The arena blazed with ever-intensifying light. Waves of energy clashed against each other like storms trapped within stone walls. The crowd roared, but their voices were swallowed by the thunder of exploding magic and the clash of steel.
The Dragon's Pursuit held the line. Valdor, at the head of the formation, led his team with surgical precision.
— Arwen, right flank! Kael, keep the rhythm! Mayuri, now! — his commands shot from his mouth like blades, each one perfectly synchronized with the team's movements.
The Raven's Shadow did not yield. Tensho, standing on the opposite side of the arena, analyzed everything — every breath, every flicker of aura, every trace left by Valdor's weapon.
— Team Two, rotate! — he called coldly. His tone was calm, but in his eyes burned the fire of rivalry. — Break their rhythm. Don't let them gain the upper hand.
The hiss of fire cut through the air. Noah from Dragon's Pursuit unleashed a stream of flames that shattered against the Raven's Shadow barriers. At the point of impact, hundreds of sparks flared, as if the entire arena had turned into a rain of fire.
Mayuri, positioned at the rear, activated her crystal. For a moment, her hands glowed with blue light that spread across the battlefield, empowering her allies.
— Hold your positions! — she called, her voice cutting through the noise.
Valdor charged forward. His sword flared with red fire, pulsing in rhythm with his heartbeat. Every movement was heavy yet precise. The Raven's Shadow began to retreat, though they still launched counterattacks. Tensho anticipated several of them, but a flicker of tension appeared in his eyes.
— His strength… this isn't ordinary magic — he whispered.
In the stands, the emperor leaned forward slightly.
— This is what the legacy of Dragons looks like — he said softly. — I haven't seen such power in fifty years.
The advisor looked at him uneasily. — Your Majesty… that's the same energy that once nearly burned the border.
The emperor smiled faintly. — Then it was a force of destruction. Now — it may be our hope.
At the center of the arena, Valdor struck the ground. A wave of energy spread outward, forming a semicircle of burning symbols. The Raven's Shadow reacted instantly — Tensho raised his hand, conjuring a barrier of black energy, but Valdor's fire cut through it like paper.
— Valdor! — shouted Mayuri. — Too much power!
— I know! — he snarled, gripping his sword tighter. — But if I don't, we won't advance!
The fire changed color. From red it turned to blue — an almost transparent flame that didn't burn but pulsed with pure energy. The crowd froze.
The commentator forgot to breathe. — Ladies and gentlemen… impossible… that's the Dragon's Breath! The legendary technique from the war between the Dragons and the Empire!
The emperor rose from his throne, eyes fixed on Valdor. — Yes… that power. I see it again. The Son of Dragons has returned.
In the arena, the Raven's Shadow fought desperately, but the blue flame devoured their defenses. Tensho tried to counterattack, his blade cutting with precision, but each move was anticipated by Valdor.
Valdor made his final strike, slicing through the air as an arc of blue fire burst from his sword, shaking the arena. The explosion was blinding.
When the dust settled, the Raven's Shadow was on one knee. Tensho, breathing heavily, lifted his head and smiled faintly. — Impressive… Dragon's Pursuit deserves the title of favorite.
The commentator threw his hands up, shouting at the top of his lungs:
— VICTORY! Dragon's Pursuit advances! What a battle! What power! The first display of Dragon's Blood in half a century!
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Valdor stood at the center of the arena, his body still radiating a pale light. Steam rose from his lips, as if he were burning from within.
Arwen ran up to him, grabbing his arm. — Valdor! Are you all right?
— Yes… — he gasped. — Still… in control.
From above, the emperor's voice echoed:
— Valdor, Dragon's Pursuit — your battle was worthy of legend. The Empire once again sees what courage truly means.
Valdor looked up, frowning.
The emperor only smiled broadly.
As the team left the arena, their eyes met those of the next contenders. The Wolf Blades — a team known for brutal efficiency and cold discipline — were already waiting at the ring's entrance. Their captain, Arok, rested his sword on his shoulder and gave Valdor a small, warrior's grin.
— Well done, Dragon's Pursuit — he said calmly. — But now, it's time to see how real beasts fight.
Valdor met his gaze. — We'll see who falls first… Arok.
Their shoulders brushed as they passed, the air between them thick as the smoke after battle.
The commentator, thrilled, jumped to his feet:
— Ladies and gentlemen! Dragon's Pursuit triumphs, but the excitement isn't over yet! Next match: **Wolf Blades versus the Fallen Knights!**
The crowd roared once more. Drums thundered, and the sound of the gong echoed across the arena.
A new battle was about to begin — but the echo of Valdor's blue flame still lingered in the air, reminding everyone that Dragon's Pursuit had only just begun their march toward victory.