, this might actually work.

"This heir's sweet face hides a torrent as deadly as his drip! You'll be seasick crashing into his waves! Taylor Cadence!"

"You'll be washed away by a true hero."

"And our ultimate competitor."

"Bow and applause, the Dragon Queen has arrived! This goddess of beauty and wind will calculate strategies for your defeat in seconds: Akilah Bezek!"

"You'll need to strategize to survive my tempest."

Most of the contestants gasped and shook at the thought of fighting any of the heirs, much less the second in command of the country.

"They'll also be receiving backup from these four individuals who Sprite Suits will drain yours if you enter within their range!"

"The Concealed Chameleon's tongue is as deadly as his transformations! His loyalty to Umbra is second to none: Wali Leonits!"

I can't believe this is working. Oh right. "The Imitator of Darkness won't copy your failures."

"Mess with this minor and you're in for an unbearable frost. This young Ursa's fashion leaves her client a frostbitten disaster: Candy Uyocron!"

"I'll dress you up like a sorbet! Wait? Minor? I'm 19, I'm not that scary!"

Sehki laughed. "Candy, you've defeated criminals at least four times and four heirs. Double the criminals plus assists."

She blinked. "Oh yeah," pumping her fists. "I'll dress you all up in a blizzard!"

Several contestants in the crowd started to get frightened, wondering how a childlike adult was that strong.

"Her brother's just as deadly. This free spirit has clashed with the craziest of villains. Spear him the effort of getting flown away: Cree Uyorcron!"

"Let's have a good match!"

"All combatants, get ready to battle!"