The forest race raged on at different locations, each battle more intense than the last. But in one particular area, things were about to reach a whole new level.
Samuel vs. Agi
Samuel launched forward, his fist crashing straight into Agi's face with full force. But instead of dodging, Agi tilted his head slightly and let the punch land on his forehead, barely flinching.
A smirk spread across Agi's lips. "Nice way to start a fight," he said.
Samuel's eyes widened. "Oh shit."
Without hesitation, he leaped backward, his body tensed as he prepared to flee the scene.
"I planned not to fight any of the five nation's children. If I can just get away—"
But before he could even finish his thought, Agi suddenly appeared in front of him, blocking his path.
Agi grinned. "Hey, where do you think you're going?"
Before Samuel could react, Agi's leg ignited with flames as he delivered a devastating fire-infused kick straight into Samuel's chest, sending him crashing into the ground.
"Fuck."
Agi crouched beside him, still grinning. "Let me tell you something real quick, buddy," he said, resting his fiery hands on his knees. "The only way you're getting away from me is if you beat me."
Samuel clenched his fists, gritting his teeth. "Damn it." He exhaled sharply and rose to his feet. "Fine then… If you want a fight, then you got one."
Agi's smirk widened. "Goodie."
Samuel charged forward, unleashing a flurry of powerful light-infused punches, striking Agi's entire body with incredible speed. His final punch connected hard, sending Agi crashing to the ground.
Samuel exhaled. "Finally, you're down. I had to give it my all, but it worked—"
But before he could even finish speaking, Agi pushed himself up and dusted off his clothes like nothing had happened.
"Wow," Agi chuckled. "Those were some nice hits… but you'll have to do better than that to put me down."
Samuel took a step back, sweat forming on his brow. "Shit… This is why I wanted to avoid them, especially the Fire Nation. They're known for their 'never-give-up' spirit. They fight until they can't move a single bone in their body. Why did I have to run into him?"
Agi cracked his knuckles. "Hey, what are you thinking about?"
Before Samuel could answer, Agi's flaming fist came crashing into his face, sending him flying deep into the forest.
Samuel hit the ground hard, coughing up blood. "Shit."
A group of competitors nearby witnessed the scene.
One participant from the Knight faction gasped. "Oh no, it's a Fire user! I'm out of here."
"Me too!" another agreed, quickly retreating.
Agi landed a few feet away from Samuel, his hands still blazing with fire. "Hey dude, get back up."
Gritting his teeth, Samuel forced himself to his feet and immediately retaliated, firing multiple light blasts at Agi. The Fire Nation warrior dodged most of them with swift movements, closing the distance between them. Just as Agi prepared to throw another punch, Samuel struck him with a large concentrated light blast, sending him stumbling back.
Agi wiped the dust off his clothes and grinned. "Nice shot," he admitted. "Let's continue."
---
Ash and Dan in the Forest
Further away in the forest, Ash leaned casually against a tree while Dan sat on the ground, catching his breath.
"Now," Ash said, folding his arms, "let's chat. You can sit if you want."
Dan sighed. "Fine… So why did you help me?"
Ash smirked. "Because you were looking pathetic, and Alexis would have beaten you mercilessly."
Dan frowned. "And why do you care?"
"Good question," Ash mused. "Honestly, I wouldn't have helped you if I didn't see potential and progress in you."
Dan blinked. "What?"
"I saw you training before this race," Ash explained. "Back then, you weren't using your ability well. But against Alexis, you surprised me. You were actually using your ability effectively—though you're still far from beating him."
Dan scoffed. "So you just called me out here to praise me? Nice."
Ash chuckled. "Not just that. I also wanted to tell you… you haven't increased your Chi Gates, have you?"
Dan frowned. "Chi Gates? What is that?"
Ash grinned. "Funny boy. Chi Gates are essential to how we use our abilities."
Dan leaned forward, intrigued. "How do I increase them?"
"You need intense and serious meditation," Ash replied simply.
Dan shrugged. "Alright, alright. I'll do it."
Ash shook his head. "But you can't do it now."
Dan's expression darkened. "What!"
Samuel vs. Agi
Back in the forest, Samuel and Agi continued exchanging fierce blows, their movements a blur of light and fire.
"Why do I feel like every punch I land on him, he returns ten times harder? I can't lose like this!"
Before he could react, Agi struck him with a fire-infused palm blast, sending him flying once again.
Agi grinned. "I have to say… this fight has been entertaining."
Samuel spat blood onto the ground. "Yeah… But I have to end this with everything I've got."
Summoning every ounce of his strength, Samuel channeled his light power throughout his body.
Agi's eyes sparkled with excitement. "So cool."
Samuel clenched his fists. "I have to pull this off, even if it breaks me."
He surged forward at lightning speed, striking Agi and sending him high into the air. As Agi soared between the towering trees, Samuel used the terrain to his advantage, leaping from tree to tree, landing powerful light punches with each movement.
Agi clenched his teeth. "Tch… This is getting tough. Time to take this seriously."
Samuel leaped off a final tree, preparing to deliver a decisive blow. But in a sudden twist, Agi caught his fist mid-air.
Samuel's eyes widened. "What the—"
Agi's right hand ignited with an overwhelming surge of fire. With a powerful punch, he sent Samuel crashing down hard.
Samuel groaned. "Damn it."
Agi landed gracefully. "Time to turn the tables."
With his right hand still blazing, Agi delivered a series of relentless punches, overwhelming Samuel completely.
"Time to give you one of my special moves," Agi announced. "Seems you've earned it."
Samuel gritted his teeth. "Fuck."
Agi's flames intensified. "Fire Punch: Unholy Strike 1.0!"
With a single, devastating punch, Samuel was sent flying through two trees, collapsing on the ground, barely able to move.
Agi walked over, smiling. "Nice match. Hope you get up later and finish the race. You're really fun."
Samuel vs. Agi – Agi wins.
Dan's expression darkened. "What do you mean?"
"Think about it," Ash said. "If you try to do it now, how will you defend yourself from the constant threats in this deadly forest?"
Dan thought for a moment and sighed. "Oh… True."
Ash nodded. "What you're doing now is enough to finish this race. But if you want to go far in the next contest, you'll need more than just that."
Dan smirked. "So I'll increase my Chi Gates after this race. Cool. And you're willing to help me?"
"Of course, of course," Ash said nonchalantly.
Dan grinned. "This guy and Rebecca are so cool."
"But before that," Ash continued, "let me give you a tip on that lightning blast you used."
Dan perked up. "Okay."
But before Ash could continue, a furious roar echoed through the forest.
Both turned to see Alexis charging towards them, his golden eyes blazing with rage.
Ash sighed. "Oh, he's here."
Dan looked at him, confused. "Who?"
Before he could get an answer, Alexis lunged, striking at Ash's back. But in an instant, Ash blocked the attack with a thick layer of ice.
Alexis snarled. "Damn you, Ash!"
Ash smirked. "Heh. Looks like this is the end of our chat, Mr. Dan. See you after the race. Leave the scary guy to me."
Dan quickly got to his feet and darted away from the scene.
Alexis clenched his fists. "How dare you, Ash!"
Ash smirked, ice forming around his arms. "Chill, dude."