The forest was in chaos, with competitors clashing from all sides. Some were nearing the finish line, while others were still locked in fierce battles. The tension in the air was thick—it was clear the Forest Race was approaching its climax.
A group of exhausted but determined participants sprinted toward the finish line, their bodies aching from the grueling trials they had endured.
"We finally made it!" one of them gasped.
"Yes! This hellish forest is finally behind us!" another cheered.
"I can't believe we're going to be the first ones to finish!" the third competitor exclaimed, excitement surging through his veins.
But before they could celebrate, one of them glanced back—and his heart nearly stopped.
A figure was approaching, moving at an inhuman speed. Flames danced across his body as he leaped effortlessly from tree to tree, soaring above them like a predator descending on its prey. Then, with one final jump, he landed past the finish line before any of them could take another step.
Steven Tanner stood there, eyes blazing with intensity. He turned to them with a sharp glare, his voice filled with disdain.
"Did you fools really think you could finish before me?" he scoffed. His fists clenched, the last remnants of fire flickering out. "Finally. I'm done with this."
The competitors staggered past the finish line, breathless, their faces filled with awe and fear.
"That kid is a menace," one of them muttered.
"Scary too," another agreed, swallowing nervously.
The announcement echoed across the race grounds, reaching the ears of all watching.
"Would you believe it? The first person to complete the race is STEVEN TANNER! He has surpassed all his opponents and secured first place!"
Knight Viewing Center
Among the spectators, high-ranking knights from various branches observed the outcome.
Rigar, a Vice-Commander from the Fire Nation's 6th branch, smirked. "Hmph. Steven really doesn't know how to have fun."
Greg, a Captain from the Fire Nation's 13th branch, chuckled. "Yeah. He's trying way too hard to reach his uncle's level. Funny thing is, his uncle wasn't even like this at his age."
Catherina, a Vice-Commander from the Fire Nation's 16th branch, crossed her arms and muttered under her breath. "Steven, you idiot."
Rigar exhaled. "Well, let's see how he performs in the next contest."
Back in the Forest
The news of Steven's victory spread like wildfire.
Agi grinned. "Whoa… Guess I should wrap this up too."
Ash scowled. "That bastard never knows how to chill."
Chase clenched his fists. "Damn it. That should have been me!"
Alexis, on the other hand, smirked. "That asshole… Trying to steal the spotlight."
Just as Alexis continued moving through the forest, he sensed someone approaching. In an instant, he turned, his sword already at the stranger's throat.
"Hey, hey—it's me!" the familiar voice chuckled.
Alexis narrowed his eyes, then lowered his blade. "Henry?"
Henry, a fellow Knight exam candidate from the Weapons Nation's 3rd Sub-branch, exhaled in relief. "Didn't expect to find you here. What, have you been cutting down everyone in your path?"
Alexis smirked. "Pretty much."
Henry took a good look at him. "You look roughed up. Who'd you fight? Did you lose?"
Alexis scoffed. "Lose? Don't be ridiculous. I fought Ash—it ended in a draw."
Henry's eyebrows raised. "A draw? I thought you were stronger than him now."
"I didn't use my Second Eye Mark," Alexis admitted. "And I don't think he went all out either."
"Yeah, I get it. This is just an exam, after all. The real fights will happen out there."
A gleam appeared in Alexis's eyes. "By the way… I saw a girl using String Chi."
Henry sighed. "You want the branch leader to recruit her?"
"Of course," Alexis smirked. "I want her under my personal army."
Henry scoffed. "Yeah, count me out."
"Huh?"
"I've followed you around since we were kids, and you never think before you act." Henry wiped an imaginary tear from his eye. "I can't keep up with your nonsense."
Alexis grinned. "That's what makes me special."
Before Henry could respond, Alexis suddenly swung his sword at him. Henry barely blocked it in time, their blades clashing with a sharp ring.
"What the hell, man?!" Henry protested.
Alexis laughed. "Relax, I just want to see what new tricks you've picked up. Think of it as a friendly spar."
Henry groaned. "Why did I have to find you…"
Unbeknownst to them, a figure lurked in the shadows, watching their every move.
Phill, a mysterious chi user, grinned wickedly. Yes… Tire yourselves out. Then I'll strike.
Elsewhere in the Forest
Dan sprinted forward, his heart racing. "I can't believe that guy finished first… and some others are already done. I need to be smart and finish this race."
Just as he was about to make a run for it, a familiar voice called out.
"Dan?"
Dan turned, eyes widening. "Samuel?" His expression darkened when he saw his friend's condition. "Wait, what the hell happened to your face and body?"
Samuel chuckled weakly. "Heh… I fought a tough guy from the Fire Nation. He messed me up real bad. You don't look too good either."
Dan let out a short laugh. "Yeah, I fought someone from the Air and Weapon Nations. Those guys were freakin' strong."
Samuel exhaled, stretching his sore limbs. "I just wanna finish this damn race… but my body feels so numb."
Dan grinned. "Hey, check this out—I learned a new Lightning Form. It's called 'A Bang'!"
He demonstrated the move, sparks of lightning crackling around his hand.
Samuel whistled. "Whoa. That looks strong."
Dan grinned. "It is! But… it's not strong enough yet."
Samuel nodded. "Yeah, but with your bloodline, I'm sure you'll master it fast."
Dan smirked. "Hell yeah! C'mon, let's finish this race together."
Samuel chuckled. "Yeah, let's—"
Before they could take another step, a large figure emerged in their path.
A massive man, his body covered in stone-like skin, towered over them. His presence alone made the air feel heavier.
"Yo, little boys," the man rumbled. "I wanna test you guys out. The brown-haired one first."
Samuel blinked. "Huh? Why me?"
The man cracked his knuckles. "Why else? The more opponents you fight, the stronger you get. So come at me."
Dan placed a hand on Samuel's shoulder. "No. Leave him to me."
Samuel frowned. "But—"
Dan shook his head. "You're injured. You're in no place to fight a strong opponent. But I am." He grinned. "I even plan on trying a new move on him."
Samuel hesitated before nodding. "Fine. I'll catch you later, Dan. You better not lose."
Dan smirked. "Of course not."
As Samuel left, Dan turned to face his opponent.
"Well, Brik," he said, cracking his knuckles. "Let's enjoy ourselves."
Back to Alexis and Henry
As the two continued sparring, Alexis laughed. "Wow, Henry. You've actually gotten better."
Henry perked up. "Really? You think so?"
Alexis smirked. "No. But I have to encourage you."
Henry scowled. "Bastard."
Alexis chuckled. "So, Henry… Is it just me, or have you also noticed the idiot watching us from afar, waiting to attack?"
Henry sighed. "Oh yeah. I sense him."
Before their observer could react, Alexis and Henry suddenly turned toward him.
Phill, the hidden enemy, froze. "Hehe… I got you guys."
With a flick of his wrists, he launched a flurry of porcupine-like chi spikes at them, the sharp projectiles shooting through the air at an incredible speed.
Alexis and Henry dodged with ease.
Alexis grinned. "Let's do our Twin Strike."
Henry hesitated. "Are you sure?"
Alexis scoffed. "Of course I am."
Henry sighed. "Alright."
In perfect sync, the two knights moved together, raising their swords in unison.
"Twin Sword Line Blast!"
Their blades connected, unleashing a powerful energy slash that surged toward Phill. The attack struck him head-on, sending him crashing into the ground, unconscious.
Henry shook his head. "Well… that was easy."
Alexis scoffed. "So damn weak."
Back in another part of the forest, Dan grinned as he faced Brik.
"Let's see what you've got."
Brik smirked, his stone-covered arms flexing as he took a battle stance.
The fight is about to begin.