The second slash came at Zion just after he dodged the first one.
"Show your face already," Zion said, not trying to dodge the second slash.
"Futile!" Zion raised his voice, breaking the slash of energy wave with his bare hands.
Shatter!!!
"Not bad, young one," a man spoke as he emerged from the bamboo grove.
He wore a big conical hat and a dark cloak, holding a sword.
The scene was surreal, with the tall, swaying bamboo creating an almost mystical backdrop.
The man's hat cast a shadow over his face, and his dark cloak fluttered in the gentle breeze, adding an air of mystery to his presence.
"I am Shiro, the Colorless Blade," he introduced himself.
"Zion Bluemoon. They call me the Wolf of Chaos," Zion responded.
The two circled each other, both hesitating to attack first.
"This man is not that simple," Zion thought as he gazed at Shiro.
"Let me guide you, young man," Shiro said. "Colorless Blade Technique, activate."
!!!!!
Energy burst from Shiro as he activated his technique.
"Damn, I can't believe he's using an activated technique," Zion thought.
"Activated techniques are known to be the strongest martial artist techniques in most kingdoms."
"Few can master these techniques, most of which are saint-grade and above."
"Those who master them are extraordinary people," Zion explained.
"You are well-informed, young one," Shiro replied.
"Beast Transformation Magic: Supreme Wolf Monarch!" Zion roared as he started transforming.
!!!
His aura shifted from yellow to orange, then finally to red and purple, filling the bamboo forest with intense energy.
Ripples and waves of energy moved through out the bamboo trees.
"Oh, Awakened Realm... young one, I'm impressed at your age," Shiro said.
"I will let you have the first attack," Shiro offered.
"Gladly," Zion roared, waving his hand. His unleashed energy surged toward Shiro.
!!!
Shiro's eyes widened.
"Colorless Blade Technique, First Form: Void Slash," Shiro said, moving his sword to neutralize the energy wave from Zion.
He swung his sword with precision, the blade slicing through the air, dispersing Zion's energy.
Just as Shiro neutralized the wave, Zion leaped instantly from his position, appearing right in front of Shiro.
"Supreme Wolf Monarch Magic: Fenrir's Claw!" Zion roared, slicing towards Shiro's head.
Shiro spun, dodging the attack, landing on Zion's head, and slightly kicking the back of Zion's head before leaping into the air, leaving Zion's technique to slice through the bamboo forest.
!!!
"Run!!!" a group of people who were approaching them shouted as they tried to flee.
All of them were sliced to death by Zion's technique.
The scene was a bloody mess, bodies falling apart as the powerful energy tore through them.
As Shiro leaped from Zion's head, he activated another technique mid-air.
"Colorless Blade Technique, Third Form: Ethereal Crescent!" Shiro called out, unleashing a massive double slash towards Zion.
"Supreme Wolf Monarch Magic: Fenrir's Roar!" Zion roared, slightly jumping and turning to face Shiro mid-air.
His roar unleashed a shockwave that neutralized Shiro's attack.
The clash between the Colorless Blade Technique and the Supreme Wolf Monarch Magic filled the forest with blinding light and intense energy.
The battle continued, each exchanging more powerful moves. Zion's ferocity was met with Shiro's precision.
"Colorless Blade Technique, Second Form: Ghost Strike." Shiro's sword moved with lightning speed, leaving afterimages that confused Zion's senses.
"Supreme Wolf Monarch Magic: Shadow Pounce." Zion's body flickered, dodging the ghostly strikes and countering with a rapid series of punches.
"Colorless Blade Technique, Fourth Form: Phantom Edge." Shiro's sword seemed to vanish and reappear, attacking from impossible angles.
"Supreme Wolf Monarch Magic: Lunar Guard." Zion's aura formed a protective barrier, deflecting the phantom strikes with shimmering energy.
"Colorless Blade Technique, Fifth Form Eclipse Slash." Shiro's blade darkened, drawing in light and energy before unleashing a devastating slash.
"Supreme Wolf Monarch Magic: Fenrir's Fang." Zion's claws glowed with fiery intensity as he met the Eclipse Slash head-on, the clash creating a shockwave that shook the bamboo forest.
Huff!! Huff!! Huff!!
Zion breathed heavily after the intense exchange.
"Not bad, young man. You just have to control your temper, and you will be fine," Shiro said, deactivating his technique and sheathing his sword.
"See you around, young man," Shiro added.
"What do you mean, 'see you around'? No one points their blade at me and lives to tell the tale," Zion roared, leaping towards Shiro.
Just before Zion could strike, Shiro vanished.
The bamboo forest was left in eerie silence, the only evidence of their battle being the destruction around them.
"Argh, damn it!" Zion hit the ground, reverting to his human form.
As he raised his head, he saw a small wooden box left where Shiro had disappeared.
Zion picked up the box.
"Is this a joke? Was this meant as a gift?" he thought. "Damn it."
Zion opened the small box, and a burst of energy unleashed from it.
!!!
"This pill is definitely a High-Grade Pill!!!!!," Zion thought.
"If I eat and absorb this pill, I will break through to the Awakened Realm," Zion realized.
He sat in a lotus position in the bamboo forest.
"Wolf Monarch Magic: Heavenly Ascent," Zion said, covering himself with a barrier.
Zion consumed the pill and began controlling its energy, feeling the immense power coursing through him as he meditated.
---
Meanwhile, a few meters away from the bamboo forest...
"Surely you took your time," a man wearing the same clothing as Shiro said.
"Let's get moving," Shiro replied.
"Why didn't you kill him?" the other man asked. "And you also gave him your High-Grade Mana Condensing Pill."
"My instinct told me to do that, Kagami," Shiro responded.
"Let's get what we came here for before the world's principles reject us since we are already concealing our cultivation level," Shiro commanded.
"Oi," Kagami smirked as he slightly looked back in the direction of the bamboo forest.
Shiro and Kagami started moving, leaving behind the bamboo trees.
"Wolf of Chaos, huh? At that age, he has a lot of potential. His beast transformation magic lets him borrow the power of his next realm. Fascinating," Shiro thought as he glided through tree branches.
"I hope we meet again in the outside world," Shiro said, smiling slightly.