The crowd buzzed with excitement as the announcement was made.
Triton stood tall, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves as the murmur and roar of the crowd, a mix of excitement and anticipation, washed over him like the sea's gentle caress.
He quickly glanced at Nereus and Jonny, who gave him encouraging nods that seemed to say.
"You've got this!"
Across the arena, Dante Caerule glared at him, his eyes burning with a mix of quiet hatred and determination while he made his way to the arena floor.
The tension was palpable, as if the very water around them was charged with the weight of an unspoken rivalry.
As Triton made his way to the center of the Arena, his heart pounded in his chest.
He could feel the weight of the spectators' gazes, especially those from his parents. Taking another deep breath he focused on the task at hand.
'Ok Triton, you can do this just remember your training,' he thought to himself.
Dante Caerule then stepped forward and took his position opposite Triton, his eyes glinting with malice.
He was flanked by his older brother Devran, who whispered something in his ear before stepping back.
Dante smirked, clearly confident in his abilities.
"Let's see what you've got, bastard," Dante sneered, his voice dripping with contempt.
"Oh I'll show you what I've got" Triton retorted snarkily, |"you'd just better hope you don't end up as the bastard after you lose"
The arena then fell silent as the referee swam to the far right side of the two contestants before shouting.
"Begin!"
Dante wasted no time, launching himself at Triton with a burst of speed.
Triton sideswam, narrowly avoiding Dante's strike. He then countered with a series of quick jabs, testing Dante's defenses.
Soon enough the two Mer began to clash in close combat, their bodies moving with grace and power, each trying to gain the upper hand.
As the fight continued, it became clear that the two Mers' melee skills were equally matched.
As such Triton decided to focus on his Aqua Art, Pressure Pulse. The technique was unique, harnessing the power of rapid water compression to create devastating effects.
He quickly concentrated, feeling the water molecules compress and increase in pressure. Then with a swift motion, he released the energy in the area nearby Dante which created a powerful pulse in the water near his form.
WHOOSH
The water around them seemed to shimmer and warp as the pressure pulse rapidly expanded outward.
Dante's eyes widened in surprise as the pulse hit him, knocking him off balance and sending him sprawling backward. The onlooking crowd couldn't help but gasp in amazement at the display of power.
At that moment Elara Voss, a distinguished Inner Core Disciple, leaned forward in her seat, her eyes fixed on Triton. "Impressive," she murmured to her fellow Inner Core Disciple and best friend Meris. "This one definitely has a natural talent for manipulating water pressure. His technique is refined and precise for his cultivation level"
Meris nodded in agreement. "Indeed. The Pressure Pulse Aqua Art is a difficult technique to master. It requires a deep understanding of water dynamics and the ability to control sea essence with precision. Triton has clearly put in the effort to perfect it."
Despite his initial surprise at the unexpected attack Dante recovered quickly, his anger fueling his next attack.
He tried to close the distance between them, but Triton was ready.
He visualized the water around Dante's tail fins, compressing it with precise control. The pressure built up rapidly, causing the water to implode with enough force to destabilize Dante's stability.
'What the- how is he this powerful?!' Dante thought incensed, 'No, better yet how could a Rank I Sea Art be this strong?! Urgh, no matter I just need to finish this fast!'
Staggering, Dante struggled to regain his balance.
But Triton wouldn't give him a chance to recover. He compressed the water in front of Dante, creating a sudden explosion that sent a shockwave rippling through the arena.
"Ugh!"
Dante was thrown back, his body hitting the arena floor with a resounding thud.
The audience erupted in cheers, impressed by Triton's display of skill. "Look at him go!" Jonny cheered from the sidelines, his voice filled with pride. "Triton's really got this!"
'This is going easier than expected, but I can't let my guard down,' Triton's inner dialogue was a mix of focus and determination, 'Dante is strong, but I've trained hard for this moment'
Dante swiftly swam upright, his expression a mix of pain and frustration.
"You lowly bastard how dare you try to embarrass me! I swear I'll kill you!" he shouted enraged
He then launched himself at Triton once more, but Triton was already preparing his next move.
He compressed the water in front of him, creating a powerful pressure wave. The wave hit Dante head-on, sending him flying.
But Triton wasn't done yet, with a speed that surprised even himself he then delivered a series of powerful blows that sent Dante crashing to the ground.
ROOOAR
In that moment he crowd erupted in cheers, their admiration for Triton's skill and determination evident.
"I-Impossible, this is impossible!"
Humbled, bruised, battered, and now gasping for breath, Dante finally started to realized he was outmatched.
I don't know how but his control over that damned Pressure Pulse is too precise, too powerful' thought Dante defeated.
With a final, begrudging nod, he raised his hand in submission. "I yield," he said, his voice strained.
ROOOAR
The crowd then erupted in applause, their cheers echoing through the arena.
Stepping forward, the referee raised Triton's hand in victory. "The winner is Triton Earendil!" he announced, his voice carrying over the roar of the crowd.
As the match concluded, Triton extended a hand to Dante, offering to help him up. Dante hesitated for a moment before accepting the gesture, a grudging respect in his eyes.
"Well fought," Triton said, his voice sincere.
Dante nodded, his pride wounded but not broken. "You too," he replied, his tone begrudgingly respectful.
Triton then glanced up at the stands, where his mother Cara beamed with pride.
While his biological father, Liander, watched with a complicated expression that seemed to be a mix of regret and admiration.
'I-I can't believe I've been such a fool...' Liander thought to himself in disbelief, ' How could I let such potential in a son go unnoticed for so long...'
As Triton exited the arena, he was greeted by Jonny and Nereus, their faces beaming with pride.
"You did it, Triton!" Jonny exclaimed, clapping him on the back. "That was incredible!"
Nereus nodded in agreement. "Your control over the Pressure Pulse was truly impressive. Great job!"
Triton smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over him. "Thanks, guys. I couldn't have done it without your support."
The matches continued throughout the day, each one showcasing the skill and determination of the participants.
But as the final match for the day concluded, the crowd and participants began to disperse, with the excitement of the day still buzzing in the air.
As the trio began to make their exit, Jonny then suggested they explore the stalls and festivities set up around the Arena.
"Let's go check out the food stalls," Jonny said, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "I heard they have some amazing seaweed wraps."
Triton nodded, eager to relax a bit and enjoy the festivities. "Sounds good to me. What about you, Argent?"
Nereus smiled, shaking his head. "You two go ahead. I think I'll head home and get some rest. We've got another big day ahead of us tomorrow."
Jonny and Triton exchanged glances, their expressions understanding. "Alright, Argent," Jonny said. "We'll see you tomorrow then. Don't stay up too late practicing your Aqua Arts."
Nereus chuckled lightly, "I'll try not to. Have fun, you two."
As Jonny and Triton headed off to enjoy the festivities, Nereus made his way home alone.