Our victory echoed through the arena, and the empire celebrated our triumph with open arms. The Capital of the Empire of the Smart was a sight to behold—towering spires of steel and glass reached for the heavens, connected by suspended bridges that glowed with an otherworldly light. Airships dotted the sky, their propulsion systems leaving trails of shimmering exhaust. Below, the streets were a bustling hive of activity, with hovercars zipping through the air and pedestrians moving with purpose.

  Our destination was the most exclusive club in the city, a floating oasis high above the streets. The club was a marvel of architecture and engineering, a rotating disc of polished metal and reinforced glass that offered a panoramic view of the cityscape. As we approached the launchpad, I could see the rotating dining tables through the glass floor, moving slowly like the hands of a grand clock.

  "Ready to celebrate our victory?" Mizuno asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement as we strapped into our launch chairs.

  I grinned at her, feeling a rush of adrenaline. "You know it. Let's show them how the dumb side celebrates."

  With a thunderous roar, the launchpad ignited, and we shot through the air like a comet. The city rushed past us in a blur of lights and colors, the wind rushing through my hair as I whooped with joy. The launch chairs leveled out, and we floated gently into the VIP area of the club, our table rotating slowly to offer an unobstructed view of the capital below.

  The table was a work of art, made of a sleek, black material that seemed to absorb the light around it. It was set with exquisite tableware—glassware that sparkled like diamonds and cutlery that gleamed like silver. The centerpiece was a stunning arrangement of cloud-berries and lunar blossoms, their ethereal beauty a testament to the skill of the florist.

  As we took our seats, the first course arrived—Sky-Dragon Steak, tender and perfectly seasoned, served with a side of roasted vegetables and a rich, buttery sauce. The meat melted in my mouth, its unique flavor profile unlike anything I'd ever tasted. I closed my eyes, savoring the experience.

  "This is incredible," Sassy exclaimed, her tail wagging enthusiastically as she dug into her steak. Misty nodded in agreement, her powerful jaws tearing through the meat with ease. Mizuno, however, was more interested in the view and the company.

  I leaned over to Mizuno, a mischievous glint in my eye. "You know, they say that dumbness is the spice of life. Care to find out if that's true?"

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  She raised an eyebrow, a playful smile on her lips. "Is that so? And how exactly do you plan to demonstrate this?"

  I grinned, leaning in closer. "Well, for starters, I could show you some of my more... unique skills."

  Mizuno laughed, a sound like music to my ears. "I thought your skills were all about confusion and disorientation."

  "I have a few tricks up my sleeve," I said, winking. "Would you like to see them?"

  Before she could respond, our next course arrived—Cloud-Berry Sorbet, a light, refreshing dessert that was the perfect palette cleanser. The sorbet was sweet and tangy, with a hint of mint that left a cooling sensation on the palate. I could see the city below, the lights twinkling like stars, as I savored the delicate flavors.

  As we continued to enjoy our meal, fans began to filter into the VIP area, their eyes wide with excitement as they caught sight of us. They approached our table, shy but eager, asking for autographs and photos. I obliged, signing napkins and posing for selfies, feeling like a rock star.

  "To victory!" I raised my glass, and the others followed suit, clinking glasses in a toast to our triumph. We laughed and joked, reminiscing about the battles we'd won and the challenges we'd overcome. The mood was light and carefree, a welcome change from the intense focus of the tournament.

  Our next course was Storm-Pepper Infused Seafood Platter, an array of fresh seafood including lobster, crab, and shrimp, all infused with a rare storm-pepper spice that gave it a kick without overpowering the natural flavors of the seafood. The presentation was stunning, the seafood arranged artfully on a bed of ice, garnished with edible flowers and microgreens.

  Just as I was about to suggest a toast to our upcoming matches, a figure approached our table. It was Elemental Master, his robes flowing dramatically behind him. He bowed deeply, showing respect and admiration.

  "I must congratulate you, Amy," he said, his voice grave and reverent. "Your dumbness has proven to be a formidable force. I underestimated the power of idiocy, and for that, I apologize."

  I grinned, taking a sip of my Nectar of the Gods, a sweet, ambrosia-like drink made from the essence of rare, exotic fruits. It was served chilled and had a slight fizz, leaving a lingering, heavenly taste. "No apologies necessary, Elemental Master. You fought well, and it was an honor to best you."

  He nodded, his expression serious. "The Empire of the Smart has taken notice of your achievements. Some see the rise of a dumb heroine to power as a threat to everything the Empire of the Smart stands for: the belief in Smartness as the superior force that must guide the universe. And the friendship of you and Mizuno," he gave Mizuno a shy glance as he said this, "Smart and Dumb together on the same side—it goes against everything they have been taught. Word has it that they plan to ensure that you do not advance further."

  I raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what do they plan to do about it?"

  Elemental Master leaned in closer and lowered his voice as he explained.

  Paradise Delayed by JW Gibson.