Chapter 141: Clash of Wills
Scene: The tournament has reached a critical stage, with only the best recruits left standing. As the crowd settles back into their seats after Alexis's victory, the instructor steps forward once more, ready to announce the next match.
Narrator: The tension in the arena grows as the tournament continues, the competition narrowing to only the strongest recruits. Among them is Kara, a fierce warrior with a talent for mana manipulation, and her next opponent—a shy but deceptively powerful recruit named Shiro. Though quiet, Shiro harbors an intensity beneath the surface, one that could prove dangerous.
The instructor raises his voice, calling the next numbers.
Instructor: (announcing) Our next match—Number 10, Kara, versus Number 12, Shiro!
The crowd cheers as Kara steps into the ring, her posture confident. Across from her, Shiro steps forward slowly, his eyes downcast, his face barely visible under his dark bangs. But a faint glint of determination sparks in his eyes as he meets Kara's gaze.
Volkra, watching from the sidelines, leans toward Milton, whispering.
Volkra: (quietly) This Shiro guy… I've heard he's strong, but he's so quiet. Think he'll crack under pressure?
Milton: (smirking) Don't underestimate the quiet ones. They can be the most dangerous.
Kara, standing in the ring, sizes up Shiro, noting his tense, withdrawn demeanor.
Kara: (mockingly) So, are you going to fight, or just stand there looking terrified?
Shiro's face flushes slightly, but he holds his ground. His hand tightens around the hilt of his sword.
Shiro: (softly) I don't have to talk to fight. I'll let my strength speak for me.
Kara smirks, clearly unimpressed. She takes a few steps closer, her sword raised in a relaxed stance.
Kara: (taunting) Good. Talking was never your strong suit, anyway.
The instructor raises his hand, and with a swift motion, the match begins. Shiro charges forward, his movements surprisingly swift and precise. He swings his sword, aiming for Kara's shoulder, but she deflects it with ease, her own blade meeting his with a loud clash.
Kara: (smiling) Not bad. But you'll need a lot more than that to take me down.
Narrator: Their swords clash repeatedly as they engage in a fierce back-and-forth, each strike more powerful than the last. Shiro's quiet nature belies his strength—his strikes are fast and relentless, and he doesn't seem to tire.
Shiro's attacks grow more aggressive, his sword moving with a speed that catches Kara off guard. She stumbles back, narrowly dodging a powerful downward slash that grazes her shoulder.
Shiro: (through gritted teeth) Don't underestimate me. I didn't come here to lose.
Kara regains her footing, her expression shifting from amusement to irritation. She taps into her mana, a faint glow surrounding her as she readies her next move.
Kara: (seriously) Alright, no more playing around.
She raises her free hand, summoning her Divine Mana in a concentrated burst. A sphere of glowing energy forms in her palm, crackling with power. She releases it, the blast racing toward Shiro with alarming speed.
Shiro raises his sword, attempting to deflect the attack, but the force of Kara's mana blast sends him skidding back, his feet digging into the ground.
Shiro: (angrily) So that's how it is? Fine. I'm done holding back too.
His calm demeanor slips, and his aura shifts, growing darker. His grip on his sword tightens, his face twisted in anger as he channels his own mana, his aura turning a deep shade of red.
Narrator: As the battle progresses, Shiro's anger begins to take control. His aura darkens, and his attacks grow more erratic, his usual precision replaced by a reckless fury. Kara, though skilled, realizes she's facing a side of Shiro she hadn't anticipated.
Shiro charges forward, his blade glowing with a dark energy as he swings at Kara with all his strength. She blocks his attack, but the impact sends a shockwave through her arms, causing her to stagger.
Kara: (taunting) What's the matter, Shiro? Can't handle a little challenge?
Shiro: (furiously) I'm tired of people like you looking down on me!
He swings again, his attacks wild and fueled by rage. Kara dodges, but Shiro's persistence forces her to step back, her own mana reserves depleting as she tries to counter his relentless assault.
Finally, Kara sees an opening. She steps back, releasing her sword, and channels her mana into her fists. She focuses, her hands glowing with Divine Mana as she prepares her next move.
Kara: (calmly) Alright, Shiro. If you want to see my real strength, here it is.
She lunges forward, striking him with a mana-infused punch that sends him reeling. But Shiro recovers, his face twisted in anger as he summons his own mana.
Shiro: (yelling) Enough! I'm done holding back! Shadow Blast!
He releases a massive wave of dark mana that sweeps across the ring, crashing into Kara with incredible force. She's knocked back, hitting the ground hard, and a pained gasp escapes her lips. Her arm throbs, a sharp pain indicating it may be broken.
The crowd gasps, some calling for the match to end, but Kara grits her teeth, refusing to back down.
Instructor: (calling out) Kara, are you able to continue?
She forces herself to her feet, her breathing heavy, her eyes blazing with determination.
Kara: (breathing heavily) I'm not done yet. He's not the only one with power.
She channels her Divine Mana, the energy gathering around her in a radiant glow. Her friends on the sidelines watch in tense silence, recognizing the fierce determination in her gaze.
Narrator: Despite her injuries, Kara refuses to give up. With her Divine Mana surging within her, she prepares to unleash a technique she's never used before—a final attack that she hopes will end the match.
She raises her one good arm, her eyes narrowing as she focuses her mana. Her aura flares brighter, the energy radiating from her like a storm.
Kara: (softly) This ends now, Shiro. Divine Pulse!
A powerful surge of energy erupts from her, forming a wave of light that sweeps across the ring. The force of the attack overwhelms Shiro, his defenses breaking under the sheer intensity of her mana.
The wave crashes into Shiro, engulfing him in radiant energy. When the light fades, he lies on the ground, breathing heavily, his aura completely drained.
Narrator: The crowd falls silent, stunned by the power Kara has unleashed. She stands victorious in the ring, her arm injured but her spirit unbroken.
The instructor steps forward, calling the end of the match.
Instructor: (announcing) Victory goes to Number 10, Kara!
The crowd erupts in applause, their cheers echoing through the stadium as Kara bows respectfully to her fallen opponent. Shiro slowly sits up, his anger fading as he looks at Kara with a mixture of frustration and respect.
Shiro: (softly) You… you were stronger than I thought.
Kara: (smiling slightly) Maybe next time, Shiro. But you fought well.
As she leaves the ring, her friends rush to her side, their faces filled with concern.
Volkra: (worried) Kara, are you alright? That was intense.
Kara: (smirking) I'll be fine. Just a little banged up, but it was worth it.
Milton gives her a proud grin, patting her on the shoulder.
Milton: (proudly) You were incredible out there, Kara. That Divine Pulse was something else.
She nods, exhaustion starting to settle in, but her expression remains fierce.
Kara: (determined) I wasn't going to let him beat me. Not a chance.
As the crowd continues to cheer, Kara heads off to rest, her victory a testament to her strength and resilience. Though the battle was intense, she has proven that her will is unbreakable.
Narrator: The tournament carries on, each match growing more intense as the remaining recruits prepare for their own battles. Kara's victory marks a turning point, and the recruits realize that they are now facing the best of the best.
The chapter ends with Kara, exhausted but triumphant, leaving the ring as the crowd celebrates her victory. The next match awaits, and the tournament continues.