The Crimson Arena had quieted, but Ryuji didn't feel relief. The victory over Darius was only a taste of what was coming.
Lyra led him through a hidden path into the mountains, where a forest of red-leaved trees glowed under the setting sun. Smoke rose from a distant waterfall, and the air vibrated with energy.
"This is the Scarlet Phoenix Clan's sacred grounds," Lyra said. "Their techniques harness fire, spirit, and the Dragon itself. You will learn the next stage of your power here."
Ryuji felt a rush of anticipation. He had mastered the Dragon's Fist… but he could sense this clan held something greater.
From the shadows, a young warrior appeared. Her hair shimmered like embers. Eyes silver as molten steel.
"I'm Lyra's apprentice, Aria," she said. "If you want the Dragon's power, you'll need to pass the Trial of the Phoenix Flame."
Before he could respond, a sudden roar cut through the forest. A Dark Cloud Sect assassin dropped from the trees, daggers gleaming.
Ryuji's fists flared. The Dragon inside him surged. With a precise strike, he deflected the attack and launched forward, golden aura blazing. The assassin stumbled, but more were coming—shadows moving faster than the eye could see.
Aria's eyes glowed. "You'll need to combine your Dragon's Fist with Phoenix Flame Control. Watch carefully!"
Ryuji followed her movements. He felt the Dragon energy intertwine with a fiery aura, amplifying his speed, strength, and reflexes. The next strike was like lightning and fire combined—Dragon's Fist + Phoenix Flame. The assassin was thrown back, crashing into the trees.
Lyra nodded approvingly. "You are ready for the next stage of your journey. But remember… every clan has secrets, every rival has ambitions, and the Dark Cloud Sect watches everything. One mistake, and it could be your last."
Ryuji clenched his fists, golden flames flickering around him. His body burned with power, but his mind was clear. He would master this Dragon. And he would face every threat—clan, rival, or assassin—with it.
The forest was silent. But the shadows of the Dark Cloud Sect lingered. Waiting. Watching.
And the Dragon inside him whispered: "Now… the real fight begins."