The stadium was buzzing with energy as the announcer's voice rang out across the arena.
"Welcome all for today's Rank Battle! We're kicking things off with Group D, Pot 2's first match—Dan of the Lightning Nation versus... Scroug, a Disc Chi user!"
Dan stepped into the arena, his mind sharp, body tense with anticipation. (Time to win and show my worth.)
From the competitors' seating area, Ash leaned forward, his gaze fixed on Dan. "I really hope Dan pulls off a win today. Losing in the first round would be a total embarrassment."
Samuel, seated next to him, nodded. "He should win... My match is later today too."
Ash turned to him with a puzzled expression. "Wait... Who are you again?"
Samuel's brow twitched. "Bastard."
Ash snapped his fingers. "Oh right, you're Dan's friend from yesterday! Your name's... Amu?"
Samuel groaned. "It's Samuel."
"Close enough."
(Not even close.) Samuel scowled.
Just then, Steven approached, arms crossed.
"You're here," he said.
Ash nodded with a grin. "Of course. I came to enjoy another great match."
Steven raised an eyebrow. "Great? You're talking about the Lightning Nation kid?"
"Who else?" Ash replied.
Alexis strolled in next, arms behind his back. "That talentless bozo? Let's see if he can even hold his ground."
Esther followed behind with a playful smile. "Did you guys watch my match yesterday?"
Ash blinked. "Oh, your match…"
Alexis shrugged. "Forgot about it."
"You fought yesterday?" Steven added.
Esther scoffed. "Idiots."
In the arena
Scroug grinned confidently as he faced Dan. "I'm thrilled to be fighting someone from the Lightning Nation... and disappointed it's their weakest."
Dan didn't flinch. "You really think so?"
"Let the match begin!" the announcer declared.
Dan wasted no time—he coated his legs in lightning chi and flashed across the arena, delivering a strong punch straight to Scroug's chest. But to his surprise, Scroug blocked it with a shimmering disc of chi.
"Whoa," Scroug said with a grin, "that was close."
Dan jumped back, analyzing.
Scroug chuckled. "What happened? Was that your only trick?"
Dan didn't answer. Instead, Scroug threw a barrage of spinning chi discs, slicing through the air like sawblades. Dan weaved and dodged between them with precision.
(This guy's good. I have to be careful.)
He closed the distance again, attempting a high kick, but Scroug blocked it with another disc, grabbed Dan's leg, and slammed him to the ground.
"Gotcha," Scroug smirked.
Then came another wave of discs, each one heavier and faster than the last. Dan managed to kick one into the sky and evade the rest just in time.
"Tch. Lucky escape," Scroug muttered.
Back in the stands, Alexis laughed. "Is this the guy you were hyping up, Ash?"
Steven shook his head. "I'm surprised you of all people read him wrong."
Ash smirked. "You two are dumb if you haven't realized what he's doing."
Steven narrowed his eyes. "Wait... I see it. He's sizing up his opponent."
Alexis frowned. "Sizing him up? He's letting Scroug get comfortable. Isn't that risky?"
Ash nodded. "It is. But there's something I taught Dan. A move that'll flip the whole fight."
Steven leaned in. "Double coating?"
Ash nodded. "Exactly."
Flashback – A day before the tournament
In a training room, Ash stood in front of Dan.
"Do you know how to make your basic attacks stronger?" he asked.
Dan looked curious. "How?"
Ash smirked. "Have you ever tried doing a lightning fist... on top of another lightning fist?"
Dan's eyes lit up. "Let me try!"
He charged his fist with lightning chi, then layered another coat over it. The energy crackled violently. Dan tested the punch on the ground—BOOM! The floor cracked beneath him.
"Damn! That's strong... but I feel kinda dizzy."
Ash nodded. "It drains chi fast. That's why you've gotta train your gates to handle it."
Back to the present
Ash grinned. "He can't use it too many times yet, but even a few will be enough."
Steven smiled. "That move can double... or even quadruple an attack."
Alexis narrowed his eyes. "Let's see if he can pull it off."
Back in the ring
Dan steadied his breath. "Looks like Ash was right. I can't beat opponents like you with half-hearted attacks."
Scroug scoffed. "You still think you can win?"
Dan's eyes glowed with lightning. "I know I can."
With a burst of speed, Dan surged forward—this time with a double-coated lightning punch. Scroug raised his disc... but it shattered instantly under the power. The punch connected squarely, sending Scroug stumbling back.
The crowd gasped.
The announcer shouted, "What a turn of events! Dan lands his first hit!"
Scroug clutched his chest. (What the hell?! That punch... it hurt like hell.)
Dan didn't stop. He kneed Scroug to the ground, lifted him by the collar, and delivered a flurry of electrified punches, chops, and kicks.
(Even without double coating, my regular hits are landing. My training wasn't for nothing.)
Scroug yelled and shoved Dan back with a blast from his discs. "You think you can beat me?!"
Dan's answer was simple. "Of course."
"Then try!"
Scroug hurled a dozen discs. Dan sprinted straight through them, dodging each one, charging his fist one last time.
"This one will end it!" he roared.
As the final disc passed him, Dan launched his Special Move—Double Coated Lightning Karate Straight Punch. The impact hit Scroug dead in the chest, sending him flying across the arena, crashing into the wall. He slumped to the ground, defeated.
The arena erupted.
"WHAT A MATCH!" the announcer roared. "Dan the Lightning Boy WINSSSSSS!!!"
Cheers flooded the stadium.
"I knew he'd win!" one audience member shouted.
"Dan!!!" screamed another.
Back in the stands, Ash smirked. "Told you."
Alexis crossed his arms. "Lucky."
Steven nodded. "Not luck. Confidence. It could've gone either way."
Samuel clapped. "Nice, Dan."
Official Match Result: Group D, Pot 2 – Dan vs. Scroug
Winner: Dan
Scroug's Rank: Private
Dan's Rank Upgraded To: Vice-lieutenant
Meanwhile, in the knights' quarters, high above the arena, several ranked officials watched through the eyes of a crow bird chi transmitter.
Catherina, one of the commanders, leaned back. "Wow."
Greg nodded. "Told you he's special."
Prince Rickson grinned. "I like wildcards like him."
From the back, a Lightning Nation woman—leader of the 15th branch—spoke up. "That boy... I want him in my nation."
Rickson raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
She smiled. "He just interests me."
In the competitors' locker room
"Dan!" Samuel called out, rushing over.
Dan turned with a tired grin. "Yo, Samuel."
"Your match was freaking cool!"
"Thanks. Good luck with yours today."
Samuel nodded. "Thanks. But the main match everyone's waiting for today isn't mine... or even Agi's."
Dan with a straight face knowingly. "Yeah, I know... It's Alexis."
"Main Event: Alexis vs ???"
To be continued...