Chapter 4: Shadows in the Alley and the Path to Glory
The bustling streets of New Brawl City were alive with activity, especially near the grand plaza where the upcoming Bright Blade Sect Sub-Sect Tournament would be held. Martial artists of varying skill levels walked with determined strides, some confidently displaying their prowess, while others studied their competition in silence.
Elton moved through the streets unnoticed, his aura carefully concealed. He was a Silver-Tier 1 warrior, but to everyone else, he seemed no stronger than a Bronze-Tier 5. Years of hardship had taught him the value of deception—power was only useful if wielded wisely.
As he weaved through the crowd, a distinct presence caught his attention. A boy, around his age, leaned against a wall in a quiet alley, his sharp eyes scanning the area with a mixture of wariness and boredom. He carried two swords—one strapped to his back and the other resting at his hip. His stance exuded the poised deadliness of a trained warrior.
Elton instinctively knew—this boy was no ordinary fighter.
The boy's gaze flicked toward Elton. "You're watching me too closely," he said, voice devoid of warmth.
Elton smirked. "And you're watching the streets too carefully. Who are you expecting?"
The boy's eyes narrowed. "No one. But if you're looking for trouble, you've found it."
There was no hesitation—he moved like a phantom, twin swords flashing as he lunged forward. Elton sidestepped, dodging the first blade by mere inches. He countered with a swift palm strike, but his opponent twisted mid-air, using his other blade to redirect the force.
Fast. Precise. Deadly.
They exchanged blows, neither using their full strength, each testing the other. The boy's dual-wielding style was unpredictable, forcing Elton to rely on agility rather than raw power. But as their battle reached a crescendo—
A presence—dangerous and bloodthirsty—descended upon them.
A figure stepped from the shadows—a Silver-Tier 3 assassin, cloaked in black, his eyes locked onto the dual-wielding boy.
"You're quick," the assassin sneered, "but not quick enough to avoid death."
Without hesitation, he attacked.
Elton and the swordsman moved simultaneously. The assassin was stronger, but they had the advantage of numbers. Zoro's katanas clashed against the assassin's dagger, sending sparks flying, while Elton struck from the side, aiming for pressure points.
Yet, the assassin was no fool. He maneuvered between them, countering every attack with inhuman precision. A well-placed kick sent Elton skidding back, but Zoro capitalized on the moment, his blade carving a deep gash into the assassin's side.
The man hissed but did not fall. Instead, he lashed out wildly, forcing both boys to retreat.
Elton's mind raced. We need to end this quickly.
Zoro seemed to have reached the same conclusion. With a nod, he lunged in, locking the assassin in a deadly exchange of blows. Seeing his opening, Elton concentrated Ki Essence into his palm. He struck.
The assassin staggered, eyes widening as raw power tore through his chest. Zoro did not waste the moment—his sword flashed, severing the man's throat.
Silence.
The body slumped to the ground, blood pooling at their feet.
Zoro wiped his blade clean, his breathing controlled despite the intensity of the fight. He turned to Elton. "You held back."
Elton shrugged. "So did you."
A smirk tugged at the corner of Zoro's mouth. "Not bad."
For the first time, his cold demeanor thawed slightly.
But they had no time to celebrate. They needed to get rid of the evidence.
Minutes later, the alley was bathed in an eerie glow as flames consumed the corpse. The scent of burning flesh filled the air, but it was necessary—an assassin meant someone powerful had sent him. The last thing they needed was to be linked to a dead Silver-Tier warrior.
As the fire roared, Zoro finally introduced himself.
"Zoro Tatsumaki. You?"
"Elton Solman."
Zoro nodded, as if committing the name to memory. "You going to the tournament?"
"Yeah."
A pause. Then, Zoro smirked. "Good. I'll see you in the finals."
And just like that, a strange bond was formed.
The Tournament Begins
The next morning, the air around the tournament grounds crackled with anticipation. The Bright Blade Sub-Sect Tournament was a chance for young fighters to prove themselves, and the crowd was eager for blood.
Martial artists from across the region had gathered—most were Bronze-Tier 4s and 5s, though there were whispers of Silver-Tier 1s and 2s watching from the sidelines, waiting for their turn.
Elton observed the competition board. Names were listed, each representing a hopeful contender. He spotted Zoro's name near the top, alongside others rumored to be prodigies.
His own name, however, was just another unknown among hundreds.
Perfect.
As the tournament began, the early matches were fierce. Fighters clashed in brutal exchanges, some ending in moments, others dragging on in prolonged battles of endurance.
And then, she stepped into the arena.
A girl no older than ten, yet her presence silenced the crowd.
Her movements were graceful, yet there was an unmistakable noble aura about her—a sign of lineage, of power passed down through generations.
"That's her," someone whispered. "The prodigy from the Aka Boshi Tengan Clan."
"The what?" another asked.
"A thousand-year-old lineage. Their bloodline grants them unmatched perception in battle. They say she can see the flow of energy itself."
The match began, and her opponent—a burly Bronze-Tier 5 warrior—charged.
It was over in an instant.
She barely moved, a delicate flick of her wrist sending him sprawling. The moment he hit the ground, she was already standing over him, her fingers poised just above his heart.
Victory.
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Elton narrowed his eyes. Interesting.
As the tournament continued, Elton prepared for his own match. He had stayed in the shadows long enough—now, it was time to step forward.
He glanced at Zoro, who stood at the edge of the arena, watching the fights with his usual detached intensity.
Then at the girl, her golden eyes gleaming with quiet confidence.
The path ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear—
The road to power had only just begun.