The arena fell silent. The tournament battles were over, leaving only Leo, Lily, Chen Wei, and one remaining participant standing. The crowd's cheers had faded into a tense hush, every eye fixed on the sudden shadow looming above them.
From the arena's edge, a chilling laugh echoed—a darkness that sent shivers down the spines of even the most hardened spectators. Kaito Jin, cloaked in evil, stepped forward, his presence radiating a terrifying black aura. Lightning danced chaotically around his body as if the storm itself obeyed him.
Kaito Jin (grinning)
"So, this is what I find… love blossoming in the middle of a battlefield? Calm down, losers. I didn't come here to fight a couple of children playing at romance."
The ground beneath them trembled. Every unconscious competitor in the arena had their energy violently drawn toward Kaito's black dragon power. The air crackled with tension as if the arena itself were bending under his will.
Kaito Jin (coldly, excited)
"I want more… I need to awaken my true beast power. Your defiance amuses me… but don't forget, revenge is something you should never ignore."
The remaining extra participant straightened, stepping forward.
Extra Participant (nervous but firm)
"Finally… someone worthy of my power."
He charged at Kaito with all his speed, ready to attack. But Kaito's black dragon power grabbed him mid-stride, siphoning strength directly from him.
Kaito Jin (laughing loudly)
"What a joke! Is this your fighting spirit? Ha! Pathetic!"
The audience, shocked, fell into silence. None dared to intervene. Only Leo's spirit stirred within him, sensing the true danger of the black dragon.
Leo (thinking)
"Not here… not in Japan… the final battle… only here in Nepal… it's just us."
He concentrated, channeling his lion-phoenix hybrid energy, and unleashed a massive wind slash aimed directly at Kaito. But the Phoenix half of his power instinctively formed a protective shield around him and Lily, taking the full brunt of the wind's force.
Kaito Jin (smirking)
"Hmm… you've grown stronger. Even stronger than when we met in China."
Chen Wei, standing beside Leo, stepped forward with his signature Vegeta-like confidence.
Chen Wei (smirking)
"Fight me… on one condition. Your ability to steal powers? You won't use it."
Kaito's eyes narrowed, intrigued.
Kaito Jin (calmly)
"Very well… you think you have guts? Then come."
In an instant, Leo grabbed Lily with both arms, leaping to the spot where the orange marker had been set for safety.
Leo (gritting teeth)
"Stay here, Lily. We've already won the tournament anyway."
They landed gracefully, sealing themselves in place. The announcer's voice echoed across the arena.
Announcer (shocked)
"It seems the tournament champions are about to fight… again! And this time, no restrictions!"
The crowd roared in excitement, but before chaos could erupt, Leo and Chen Wei vanished in a single leap, landing near Kaito in perfect unison. The arena shook violently as the three of them prepared for a confrontation.
Leo (thinking)
"How much power has Chen Wei unlocked? My spirit beast says… 100%. If he can fuse fully with the spirit, maybe… maybe this is the key."
The extra participant readied himself, their eyes locked on Kaito. Electricity sparked faintly from Lily's hands, her weak shield now reinforced by her Phoenix energy.
Lily (thinking, whispering)
"I missed you… I can feel his presence… I can help him."
Kaito laughed, the sound echoing like rolling thunder.
Kaito Jin (taunting)
"Pathetic humans… I am the Black Dragon incarnate. You think your petty powers can stop me?"
The final clash was about to begin. Wind, lightning, and raw beast power collided, shaking the entire arena. Leo's focus sharpened; Lily's energy pulsed beside him, and Chen Wei's lightning crackled threateningly.
Leo (thinking)
"This is it. This is our true test… no distractions, no mercy. Only strength, only will."
And with a single, synchronized strike from the trio, the arena erupted in a blinding display of power. Kaito Jin braced, but the combined might of Leo, Lily, and Chen Wei pushed the limits of human and beast alike.
The wind roared, the arena trembled, and the battle escalated to heights no one had ever witnessed before. At that moment, the inner voice of Leo's spirit beast spoke.
Spirit Beast (voice echoing inside Leo's mind)
"He is ready… all powers unlocked… now, fuse… now, become one."
The chapter ended with the arena engulfed in light, a storm of unleashed
energy, and the faint but unmistakable presence of a new force about to be born.