The battle between Kai and Zeran was in full swing, both fighters evenly matched in power and intensity. After exchanging a flurry of fierce blows, they now charged toward each other, each unleashing a signature attack in a climactic clash.
Zeran roared. "Fire Fist: Shot Burst!"
Kai clenched his fist. "Lightning Collapse—Again!"
Their fists collided.
BOOM!
The impact was devastating—rocks shattered, the ground trembled, and smoke engulfed the arena. The crowd gasped, shielding their eyes from the flying debris.
From within the smoke, two figures burst out—Kai and Zeran, both breathing heavily, clothes torn, and fists still clenched.
Zeran coughed, flames flickering across his arms. "Damn... Kai, you've gotten way stronger."
Kai wiped the blood from his mouth. "You're not bad yourself, Zeran. But I'm not done yet."
Without a moment's pause, they charged again.
Zeran slammed his fists together, fire swirling around him like a burning cyclone. He yelled, "Blazing Drive!" and dashed forward, leaving a trail of flames.
Kai spun to the side, dodging, then flipped backward and slammed his hands onto the ground. Lightning surged beneath his feet.
"Lightning Veins!" he shouted, sending electric pulses through the ground.
The fire and lightning collided midair—BOOM!—causing a wave of energy to ripple outward, knocking back even the protective mages stationed outside the barrier.
In the skybox, the council members watched closely. One of them whispered, "They're not just fighting... they're clashing ideals."
Inside the arena, Zeran grinned wildly, his eyes glowing with fire. "Let's take it higher, Kai!"
He leapt into the air, spun, and summoned a massive flaming spear, launching it down like a meteor.
Kai looked up, eyes burning with focus. "Fine. Let's end this."
Lightning danced around his body. He held out his hand and summoned all remaining energy.
"Lightning Blade: Final Arc!"
A massive blade of lightning appeared in his hand. He jumped, soaring straight toward the flaming spear.
CLASH!
The fire spear and lightning blade collided midair, creating a blinding explosion of red and blue light.
For a moment, time seemed to stop.
Then—
CRACK!
The flaming spear shattered. The lightning blade pierced through the storm of fire—and struck Zeran directly in the chest.
The two fell to the ground—Zeran crashing hard, Kai landing on one knee.
Silence.
Zeran lay on his back, coughing, smoke rising from his clothes. He laughed weakly. "Heh... I really gave it everything."
Kai stood, trembling, but victorious.
The barrier dropped.
The crowd erupted into an explosion of cheers, standing and shouting Kai's name.
Imperial, watching from the medical room, smiled faintly. "You did it, Kai." .
The winner is "Kai Alden"
The crowd roared with excitement, chanting and clapping, the stadium echoing with thunderous applause for the two fighters standing at the center—Kai and Zeran.
Despite his injuries, Kai extended a hand to Zeran, who accepted it with a weak smile. Both boys, battered and bruised, stood tall in mutual respect. But just as the applause grew louder, Kai suddenly collapsed.
Gasps erupted.
Medics rushed to the scene, quickly placing both fighters on stretchers and carrying them away.
By this time, Imperial had finished his check-up and was free to move. He and Ari hurried toward the medical room, concerned.
Upon seeing his brother and Zeran conscious but exhausted, Imperial smiled and said, "You guys were incredible. I never expected the fight to reach that level."
Then he turned to Kai. "Brother… I need a favor."
Kai, resting but alert, replied, "Yeah? What is it? Just ask."
Imperial took a deep breath. "It's about Magna. I want you to speak to the higher-ups… help him get recognized."
Kai paused, surprised. "So that's what this is about. He's strong."
"Yes," Imperial said softly. "He is. And that's why I'm requesting this."
Kai smiled. "Alright. I'll definitely do it."
Imperial and Ari both beamed, and Zeran, overhearing the conversation, smiled quietly too.
________________________________________
A few minutes later, Kai, Zeran, Leo, and Imperial stood once again on the arena stage.
The announcer's voice rang out:
"In third place, we have… Leo and Imperial Alden!"
Cheers exploded from the audience. Magna, watching from the crowd with his friends, grinned with pride.
"In second place… Zeran Drake!"
The crowd grew louder.
"And the ultimate champion of the tournament… Kai Alden!"
The stadium roared with applause, reaching its peak.
Then the commentator added, "And now, the General of the Voltaris Empire would like to say a few words."
The mic passed to a stern but kind-eyed general, clad in dark blue armor.
"It's been an honor to watch these talented youths fight, pushing their limits. I'm proud to say the future of this Empire lies in strong hands."
The general continued, "By the decision of the royal council, all quarter-finalists—except for Kai and Zeran, who are already captains—will be invited to join the Royal Army as Vice-Captains!"
The crowd reacted with a mix of surprise and excitement.
"Imperial, Nox, Rayne, Magna—please step onto the stage to receive your invitation letters."
The four stepped up. Magna, clutching his letter, looked overwhelmed with pride and joy. He had finally achieved his dream. Imperial, standing beside him, looked even happier for him.
________________________________________
After the ceremony, the crowd began to disperse. As Imperial and Ari made their way out, they spotted Magna with his friends.
Imperial called out, "Magna!"
Magna turned. His eyes filled with emotion. "I knew it… You were the one who did this for me, right?"