The first day of the tournament began, featuring the initial five rounds of one-on-one battles between 10 challengers. Rishi, Kaidō, Lyra, and Dhruv observed from the sidelines, their aliases not participating in these rounds.
Round 1: "Vorgath" vs. "Thorne" - Vorgath unleashed a fierce ice storm, but Thorne countered with a lightning bolt, striking Vorgath's shield. Vorgath adapted, summoning a glacier to crush Thorne.
Winner: Vorgath
Round 2: "Lago" vs. "Lumen" - Lago employed stealth and agility, striking from the shadows. Lumen retaliated with radiant blasts, but Lago dodged and weaved, landing a decisive blow.
Winner: Lago
Round 3: "Infernox" vs. "Gelida" - Infernox unleashed a torrent of flames, but Gelida summoned a wave of frost to extinguish the blaze. Infernox adapted, combining fire and earth to create a massive explosion.
Winner: Infernox
Round 4: "Astrum" vs. "Nebula" - Astrum wielded celestial forces, summoning stars to batter Nebula. Nebula countered with dark energy, but Astrum's holy powers proved too strong.
Winner: Astrum
Round 5: "Chrono" vs. "Flux" - Chrono manipulated time, slowing Flux's movements. Flux tried to adapt, but Chrono accelerated his own speed, landing a swift victory.
Winner: Chrono
The winners advanced to the next round, while the losers were eliminated. Rishi, Kaidō, Lyra, and Dhruv analyzed the battles, sizing up potential future opponents.
The announcer declared, "Next round: Srishti vs. the King-Level Tamer, 'Apex'!"
Then are a girl slowly approaching him to arena rishi's eyes met Srishti's, and he felt an inexplicable jolt. He had never seen her before, but his heart raced as if he had found a long-lost treasure.
Kaidō, sensing Rishi's rapid heartbeat, followed his gaze to Srishti. "Rishi, what's wrong?" he whispered.
Rishi didn't respond, transfixed by Srishti's presence. Kaidō's curiosity piqued, he observed Srishti with newfound interest.
Rishi approached a bystander and asked, "Who is that girl?"
The person replied, "She's Srishti, a kind and powerful soul. Her father, a just man, refused to bow to Malum and Zero's influence. Her uncle, corrupted by power, imprisoned him and now seeks to defeat Srishti to claim dominion."
Rishi's heart ached, learning about Srishti's struggles. He felt an overwhelming urge to protect her, to stand by her side against the forces of darkness.
Srishti, unaware of Rishi's gaze, confidently walked into the arena, ready to face Apex.
Rishi's thoughts swirled with emotions - admiration, concern, and a deep longing to know her better.
Apex, the King-Level Tamer, sneered at Srishti, confident in his own abilities.
The battle began, and Rishi watched with bated breath, his heart pounding in his chest.
The battle between Srishti and Apex began, and the crowd held its collective breath. Apex, confident in his King-Level abilities, unleashed a flurry of attacks. However, Srishti stood calm, her icy gaze fixed on her opponent.
With a mere flick of her wrist, Srishti summoned a gentle breeze that froze Apex in place. The crowd gasped as Apex struggled to move, but Srishti's ice binding was too strong.
Rishi's eyes widened in awe. "She's...she's not even breaking a sweat!"
Kaidō nodded, his eyes fixed on Srishti. "Her power is on a whole different level. Legendary, at least."
Anshika whispered, "And her control is so precise, so effortless. She's a true master."
With a slight smile, Srishti raised her hand, and a single, delicate ice shard struck Apex, ending the battle. The crowd erupted in cheers as Srishti stood victorious, her legendary power on full display.
Rishi's heart swelled with admiration. He had never seen anyone like Srishti before. He felt an overwhelming urge to meet her, to learn from her, and to protect her.