The morning sun broke through the window of the small inn room. Amari and Daniel had just woken up, still a bit sore from yesterday's battle. They sat at the table, quietly eating breakfast, the smell of warm bread and eggs filling the air.
Between bites, Daniel glanced at Amari and said,
"Hey, we can't practice our new moves here. Too many people around. We need an open space — somewhere empty."
Amari nodded. "You're right. Sam, is there a place nearby where we can train? Somewhere quiet but not too far?"
Sam's voice came through the earpiece. "There's an open field just outside the city limits. It's usually empty. Should I set a route?"
Daniel smirked. "Yeah, do it. It's time for some training."
"Got it," Sam replied. "I'll guide you there."
The two brothers finished eating and set off. The path to the field was surrounded by tall grass that swayed with the wind. The air was calm — almost peaceful — but they could both feel the tension of what was about to come.
When they arrived, Amari stretched his arms and said, "Alright, let's keep it simple for now. We'll just try out our new moves first."
Daniel cracked his knuckles. "Sounds good to me. I already know what I want to try."
Amari raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? What's the idea?"
Daniel looked at his fist and said, "If I can't reach my opponent, I'll punch the air toward them — and the force alone will send them flying."
Amari grinned. "Creative. I like it."
Daniel smirked. "What about you? What's your plan?"
"I want to create a dragon from my energy beams," Amari said, his eyes glowing faintly green. "But instead of attacking my opponent, I want the dragon to charge straight into me — fuse with me — and become my armor. Stronger, faster, tougher."
Daniel laughed softly. "You always find a way to outdo me."
Amari smiled. "You never know how good a move is until you try it."
"Then let's do this," Daniel said, stepping forward.
He focused, his essence growing larger, his body trembling with power. He let out a sharp battle cry and punched the air with all his might — but nothing happened. He tried again and again, sweat dripping from his forehead.
Amari called out, "Try focusing. Don't force it — let it flow through you."
Daniel closed his eyes, breathing deeply. "Alright… let it flow."
Then, with one focused strike, the air exploded outward — a shockwave so strong it pushed Amari back several steps.
Daniel's eyes widened. "Yes! It worked!"
Amari smiled proudly. "Good job, Daniel. I'm proud of you."
Daniel grinned. "Your turn."
Amari nodded, stepping forward. "Green Dragon!"
A glowing green dragon roared into existence before him. Amari redirected it toward himself, but when it collided, the explosion sent him flying back into the grass.
"Not yet…" he muttered, getting up.
He tried again. This time the dragon started to merge with him — glowing energy surrounding his body — but it suddenly burst apart, knocking him back again.
Daniel crossed his arms. "You gave me advice, now it's my turn. Instead of forcing the fusion… connect with it. Feel it. Be it."
Amari closed his eyes and nodded. "You're right."
He summoned the dragon once more. This time he didn't fight it — he embraced it. The dragon circled around him, roaring as its energy fused with his own. The light was blinding — and when it faded, Amari stood transformed.
His body was covered in emerald armor that shimmered with energy. Clawed hands, spiked shoulders, and eyes glowing with fierce determination.
Daniel's jaw dropped. "You look… like a dragon!"
Amari smirked. "Yeah, but it's draining my essence fast."
After ten minutes, the energy faded, and the armor disappeared. Amari fell to one knee, breathing heavily.
"I'm drained," he said with a tired smile.
Daniel helped him up. "Then let's call it a day."
They headed back to the inn, muscles sore but hearts full. After a short workout and a meal, they collapsed into bed — ready to hit the road early the next morning.
Outside, the wind howled through the night.
Somewhere in the distance, unseen eyes were watching.