Day 2 of the tournament had already delivered many intense battles, but now all eyes were on match number 30 of Round 2 in the Elimination League Phase.
The Rising Heroes versus Jade Court.
Both teams undefeated.
Both teams holding a perfect 9 points.
And now, the first bout, Drakar versus Sota.
The crowd buzzed with excitement. The air itself felt heavy with anticipation. Everyone knew this was not just another fight. This was a clash between two top-tier teams.
Drakar stepped forward, tightening his grip on his battle-axe. His eyes locked onto his opponent.
Sota stood calmly, a katana resting in his hand.
He was smiling.
But it was not a friendly smile.
It was confident. Sharp. Almost unsettling.
Drakar felt it immediately. There was something about Sota that felt… off. Not in a bad way, but in a way that made him hard to read.
Still, Drakar did not lose focus. He believed in his strength.
The referee raised his hand.
A moment passed.
Then, the fight began.
Drakar did not rush. He observed.
Sota, however, moved instantly.
In a blink, he was already in front of Drakar. His katana came down in a clean, fast strike. Drakar's eyes widened slightly. He had not expected that speed. He barely managed to dodge, stepping aside just in time. Without wasting a second, he swung his axe toward Sota.
Clang!
Sota parried it effortlessly.
What followed was a rapid exchange.
Strike after strike.
Axe against katana.
Sparks flew with every clash. Dust rose from the ground as both fighters moved quickly across the arena.
But there was a difference.
Drakar was keeping up, but just barely. Sota, on the other hand, looked completely in control. His movements were smooth, precise, and almost effortless.
Drakar realized it. "This guy…" Without hesitation, Drakar changed his approach.
He spread his wings and took flight. The crowd reacted instantly.
From above, Drakar dived down like a predator aiming for its prey. His axe came down with force.
But, Sota moved. Again.
Each attack from above was dodged with perfect timing. His footwork was flawless, his balance unshaken.
Drakar clicked his tongue. This wasn't working. So he didn't hold back anymore. Flames began to rise from his body.
"Overheat."
The temperature in the arena began to increase.
Sota stood still. Still smiling. Waiting.
Drakar soared up once more, flames surrounding his body.
"Burning Axe!"
He dived down again, his axe glowing red from the heat, flames trailing behind him.
Sota took a stance.
"Searing Slash."
Boom!
The axe and katana collided.
A massive explosion erupted from the impact. Heat spread across the arena, reaching even the audience. Some covered their faces from the sudden wave of heat.
But inside the battlefield, neither of them stopped.
Drakar pushed forward, his flames growing stronger.
For him, heat meant nothing.
As a Dragonkind of fire element, fire was his nature.
He could stand in lava without harm.
But Sota, he was human. At least, that's what everyone thought. And yet, he stood there. Unaffected. No signs of struggle. No signs of discomfort. His smile remained.
Drakar frowned.
He went in again, thinking he had the advantage.
But suddenly, Sota disappeared.
And appeared behind him.
A slash came instantly.
Drakar reacted quickly, flying upward just in time to escape.
"Fireball Barrage!"
From the sky, Drakar launched multiple fireballs toward Sota.
But Sota responded immediately.
"Fireball Barrage."
Fire met fire.
Explosions filled the battlefield as the fireballs collided mid-air. Some scattered, hitting the ground, while others faded into the sky.
Both fighters avoided damage.
Drakar's flames began to burn brighter.
Hotter.
Stronger.
At this point, just standing near him would be unbearable for most.
But Sota...
Was still calm.
Breathing normally.
Smiling.
Drakar narrowed his eyes. He landed and planted his feet in the ground.
"Then take this!"
He opened his mouth. Flames gathered.
"Dragon's Breath!"
A massive stream of fire shot forward, covering the battlefield in intense flames. The pressure, the heat, the force, it was overwhelming.
Sota reacted.
He began slashing rapidly.
Each swing of his katana created bursts of wind, cutting through parts of the flame, pushing it away.
But it was not enough.
The flames began to reach him.
Burn marks appeared on his skin.
His clothes started to scorch.
But he did not stop.
He kept moving.
Faster.
Closer.
Drakar didn't notice at first.
Sota was advancing.
Walking through the flames.
Step by step.
Even as the fire burned him, he kept going.
Drakar's eyes widened.
"What is he doing?!"
Then...
"Flare Parade!"
With one clean vertical slash, Sota cut through the flames.
The attack reached Drakar.
It did not damage him heavily, but it broke his flow.
And that was enough.
In an instant, Sota closed the distance.
His attacks began.
Fast.
Precise.
Relentless.
Slash after slash.
Drakar tried to defend.
He parried some with his axe.
Blocked others with his scales.
But it wasn't enough.
He was being overwhelmed.
He tried to move away, but Sota gave him no space.
No opening.
No time to think.
The pressure kept building.
Sota's smile faded.
His expression turned serious.
Focused.
Drakar clenched his teeth.
He didn't want to give up.
But, there was nothing he could do.
Finally, "I give up."
The words came out.
Sota stopped immediately.
The referee raised his hand.
The whistle blew.
The match was over.
Jade Court had taken the first bout.
The crowd erupted.
Ifa shouted, "WHAT HAVE WE JUST WITNESSED?! That was a fire battle, and I mean that literally!"
Shai nodded slightly, "No words can truly describe this fight. Two incredible fire users clashing at such a level… it was a pleasure to watch."
She continued, "Congratulations to Sota. Despite taking burns, he stood his ground and secured the win."
Ifa added, "And Drakar... you did amazing as well! What a fight from both sides!"
The cheers continued.
On the battlefield, Drakar walked back.
Lila approached him.
"You okay?"
Drakar smiled slightly. "Yeah… that was fun."
There was no frustration.
No anger.
Only respect.
And learning.
He had lost, but he had grown.
Behind them, Sera watched silently, understanding what this meant.
The next bout mattered even more now.
The arena slowly settled again.
The next fight was about to begin.