Chapter 142: Bonds
Scene: Night falls over the castle as the remaining recruits retreat to their rooms, preparing for the quarterfinals to begin the next day. Tension fills the air as only four competitors remain, each one a powerful warrior in their own right. While most sleep, Volkra finds himself unable to rest, his mind lingering on his thoughts of Zarek and the unknown mission he and the other heroes embarked upon.
Narrator: With the quarterfinals set to begin the next day, the castle grows quiet as the recruits settle in for the night. But Volkra can't shake his restlessness. His mind races with memories of his friend Zarek, who set out on a mysterious mission weeks ago. Questions fill his mind, but answers remain elusive.
Volkra leaves his room, sword in hand, and makes his way to the training grounds. The moonlight casts long shadows, and the air is cool and silent. He begins training, his movements precise as he practices his sword strikes, each one more focused than the last.
Volkra: (muttering to himself) Zarek… wherever you are, I know you're holding your own. You've got to be.
He pauses, lowering his sword as he gazes up at the night sky.
Volkra: (thoughtfully) I guess we both have our own battles to fight.
He resumes training, his mana flaring around him as he refines his technique. Hours pass in silence, broken only by the sound of his blade cutting through the air.
Narrator: Morning arrives, and the excitement in the castle is palpable. The quarterfinals are finally here, and only four recruits remain. In the crowd, citizens from across the South, North, and East Nations gather, their cheers echoing through the stadium as they eagerly await the next match.
The instructor steps into the ring, his voice booming over the crowd.
Instructor: (announcing) Welcome to the quarterfinals! Today, only the strongest remain. Let's see who will advance to the next round!
The crowd cheers as the four remaining recruits step forward—Volkra, Alexis, Kara, and Milton. They exchange tense glances, each one feeling the weight of the competition. The instructor raises his hand, calling the first match.
Instructor: Our first match of the quarterfinals—Number 5, Volkra, versus Number 1, Alexis!
Volkra and Alexis share a look, their expressions shifting from friendly to serious. They step into the ring, bowing respectfully to each other.
Alexis: (smiling) Well, Volkra, looks like it's you and me. Don't think I'm going to take it easy on you just because we're friends.
Volkra: (grinning) I wouldn't have it any other way. And don't worry—I plan on giving you a run for your money.
They both chuckle, the tension easing slightly as they trade playful banter.
Alexis: (mockingly) Just don't cry when I beat you, alright?
Volkra: (smirking) I think you'll be the one crying, Alexis.
Narrator: The two competitors take their stances, their expressions growing serious as they prepare to face each other. The crowd falls silent in anticipation, watching as the instructor raises his hand to signal the start of the match.
The match begins with a sudden burst of energy. Alexis charges forward, her sword swinging in a swift arc as she aims for Volkra's shoulder. Volkra dodges, sidestepping and countering with a quick slash of his own, which Alexis blocks with ease.
They exchange blows, their swords clashing in a rapid series of strikes and parries, each one pushing the other to their limits.
Volkra: (grinning) You're fast, I'll give you that. But I'm not slowing down.
Alexis: (breathing heavily) Good, because I'm just getting started!
Alexis steps back, her aura flaring as she channels her Divine Mana. She raises her hand, summoning a burst of energy around her blade, and lunges at Volkra with a powerful strike. Volkra blocks, but the impact forces him back, his feet skidding against the ground.
He steadies himself, tapping into his own mana as his aura glows with a fierce intensity.
Volkra: (determined) Alright, Alexis. Let's see how you handle this.
Volkra raises his sword, his mind flashing back to the technique he learned by observing King Thalanor. He breathes in deeply, his focus razor-sharp as he enters a low stance.
Volkra: (softly) Kenjutsu: Fourth Movement—Swift Cut.
In a blur of movement, Volkra closes the distance between them, his sword moving with incredible speed. Alexis barely has time to react as the strike grazes her arm, leaving a thin cut. She stumbles back, a look of surprise in her eyes.
Alexis: (impressed) So, you really did learn that technique. I guess I'll have to step it up.
Blood trickles down her arm, but Alexis ignores it, her eyes shining with determination as she raises her hand again. She summons her Divine Mana, her aura glowing brighter as she prepares her next attack.
Alexis: (shouting) Celestial Strike!
She swings her sword, releasing a wave of divine energy that races toward Volkra. He braces himself, crossing his arms to absorb the impact, but the force of the attack sends him flying backward, landing hard on the ground. He winces, feeling the sting of fresh cuts on his arms.
Volkra: (breathing heavily) Not bad… not bad at all.
Ignoring the pain, he stands up, determination flaring in his eyes. His friends watch from the sidelines, holding their breaths as the match intensifies.
Volkra channels his mana into his blade, his aura flaring as he raises his sword for another attack. The two clash again, their movements growing faster, more precise. Sweat drips down their faces, but neither one shows any sign of backing down.
Narrator: As the match continues, the tension in the stadium grows thick, the air heavy with the scent of mana and determination. Both fighters are exhausted, but their resolve remains unbreakable. Each attack, each block, brings them closer to the breaking point.
Alexis, panting, takes a step back, her hands trembling slightly from the strain. Her eyes meet Volkra's, and she smirks, the competitive fire in her gaze burning brighter than ever.
Alexis: (grinning) Still think you can beat me, Volkra?
Volkra: (smiling) Absolutely. I'm just waiting for you to get serious.
She laughs, shaking her head, and raises her sword, her Divine Mana blazing around her.
Alexis: (shouting) Let's finish this!
She lunges forward, her sword glowing with divine light as she swings at Volkra with everything she has. He meets her attack head-on, their swords clashing in a brilliant explosion of energy that sends a shockwave through the stadium.
The crowd gasps as both fighters are thrown back, each one hitting the ground hard. For a moment, they lie still, breathing heavily as they struggle to get back to their feet.
Blood trickles from cuts on Volkra's arms and face, and he winces as he stands, his legs shaking slightly. Alexis, too, is bruised and bleeding, but her expression remains fierce.
Volkra: (panting) You… you're tougher than I thought, Alexis.
Alexis: (smiling weakly) Right back at you. But I'm not done yet.
She raises her sword, preparing for one final attack. But Volkra closes his eyes, focusing all his energy as he taps into his Divine Mana, his aura blazing around him.
Volkra: (softly) This is it, Alexis. I'm giving it everything I've got.
He opens his eyes, a steely determination in his gaze, and charges forward, his sword moving with blinding speed. Alexis swings her sword to counter, but Volkra's strike breaks through her defense, his blade grazing her shoulder as she stumbles back, dazed.
Instructor: (announcing) Victory goes to Number 5, Volkra!
Narrator: The crowd erupts in applause as the match comes to an end. Volkra stands victorious in the ring, his breathing heavy, his body aching from the battle. But as he looks at Alexis, he sees not defeat in her eyes, but pride.
Volkra drops his sword and approaches Alexis, extending a hand to help her up. She takes it, and he pulls her to her feet. They share a moment of silence, then embrace, their friendship stronger than ever.
Volkra: (softly) You fought like a champion, Alexis. I wouldn't have made it without you pushing me.
Alexis: (smiling) Same here, Volkra. I may be out, but I'm proud it was you who won.
They separate, bowing to each other with respect. The crowd continues to cheer as they leave the ring together, their rivalry replaced by a deep camaraderie.
The chapter ends with Volkra and Alexis walking side by side, their bond strengthened by the battle they've shared.