Steve stood at the center of the endless arena, the air vibrating with battle energy. Fortis, Pulchra, and Gens watched from afar, each radiating their own aura strength, brilliance, and tranquility .
Pulchra stepped forward lightly, the tips of her fingers trembling with a faint glow.
In an instant, strands of light formed in the air, thin as silver hair reflecting a gentle shine.
Pulchra: "I will be your first opponent. Prepare for yourself, junior."
She smiled slightly.
The threads danced around Steve, forming a circle that enclosed him. Without warning, they tightened like an invisible trap.
Swish!
A line of light shot forward, slicing through the air with perfect precision.
Steve lifted his arm, feeling the wind of the attack graze his skin.
Steve: "Fast… but still not enough."
A dark force rose from his body, forming a shield of pure shadow that wrapped around him.
Pulchra: (Let's test it.)
She flicked her finger.
The threads of light sharpened into thin spears aimed straight at Steve's heart.
Shing! Woosh!
But when they struck Steve's barrier, the spears simply dissolved, unable to pierce the overwhelming energy. It was as if the darkness surrounding him belonged to a completely different power level.
Unknown: (Oi Steve, give her at least a little chance. It's boring if she loses instantly.)
Steve: "Alright."
He dismissed his shield and dashed toward Pulchra, fist clenched.
Dark energy swirled around his arm.
Pulchra: "Huh? What is this!?"
She inhaled sharply, then smiled.
Pulchra: "Fine… I'll take this seriously, Steve!"
Light gathered in front of her, forming a massive radiant net shaped like wings vibrating softly like a seraphim ready to protect its creation.
DARRR!!!
Steve's first punch crashed into the luminous barrier, creating a colossal shockwave. Light and darkness collided, shattering the sky above them into tiny cracks scattered fragments glowing between pure darkness.
Pulchra braced herself, her heels scraping across the floor, but she didn't panic.
Her blue eyes gleamed, tracking Steve's next movement.
Pulchra: "Ahh.., I don't know how to describe this attack. It's rough, yet pure… destructive, yet dignified. And that contrast makes it beautiful! Where did you get power like this, Steve?"
Steve gave a faint smile.
Steve: "heh sorry senior i can't say it too you."
Pulchra: OK, Steve, if you can't, I'll force you to say it!
Pulchra raised both hands. Light gathered, twisted, then poured downward in cascading threads.
Pulchra: "Luminous Threadfall!"
The torrents of light rained down mercilessly on Steve, striking from vertical and horizontal angles no weak human can survive that things.
But Steve was no longer the weakest .
He leapt upward, leaving a shockwave that shattered the arena floor behind him.
Unknown: (Break that things, Steve!)
Dark aura surged from Steve's body.
The threads touched him and instantly melted.
Steve tightened his fist, gathering all energy into a single point.
Steve: "Huff!"
DUARRR!!!
The core that produced all the light threads exploded, leaving only tiny glittering fragments that quickly vanished.
Without hesitation, Steve propelled himself forward again, aiming straight at Pulchra.
Pulchra: "T-this is bad…"
Her face paled, her calm composure cracking.
Pulchra: "That power… it's too wild… If he touches me, I'm finished…"
Woosh!!
Pulchra: "W-WAIT! STEVE!!"
Her breath hitched as her body instinctively staggered backward.
Steve stopped his fist right before hitting her.
Pulchra's weakened legs gave out; she collapsed to the ground, unable to stand.
Pulchra: "Hii-!?"
She fell forward, trembling, face bright red with embarrassment.
Without a word, Steve gently lifted her into his arms to carry her.
Steve: "Are you… okay, senior?"
Pulchra: "w-wh-what!!"
Her face flushed even deeper, pupils shrinking as panic, shame, and confusion mixed together. Sweat covered her forehead.
She quickly pulled away, forced herself to stand, and rushed out of the arena, unable to handle the humiliation.
Pulchra: "W-we're done here, junior!!!