Hope you enjoy the chapter, Readers! ^.^
Stadium Platform
Sirzech gaze at the fighter that is representing the village he commands. A look of grimace form on his face. 'Alis… you worked hard to get to where you are now… But, I'm afraid luck isn't on your side in this tournament' he notes and turn to Kailo. 'No matter how strong you've gotten since the last I've sparred with you… It's impossible for you to be in a level equal to a Fallen Angel General. I can only hope that you put on an impressive display to make your Emperor and village proud'.
"You sure pick your fighters well… Azazel" Serafall said, though with the sarcastic running in her tone. It's clear that it wasn't meant to be anyway close to a compliment. Azazel carelessly shrug "I've assigned my assistant to handle that. Kailo and Akari may be a bit older than the rest of the contenders, but they are still in the new generation and are prodigies. So, I don't see any problems, Serafall" he replies calmly, though thoughtfully.
Serafall shakes her head and turn to Ajuka. "I forgot to ask, but are you ok, Ajuka-kun?" she questions, making the scientist turn to her, wearing a perplex expression. "Why are you asking?" "Because your fighter lost".
Ajuka shakes his head, his expression change to the usual collective one. "I'm fine. I've lost some interest over it after the suppose contender unfortunately passed away" he response, and Azazel perks up, hearing this. "Have you solved the case?" Azazel question "Sadly no…" Ajuak reply, annoyance pouring from his tone "With this tournament coming up, I didn't receive enough time. Though I have come up with the fact that he was murdered. The investigation will go on full when this tournament is over" he asserts.
Sirzech listens closely to the conversation and decide to insert "Good. I want the person responsible found" he states in serious tone. "Don't worry, Sirzech. I won't rest until that murderer is found. They killed a young and bright fighter from my village… I'm not going to let them get away with it" Ajuka reply, his tone sharp and serious.
Arena Ground
"Before we begin. Allow me to fix this battleground" Grayfia assert, looking at the destructive and broken-down arena ground. With a simple flick of her ring and thumb fingers. The whole arena glows brightly in silver and when the light dies down, the whole arena looks brand new without a single scratch, craters, or any damage on the ground and walls.
"One!" Grayfia immediately starts "Two… Three… Fight!" she exclaims and jumps back to her usual position. Alis and Kailo both just stand still, both holding an uncaring and bore expression. Like both didn't want to be here or care much about either winning or losing.
"Hmm," Kailo hums and bring his right hand back to rub his neck while eyeing the girl that is his opponent. Kailo's pupils narrow ever slightly, picking up something suspicious. 'She is like all the rest of the village's fighters… Quite fresh and only have numbers of real experience in battles under their belt. From what I heard in the conference, she is supposed to be the youngest contender of the village's fighters group' he notes and looks into the Bethan's dull green eyes.
'Those eyes… Even though she's trying to hide it. It holds ominous power and deep knowledge… Something a girl like her shouldn't hold at such a young age' Kailo thinks, getting a very bad feeling about the fighter in front of him. '… Something isn't right here' Kailo concludes and his bore expression harden slightly. 'Let's test her and see how it goes. I might be overthinking it… As usual'.
"Shall you or I make the first move?" Kailo ask, politely, which garners a lot of eyebrow raising from the audiences, including Alis. "How kind of you… Why don't you go first" she replies in an uncaring tone.
Kailo shrugs and bring his right hand down to the thick leather belt that holds all his weapons. Kailo grab a whip and unfasten it, letting the long weapon drop to the ground while he holds the leather handle tightly.
'She doesn't hold any weapon… Either she's an all-round hand to hand fighter or keeps her weapon in a pocket dimension, like most' Kailo notes, staring closely at the Bethan, seeing her not paying mind at him just releasing one of his weapons.
In a speed few can keep up, Kailo swipe the whip forward. The whip slash Alis's waist, causing her to hunch and hiss at the burn. Kailo spin the handle and pull it back in graceful and swift movement. With the motion Kailo skillfully made. The whip's thong snatch on Alis's legs as it's being pull back, bringing her along.
Kailo turn around and pull the handle over his shoulder, sending Alis to the sky and comes down to the ground in rapid speed. Everyone watch in awe by the Fallen Angel skills in one of the hardest weapons to master. Alis comes down, crashing face-first into the ground.
Kailo twist his wrist and pull the whip back, bringing the tong flying back and landing next to him. The impact was strong enough to create a sizeable crater that swallows Alis's whole form. The rubbles and rock twitch, before it is push back and Alis emerge out of it.
Something that catch the Monsterslayer's attention is that there's not a single scratch or bruise on her body from that harsh impact. 'She must have stronger durability than normal warriors… Looks like I have to use more strength.' With that in mind, Kailo snap whip forward in rapid speed.
Seeing the thong flying towards her, Alis lift her right arm up and fire a powerful green destructive blast. Kailo cuss and throws away the whip and bring his right arm up to fire a similar blast, but instead it's orange in color, matching with their user's aura color.
The two blasts collide and push towards one another, trying to overpower each other. The fixed battleground already starts to creak widely by the amount of dense aura being release. The ground under the blasts is being decimate by being in close contact to the two blasts, unable to withstand the suffocating and destructive mana in it.
Alis eyes boringly at the blasts and start adding more power, causing hers to push back Kailo's. 'Is she crazy?! If I dodge this blast it will hit the wall and detonate in a massive blast… The shields protecting the audience won't be able to handle this much power!' Kailo shouts in his mind and glare at the emotionless blonde 'Playing dirty… I see'.
Kailo perk up when feeling the ground beneath him start shaking. He looks down and is shock, when seeing a fade green color emits on the earth. 'Shit!' Kailo release one set of wings and shoots up while discarding his blast.
A similar green blast shoots up from the ground and head straight toward the Fallen Angel. Kailo flap the right wing, sending him speeding to the right side to narrowly dodge the blast. Kailo sigh in relief and turn to Alis, but what he is met with another green blast coming right at him.
'She can control its direction freely?!' Kailo notes in shock, before the blast impacts him. A massive explosion ignites in the air, pushing the clouds away and create a powerful shockwave that can be heard from miles away.
Stadium Platform
Seriousness is shown on Sirzech's expression. 'Have you improved this much, Alis? It's like… You are a completely different fighter. Why can't I shake this bad feeling' he thinks, looking at the black smoke swirling above the stadium. 'I had decided that nothing was wrong with her after the conference, but after today's tournament is over… I'll talk to her' Sirzech notes and focus back on the match.
Arena Ground
A figure descends from the smoke, showing Kailo and lots gasp at his state. His arms are smoking and suffer a second-degree burn. Half his face is black by the smoke and shows sign of some deep bruises on it, and he is panting hoarsely.
Azazel and Akari are shock at the state of their kin. 'I knew she was dangerous… That air around her gives me a bad vibe from the beginning, but to think she was able to damage Kailo this much at the beginning of the match. Looks like Nawin Makasha isn't the only threat here' Akari notes, now paying full attention on the match.
'Shit! Using my arms to block the blast at the last second was the only natural way to do… I didn't expect the blast to harm me to this degree.' Kailo looks down at his arms and feel the excruciating pain at even the tiniest movements he makes on his fingers.
'One thing is clear,' Kailo notes, landing on the ground and retract his wings while staring calmly at the Bethan 'This girl isn't normal… Somethings going on here. No matter how much training she did for the past two weeks, it's impossible for her to gain this much power… Unless she is using enhance drugs or other experiments to increase the process of getting stronger. But, if that's the case then she wouldn't be allowed to enter here since all of us had to go through a test, so it can't be that…'
Kailo let out a troublesome sigh, wondering if he should just call it quits now. 'It's not like I was put here to win. Probably to keep Akari in line… I'm sure she'll win this tournament for us, so there's no need to worry. But, I might as well see how good this girl really is… Let's just go on for a bit more'.
Ignoring the pain, Kailo bring his left hand down to grab the handle of his sabre. Slowly, he unsheathes the blade from its sheath, creating a hissing sound. "Not bad… Let's see what else you got, young lady" he comments, pointing the sharp silver blade at the Bethan.
'Let's finish this,' Alis state in her mind and start walking toward the Fallen Angel. The sabre's blade glows in orange and Kailo slash it forward to fire a vertical magic blast, shape of a blade. Alis counter by firing another destructive green blast. The two magic attacks collide, causing another gigantic explosion to erupt.
The dense black smoke pours from the explosion, spreading around the arena, restricting views for the audiences. Kailo sharpen his eyes and scan the surroundings, trying to find Alis in the thick smoke. Suddenly, he spots a figure dashing toward him in rapid speed.
Timing it perfectly, Kailo launch the blade forward as the figure is just a few paces away from him. He is surprise when Alis dodge it in a reflex that's match to light speed. Alis dodge the blade by stumping her right feet down and rotate her body to the left.
Having fast reflex too, Kailo quickly slash the sword to the left. He is surprise when Alis response is to bring her right hand forward, her fingers extend to like animal's claw style.
When Alis's hand touch the blade, Kailo is left speechless when he sees her hand went straight past it, cutting the blade made of pure silver like it was butter. Dealing with fast creatures for years, Kailo can quickly react his body in a matter of second. Seeing the Bethan's hand coming down at him, Kailo rapidly lean his upper-body down, dodging the hand, then bring his right knee up, smashing it straight at Alis's abdomen.
The knee has enough force in it that it sends Alis shooting straight up to the air and create a shockwave that push the smokes away. The audience gasp in shock when seeing the Bethan emerging from the dissipating smoke.
Alis's eyes snap open, hidden emotion of anger start surfacing in her eyes and her lip twitch into a scowl before it returns stoic. Kailo look up and see the blonde coming straight down. Curiously, she is not releasing her wings, but instead decide to land on her legs in an unnecessary harsh impact.
'Some of the decision she's making… This girl really is weird and is no doubt hiding something' Kailo thinks and watch Alis crash-land onto the ground, causing dust to pour around her feet. She slowly stands back up straight and looks up at the Fallen Angel. Kailo toss the broken sword down and slightly wince at the burning sensation on his arms, reminding him of the injury he sustained earlier.
'My sword is broken, my whip can't cause any real damage towards her because of her higher durability, and my arms feels like it's getting worse… I can't use that… Hmm,' Kailo feels a gaze looking at him from the top. He looks toward the direction and see Azazel giving him a knowing look. Kailo sigh and raise his burnt right arm up. "I forfeit" he announces, shocking everyone in the stadium.
An uproar of disappointment and anger explode from the crowds. Boos showers around the arena. "SILENCE!" Grayfia voice booms out, immediately silencing everyone in a heartbeat. Grayfia's steel gaze turn to Kailo "Let me make it clear. Saying that is an immediate effect in this tournament. It's not a decision to be thrown around lightly. Since this is the first, I'll allow you to think over your decision… Do you really wish to forfeit?" she questions.
Kailo simply response with a nod in the head. "By her opponent forfeiting! Alis Bethan is crown the victor!" Grayfia announce. Loud cheers erupt from the crowds, gladly and unashamedly cheering for their kin.
Alis stare at Kailo for a few second, then turns around and head up the stairs. Kailo walk towards his whip that is laid on the ground and pick it up, hooking it back onto his belt. He turns to Grayfia "Where's the hospital?" he simply asks "South from here… You can't miss the large white building" Grayfia reply, then scan Kailo's heavily injured arms.
The wounds have reopened from all the harsh movement Kailo made. "I highly suggest you head there quickly. You've lost a lot of blood and the wounds have gotten bigger" "I know. It hurts like hell… Hope there's good food there" Kailo jest, releasing one-set of wings and burst up to the skies.
The screens immediately start running through names once more. Having all the audience's eyes glued to it. The crowd pop loudly when seeing the two names that are picked. "Lucy Makasha and Lenna Grasher! Please make your way down here!" Grayfia announce.
Lounge
Lenna hums peacefully, then a smirk form on her lip. "I'll be waiting" she asserts, turning to look at the blonde Makasha, who's staring back at her with tranquil eyes. Lenna gets off the couch and head to the stairs. She stops when seeing Alis emerge from the shadows and enter the room.
Alis stop, opening her eyes and look up at Lenna. The two stares at one another for a few second. Alis close her eyes and quietly make a way around the Grasher. Lenna didn't look back and makes her way down the stairs.
"Go get her, Lucy!" Issei exclaims, grinning in support. Lucy wears a smile and nod "Thanks, Issei" she said, then turns to her brother. Nawin gives her a faint smile and gently bring his right hand down on her head, ruffling it up softly in an affectionate manner.
Nawin suddenly leans down and press his forehead with Lucy's. The blonde is surprise by the gesture, but a big smile breaks out on her face because of it. "Go show everyone just how powerful you are, Lucy. I know you can win this… After all, you are my sister" Nawin said with a bigger smile tugging on his lip.
Lucy grins brightly and nod "I won't disappoint you, Big bro!" she replies, brightly. Nawin pulls back and retract his hand "I know you won't. Now, go show everyone" he said. Lucy pass the box of pocky to Issei and walk around him. To the surprise by many, instead of using the stairs, Lucy decides to jump over the railing. She does a front flip and lands on the arena ground gracefully.
Issei chuckle at the blonde's antic while taking a stick of pocky out and place on his lip. "What a crazy little sister you have, Nawin" he comments. Nawin slowly nod, a proud smile tug on his lip "Indeed… She is very special".
Stuffing her hands into the jacket's pocket, Lucy makes her way to Lenna, who is already standing near Grayfia, waiting. The silver-haired woman watch Lucy stop a few paces away from Lenna. Both girls stare intently at one another and it's clear to her that both have built a rivalry ever since their conference's exchange.
Grayfia's lip form a small smile when she looks at the girls in front of her. It reminds her of her own rivalry she once had with Serafall Leviathan back in the day and probably still do now, though in a lesser degree and intense.
Stadium
"You have a beautiful daughter, Lady Yao" Beth commend with a smile "Thank you, Lady Beth" Yao reply, happily. "She definitely has some of your looks, Jonathan" Rizel state, looking at the young Makasha with interest. "She may have my eyes and hair color, but everything else she inherited from her mother" Jonathan reply with a chuckle.
"With her blonde hair and blue eyes… You would think she's part of the Phenex!" Venelana exclaims in a jest tone. "Actually, Lady Venelana," Akeno join in, wearing an amusing smile "Her power involves fire" she informs, catching both Lord and Lady Phenex by surprise.
"My, my, is there something going on between you two here?" Zeoticus questions, holding an amuse smile, looking at Yao then to Rizel. "Indeed!" Venelana joins with her husband in the fun "Beth! Your husband might have been naughty!" she giggles, pointing at the now fluster Rizel.
Venelana notice Yao is smiling at the whole conversation, which she finds surprising since most woman would start getting flustered or angry. "Oh? Lady Yao, aren't you a bit angry" she questions and pouts, hoping to get a funny reaction.
"Ahaha! I find it highly amusing, Lady Venelana, but" Yao turn to her husband and give him a loving smile, which he returns. "There will never be anything in the world that would make me do such things as being unfaithful to my husband. And, I can say with full confidents, it goes the same for him. We've been through so many things together that it's impossible for us to ever be distrusting toward one another" she explains.
Both Venelana and Beth smile at the woman's word and look at her with respect and admiration. "You have yourself a fine wife, Jonathan" Zeoticus commend after listening to Yao's words "Indeed. I'm a lucky man" Jonathan reply and chuckle. "Oh," Beth cup her cheek and release a sigh "I wish my love is as bright as yours, Lady Yao" she sighs, and immediately gets a reaction from Rizel.
"What! Haven't I've given you everything! How could you say that! I've always been faithful and do anything to make you happy!" Rizel shouts out, standing up and glaring at Beth. Everyone turn to the Lord Phenex and watch with wide eyed at his explosive response. Beth shock expression quickly breaks out in a loving smile and giggle "Oh! Sweetie! I was just teasing" "Ahahah!" Venelana burst out into giggles "I didn't know you care that much for Beth! Oh, this is just priceless. The proud Rizel Phenex loves his wife so dearly" she said teasingly.
Riser quietly chuckle at the rare and amusing sight while Ravel giggle and smile lovingly at her parent's antic. Rizel glares at his giggling wife while the fluster expression on his face intensifies. "Venelana! Stop corrupting my wife!" he shouts, turning his sight to the Lady Gremory and point accusingly at her. "She's my best friend. Whatever we do in our rare free time is none of your business, Rizel" Venelana retorts, crossing her arms and turn her head to the other side.
"They sure don't act like nobles" Xenovia comments, sweatdropping at the scene along with the rest. Rias turn to the others and smile "This is one of the rare time that all of them are together. The Gremory and Phenex along with Sitri have a very healthy and close relationship. All the Lords and Ladies of the house are childhood friends. So, it's normal when they get together they would act more… Normal you can say, though I do agree it's a bit otherworldly seeing them acting like this".
"Trust me," Akeno speaks "Lord Zeoticus and Lady Venelana can be very intimidating and dangerous individual. I witnessed that with Rias when we were kids" she whispers, so only the group can here while the adults continue to chat with each other. "Witnessed it?" Kokoro ask, wanting more detail "Me and Akeno were actually peeking on a business meeting that my parents had with another clan. It was very… intense and I saw a side of my father that I've never dreamed that he has" Rias said and shudders a bit, making others become very curious.
"Look! It's about to start" Elise shouts and everyone turn to see Grayfia once again finish repairing the arena and ready to call for the next match to start.
"I'm very curious to see how your daughter will perform, Lady Yao. If she's anything like her brother, then her opponent will have a hard time" Venelana comment "She's also been trained by Lady Serafall. I'm eagerly waiting to see what she has to offer. There certainly will be a lot of eyes looking at her" Beth assert. "She won't disappoint" Yao said with confidents, smiling down at her daughter.
Stadium Platform
Serafall leans forward and sit straight. Her eyes slowly close to start concentrating, building a communication link. 'Grayfia…' she speaks 'I've done as you requested, Serafall. These walls I have replaced are now more durable and dense. Using a special earth material called Opion… I hope you don't regret this decision, Serafall. You've put too much faint on the girl' 'She's my student, Grayfia. If she can't overcome this, then she shouldn't be here' Serafall retorts, sharply and sever the link.
Serafall opens her eyes and focus on the arena. "Must be interesting to be in your position" Azazel muse, gaining the Leviathan's attention. "I wonder who you are cheering for" he comments, even though knowing he won't get a response.
Gabriel hold her hands together, wishing her dear goddaughter luck in her mind. 'It hurts me to see you and your brother dragged into this world. But, I hope to see you battle and witness how strong you are, so it can ease my worries. Show me just how strong you are, Lucy!'.
Arena Ground
Grayfia looks at the two girls and lift her right hand up, then bring it down "Begin!" she exclaims and fades away in pure speed, reappearing in the usual spot, away from the fighters.
Not wasting anytime, Lenna stump her right feet down, which cause a boulder to hover from the now cratered ground. She does a full three-sixty spins kick to the boulder, sending it flying toward Lucy.
Lucy is surprise by the sudden attack and bring her right hand forward to send a medium size fireball. The fireball collide with the boulder and completely shatters it into rubbles. Lucy is catch off-guard when she sees Lenna is right in front of her after the boulder is destroyed, using it as a distraction.
The Grasher shoots her right hand up and snatch Lucy by the neck. She brings the Makasha up and abruptly slams her onto the ground. Lucy groan in pain at the brutal whiplash cause by the rapid chokeslam. Lenna clench her left hand tightly, making it into a fist and swing it down to Lucy's face.
Lucy cock her head to the right to dodge the punch. Lenna click her tongue and pull her hands out of the earth, but before she could bring it down again. Lucy shoot her face up to headbutts the Grasher.
Lenna grunt in pain and is send barreling back by the force of the offense, resulting on releasing Lucy's neck. The Makasha quickly gets up to her feet and cough while rubbing her sore neck. 'She isn't going easy. Fine then… I'll also play rough' Lucy assert in her mind and watch the Grasher kip up to her feet.
A taunting smirk form on Lenna's lip and she brings both her hands up, gesturing Lucy to bring it. "I've been waiting to face you. Luck is on my side to allow me to fight you this early" she state and gets to her stance.
Instead of getting into a stance like most, Lucy instead cross her arms beneath her chest and just stare at the Grasher with a tranquil expression. Lenna glare at the blonde when seeing this, for her it shows a sign of disrespect, which is something she does not tolerate.
Lenna burst toward the Makasha in rapid speed. But, as she is just a few paces away. Flames ignites around Lucy and swarms forward Lenna. The Grasher quickly by backflipping a couple of times, dodging the dangerous blue flames.
Lenna lands on her feet and looks forward, seeing the flames retreating to Lucy and are swirling around her from all sides, protecting her. 'If those were normal flames then my earth affinity would overpower it easily. But, from the reports… It says that those blue flames are as hot if not hotter than even the Phenex's famous flames' Lenna notes,
'Hmm… Let's test the flame on using something else. These walls must hold some earth in it, so I should be able to control it.' Lenna raise right hand toward the left side of the walls. In a swift motion, she thrust her hands across. A piece of a wall creak into a rectangle shape and burst out of it, speeding toward Lucy. The Makasha snap her sight at the incoming object and mentally commands the flames to destroy it.
The blue flames burst to the left and consumes the piece of a wall. Lucy is shock when the object burst through from the flames and makes its way toward her. 'That isn't a normal earth!' Lucy notes and jumps up to miss from being hit.
Grayfia's finger twitch when she sees the large and deep dent in the walls. She releases a quiet sigh, knowing after this match she will have to repair the arena once again.
'I see,' Lenna smirk in satisfy, seeing the Makasha's fire having little affect when it comes to the special materials made in the arena's walls. 'These walls are built to withstand explosive and powerful magic spells, but' she glances at the fresh dent on the wall 'I can't mindlessly keep using the walls or the whole place will collapse… I have no doubt I'll be disqualified if that happens. I must use the combination of normal earth to fool her, then use the walls as the finishing blow' she strategies in her mind and turn back to the Makasha, seeing her landing on the ground.
'Aren't you going to finish this quick?' Nootau questions his wielder from the mindscape 'The more time you give her, it allows her to come up with strategies to beat you' he wisely assert. 'It's about honor, Nootua. She clearly holds some resentment towards me for being Serafall's student… She doesn't think I'm worthy of being her student. In this match, I'll prove to her and everyone who holds that same thought that I am worthy. I'm going push those words down their throat' Lucy reply, causing the wolf to smirk 'I see… Then go show them!'.
Lenna stump the ground to summon four boulders, all of them hovering and spiral above her. Lucy crack her knuckles and sprint forward, leaving a trail of flaming footprints. Lenna let out a roar and stretch her arms forward, firing all the boulders at once.
Lucy jump forward and swing her right hand toward the first boulder, annihilating it in shear force. While in midair, she sends a spinning kick, crushing another boulder. The last two comes from above and another circle around and shoot forward, coming from the back.
Lucy stretch out her left hand, flame blast explodes from the palm and shoots her body to the right, allowing her to miss both boulders. Instead the boulders crash together in impact, rendering them in to rubbles.
Lucy retract her hand and disperse the flame, allowing her to gently drop to her feet. She perks up when hearing an object speeding in the air. She turns around and see another boulder speeding toward her and in an act of instinct, she fires a flame blast from her right hand, disintegrating the boulder.
But, Lucy sees dark object flying towards her, passing through the flames. Her eyes widen, knowing what it is. Unfortunately, she didn't have enough time to dodge or counter, and gets hit full in the chest by the dense boulder made from the walls.
Lenna smirk in satisfaction at being able to fool the Makasha. She taps her index finger down to drop the special and dense boulder down on Lucy. "Aaaaahhhh!" a loud shriek of pain erupts around the arena. "Oh my… I guess that boulder must be heavier than I thought" Lenna comment, not in a taunting manner, but in honest surprise.
Lucy shut her mouth and look down to see the boulder pinning her lower body down. Her waist all the way down to her toes are underneath the heavy boulder. 'Fortunately, my bones don't feel broken, but I will definitely feel sore tomorrow' Lucy notes with a grunt, then tries to come up with a plan to get out.
The Makasha blinks when seeing Lenna stop on the right and looks down at her, smirking in amusement. "How are you going to get out of that?" she tauntingly asks "I can think about five ways to get out… I'm just contemplating on which one I should pick" Lucy nonchalantly reply, shrugging her shoulders.
A growl release from Lenna's throat and her expression change to annoyance. She is annoyed by the fact the Makasha isn't treating this seriously. A foxy smile form on Lucy's lip "Oh… I finally decide on this way" she said and blue flames form into life, swirling around her.
Lenna goes on alert and quickly jumps away. Huge blue explosion erupts from where Lucy is pinned. Lenna lands on her hands and knees, watching the massive fire in disbelief. 'That explosion would have done extensive damage… I need to watch out for any attack she makes when it involves with those blue flames'.
Lucy's figure can be seen inside the flames, slowly walking forward. She emerges from the flames, looking unharmed, except for some bruises on her legs. A foxy grin spread on Lucy's lip and her eyes sharpen "Let's cause havoc!" she exclaims and extend her hands, causing swarm of flames to explodes around her and start streaming around the arena.
Lenna watch the flames speeding toward her with shock expression plaster on her face. She looks to the left or right for a way out, but already half of the arena is cover in ocean of flames. "Kuh!" She clicks her tongue in annoyance, having to retreat. The Grasher turn around and sprint toward the wall.
Lenna looks back and seeing the flames advancing closer. She looks forward and see the wall is near. Lenna jumps straight to the wall and redirect her position to allow her feet to plant on the walls. Using magic, Lenna can stick to the walls. Quickly, she sprints upwards to narrowly dodge the sea of flames colliding onto the walls.
When in the save distance, Lenna stop and turn her head up. She gasps in surprise when seeing Lucy souring towards her in rapid speed, blue flaming wings protruding from her back.
Lucy have her right hand retract and flames explode on the fist. She flaps her wings and burst forward in speed. Lucy swings her right fist forward, smashing it into the walls and create an earthshattering explosion.
Smoke pours around destroyed spot. Lenna burst away from it with haste, wearing an anxious expression on her face. Lucy sprint out of the smoke, her expression cold and deathly. The blonde thrust her right hand forward, firing a flame blast to the Grasher.
Lenna push her right hand up to summon a protective wall, using the stadium wall's earth. The flame smash into the wall and spread around to the sides of it and goes past Lenna. Lucy didn't halt her movement and continue sprinting forward faster, then jumps up while retracting her right arm.
"Hyaaa!" Lucy roars and swing her right fist forward with much pure force behind it, that it smash right through the wall and hits Lenna square in the face. Lucy grin wildly, when feeling her fist made impact on a flesh. She watches Lenna spurt away in rapid speed by the punch.
Lenna body crash on to the walls and start barreling on it. Seeing herself going up toward the railing, near the crowd. Lenna quickly regain her footing and push herself up, backflipping and lands on her feet. Lenna wince and touch her noise, feeling it broken. She moves her hand down and bring it to her sight, seeing blood on her finger tip.
Lenna grab her noise and swiftly push it to the left, forcing the bones to return to its original position, and creating a wincing audible pop. Lucy slowly makes her way toward the Grasher "You're quite tough," she speaks, stopping a dozen paces away "I put a lot of force into that punch and all you got was a broken noise… Lots of lower power warriors would had their head fly off their neck" Lucy comment, crossing her arms below the chest.
Lenna give a response and glance down to the arena ground to see the fire have all been diminish, leaving only a darker and burnt ground. 'I can't go down there yet… My feet will be burnt. This girl is using her brains. She's cornering me to only stay on the walls. Providing me with less space to dodge her flames and is forcing me to use the walls as an offence… She knows if I start carelessly using the walls and destroy the whole stadium it would end with me being disqualified' Lenna thinks and return her sight to Lucy.
Lenna bring both her hands forward, then pull both away to create space and suddenly slams the palms together to create a loud boom. Lucy looks confuse when seeing nothing happens after the gesture. Abruptly, two earth walls shoot from her sides and smash into her, completely squashing her.
Some of the audience gasp in horror and shock, wondering if the Makasha has just been murdered by the Grasher. Lenna grit her teeth when seeing flames leaking out from the creak. "Grrrr!" Lucy growl can be heard inside and slowly, the two walls start to be push apart.
Lenna watch in speechless, seeing the Makasha able to push the dense and heavy walls away just by shear force. Seconds by seconds, the walls keep stretching apart and the view to the Makasha can be seen clearer.
Lenna takes a step back in fear when she sees Lucy shoot her head up and glares at her. Her right eye now glows in gold. Lucy let out a mighty scream and push both her arms out, sending the walls bursting away.
One of the wall crash to the arena ground while the other ones fly up, missing the front row audience's heads by a few inches, before it comes crashing down the arena ground. Lucy pants deeply and wince at the burning sensation in her arms, but she quickly hides it and look up at Lenna with a cold expression plaster on her face.
Lenna gets to her stance, readying herself for anything. Lucy, instead of getting to stance, she unplugs herself from the walls and lands on the ground. The heat from the earth does no effect on her by how she walks around freely without showing a single wince of pain.
Lucy halt and slowly turn to face Lenna, who's looking at her with anticipation and caution, still holding her stance and moves her body face to the blonde. "Those walls can withstand my fire, but…" a small smirk grows on Lucy face, giving Lenna a bad feeling in her stomach "You can't!" she exclaims and dozens of fireballs form above her.
Lenna's eyes widen in realization and immediately, she sprints forward. One by one, the fireballs comes spiraling toward the Grasher. The balls smash into the walls and detonate into small explosions. Lenna burst from the smoke and continue sprinting, making a full circle around the arena while continuingly dodging the fireballs.
'She isn't stopping!' Lenna start showing signs of light panting as she closely starts making her second full run around the large arena walls. Lucy smirk when seeing this and summons more fireballs and directs them to the Grasher.
Lenna stop when seeing multiples fireballs coming from the front now and she sense more speeding from behind. Lenna quickly kneels and smash both her hands down. The walls spread up and wrap above her, shaping into a small dome that covers her whole body. All the fireballs relentlessly smash at the dome and none of them are able to break through. Only small dents and smoking burn marks are shown around it.
Lucy's lip twist in to a scowl, getting tired of the wall's earth being able to withstand her fire. 'She can control earth… The walls here isn't made of only earth, but there's enough in them to allow Lenna to control it. I can just continue to attack her and force her to use all the walls until she is disqualified… But, that's just an unsatisfying and boring way to win' Lucy thinks, calmly waiting for the Grasher to get out of her little hiding spot.
The earth beneath Lucy suddenly shoots up in a pillar like shape. The dome opens and Lenna immediately boost herself away from the wall, shooting straight to the Makasha. Lucy is quick to react and jumps away from the pillar and towards the Grasher.
The two screams and send both their right fist forward, smashing it together. Shockwave explodes from the punch that send some audience slamming on to their backs. Both girls pull their fist back and start sending a barrage of punches to each other in rapid speed. Each punches connect to their hands, creating dozens of small shockwaves.
The two slowly hover down to the ground while relentlessly exchanging punches and kicks. Lenna grab Lucy's left elbow and send a jab to her stomach, connecting it. Lucy grunts in pain, but also at the same time send a right kick, smashing on Lenna's hip.
Lenna brings her right arm down and lock it on Lucy's knee. Then, the Grasher release her wings and start spinning around midair in rapid speed. Lenna let out a roar and release Lucy, sending her flying away and smash into the walls, planting herself face-first into it before falling back and drop to the ground.
Lenna descends while watching Lucy laid on the earth. She gently lands on her feet and feel the heat on the earth, but it's cooled down enough to allow her to stand on it without much discomfort. Lenna retract her wings and start making way to Lucy, with the intention to finish this match.
"I won't lie… You prove to be a strong adversary, but you are still too inexperience… This ain't a place for kids" Lenna state. An earth dragon protrudes from the ground and stop beside Lenna. The dragon let out a loud roar and twist its head down to Lucy's unmoved form. It's glowing and pupiless yellow eyes glare down at Lucy and with Lenna bringing her right hand down, the dragon shoots to the Makasha, baring its sharp and long teeth.
Lucy snap her eyes open and shoots up to her feet. She grabs the dragon's mouth, clenching it tightly in her hand while being push back, though continue to keep an iron hold. When running out of momentum, the dragon movement comes to a halt.
A smirk form on Lucy's lip "Nice try," she states and swiftly move both her hand right in rapid speed, snapping the earth dragon's neck, causing all of its body to crumble away into rubbles.
A sign of frustration starts to show on Lenna's face. She is getting annoy at the Makasha resilience and endurance. Lenna takes a step forward and instantly limp when her right feet hit the ground. Lenna mentally cuss and feel an aching pain on her knee, shin, and feet.
Stadium Platform
In her seat, Serafall's expression slowly turn to concern when seeing signs of the Grasher's strain. 'I thought as much… You aren't ready to be in these kinds of long and harsh tournament. I didn't just request these walls to test Lucy's strength, but also for your safety… Lenna' she thinks and anxiously continue to watch the match.
Arena Ground
Lucy did not miss the signs of limping that Lenna just shown. 'She isn't in her best… Her right leg must have been injured.' 'Good chance there's a leg brace under the clothing. Her body must be straining now and getting tired… She can't continue this much longer. I suggest you end it now, Lucy, before the girl does something reckless… She doesn't seem the type to give up… much like you' Nootau advice.
Lucy smirk and nod in agreement. "Why don't we start closing this match?" she suggests "You've read my mind, Lucy" she reply, wearing the same smirk. Lenna stand straight and thrust her right hand to Lucy and shuts the palm.
All the wall's earth that's been used speed toward Lucy and slams onto her from all sides except above. Lucy goes on alert and leans her body forward, trying to escape, but another layer of earth slam to her front, trapping her completely in it. Lenna smirk widen when seeing all the earth clamps onto Lucy's body, entirely immobilizing her.
"It's over for you" Lenna speaks and walk toward Lucy. All the rubbles and large rock fly toward Lenna's right arm, incasing it to transform Lenna's normal arm into a more hard and dense earth arm. "You can't escape from that. All the earth surrounding you are from the walls… Your flames are rendered useless" Lenna state.
"Hahaha," Lenna halt her movement when hearing an amusing chuckle escape from Lucy's lip. "What's so funny?!" Lenna spat, glaring at the blonde. A wide and twisted smirk grows on Lucy's lip "You rely too much on this stupid earth." Lucy looks up and her eyes right eyes glows brightly in golden, her pupils sharpen "Let's see if it can withstand the true extend of my flames!" she exclaims.
Lenna quickly dash forward, not intending to let the Makasha make a comeback. "It's over!" she shouts and swing her fist forward. "NOOTAU!" Lucy scream the name to the skies.
Flames detonate around Lucy, and Lenna is blast away by the shockwave. One of the rocks that was on Lucy is send back and slams on the Grasher's stomach, causing her to collide to the ground and slide away on her back.
Some audience start sweating profusely and others are breathing hoarsely, trying to inhale air to their lungs. It proves to be difficult when all of them are hit down by a heavy and dense invisible pressure. Even Clan's leader starts sweating a bit from the intense mana signature they are sensing. The mana releasing is so intense and powerful that it causes the air to become dense and hard to breath in.
The massive flames surrounding Lucy suddenly swirls away. Everyone gasp in shock, seeing the young Makasha's new form. The once golden blonde hair is gone and change to bright blue hair, matching the same shade as the flames. At the end tips of the two ponytails, instead of blue are blazing red color. Lucy's right eyes glow bright gold while her left eyes stay the same sky-blue color.
Lucy smirk like a fox and cross her arms while the blue flames swirl protectively around her. The flames are so hot that the ground beneath start glowing in red and slowly melts away.
"I-impossible… IMPOSSIBLE!" Lenna shoot up to her feet and shouts, glaring at Lucy. "Who the hell are you?!" she holler and speed toward Lucy, clenching her earth hand into a fist, intending to use it to deliver the final blow.
"Who am I? I am Lucy Makasha! Student of Serafall Leviathan and sister of the Black Flash!" Lucy answers with booming voice. Lenna let out roar and with all her strength, send the fist forward. The fist fully connects to the Makasha's right cheek. Lenna gasp in disbelief, her eyes widen all the way when she sees Lucy head just cock back slightly from a punch that would shatter metal doors.
Lucy slowly moves her head forward, entirely ignoring the fist on her cheek. "You've been a great opponent, Lenna… I hope we can battle again one day when you are at your best… I also hope we can call ourselves comrades someday" Lucy said with a sincere smile. Lenna look confuse, until a massive blow smash onto her stomach, knocking the wind out of her body.
Lenna feels her eyes gets heavy and realize she's quickly losing conscious. A small smile tug on her lip as her eyes slowly closes 'Huh… Guess she is worthy'. The Grasher falls forward, but before she could make contact to the ground, Lucy catch her and picks her up, holding her bridal style.
Grayfia signal the medics to come and they lay down the stretcher. Lucy's hair glows bright and disperse away in blue flames to reveal the usual blonde hair, her right eyes flash back to sky-blue. She gently lay the Grasher on the stretcher and move back, allowing the medic to lift the stretcher and teleport to the hospital.
"Winner of this match, Lucy Makasha!" Grayfia announce and the crowd pop positively at the result. "Ahaha! I knew she would win!" "She's the sister of the Black Flash! What do you expect?!" "I wonder if she's more powerful than her brother?! Did you see that form?!" "Yeah! I felt the power! I almost passed out from how intense it was!" Comments after comments are thrown around the arena.
Lucy didn't care much for the audience's opinion. She turns to the people she really cares to hear their opinion from. Lucy looks up at Serafall and sees a proud and bright smile on her teacher's face, giving her all the answer she needs. Turning to the right, Lucy sees Azazel standing up and giving her a loud clapping, flashing her a proud grin. Lucy turns to her parents and the group, seeing all of them giving her a loud applaud. Jonathan gives her a proud grin while Yao gives her a beaming smile and thumbs up.
"Well done, Lady Lucy" Grayfia praise with a faint smile, making Lucy turn to her "Serafall have taught you well" "Thank you, Lady Grayfia. There's something I wanted to ask" Lucy said, crossing her arms "My all means" "Did the walls been replace by something else? A different material perhaps?" she questions in a knowing tone.
Grayfia let out an amuse smile "You are indeed correct. By a request from your teacher" she answers, and Lucy let out a chuckle "Hehehe, of course. She always goes overboard with stuff, but I guess she also did it for Lenna's sake. She wasn't at her best" "Indeed. She had suffered a possible permanent injury on her right leg and she is forced to wear a leg brace. She wasn't given enough time to adjust to the brace yet" "I see…".
The screens come to life and spins through the names once again. The names stop and lots grin in excitement while some are indifferent. "Michael and Juro Aido! Please step down here to proceed for the next match!" Grayfia exclaims. Lucy grins in excitement and jump up to the lounge. She goes over the railing and perfectly lands on the couch, where Nawin is sited.
Lucy turns to the right to look at her brother with anticipation shown on her eyes and face. "Well done, Lucy" Nawin praise with a faint smile and affectionately ruffle the blonde's hair. Lucy gives a toothy smile at hearing a praise from the person she most wants to hear it from. "You were badass, Lucy! That form looks awesome" Issei also praise, wearing his signature grin and gives her a thumbs up "Ahaha, thanks, Issei. I know you probably have question about that, but I'll explain it more later, in private" she said "Yeah. We all have secrets we want to keep from our opponent" Issei said and indicates to his mismatch color eyes.
Nawin smile at the two interactions, then his expression suddenly hardens, pupils narrow, and he glance back to meet eyes with Lock Jones, who is now inevitably his opponent for the last round. 'Now I can get my revenge on him. After the tournament I will interrogate him… I need to know if Ophis was really behind that adventure to the island with Sayomi. She could be the one that hired him to get the job done' Nawin assert in his mind, then turns to the arena ground and watch the two fighters set to battle.
Unknown
"Mistress…" Raynare push the doors open and enter the throne room. Sited comfortably on the large throne is Sayomi, resting her head on her right palm that leans on the throne's armrest. Slowly, the pureblood opens her intimidating and powerful red eyes with slit pupils.
Steadily, the vampire's eyes set sight on Raynare. "What brings you here… Raynare?" Sayomi questions, calmly. Raynare stop in front of the throne and hands over a folder "I have been given new information related to Khaos Brigade… Our spy has given us information of their move and it's something that is worth your attention" she informs in a respective tone as always when addressing to her master.
Sayomi lean straight and opens the folder with both hand, reading through it closely. After a minute past, a smirk tug on Sayomi's lip. "I see… so, they decided to finally go retrieve that. I honestly expected it to be a while longer" she comments, shutting the folder and return it to Raynare.
Raynare stay silence, then looks up to meet with her master's eyes. "Your command?" "Go there and stay in the shadows… If need be, you step in. That's my order to you" Sayomi reply in authority tone. Raynare slowly nod, though her eyes twinkle in curious "Mistress… May I ask you a question?" she ask, which catch Sayomi's attention and provide her with slight amusement.
"Go ahead" "Khaos Brigade is an inevitable threat to us… Why don't you just eliminate them now… You have the power" Raynare state, confusion heard from her usually unreadable stoic tone. A dark smirk form on Sayomi's lip "You are correct. But, there's one obstacle in my way on making that possible" "Ophis" Raynare inserts and gets a small nod from the pureblood.
Sayomi turn her head to the side and stare at the torches that provides lights in the room. "Khaos Brigade will have their extinction in the future. But, until that dragon god is taken out of the picture… There's not much I can do. I know you're going to ask why I don't just kill that dragon god."
Sayomi send a glance at Raynare "It's a rather boring answer. If I and her were to clash… It would be Armageddon. She knows this as well, that's why she hasn't dare show her face to me yet. But," she pauses and an ominous smile tug on her lip "Someone will have the pleasure to kill her. It won't happen today or tomorrow or even a year from now, but it will happen in the future. And when that day arrives… Khaos Brigade will cease to exist".
Raynare digest all the information and give a nod. She looks up "Do you wish me to kill if I were to reveal myself?" "Sure," Sayomi smile sadistically "Go ahead and dwindle their army, even if it's only a little" "As you wish. I shall depart immediately, Mistress".
Raynare turn around and walk towards the door. "Raynare," Sayomi calls out, halting the black-haired woman's movement "Yes?" "Do not let them take him… You understand?" the Pureblood question with authority tone, her eyes glow bright red in menace. Raynare gives a stiff nod "Understood, Mistress" she replies and leaves the room.
Next Chapter: The Enigma Michael! Clash! Nawin vs Lock!
That's a wrap up for this year, everyone!
It's crazy how fast this year has passed! Hard to believe this book is over two years old now.
I'll never be able to thank you all enough for your support on this book. If not for your support, this book wouldn't be what it is today. It brings me great joy to see all of you enjoy reading this and leaving reviews.
Since it's near Christmas and New Year! I'll be taking a vacation and celebrate the holidays with my family. So, there won't be any updates for at least a month. The next chapter should be release early January for sure.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Readers!
Stay safe and have fun! ^.^