The Forest Race was nearing its end. The first 59,000 competitors were approaching the finish line, and with only a thousand spots remaining, the tension was high. Deep in the forest, Dan was engaged in his final battle against Brik. Meanwhile, those who had already completed the race gathered in the resting area, discussing the competition.
The Resting Area
The door swung open violently as Alexis kicked it, stepping inside with an air of triumph.
"I'm done," he announced.
Steven groaned. "Shit, now this animal is here."
Henry grinned at the sight of him. "Alexis!"
"Yo, Alex," Esther greeted.
Agi gave a casual nod. "Hey."
Ash leaned back, relieved. "Finally, you finished. I was worried you'd be too busy causing mayhem to cross the finish line."
Alexis folded his arms. "I'm not stupid, you know."
Steven scoffed. "No, we really don't know that."
Alexis shot him a glare. "Shut up."
As he spoke, he sensed someone approaching from behind. In a swift motion, he unsheathed his sword and held it against the person's neck. "Hey, hey, hey—look at you, Mr. Copy Master."
Chase, a Knight Exam candidate from the Lightning Nation's 16th sub-branch, sighed in exhaustion. "Stop it, Alexis. I'm really tired."
Ash quickly grabbed the sword and pushed it down. "Alexis, you just finished the race. Stop being a demon for once and sit down."
Alexis huffed but relented. "Fine..." He turned to Ash. "What about that other so-called 'unordinary' lightning kid? Has he finished yet?"
Ash knew exactly who he meant. "Dan? Sadly, no."
Alexis smirked. "I knew it. There's nothing special about him."
Ash shook his head. "No, there is. He's probably just facing a huge wall he has to break through."
Alexis scoffed. "Tch, I doubt he finishes the race."
In the Forest – Dan vs. Brik
Brik, a Stone Chi user, cracked his knuckles. "What the hell, kid? You better stay down now, or else—"
Before he could finish his sentence, Dan's fist connected with his face, sending him stumbling backward.
Brik wiped his nose, staring at the blood on his fingers. "What the—" His expression darkened. "You little piece of shit."
Dan held his ground. "This is nothing. You're the final obstacle I must overcome if I want to finish this race. This is my final challenge—the moment I unleash everything I've learned. My 'Bang.' My special move. The technique Ash taught me." His eyes sparked with determination. "So get ready, because I'm going all out."
Brik smirked and spat blood onto the ground. "Fine, kid. I like your style. Let's go!"
The two charged at each other, fists colliding in a violent clash.
At the Finish Line
Samuel, a Light Chi user, crossed the finish line, panting. He looked around, hoping to see Dan. "I really hope he's done..."
Then, a sudden gust of wind swept past him as a streak of lightning shot across the finish line.
The announcer's voice boomed through the arena. "Could it be? The speedster of the Lightning Nation—SLIVER!!!"
Sliver, a Knight Exam candidate from the Lightning Nation's elite 10th branch family, "The Ronnie," flicked his silver hair back. "Damn competitors wouldn't leave me alone. I should've finished earlier."
Samuel watched in awe. "Wow... That was cool."
Sliver noticed his stare. "What are you looking at?"
Back in the Forest
Dan and Brik were still going at it, their fists colliding like thunder and stone.
Brik sneered. "What's wrong, kid? I thought you could keep up with me."
With a burst of strength, Brik unleashed his special move—"Brik Punch Rush Hour"—a devastating combo of rapid punches that sent Dan crashing into a tree.
Dan winced. Damn it. I knew I couldn't match him blow for blow—his body's too tough. I just need to find an opening.
Before he could recover, Brik was already in his face.
"What's the matter, boy?" Brik taunted. "I thought you were confident before!"
He swung a powerful punch, but Dan barely managed to block it with both hands.
Dan gritted his teeth. I need to create an opening—fast!
Thinking quickly, he grabbed a handful of leaves and threw them at Brik's face.
Brik swatted them away. "Where the hell did you go?" He scanned the area. "Hah! He ran away."
Suddenly, a lightning-fast kick struck the back of his head.
Brik growled. "What the—"
Before he could react, a lightning-charged punch slammed into his spine.
Brik spun around, furious. "Come out, you coward!"
A small stone struck his forehead.
"FUCK! When I catch you, you're dead!"
Leaves rained down from above, momentarily distracting him.
Brik clenched his fists. "Screw you!"
Then, out of nowhere, Dan dropped down and delivered a karate lightning chop to both sides of Brik's ribs.
Brik gasped, blood flying from his mouth. "You—!"
He tried to smash Dan with a heavy punch, but Dan dodged and retaliated with a lightning kick to the chin.
Dan smirked. "Now the game is in my favor."
Brik wiped the blood from his lip. "That's what you think!"
Dan's eyes flashed. "Shut up."
With a surge of energy, he delivered a lightning-infused karate punch straight to Brik's chest, sending him flying.
Now... I need to time this perfectly.
He remembered Ash's words.
"That move you used on Alexis was good, but not strong enough. Since you can't use long-range attacks yet, you need to maximize efficiency. If you want to use that attack properly, you have to—"
Dan clasped his hands together. Sparks of electricity crackled between his fingers, forming a glowing lightning sphere.
"Thanks, Ash."
He looked up at Brik, determination burning in his eyes. "This is it—Dan Mega Blast!"
Brik's eyes widened. "What—?!"
Dan propelled himself forward, lightning coursing through his legs.
"This is the end!"
He closed the gap and unleashed the full force of his Dan Mega Blast straight into Brik.
A massive shockwave erupted as Brik was sent flying, crashing through trees before skidding to a stop. Motionless.
Dan exhaled, fists clenched. "Yessss!"
Dan vs. Brik—Winner: Dan.
30 Minutes Later
The announcer's voice echoed across the finish line. "59,000 competitors have made it! Only 1,000 spots remain! Who else will finish?!"
From the distance, a figure leaped through the trees with incredible agility. He landed smoothly, stepping onto the finish line.
The crowd erupted as the announcer shouted, "The special competitor from the Lightning Nation—Dan!"
Dan stood tall, a victorious smile on his face. "Finally."
At the Resting Area
Steven's jaw dropped. "Wow."
Esther grinned. "Awesome!"
Alexis crossed his arms, clicking his tongue. "Tch."
Ash, watching from the side, smiled proudly. "Dan..."
Forest Race Arc – End.