Chereads / Star Holder / Chapter 9 - Competition part 3

Chapter 9 - Competition part 3

Arashi's team collapses onto the ground, their bodies screaming for respite after the intense battle they just emerged victorious from. The air hangs heavy with exhaustion, but there's no time for extended rest. They've earned a mere 10-minute break before the next round, and every second counts. Arashi, the leader, reaches for his water bottle like a man possessed, his thirst unquenchable, as if he's been wandering the desert for days. It was so funny and scary at the same time.

Johnny, ever observant, can't help but notice the desperation in Arashi's actions. "Why are you drinking so much water?" he asks, concern etched into his voice.

"I need it," Arashi replies between gulps, his words punctuated by the sound of water sloshing down his throat. But Johnny senses there's more to it than just physical necessity. There's a tension in the air, a nervous energy crackling around Arashi like an invisible aura. It's the anticipation of what lies ahead, the looming presence of their next opponents, each more formidable than the last.

As they catch their breath, they huddle together, minds racing with strategy and anticipation. They analyze their upcoming adversaries with meticulous precision:

1. Victor Cage: A towering figure with eyes ablaze with the intensity of a raging inferno. His star ability, Black Fire, is a force to be reckoned with, capable of producing flames of varying heat, depending on his energy level.

2. Ashura Chappa: A shadowy enigma, his presence elusive and foreboding. His star ability, Shadow Down, grants him the power to manipulate his own shadow, creating deadly doppelgangers that mirror his every move.

3. Raven Blackthorn: A sly and cunning adversary, her gaze sharp as obsidian. Her star ability, Weakener, is as insidious as it is mysterious, causing anyone who touches her pointer finger to feel dizzy and weak, the intensity of the effect dependent on her potential.

The 10-minute break comes to an end all too soon, and the countdown begins: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. "GO!"

Johnny springs into action, his mind racing with a plan. With a flick of his wrist, he conjures slippery bubbles, hoping to disrupt Victor's team's advance. But to his dismay, they stand motionless, a silent and imposing force amidst the chaos. A chill runs down Johnny's spine as he realizes they're dealing with opponents unlike any they've faced before. Despite his best efforts, his bubbles evaporate into thin air, as if consumed by an unseen force. The absence of fire is unnerving, yet Victor's presence looms large, casting a shadow of doubt over their tactics.

Panicked, Johnny turns to Arashi, seeking guidance in the face of uncertainty. Arashi's eyes burn with determination as he issues orders with unwavering resolve.

"Raven is yours, Ashura is June's, Victor is mine," Arashi whispers, his voice a steady anchor amidst the chaos.

With a nod of understanding, Johnny charges towards Raven, while Victor's team divides their focus, each member poised to strike with deadly precision. Raven, with her hypnotic gaze, reaches out to touch Johnny, her fingers tingling with an invisible power. But Johnny dances around her with the grace of a seasoned warrior, his movements fluid and precise. Using his bubbles to create a barrier between them, he evades her weakening touch, slipping past her defenses with ease.

Crafting a hardened bubble, Johnny hurls it towards Raven, his aim true and unwavering. But just as victory seems within reach, Raven effortlessly weakens the bubble with a single touch, the bubbles attacks are nothing more than Water bubbles. leaving Johnny reeling in disbelief. It's clear that direct confrontation is futile, but Johnny refuses to back down. Drawing on the lessons of battles past, he recalls a tactic born of desperation and ingenuity.

With a burst of speed, Johnny begins to circle Raven, his movements a blur of motion as he creates a whirlwind of confusion. Enraged, Raven lunges towards him, her eyes flashing with fury. But Johnny stays one step ahead, leaving a trail of slippery bubbles in his wake. Raven, caught off guard by the sudden shift in tactics, loses her footing and falls, leaving herself vulnerable to attack.

Seizing the opportunity, Johnny pushes Raven out of bounds with a well-timed bubble, his heart pounding with adrenaline as the announcer's voice booms across the arena.

"Arashi's team scores one point!" the announcer declares, the words echoing through the air like a clarion call.

Arashi and June exchange a knowing glance, their bond unbreakable as they prepare for the next phase of the battle. The atmosphere crackles with tension as Victor and Ashura step forward, their eyes burning with determination. The true test of skill and resolve is about to begin, and Arashi's team stands ready to face it head-on, their spirits unyielding in the face of adversity...Damn