Leo finally reached the massive registration hall in Korea, the epicenter of this international martial arts tournament. The air was thick with tension, electric with anticipation. Fighters from all over the world were lining up, each exuding their own aura of confidence or fear. Leo's eyes scanned the crowd; among them were his family and, of course, his friend Chen Wei.
"Finally… it's today," Leo muttered under his breath, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. His pulse quickened—not from fear, but from anticipation. After completing his registration, he was handed his official ID tag and a digital wristband that would monitor his powers throughout the tournament.
Across the hall, the announcer's booming voice echoed:
"Welcome, fighters! The tournament begins today! May the strongest prevail!"
The audience erupted in cheers. Leo's family waved at him, pride shining in their eyes. Chen Wei, however, stood apart, arms crossed, the air around him crackling with lightning.
Chen Wei's inner monologue: "Hmph… finally, the fun begins. Let's see which of these weaklings can even handle a fraction of my power. Almost… 80% unlocked… not bad. But I'll save the rest for real action."
Lightning danced over Chen Wei's shoulders, frightening nearby competitors into hesitation. No one dared approach him. His Vegeta-like aura radiated dominance—pride, confidence, and a hint of recklessness.
Meanwhile, Lily sat a few rows away, creating a faint shimmering shield around herself. Her Phoenix power hummed softly, barely visible, but potent enough to defend against sudden attacks. She kept her gaze fixed on Leo, her thoughts racing: "I promised his mother I'd protect him… but if I use too much of my power, I… I can't explain how it works. Transferring this much energy… it's… intimate. Just the thought makes me blush. Stay calm, Lily… just stay calm."
The first round of battles began. Leo moved through the arena like a silent storm, observing opponents, noting their weaknesses, and striking with calculated precision.
Battle sequence:
1. Leo steps forward, every movement smooth and lethal. He dispatches one opponent with a single punch, the ground cracking under the force.
2. Another fighter rushes him with blades, but Leo sidesteps gracefully and counters with a spinning kick that sends the opponent flying into the boundary wall.
3. Chen Wei, standing with his arms crossed, observes and mutters:
"Hmph… amateurs. Show me someone worth my lightning."
Across the arena, Lily watches anxiously. One aggressive female fighter charges at Leo, eyes blazing. Without hesitation, Leo engages, a perfect blend of speed, strength, and technique. The female attacker gets deflected repeatedly, each strike sending shockwaves through the sanded arena floor.
Finally, after several rounds, only three remain in the battlefield: Leo, Lily, and one extra competitor. The rest have been eliminated. The announcer's voice booms:
"And we have our final contenders! By default, these three advance to the next round!"
Chen Wei strides toward Leo, lightning still flickering around him. His Vegeta-like smirk is unmissable:
"Fool… how much power have you unlocked this time?"
Leo, slightly out of breath, replies calmly:
"Almost 80%."
Chen Wei's lips twitch into a rare smile, a mixture of admiration and irritation.
Meanwhile, Lily, her hands crackling faintly with electricity, mutters to herself:
"I missed you so much…"
Leo gently steps closer, putting a protective hand on her shoulder:
"Who are you talking to? Don't worry. Focus on the fight now. You'll get your chance."
The arena suddenly grows tense. The announcer's voice shakes slightly as the crowd gasps:
"Wait… what is happening? The fight… it's still going, but these two—Leo and Lily—are showing signs of… personal conflict?"
From the sidelines, a male fighter whispers to his teammate:
"She… she loves him. But he doesn't recognize her!"
Lily's shield flashes brightly as she pushes forward, attacking the extra competitor with full force. Her punch sends him flying into the arena wall. "Don't you dare forget me!" she shouts.
Leo stops, eyes wide, as memories rush back: the childhood promise, the vows long forgotten, and the laughter of their early years. He finally realizes:
"So… you're the girl… the one I promised to marry as a child?"
Lily, smiling softly yet fiercely, replies:
"Yes. I promised your mother long ago. And I've been waiting for you to remember."
The announcer, confused but electrified by the scene, exclaims:
"What is this?! Two fighters… falling in love in the middle of the arena?!"
The crowd goes wild. Cheers, gasps, and shouts fill the air. The emotional tension mixes with the raw combat energy, creating an almost magical spectacle.
Suddenly, a deep, commanding voice echoes from above the arena:
"Pathetic. Look at this… a love story on a battlefield. Where is the true fight?"
Leo and Lily glance up. Sitting atop the arena platform is none other than Kaito Jin, the notorious villain, flanked by Anant, who casually waves at them, his smirk teasing and confident.
Leo grips his fists tightly. Chen Wei stands ready, still bristling with lightning, his aura challenging anyone to come close. The stage is set, the stakes higher than ever, and the tournament—though officially underway—has now become a battlefield of emotions, powers, and destiny itself.
Chapter 13 ends here, leaving t
he reader on the edge of their seat, anticipating the next explosive round.