The battlefield had become a kingdom of destruction.
Across Sector 1, enormous craters scarred the landscape. Mountains that had once stood proudly above the surrounding plains were now broken into uneven formations. The atmosphere trembled beneath the accumulated pressure of countless Sakti abilities, while the distant sky flickered with the remnants of attacks that had crossed the battlefield only moments earlier.
Yet the examination continued.
The CESC examination had never been an ordinary competition. Every participant had entered knowing that the challenges would test more than their strength. Their judgment, adaptability, teamwork, instincts, and ability to survive against extraordinary opponents would all be examined.
And at that particular moment, one group was learning just how terrible a mistake it could be to underestimate Team Thunder.
***
SECTOR 1
THE STOLEN ELIMINATION
Sayon could barely process what he had witnessed.
His eyes remained fixed on the location where Mithu Bin Ridwan had been standing.
Ridwan.
His captain.
His best friend.
The person who had charged into battle beside him countless times.
Now, he was gone.
The electromagnetic attack had reduced Ridwan's remaining presence to approximately one hundred thousand microscopic fragments. The examination system had registered his elimination, leaving no uncertainty about the result.
Sayon's expression changed.
The shock disappeared.
The disbelief vanished.
Only anger remained.
"RIDWAN!"
His voice crossed the battlefield.
Thunder stood several dozen meters away, his electromagnetic field still circulating around his body. Purple and blue electricity crawled across his shoulders and arms.
He slowly turned his head.
Sayon was already moving.
His body accelerated with everything he could summon. The surrounding atmosphere compressed around his movement as he charged directly toward Thunder.
"YOU!"
Sayon's Sakti surged.
He didn't care about formations anymore. He didn't care about strategy. He didn't even care about the other members of Team Eclipse.
His attention had narrowed to one individual.
Thunder.
"You took him away from me!"
Thunder watched him approach.
His violet eyes remained calm.
"You're making the same mistake."
Sayon didn't listen.
His attack came from above, accompanied by a concentrated burst of Sakti.
Thunder raised one hand.
An electromagnetic field formed around his body.
The incoming force collided with it, producing a tremendous shockwave that spread across the ruined terrain.
Sayon's attack failed to reach its target.
Thunder stepped forward.
A concentrated plasma blade began forming around his arm.
"You're too emotional."
Sayon's expression twisted.
"SHUT UP!"
He attacked again.
Thunder moved.
The difference between their combat capabilities became increasingly obvious. Sayon attempted to overwhelm him with successive attacks, but Thunder continued dismantling each offensive movement.
A strike was redirected.
Another was neutralized.
A third was avoided by a fraction of a second.
Thunder was preparing to finish the encounter.
His plasma cleave gathered around his arm.
The atmosphere brightened.
Sayon saw the attack approaching, but his momentum had already committed him to the confrontation.
Then—
The future changed.
A purple distortion appeared around Sayon's position.
Thunder's eyes narrowed.
Before his attack could connect, Sayon's immediate future was overwritten by an intervention that had not belonged to the original sequence of events.
A tremendous purple force descended.
Sayon was eliminated.
Thunder's plasma cleave cut through the empty space where his opponent had been.
Silence followed.
Thunder slowly lowered his arm.
Then he turned.
Ninten stood nearby, one hand raised, his expression carrying an unmistakably satisfied look.
"Yo."
Thunder stared at him.
"...What?"
Ninten shrugged.
"You're welcome."
Thunder's eyebrows lowered.
"Hey, brat! Why did you do this? This was my kill!"
Ninten crossed his arms.
"You couldn't secure your kill, brah! So that's your fault, not mine!"
Thunder's expression became even more irritated.
"YOU STOLE IT!"
"Stole what? The elimination? You were taking too long."
"I WAS ABOUT TO FINISH HIM!"
"Yeah, and I was about to finish my snack before you interrupted me earlier. We all have problems."
Thunder stared at him.
For several seconds, neither moved.
Then Ninten pointed toward the battlefield.
"Anyway, you're welcome for the assistance."
Thunder's electricity intensified.
"Keep talking."
Ninten grinned.
"Gladly."
The brief argument ended when the surrounding battlefield began to tremble.
The remaining members of Team Eclipse had witnessed everything.
Their captain was gone.
Ridwan was gone.
Sayon was gone.
The situation had deteriorated beyond what they had anticipated.
Eleven members had remained at the beginning of this confrontation.
Now, the team had suffered another devastating setback.
But they were not finished.
The remaining members spread across the battlefield.
Their expressions were no longer uniform. Some were furious. Others were frightened. A few had begun calculating their chances of escaping the confrontation.
But none of them wanted to accept defeat.
One of them shouted.
"EVERYONE! ATTACK TOGETHER!"
The others responded immediately.
Their Sakti surged.
Eleven fighters had originally entered the confrontation together. Four had already been eliminated during the previous exchange, and the battlefield had become a contest between those still standing and the two brothers who refused to retreat.
Thunder looked toward the incoming opponents.
Ninten glanced at him.
"Well, looks like your fans aren't happy."
Thunder rolled his shoulders.
"Then let's disappoint them."
Ninten's smile widened.
"Now that's a proper attitude."
The first wave arrived.
Several attacks descended from different directions. Some targeted Thunder, others Ninten, while a few attempted to divide the brothers and prevent them from supporting one another.
Thunder raised both hands.
The electromagnetic field expanded.
Every incoming metallic projectile changed direction. The surrounding electrical currents became unstable, and the battlefield's electromagnetic environment shifted under his control.
One attacker attempted to approach from the left.
Thunder turned his wrist.
A concentrated electrical burst intercepted the fighter's movement.
Another opponent attempted to strike from behind.
Thunder's field reacted before the attack reached him.
He pivoted and released a short-range discharge.
The opponent was thrown away from the immediate combat zone.
Meanwhile, Ninten remained several meters behind him.
His expression had become more serious.
The Almighty was active.
His perception extended through possible futures, allowing him to recognize events before they fully unfolded.
He didn't need to react to every attack in the conventional sense.
He could observe the paths that events might take.
And when necessary, he could alter the outcome.
An attacker approached from above.
Ninten already knew.
He moved one step to the side.
The attack passed through empty space.
Another opponent attempted to exploit the opening.
Ninten's gaze shifted.
The sequence changed.
The attack never reached its intended target.
Thunder glanced over his shoulder.
"Stop playing around!"
"I'm not playing around!"
"Then help!"
"I AM helping!"
"YOU'RE STANDING THERE!"
"Strategically!"
Thunder released a burst of electricity that forced several opponents to retreat.
Ninten raised his hand.
A purple barrier spread across a portion of the battlefield, separating several incoming attacks from their intended targets.
The remaining Team Eclipse members regrouped.
Their teamwork was becoming increasingly desperate.
They knew that defeating Thunder and Ninten individually would be difficult.
Defeating both together was considerably worse.
But they continued fighting.
The confrontation had only begun.
And neither brother intended to leave.
***
BEYOND THE MAIN BATTLEFIELD
A MOMENT OF PROTECTION
Farther away, the atmosphere was considerably quieter.
The battlefield's distant explosions still shook the surrounding landscape, but the immediate area was sheltered by a natural formation of enormous rocks.
Zex stood beside Layla.
His eight wings remained spread behind him.
Their blackish-red surfaces carried an unnatural intensity, and the jagged red trident in his hand pulsed with dark energy.
His transformed appearance had become increasingly intimidating.
There was something different about his presence compared with his earlier confrontation with Thunder.
His power had increased.
Not merely through the accumulation of ordinary energy, but through the continuing development of his current form.
The longer his transformation progressed through the story, the greater its potential became.
And the battlefield was beginning to notice.
Layla stood beside him, still recovering from the earlier incident.
Zex looked at her.
"Can you stand?"
She nodded.
"I'm fine."
He didn't immediately accept the answer.
His eyes examined her condition.
"Don't lie to me."
Layla lowered her gaze briefly.
"I'm recovering. That's all."
Zex remained silent.
Then he turned toward several members of his own team who had arrived nearby.
"Take care of her."
One of them stepped forward.
"We've got her."
Zex looked at them.
"Don't leave her alone. Keep her protected until she's ready to return."
Layla immediately looked toward him.
"Zex..."
He turned.
"What?"
"You're going back?"
"Yes."
"Your fight with Thunder..."
"Not finished."
His voice was calm, but there was a certain weight behind it.
Layla understood.
Zex wasn't the type to abandon a battle simply because it had become difficult.
But he had already interrupted his confrontation once to protect her.
That decision had revealed something important about him.
He could prioritize someone else's safety over his own desire to win.
Layla stepped slightly closer.
"Don't do anything reckless."
Zex looked at her.
For a moment, his expression softened.
"I'll handle it."
He turned away.
His wings expanded.
The atmosphere compressed around him.
Then he disappeared.
The team members remained with Layla.
One of them glanced toward the distant battlefield.
"He's getting stronger."
Another nodded.
"Every time we see him, his presence feels different."
Layla looked in the direction where Zex had vanished.
"I know."
She understood that his current transformation was still developing.
And she also knew that the next confrontation would be far more dangerous than the previous one.
***
THE WESTERN RIDGE
THE UNEXPECTED ARRIVAL
Gic stood near the western ridge.
Golden patterns glowed across the surface of his Du'Ah scrolls, while several lines of energy moved around his hands.
Beside him stood Fi.
Fi's posture was relaxed, but his attention remained fixed on the surrounding battlefield.
His fists were clenched.
His body was ready.
The two brothers had been observing the situation from different positions before Gic moved closer to assist him.
"You're taking too long," Fi said.
Gic glanced at him.
"You're welcome."
"I didn't ask for help."
"You didn't need to."
Fi looked toward him.
"That's annoying."
Gic smiled.
"Good."
The two stood together.
Fi specialized in fighting.
His entire combat philosophy revolved around direct confrontation through physical ability, weapons, and armor.
Gic, meanwhile, possessed authority over Du'Ah itself.
Their abilities were fundamentally different, but their cooperation was not difficult.
Gic could support Fi without interfering with his preferred fighting style.
Fi could create opportunities for Gic without requiring him to abandon his own abilities.
A brief silence settled between them.
Then the atmosphere changed.
Fi noticed first.
His eyes moved upward.
Gic's scrolls reacted.
A dark pressure descended over the ridge.
A figure appeared above them.
Eight wings.
Blackish-red energy.
A jagged red trident.
Zex.
Fi immediately shifted his stance.
Gic's expression changed.
"Well..."
Zex looked down.
"Found you."
Fi raised his fists.
"You're late."
Zex tilted his head.
"Am I?"
His trident moved.
The attack descended.
Fi stepped forward.
His forearms became surrounded by Abha.
The incoming weapon collided with his defense.
A tremendous shockwave erupted.
The ridge fractured.
The ground beneath Fi's feet collapsed into a crater, and the surrounding atmosphere trembled under the impact.
Fi remained standing.
Zex's eyes narrowed slightly.
Fi pushed the trident away.
"You're not getting through."
Zex examined him.
"Interesting."
Fi advanced.
His first strike forced Zex to reposition.
The second followed before Zex could fully stabilize.
Fi's movements were direct and powerful, with no unnecessary gestures.
He didn't rely on complicated attacks.
He didn't attempt to imitate another fighter's style.
He simply fought.
Zex's wings moved.
He avoided the next strike and countered with his trident.
Fi intercepted it.
The two forces collided again.
Gic watched carefully.
He could have intervened, but Fi had already entered the confrontation.
And Fi was not someone who appreciated another person taking over his fight.
"Fi!" Gic called.
"What?"
"Don't let him isolate you."
Fi didn't look back.
"Then stop talking and watch."
Gic sighed.
"Unbelievable."
Zex's wings spread wider.
A pulse of energy moved through his transformed body.
The surrounding pressure increased.
Fi noticed immediately.
His expression became serious.
"You're stronger than before."
Zex smiled.
"Obviously."
The next exchange was faster.
Fi's Abha met the trident again.
The impact sent a wave through the ridge.
Gic raised one of his Du'Ah scrolls.
He was preparing to support Fi.
But Zex suddenly turned his attention away from the confrontation.
His gaze moved beyond the western ridge.
Toward another section of the battlefield.
Toward Mark.
Zex's expression changed.
"Wait."
Fi narrowed his eyes.
"What?"
Zex's attention remained fixed on the distant figure.
"That Prince..."
His trident lowered slightly.
Fi stepped forward.
"Don't ignore me."
Zex looked at him again.
"You're not the one I'm looking for."
Fi's expression hardened.
"Then you shouldn't have attacked me."
Zex's wings moved.
The surrounding space distorted.
Before Fi could close the distance, Zex disappeared.
Fi remained in the crater.
His eyes narrowed.
"...He ran away?"
Gic approached.
"Technically, he changed targets."
Fi looked at him.
"Same thing."
Gic examined the distant battlefield.
"He's heading toward Mark."
Fi clenched his fists.
"Then I'll deal with whoever comes next."
Gic looked at him.
"That's the spirit."
***
THE SECOND CONFRONTATION
YOU DIDN'T END OUR FIGHT
Mark stood in a different section of Sector 1.
His attention was divided between the ongoing examination and the movements of the surrounding combatants.
He had already gathered considerable information about the battlefield.
The positions of the remaining fighters.
Their energy signatures.
Their attack patterns.
Their changing strategies.
Everything was being processed.
But one particular presence had become impossible to ignore.
A dark pressure appeared behind him.
Mark turned.
Zex descended.
His eight wings spread across the sky.
His trident pointed toward Mark.
"YOU DIDN'T END OUR FIGHT, PRINCE!"
Mark looked at him.
His expression remained controlled.
"You're still occupied?"
Zex's smile widened.
"Not anymore."
Mark examined him.
"Your energy has increased."
"That's what happens."
Zex raised his trident.
"Now fight."
Mark's eyes narrowed.
"Very well."
The first attack arrived.
Zex accelerated.
His trident moved toward Mark with tremendous force.
Mark raised one hand.
A defensive structure formed between them.
The collision produced a powerful shockwave.
Mark was pushed backward, but his defense remained intact.
Zex followed.
His wings adjusted his movement.
The next attack came from a different angle.
Mark redirected his defense.
The trident struck another barrier.
A second impact followed.
Then a third.
Mark continued analyzing the sequence.
Zex's attacks were becoming more difficult to predict.
His current form had changed again.
The pressure surrounding him was no longer comparable to the earlier confrontation.
Mark understood that the longer this battle continued, the more dangerous Zex could become.
He needed to identify the structure of the transformation.
The source of its growth.
Its limitations.
And whether those limitations could be exploited.
Zex didn't intend to give him time.
A wave of dark energy spread from his position.
Mark's defensive field expanded.
The two forces collided.
The surrounding terrain fractured.
Mark moved sideways.
Zex pursued.
"Running already?"
Mark didn't answer.
He raised his hand.
A concentrated attack emerged from his defensive structure.
Zex intercepted it with his trident.
The impact pushed him several meters backward.
For the first time, Mark's expression changed slightly.
He had found an opportunity.
He immediately followed with another attack.
Zex's wings shifted.
The attack passed close to his body.
His trident rotated.
A counterstrike forced Mark to retreat.
Mark landed on a broken section of terrain.
His eyes remained fixed on Zex.
"Your offensive output is increasing."
Zex looked at him.
"Keep calculating."
Mark's gaze sharpened.
"I intend to."
Zex laughed.
Then he attacked again.
***
THE SOUTHERN SECTOR
THE OFFICIAL CAPTAIN
Ousmane stood in the southern portion of the battlefield.
His attention was focused on the approaching movement.
He was Team Vanguard's official captain.
A formidable fighter with considerable hand-to-hand ability and mastery over weapons.
He had already observed the ongoing confrontations.
Thunder and Ninten were occupied with Team Eclipse.
Gic and Dent were positioned near Team Hira.
Mark was engaged with Zex.
And now another confrontation was approaching.
Fi.
The two fighters looked at each other.
Ousmane's expression remained serious.
Fi's posture was unchanged.
For several moments, neither moved.
Then Ousmane spoke.
"You're Fi, correct?"
Fi nodded.
"And you're Ousmane."
"Officially."
Fi tilted his head.
"Officially?"
Ousmane glanced toward another part of the battlefield.
"Martis likes acting as though he's the captain."
Fi considered that.
"Is he?"
"Not officially."
Fi nodded.
"Then that's confusing."
Ousmane gave a small smile.
"Welcome to Team Vanguard."
Fi raised his fists.
"Enough talking."
Ousmane's expression sharpened.
"Agreed."
The two advanced.
Their first attacks collided.
A tremendous shockwave spread through the surrounding terrain.
Ousmane's physical strength was extraordinary.
His combat experience was equally impressive.
He didn't simply throw powerful attacks.
He understood distance, timing, positioning, and the importance of maintaining control over an opponent's movement.
Fi responded with his own approach.
He fought directly.
His body became the center of his entire combat style.
His movements were efficient.
His strikes carried tremendous force.
The two exchanged attacks.
Ousmane attempted to control the distance.
Fi attempted to close it.
Their opposing approaches created a constant struggle for positioning.
Ousmane moved backward, then suddenly changed direction, attempting to catch Fi during his advance.
Fi recognized the movement.
He adjusted his stance and intercepted Ousmane's next strike.
The impact forced both fighters to reposition.
Ousmane examined Fi.
"You don't waste movements."
Fi answered without hesitation.
"Neither do you."
"That's a compliment?"
"No."
Ousmane laughed.
"You're quite something."
Fi advanced again.
Ousmane met him.
Their fists collided.
The shockwave travelled across the southern battlefield, disturbing the surrounding formations and forcing several distant competitors to turn toward the confrontation.
Neither fighter backed down.
Ousmane attempted a combination of strikes, alternating between powerful attacks and sudden changes in direction.
Fi responded with direct counters.
He didn't need complicated patterns.
He observed Ousmane's movements, recognized the openings, and responded with the most suitable physical action.
Ousmane suddenly changed his rhythm.
Fi's counter missed.
Ousmane seized the opportunity and delivered a powerful strike.
Fi was pushed backward.
His feet dragged across the damaged ground.
He stopped.
Then he looked at Ousmane.
"Better."
Ousmane raised an eyebrow.
"You're complimenting me now?"
"Don't get used to it."
Ousmane smiled.
"Fair enough."
Fi stepped forward again.
The two fighters resumed their confrontation.
Neither had secured a decisive advantage.
And neither appeared interested in ending the battle prematurely.
***
THE EASTERN SECTION
A DIFFERENT KIND OF CONFRONTATION
Gic stood beside Dent.
The defensive boundary surrounding Team Hira remained active.
Jamuna examined the formation.
She had already understood that Gic wasn't attempting to attack them. His Du'Ah was being used to maintain a controlled environment, while Dent's defensive authority reinforced the area.
Nevertheless, she wasn't particularly interested in standing around.
"How long are you planning to keep this formation active?" she asked.
Gic glanced at her.
"Until the surrounding situation becomes stable."
"And when will that happen?"
"When everyone stops trying to destroy everything."
Magna laughed.
"That could take a while."
Tista crossed her arms.
"You're avoiding the question."
Gic smiled.
"Am I?"
"Yes."
Padma continued examining the Du'Ah formation.
"The structure is interesting. It's not directly restricting our movements."
Dent nodded.
"Correct."
"So we can still participate in the examination?"
"Yes."
Surma looked toward the distant battlefield.
"Then why are you standing here?"
Dent answered calmly.
"Because the surrounding area is becoming increasingly unstable. We don't want another confrontation to spill into this section unexpectedly."
Karnaphuli tilted her head.
"That sounds reasonable."
Jamuna looked at her.
"Don't agree so quickly."
Karnaphuli shrugged.
"I'm just saying."
Gic rolled up one of his scrolls.
"Look, we're not here to stop you from fighting. We're simply maintaining the boundary."
Jamuna studied him.
"And if we decide to leave?"
"Then you can leave."
The sisters exchanged glances.
Magna smiled.
"That's surprisingly accommodating."
Gic shrugged.
"I'm not interested in fighting people who haven't attacked me."
Tista raised an eyebrow.
"That's a rather convenient philosophy."
"It's also a rather useful one."
Dent remained quiet.
His attention was focused on the surrounding terrain.
The distant clashes continued.
Fi and Ousmane.
Mark and Zex.
Thunder and Ninten against Team Eclipse.
The examination was becoming increasingly chaotic.
But the eastern section remained controlled.
For now.
Jamuna looked toward Gic.
"You're Thunder's brother, aren't you?"
Gic nodded.
"Yes."
"Then I suppose your group is quite accustomed to causing trouble."
Gic laughed.
"That's an interesting observation."
Magna glanced toward the battlefield.
"Your brother Ninten seems particularly troublesome."
Gic smiled.
"You have no idea."
Padma looked toward the distant purple energy.
"Is that really Yhwach's power?"
Gic nodded.
"He's using The Almighty."
Padma's eyes widened slightly.
"That's quite an ability."
"Understatement."
Jamuna looked toward the battlefield again.
She could see the consequences of Ninten's power, even from their position.
The ability to perceive possible futures and alter outcomes made him an extremely difficult opponent to approach.
She understood why Team Eclipse was struggling.
But she also noticed something else.
Thunder and Ninten were arguing even while fighting together.
Jamuna shook her head.
"Are those two always like that?"
Gic answered immediately.
"Yes."
Dent added:
"Frequently."
The sisters exchanged amused looks.
For a brief moment, the eastern section felt almost peaceful.
Then another shockwave crossed the battlefield.
The formation trembled.
Dent immediately reinforced it.
Gic raised his scroll.
Jamuna's expression sharpened.
The examination wasn't finished.
Not even close.
***
THE HIGHER GROUND
THE PRICE OF PREDICTION
Freak remained on the elevated terrain.
Martis stood at a distance from him.
The encounter had ended, but neither had immediately departed.
Martis examined Freak.
His expression was considerably less confident than before.
"Ten seconds?"
Freak turned slightly.
"What?"
"Your Technique. You said it was 10 Seconds Future Sight."
"Yes."
"Can you see everything that happens during those ten seconds?"
Freak considered the question.
"No."
Martis frowned.
"Then what's the limitation?"
Freak looked toward the battlefield.
"It's a Technique. Not an answer to every problem."
Martis remained silent.
Freak continued.
"Seeing possible events doesn't automatically mean I can prevent all of them. I still have to make decisions and act."
Martis examined him.
"So you can predict something and still fail to stop it."
"Correct."
Martis looked toward his spears.
That answer was more reasonable than he had expected.
He had initially assumed Freak's Technique made him untouchable.
But it didn't.
There was a difference between seeing an approaching event and having the ability to respond to it.
Martis understood that distinction.
He also understood that his own approach had given Freak opportunities.
His movements had been powerful, but his opponent had been able to anticipate them.
Martis raised his head.
"Don't think this means you've defeated me permanently."
Freak looked at him.
"I didn't say that."
"Next time, I'll be different."
"Then I'll have to observe something different."
Martis gave him an irritated look.
"You're really annoying."
Freak turned away.
"That's unfortunate."
Martis remained where he was.
He wasn't satisfied with the result.
But he wasn't foolish enough to pretend that nothing had happened.
He had been outmaneuvered.
And he would need to reconsider his approach before confronting Freak again.
Far below them, the battlefield continued to shake.
Freak looked toward the distant confrontations.
His attention settled on Zex.
The transformed fighter was becoming increasingly powerful.
Freak could see that the confrontation with Mark was changing.
Zex's attacks were becoming more difficult to manage.
Mark was still responding intelligently, but the situation was not becoming easier.
Freak narrowed his eyes.
"Interesting."
Martis followed his gaze.
"What's interesting?"
"That fight."
"Zex and Mark?"
Freak nodded.
Martis examined the distant figures.
"Mark is strong."
"Yes."
"But Zex..."
Freak remained silent.
Martis understood.
Zex's current form was developing at an extraordinary pace.
And the longer the confrontation continued, the more dangerous it could become.
***
THE CENTRAL BATTLEFIELD
THE ALMIGHTY'S GAME
Thunder's electricity illuminated the ruined landscape.
Several members of Team Eclipse were approaching from different directions.
Ninten stood behind him.
The Almighty remained active.
The future was no longer a simple sequence of events.
It was a collection of possible outcomes.
Ninten observed the incoming attacks.
One opponent approached from the front.
Another moved toward Thunder's right.
A third attempted to approach Ninten directly.
Ninten's eyes shifted.
He already understood the developing sequence.
"Thunder!"
Thunder turned slightly.
"What?"
"Three incoming!"
"I can see them!"
"Then why are you asking?"
"I'm not asking!"
Thunder raised his arm.
An electromagnetic discharge spread outward.
The first opponent was forced away.
The second attempted to avoid the expanding field.
Thunder redirected the electrical current.
The attack intercepted the fighter before he could reach his intended position.
Meanwhile, the third opponent reached Ninten.
Or rather, he believed he had.
Ninten moved.
The attack passed through empty space.
The attacker turned.
Ninten was already looking at him.
"Too slow."
The future changed.
A purple force appeared around the opponent.
The resulting intervention ended the engagement.
Thunder glanced toward Ninten.
"You're enjoying this too much."
Ninten shrugged.
"Can't help it."
"Focus."
"I am focused."
"Then stop smiling."
"That's not how focusing works, brah."
Thunder shook his head.
The remaining Team Eclipse members attempted to regroup.
Their numbers had fallen.
Their confidence had suffered.
And their opponents were becoming increasingly familiar with their fighting patterns.
One of the remaining members shouted.
"STOP SEPARATING! STAY TOGETHER!"
The fighters adjusted their positions.
This time, they attempted to create a coordinated formation.
Several moved toward Thunder.
Others focused on Ninten.
They were attempting to divide the brothers' attention and prevent them from supporting each other.
Thunder noticed.
"Now they're thinking."
Ninten smiled.
"Finally."
The next sequence began.
Thunder advanced.
He released a wave of electricity that forced the formation to spread apart.
Ninten observed the possible outcomes.
He identified the most dangerous approach.
Then he altered the developing sequence.
The coordination began to fail.
One opponent moved too early.
Another moved too late.
A third found his intended route blocked by the consequences of a different outcome.
Thunder seized the opportunity.
His electromagnetic field expanded.
The battlefield illuminated.
The remaining fighters struggled to maintain their formation.
But the brothers continued pressing forward.
They weren't merely fighting their opponents.
They were dismantling the structure that allowed Team Eclipse to operate effectively.
***
THE SKY ABOVE SECTOR 1
A GROWING THREAT
Zex's trident collided with Mark's defense.
The resulting shockwave spread across the battlefield.
Mark repositioned.
Zex followed.
The transformed fighter's eight wings moved in coordination, allowing him to change direction during the confrontation.
His blackish-red energy continued pulsing.
Mark observed him carefully.
The difference was becoming increasingly obvious.
Zex's current form was growing stronger.
Every new chapter of his progression brought another increase in his power.
This wasn't simply a temporary surge.
It was part of the development of his transformation.
Mark raised another defensive structure.
Zex attacked.
The collision forced the structure to bend.
Mark immediately adjusted it.
Zex's trident moved again.
The defense fractured.
Mark retreated.
Zex followed.
"What's wrong, Prince?"
Mark's expression remained controlled.
"Your transformation is changing."
Zex smiled.
"Obviously."
"Your power is increasing as well."
"You're catching on."
Mark ignored the remark.
He continued examining the energy surrounding Zex.
The increase was not merely a matter of quantity.
The pressure itself was changing.
The nature of the attacks was becoming more difficult to assess.
Mark needed to understand whether the growth was connected to time, combat, or another aspect of the transformation.
But Zex was not interested in allowing him to conduct an examination.
The trident descended.
Mark moved.
The attack struck the ground.
A massive shockwave spread outward.
Mark landed on a broken section of terrain.
Zex appeared above him.
Mark raised his defense.
The next collision shook the surrounding area.
Zex's expression became more serious.
"You're still standing."
Mark answered:
"Naturally."
"Then let's see how long that lasts."
Zex attacked again.
Mark responded.
The confrontation continued.
***
THE SOUTHERN BATTLEFIELD
FISTS AGAINST FISTS
Fi and Ousmane had moved farther away from their original position.
The ground beneath them was broken.
Their movements had created a wide area of damaged terrain.
Ousmane stepped forward.
Fi met him.
Their fists collided.
The impact produced another shockwave.
Ousmane adjusted his stance.
Fi immediately followed with another attack.
Ousmane blocked.
He countered.
Fi intercepted the strike.
The two fighters separated.
Ousmane examined Fi.
"You're remarkably direct."
Fi looked at him.
"You're remarkably talkative."
Ousmane laughed.
"That's fair."
Fi advanced.
Ousmane shifted sideways.
He attempted to catch Fi during the movement, but Fi adjusted his position and blocked the incoming strike.
Ousmane's eyes narrowed.
He was beginning to understand Fi's fighting style.
Fi wasn't interested in complicated exchanges.
He preferred direct combat.
He didn't want to spend unnecessary time controlling the battlefield through elaborate strategies.
He wanted to engage his opponent.
And once he had committed to a fight, he expected the other person to respond in kind.
Ousmane smiled.
"You're the kind of opponent who wants to settle everything through combat."
Fi nodded.
"Yes."
"Then I suppose we've found common ground."
Fi raised his fists.
"Enough talking."
Ousmane adopted his stance.
"Agreed."
They attacked simultaneously.
Their fists collided.
The shockwave spread across the southern section.
Neither fighter retreated.
***
THE OBSIDIAN PANOPTICON
THE NEXT OBSERVATION
The two mysterious shadows continued watching the battlefield.
The scry-screen displayed the major confrontations.
Thunder and Ninten were still engaged with Team Eclipse.
Mark was fighting Zex.
Fi was fighting Ousmane.
Gic and Dent remained near Team Hira.
Freak had defeated Martis.
The second shadow examined the screen.
"Four separate confrontations."
The first shadow responded.
"More than four."
The second looked toward the other sections.
"True."
Its attention returned to Zex.
"He continues growing."
"Yes."
"Mark has recognized the pattern."
"Recognition is only the beginning."
The second shadow remained silent.
Then it looked toward Freak.
"That Technique is unusual."
"10 Seconds Future Sight."
"Limited, but useful."
"Very."
The second shadow tilted its head.
"And Ninten's Almighty?"
The first shadow's attention moved toward the central battlefield.
"That is another matter entirely."
The screen displayed Ninten.
His expression was calm.
His attention was focused on the possible outcomes unfolding around him.
The second shadow laughed.
"An interesting examination."
The first shadow didn't answer immediately.
Then it spoke.
"Indeed."
The screen continued displaying the battlefield.
Neither shadow appeared interested in ending the observation.
***
THE CENTRAL BATTLEFIELD
THE BROTHERS' ARGUMENT
Thunder released another electrical burst.
The remaining Team Eclipse fighters were forced to reposition.
Ninten stood nearby.
He had already identified the next series of possible movements.
Thunder looked at him.
"Can you handle the right side?"
Ninten nodded.
"Obviously."
"Then do it."
"Ask nicely."
Thunder stared.
Ninten grinned.
"Just kidding."
Thunder returned his attention to the battlefield.
The next opponent advanced.
Thunder intercepted the attack.
Ninten altered another developing outcome.
The coordination between the brothers remained effective despite their constant arguments.
Thunder was aggressive.
Ninten was unpredictable.
Together, they forced their opponents to reconsider every movement.
One Team Eclipse member attempted to retreat.
Thunder noticed.
"Where are you going?"
The opponent turned.
Thunder raised his hand.
An electromagnetic field surrounded the area.
The fighter's escape route became difficult to maintain.
Ninten looked toward Thunder.
"Want me to handle it?"
Thunder answered immediately.
"No."
"Why?"
"Because I saw him first."
Ninten shrugged.
"Fine. Your kill."
Thunder advanced.
The opponent attempted to defend.
Thunder's attack broke through the defensive formation.
The examination system registered the elimination.
Ninten looked at him.
"Congratulations."
Thunder glanced over his shoulder.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"Stop stealing my lines."
Ninten laughed.
The remaining Team Eclipse members continued fighting.
But the battle was moving increasingly in Team Thunder's favor.
***
THE HIGHER GROUND
ANOTHER LOOK AT THE BATTLEFIELD
Freak remained on the precipice.
He could see the different confrontations from his position.
His attention moved from one to another.
The brothers were maintaining pressure against Team Eclipse.
Zex continued fighting Mark.
Fi and Ousmane remained evenly engaged.
Gic and Dent were keeping the eastern section controlled.
The examination had become a complicated arrangement of separate battles.
Freak considered the situation.
His 10 Seconds Future Sight was useful, but he understood its limitations.
He couldn't simply observe the entire battlefield and control everything that happened.
He had to choose where to focus.
And he had to decide when to intervene.
For now, he remained an observer.
Martis stood farther away.
He looked toward the battlefield.
Then he glanced at Freak.
"You're not going to join them?"
Freak answered calmly.
"Not yet."
"Waiting for something?"
"Observing."
Martis gave him a doubtful look.
"You're always observing."
"And you're always complaining."
Martis stared at him.
Freak continued watching the battlefield.
Martis looked away.
"...I really don't like you."
Freak didn't respond.
The distant sky flashed.
Another confrontation was approaching its next stage.
And the examination continued.
***
THE BATTLEFIELD OF SECTOR 1
THE NEXT STAGE
The CESC examination had changed considerably since its beginning.
The participants had started by testing one another's abilities.
Now they were confronting opponents whose powers demanded constant adaptation.
Team Thunder had demonstrated the strength of cooperation.
Zex had revealed the continuing development of his transformed state.
Mark had shown the importance of observation and tactical adjustment.
Fi and Ousmane were testing one another through direct combat.
Gic and Dent had demonstrated that not every confrontation needed to end in an attack.
Freak had shown the value of a specialized Technique.
And Martis had discovered that confidence alone was not enough to secure victory.
The battlefield was still active.
Thunder and Ninten had not finished their confrontation with Team Eclipse.
Mark and Zex had not reached a conclusion.
Fi and Ousmane continued exchanging attacks.
Gic and Dent remained near Team Hira.
Freak continued observing.
The two mysterious shadows watched from their distant throne room.
Every participant had another decision to make.
Every decision could change the examination.
And the next events were already beginning to unfold.
TO BE CONTINUED...