"Noah, hurry up!" I could hear my friend calling out to me. Why is he rushing me?
"Why? It's not like we're going to be late."
"But finals are today, and the winner gets to go to the mountains, unlock a spirit element, and get their rings!" He sounded desperate, excited even. For what reason? I had no idea.
"Alright, let's run then."
We headed off to the arena. From what I could see, there were rows and rows of people, all waiting to see a good match. Don't they have anything better to do? Probably not, if they're watching a tournament.
"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the event you've all been waiting for!" The announcer's voice was way too enthusiastic. Lady, it's not that serious. "This is where martial artists from all over the world come to prove their strength. Last year's World Champion, Noah Kazumah—the world's youngest prodigy and martial artist—is here today! We have 23 battles lined up: beginners, semifinals, and finals. Everyone here has a chance to unlock a spirit element."
"First place winner will receive the Elemental Blade and Heavenly Art. Second place winner will have the chance to unlock a Demon Key, which allows the user to communicate with demons of the underworld. And third place? They get the Fruit of Evolution, which grants an increase in all stats. And, of course, everyone will have the opportunity to earn spirit rings."
"The first battle begins: Number 23 versus Number 15, Flame Step Hell Breaker."
This was my moment. My number was called. I didn't know whether to feel scared or excited. Maybe it was a mix of both. Either way, I stepped up and won with no effort.
"Oh my God, ladies and gentlemen, Noah has defeated his opponent in just two moves!" The announcer's voice was dripping with drama. I wanted to yell, "It's not that serious!" but I held back. Honestly, it really wasn't.
Next up, she called out, "Number 23 versus Number 21, Hell Breaker." Once again, I stepped up and finished the match effortlessly. I'm just like that.
"Noah has defeated his opponent again, this time in one move! 23 battles in total!" LADY! It's not that deep.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we've selected the finalists from the semifinals. It's Noah versus Zion! A battle between friends!"
"Don't be a sore loser when I win," Zion nudged me playfully. Was he trying to act tough? If so, it wasn't working. The only thing he was standing on was the floor of this arena.
"Whatever you say. You think I'm going to let you beat me just because you were the champion last year? That doesn't mean you'll win this year. I won't let you."
He got right up in my face. "3… 2… 1… Fight!"
"I summon Earth Pillars and Elemental Burst!"
"Imperial Eye Wind Blade and Instant Switch!"
"Heavenly Reversal!"
"Noah, give up already! You don't stand a chance. I need that prize, and I'm GOING to get it."
"Then let's end this with a final attack."
"Okay! Demonic Overload!"
"Hell Breaker Charge!"
"Oh my God, ladies and gentlemen, they're going to destroy this stage! Whoever wins this is going to the finals!" I was so focused on wanting to tell this lady to stop being dramatic that I didn't even notice what Zion was doing. Next thing I know…
"Oh my God! Noah's been slung out of the stage! Zion knocked him out, so we have a winner!"
It. Was. Never. That. DEEP!
"Oh my God, let's get ready for the finals! Ladies and gentlemen, the moment you've all been waiting for: Noah versus Jayla!" As soon as I saw her, I knew she was going to be tough. She looked ready for a fight, and she looked like she wanted a good one, too. She stepped into the arena, prepared for battle. The other contestants didn't seem like much, but her? She was definitely going to be trouble.