Iansan knew Ishkab's conical spear possessed tracking capabilities.
She immediately shifted her strategy, leveraging her superior physical conditioning to execute rapid movements and evasive maneuvers, circling Ishkab with astonishing speed.
Suddenly changing direction, Iansan swept her spear across the ground, unleashing a wave of Thunderbolts.
Ishkab swiftly leaped back, simultaneously swinging her one-handed sword to create a gust of wind that countered the incoming Thunderbolts.
Purple Thunderbolts engulfed much of Ishkab's vision, while Iansan had positioned herself in Ishkab's blind spot. Ishkab immediately commanded her hovering shuttle to sweep across a wide area, simultaneously shifting her own position to avoid being pinpointed.
Iansan burst forth from the side, Electro Element suddenly erupting around her. Her movement speed visibly surged, transforming her into a bolt of lightning as she weaved across the arena.
Anticipating this move, Ishkab's Anemo Vision, which hung at her waist, glowed even brighter the moment Iansan charged forward.
With a swift slash, her sword clashed directly against Iansan's fist. The tremendous impact sent Ishkab flying backward.
Iansan remained vigilant. She could feel that her punch had landed like striking cotton, Ishkab had skillfully redirected her force.
Ishkab, propelled into the air, landed gracefully. The moment her feet touched the ground, her speed surged, and the shuttle and longsword attacked Iansan from two directions simultaneously.
Iansan once again relied on her speed to evade the attacks.
However, Ishkab was gradually adapting to Iansan's high-speed movements.
She began condensing Anemo Element onto her sword's blade, while the shuttle's attack frequency increased exponentially. The shuttle and one-handed sword worked in perfect synergy, forming relentless combo attacks.
Refusing to be outdone, Iansan coalesced Electro Element energy in her hand into the shape of a spear, which she hurled forward with explosive force.
She immediately followed up with a second wave of attacks.
Just then, Ishkab suddenly recalled the shuttle to her side, concentrating Anemo Element with unprecedented intensity.
The shuttle began spinning rapidly, creating a massive vortex of wind.
Iansan's Electro spear gradually dissipated within the vortex. She attempted to break through the defense, but the wind force field generated by the spinning shuttle was too powerful, forcing her to retreat continuously.
Cornered at the edge of the arena, Iansan struggled to maintain her balance. But Ishkab's flying shuttle suddenly changed direction, the resulting wind blast knocking her off balance.
Just as Iansan was about to tumble out of the arena, Ishkab swiftly moved forward and caught her.
"I've won, Coach."
"A brilliant match. It seems I need to train harder."
After regaining her footing, Iansan sincerely remarked, "Your control over the Anemo Element is truly impressive."
Iansan was genuinely surprised. She had dedicated every spare moment to honing her physical and combat skills, while Ishkab...
She had often seen her drying medicinal herbs, gathering them, cooking, or feeding small animals. Could this be... pure talent?
Host Balam announced, "Let's congratulate Ishkab, the Scion of the Canopy, for once again qualifying with a perfect record to participate in the Night Warden Wars!"
On the high platform, Mavuika crossed her legs, a distinct smile curving her lips.
-
The competition continued, and as expected, Chasca secured her spot in the final round with a flawless victory record.
Soon, the final round arrived. Host Balam addressed the crowd gathered around the arena:
"We've reached the climax of the competition! The outcome of this match will determine who earns the final opportunity to join the expedition!"
"Let's give a round of applause to... Kachina, the representative of the Children of Echoes, who has already achieved her personal best!"
Below the arena, Kachina emerged, cradling her longspear. She raised her head to take in the cheering crowd, her heart pounding with excitement, though nervousness still gnawed at her.
Lumine and Paimon waved enthusiastically at Kachina. Paimon cupped her tiny hands into a makeshift megaphone and shouted, "Go get 'em, Kachina!"
Balam continued, "And her opponent is... Mualani, the young and highly decorated warrior from the People of the Springs!"
"Just how fiercely will the sparks fly between these dear friends? Let's wait and see!"
Mualani exuded far more confidence than Kachina, waving grandly to the audience before finally turning to face her opponent.
"Still nervous after all this time, Kachina?"
"Sigh... who can blame me when my opponent is you? But I'm also grateful it's you. That way, even if I lose, I won't have any regrets."
"What are you saying, Kachina? Now isn't the time for modesty. You crave this victory even more than I do, right? You should shout what you want loud and clear!"
Kachina tightened her grip on her weapon. "You're right. I want to win! Mualani, I will win this time!"
Kachina assumed a battle stance, while Mualani summoned her surfboard. The battle between these two friends had officially begun!
-
After an exhilarating battle, Kachina disrupted Mualani's attack with a soaring spin, striking from the side and sending Mualani flying with a spear thrust.
The stands erupted in a thunderous roar, while below in the Arena...
Seeing Mualani unconscious from her blow, Kachina threw down her weapon and sprinted over, sliding to her knees beside her fallen friend. She gently helped Mualani sit up.
As Mualani regained consciousness, Kachina could no longer hold back her tears. Large drops fell as she sobbed:
"Waaah, I'm so sorry, Mualani! I'm really, really sorry! I went too far!"
Mualani patted Kachina's shoulder, gesturing toward the cheering crowd.
Wiping away her tears, Kachina stood up and gazed at the crowd cheering her name, her small mouth slightly agape.
Mavuika, Lumine, and Paimon were also clapping enthusiastically.
Balam announced, "The victor is... Kachina of the Children of Echoes!"
Hearing the declaration of her victory, Kachina finally broke into a radiant smile.
Balam: "With that, all the victors of this year's Pilgrimage of the Return of the Sacred Flame have been decided. Let us welcome them to the stage with thunderous applause!"
Soon, the five victors gathered in the center of the arena.
Balam: "Qualifying for the sixth consecutive time, Chasca of the Flower-Feather Clan!"
Chasca stepped forward, a faint smile playing on her lips.
"Qualifying in every Pilgrimage since her debut, Ishkab of the Scions of the Canopy!"
Ishkab, her small pack slung over her shoulder, joined Chasca's side. The two exchanged nods.
"Once single-handedly turned the tide from the brink of defeat, Iansan of the Collective of Plenty!"
"Winning again after a decade-long hiatus, representing the People of the Springs—Kaiulani!"
"And finally... maintaining unwavering resolve, she has finally broken free from her cocoon—representing the Children of Echoes—Kachina!"
In the stands, Paimon waved excitedly at Kachina. "Kachina, look over here!"
Kachina touched her head, still in disbelief. "I... I actually passed the Pilgrimage of the Return of the Sacred Flame... It's... it's like a dream..."
Chasca: "It's no dream. You got here through your own strength."
Iansan: "This time, we'll be participating in the Night Warden Wars. Please guide us well, Kachina."
Ishkab: "See now, Kachina? Your biggest flaw was your lack of confidence. Now, everyone acknowledges you."
Kaiulani felt compelled to say something to fit in. After a long pause, she finally blurted out, "Mm, that's exactly right."