The forest glowed with the light of their clashing auras, so intense that the trees trembled with the power. Saruto, standing firm, drew his swords and prepared to face the Dragon Heir, Rhyn, whose wings blazed with energy and whose eyes glowed like fire, consuming everything in their path.
The Dragon Heir launched the first attack, his wings flapping with incredible speed, creating powerful pressure waves that forced Saruto to retreat, trying to read his movements. Saruto only unleashed half his aura's power, not wanting to reveal his full potential yet, but he knew he could counter this attack with speed and evasion.
"Is that all you've got?" the Dragon Heir roared in a deep voice, unleashing fireballs at Saruto.
Saruto spun around with lightning speed, using his swords to deflect Rhyn's attack, cutting some of the fireballs and deflecting others. With each collision, sparks flew around them, as if the entire forest had become a testing ground for powers beyond human comprehension.
"These attacks won't work on me!" Saruto said, focusing intently on his opponent's movements, sensing every pulse of his energy.
The Dragon Heir responded with a mocking smile, pointing at the ground before him.
"If you want that, then unleash some of my true power!"
The first sparks flew from both sides: swift, close-quarters strikes, long-range attacks in the form of concentrated energy, sending trees and stones flying. Saruto used his lightning speed to move behind his opponent, trying to exploit any gaps, but he was surprised by the Dragon Heir's immediate reaction. The Dragon Heir used his wings to impede his progress, adding a rearward thrust that far exceeded his human speed.
With each passing moment, they traded blows relentlessly, their energy seeping into the air, and the dust around them thickening. Saruto began to feel that this fight was not just a test of skill, but an exploration of his opponent's true power, while the Dragon Heir watched, wanting to gauge the extent of the Luwen Crown Prince's might.
Then suddenly, as the tension mounted, their auras surged to a higher level, and each began unleashing their murderous intent in concentrated strikes that collided in the heart of the forest, leaving a powerful shockwave that shook the ground and ignited sparks from the burning trees.
At that moment, all movement around them ceased, and each breathed deeply, watching the other with sharp eyes. There was no clear loser yet, but each recognized the other's strength, and the mutual respect transformed into a keen awareness of the upcoming battle in the annual tournament.
"You are truly a worthy opponent, commoner… or rather, Luin's heir," the Dragon Heir said with a menacing smile, slicing his sword.
"Wait… the tournament will determine who is truly the strongest," Saruto replied coldly, vanishing in an instantaneous flash. He transported himself to his family's mansion and trained in the Time Chamber, preparing himself for what lay ahead in the annual tournament.