The forest race was reaching its climax as more and more competitors surged through the finish line. The tension in the air was palpable, the battle to claim victory growing fiercer by the second.
Alexis in the Forest
Leaping effortlessly from tree to tree, Alexis moved with the agility of a predator. His sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, but his attention was quickly drawn elsewhere when the announcer's voice echoed through the vast forest.
"AND WITH A STUNNING FINISH, THE STYLISH ASH HAS CROSSED THE LINE IN STYLE!"
Alexis scoffed, his lip curling in annoyance. "Huh? What the fuck does he mean by stylish?" He clicked his tongue, irritation seeping into his voice. "That asshole actually finished already? Guess I'll have to cut my fun short and wrap this up."
Just as he was about to increase his speed, a sudden scream pierced through the forest.
His instincts kicked in immediately. Without hesitation, Alexis shifted his trajectory and raced toward the source of the noise.
A Predator in the Woods
In a small clearing, a young man trembled, his body tense with fear. Blood dripped from a fresh wound on his cheek, staining the ground beneath him.
"P-Please… leave me alone," the boy pleaded, his voice shaking. "I don't want to fight—I just want to finish the race…"
His words fell on deaf ears.
Standing before him was a tall, imposing figure clad in the colors of the Spear Nation's First Branch. His name was Rand, a knight exam candidate, and his smirk was one of amusement.
"Hey, hey, hey… you should be honored that a man of my standards is interested in you." He twirled his spear with ease, watching his opponent with an unsettling grin. "So just stay right there and let me try out this new move of mine."
The tip of his spear began to glow, radiating with raw Chi energy.
But just before he could strike—
CLANG!
A blade blocked the attack mid-swing.
Rand's smirk faltered as he looked up, only to be met with a familiar face.
Alexis stood before him, a lazy smirk on his lips.
"Hey," Alexis said casually, his sword pressing against Rand's spear. "If someone isn't interested, you don't have to force them."
Rand blinked before his smirk returned. "Lexis… it's been a while."
Alexis sighed. "First of all, it's Alexis. Second, you don't actually give a fuck about me, do you?"
Rand chuckled. "True. I don't. But I do care about people."
Alexis arched an eyebrow. "Really? Then what about this guy?" He gestured toward the trembling competitor.
Rand glanced at the boy and shrugged. "Him? He's just an opponent."
"But he was begging you to stop."
Rand's smile widened, his expression darkening. "That doesn't matter on a battlefield."
For a moment, there was only silence.
Then—
Alexis grinned.
"Oh really?"
Their gazes locked, both warriors radiating dangerous auras.
Then, suddenly—
Laughter.
Eren, the trembling paper Chi user, stared in disbelief as both warriors burst into laughter.
"What the hell…?" Eren muttered under his breath, completely baffled.
Alexis smirked. "Rand, you really are a funny guy. You just want to go wild against all your opponents, huh?"
Rand shrugged. "Like you haven't done the same?"
"Okay, fair." Alexis rolled his shoulders. "But shouldn't you be prioritizing finishing the race?"
Rand hummed in thought. "Yeah… but I wanna finish this first."
Eren gulped. "P-Please, can I—"
Alexis waved him off. "Wait there for a minute, we're talking."
Rand's eyes suddenly lit up with realization. "Oh yeah, I just remembered—Josh wants to meet you."
Alexis blinked. "Josh? That weakling actually made it?"
Rand sighed. "See? This is exactly why he hates you. Every time, you look down on him like he's weak."
"Because he is." Alexis shrugged. "I know strong people when I see them."
Rand crossed his arms. "I still see potential in him. He'll get stronger."
Alexis smirked. "But is he strong enough to beat Henry?"
Rand's expression darkened. "…No."
"Thought so." Alexis sheathed his sword. "If you love him, tell him not to come after me."
Rand exhaled through his nose. "Speaking of strong people… you know that lightning boy? The one who made this competition interesting?"
Alexis scoffed. "Dan, right?"
Eren cautiously raised a hand. "Uh—"
"Shut the fuck up."
Both Alexis and Rand's aura exploded in unison, sending a pulse of energy through the air.
Eren froze, trembling.
(T-That bloodthirsty aura… it's terrifying! The rumors are true… The Weapon Nation executes most of their criminals rather than imprisoning them!)
Alexis yawned. "I don't usually pay attention to weaklings, but Ash said he sees potential in that mutt."
Rand smirked. "Maybe he'll grow stronger once he's pushed to his limits. People either grow and get stronger… or they die and perish."
Alexis grinned. "Guess he's in the die and perish category."
Rand laughed. "Maybe. Maybe not." His eyes gleamed. "So… will you let me get back to business?"
Alexis shrugged. "Sure. Just one last thing—have you met the other three people with the 2 mark special eyes?"
Rand shook his head. "No. Only you so far."
Alexis smirked. "I'm sure they went wild."
With that, he turned and walked away.
Rand cracked his neck before turning back to Eren, his eyes glowing with one ominous mark.
"Well then, my paper friend," he said with a dark smile.
"Time to grow… or die and perish."
Elsewhere in the Forest…
Dan lay on the ground, his body battered and exhausted. Brik stood over him, victorious.
"Damn," Brik muttered, rolling his shoulders. "That kid was something."
Dan's body trembled.
(Fuck… Fuck… Fuck…! Why can't I move?! Why do I feel so weak?! I can't lose… not now!)
Memories of his training flashed before his eyes.
He had pushed himself beyond his limits—karate, bodybuilding, running every morning.
All to become a knight.
All to protect the weak.
No.
He couldn't lose here.
Not yet.
A spark flickered in his eyes.
Then another.
CRACKLE!
Unknowingly to Dan, his Chi gates expanded by two inches.
Electricity surged through his body.
Brik turned. His eyes widened.
"What the fuck…?"
Dan stood up. Lightning danced across his form.
His golden eyes glowed with newfound power.
"Where the hell do you think you're going?" Dan growled.
Final Battle: Dan vs. Brik
Meanwhile, at the finish line…
A fierce wind tore through the racers, knocking them off balance.
A lone figure strode forward, smirking.
"How dare you try to finish before me."
The announcer's voice boomed.
"WOULD YOU BELIEVE IT?! THE ACE FROM THE WEAPON NATION HAS FINALLY ARRIVED—THE TYRANT, ALEXIS!!!"
Alexis chuckled. "That nickname is a bit harsh."
But his smile said otherwise.