. The battle between Nero and Aizen – A test of strength, skill, and control.
. Nero's internal struggle – Facing fear, doubt, and the weight of his destiny.
. Aizen's lessons – Teaching Nero through combat, revealing his hidden potential.
. A new awakening in Nero's flames – Unlocking a deeper level of power.
---
The night air burned.
Aizen's golden flames roared to life, rising in a swirling inferno around him. The ground beneath Nero's feet trembled as the heat surged outward, pressing against his skin like a living force.
This was no ordinary training session. This was a fight.
Aizen's eyes locked onto Nero's, steady and unwavering. "Your power is great, but power without control is destruction. If you cannot stand against me, you will never survive against Nachogi."
Nero swallowed, his fists tightening. His heart pounded, a mixture of adrenaline and fear surging through his veins. He had sparred with Aizen before—but never like this. Never with his master truly unleashing his flames.
But he refused to back down.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward. "Then let's see if I'm ready."
Aizen nodded once. "Begin."
And then he attacked.
---
The Flames Clash
Aizen moved like a streak of fire, his body disappearing in a flash of gold before reappearing right in front of Nero. A flaming fist slammed toward him.
Nero barely dodged, leaping backward as Aizen's punch struck the ground—a shockwave of fire exploded outward, leaving a crater where Nero had just stood.
"He wasn't holding back at all!"
A second later, Aizen was on him again. This time, he kicked. A flaming arc carved through the air, forcing Nero to block with his arms. The force sent him skidding backward, the heat searing his skin through his clothes.
"I have to strike back!"
Nero clenched his fists, flames surging around them. He lunged, twisting his body as he threw a punch wreathed in burning fire.
Aizen caught it.
With a flick of his wrist, Aizen redirected Nero's momentum and hurled him aside. Nero crashed into the dirt, rolling twice before he managed to flip onto his feet. His breathing was ragged.
Aizen exhaled. "Predictable. Your fire is wild, but your movements lack discipline."
Nero gritted his teeth. This wasn't just a fight—it was a test.
He had to think, not just attack.
---
The Uncontrolled Fire
Nero forced himself to focus. He couldn't just keep throwing flames blindly—Aizen would counter everything. He had to use strategy.
His flames responded to emotion, so he had to find balance. He inhaled sharply, his eyes narrowing as he studied Aizen's stance.
Then he attacked again—but this time, he feinted.
He launched a fiery punch toward Aizen's left, but at the last second, he twisted his body and unleashed a blazing kick from the right.
For the first time in the fight, Aizen's eyes flickered in approval. He raised an arm to block, and Nero's flames exploded on impact, forcing his master to take a step back.
Nero grinned. I did it!
But his victory was short-lived.
The moment his confidence surged, his flames spiraled out of control. They flared wildly, spreading beyond his control, setting the grass beneath him ablaze.
Aizen's expression darkened.
"Focus, Nero!" he barked.
Nero tried, but the flames only grew. They lashed out wildly, stretching in every direction, threatening to consume everything in their path.
"No… not again!"
He remembered the whispers of the villagers.
"The cursed boy."
"The one with unnatural flames."
The fire surged higher.
He clenched his fists. Stop! Stop! But his body wasn't listening. The flames burned hotter. His emotions were feeding the fire instead of controlling it.
Aizen suddenly appeared behind him, his palm pressing against Nero's back. "Enough."
A burst of golden flames surged from Aizen's body, colliding with Nero's fire—and instantly, the wild inferno was snuffed out like a candle in the wind.
Silence.
Nero panted, his body trembling. His flames had betrayed him again.
Aizen stepped back, his expression unreadable. "You're still letting your emotions control your fire. If that happens against Nachogi, you will lose."
Nero's hands shook. "I—I just need more time."
Aizen exhaled. "You don't have time."
---
Breaking Through the Barrier
Aizen took a step closer, his voice lower. "You hold back, Nero. Do you know why?"
Nero didn't answer.
"Because you're afraid," Aizen continued. "Afraid that your fire will destroy what you love. Afraid that you'll lose control. But listen to me—"
He placed a hand on Nero's shoulder. "Your fire isn't your enemy. It's part of you."
Nero looked up, his eyes searching Aizen's. "Then why does it always feel like it's trying to consume me?"
Aizen's expression softened. "Because you fight it instead of embracing it."
He stepped back, raising a hand. "Let me show you."
Aizen's flames grew, surrounding his body—but this time, they weren't wild or destructive. They flowed smoothly, curling like a living entity around him. They obeyed his will perfectly.
"This is true mastery," Aizen said. "Your flames are an extension of yourself. If your mind is in chaos, your fire will be, too. If you find balance, so will your flames."
Nero took a deep breath. He closed his eyes.
This time, when he called his fire, he didn't force it. He didn't try to control it through sheer willpower.
Instead, he let it flow.
The flames ignited—not in anger, not in fear, but in harmony.
Aizen's lips curled into a slight smile. "Good."
---
The Awakening of a New Fire
Nero's eyes snapped open, glowing like molten gold. His flames flickered, dancing in a way they never had before. Refined. Controlled. Stronger.
He moved with purpose, this time attacking Aizen not with raw force, but with precision. Every step, every motion—calculated.
Aizen matched him blow for blow, but for the first time, Nero felt in control.
Their flames clashed, gold against red, heat against heat—until finally, Aizen raised a hand.
"Enough."
Nero stopped instantly. His flames flickered once before calmly dying out.
Aizen studied him for a long moment before nodding. "Now you're ready."
---
End of Chapter 3
. Expanded battle sequences (Aizen vs. Nero's strategies)
. Nero's internal battle (struggling with fear, self-doubt)
. Aizen's lesson (helping Nero refine his power)
.A new breakthrough (Nero unlocking a higher control over his flames)
Next up: Chapter 4: The Shadow's Move—Nachogi prepares his first real attack! 🔥📖