Evolution

As Rage surged through the streets, his energy pulsed violently around him, a dark red tempest that left a trail of destruction in his wake. Instructors and students alike scrambled to escape his wrath, but he was relentless, cutting through their defenses with ease.Benji followed close behind, determination burning in his chest. He couldn't let Rage reach the Nexus. Every step he took echoed with the memories of all the lives depending on that sphere of energy."Stop! You can't just take it!" Benji shouted, his voice strained but filled with purpose.Rage turned, a cruel smirk playing on his lips. "Why not? They're all weak. This city deserves a new ruler, and I will claim my power."With that, he unleashed a wave of energy, sending a group of instructors sprawling. They tried to regroup, but Rage was already on them, his strikes fast and calculated, each blow a testament to his training and the anger that fueled him.Benji pushed himself harder, his aura flaring as he closed the gap. He had to reach Rage before he could reach the Nexus. He felt the weight of his students behind him, their hopes resting on his shoulders."Get back!" Benji yelled at the nearest instructors, trying to keep them out of the chaos.But Rage was unfazed, laughing as he obliterated the obstacles in his path. "You think you can stop me, old man? This is my moment!"As they neared the Nexus, the air thick with energy, Benji could see it—a massive sphere, glowing with raw power, pulsating like a heartbeat. He could feel its energy calling to him, a reminder of what was at stake."Rage! This ends now!" Benji shouted, channeling his energy into a powerful blast aimed directly at the mercenary.But Rage was faster, sidestepping the attack and retaliating with a swift punch that sent Benji reeling."Fool! You're nothing but a minor nuisance!" Rage bellowed, ready to charge forward again.Benji steadied himself, heart pounding. He couldn't let Rage win—not when everything was on the line.Benji sprinted through the chaos of the city, his heart pounding as he dodged falling debris and frantic civilians. The Nexus loomed ahead, its vibrant energy pulsing ominously. He could feel the weight of the situation bearing down on him; the fate of everything depended on stopping Rage.As he turned a corner, he spotted a fellow instructor—an older bender with a weary expression, leaning against a crumbling wall. Benji skidded to a halt, urgency in his voice. "Where's the bender force? We need to stop Rage!"The instructor shook his head, frustration evident in his furrowed brow. "They're spread too thin. Many are already fighting, and others are trying to evacuate the civilians. We won't make it in time."Benji clenched his fists, anger surging through him. "We can't let him reach the Nexus! He'll—"Before he could finish, a tremor rippled through the ground, causing dust to cloud the air. The energy radiating from the Nexus felt like a siren call, beckoning him closer. It was time to act.As Benji raced toward the Nexus, the air crackled with energy, making the hairs on his arms stand on end. He could feel Rage's presence growing stronger, each pulse of power resonating through the ground beneath him. He pushed himself harder, fueled by a mix of determination and dread.Finally, he burst into the main plaza surrounding the Nexus, where a fierce battle was already raging. The ground was scorched, and remnants of earlier fights littered the area. His gaze locked onto Rage, who stood with an aura of dark red energy, a predator surveying his territory."Rage!" Benji shouted, forcing his way through the chaos. "You won't get away with this!"Rage turned, a cruel smile spreading across his face. "Ah, the retired instructor thinks he can stop me? How quaint."With a sudden surge of power, Rage lunged at Benji, his speed blurring the line between attacker and shadow. Benji barely had time to react, raising his arms in defense as Rage's fist connected with his side, the force of the blow sending him sprawling across the ground."Get up!" Rage taunted, his voice dripping with malice. "Is this all you've got? You've been living off old glory for too long."Benji struggled to his feet, shaking off the pain. He squared his shoulders, ready to counter, but Rage was relentless. With a flick of his wrist, he unleashed a barrage of energy blasts, each explosion throwing Benji backward, knocking the wind out of him."You think you can protect the Nexus?" Rage mocked, advancing on Benji. "I'll crush you like the insect you are!"With every blow, Benji felt his resolve falter. He was outmatched, the raw power and speed of Rage overwhelming. Just when he thought he could turn the tide, Rage lunged once more, his fist connecting with Benji's jaw, sending him crashing to the ground.Rage cast a final glance at him, the satisfaction of victory gleaming in his eyes. He turned his attention to the pedestal at the base of the Nexus, its surface glowing with pulsating energy. This was it—the source of unimaginable power that would finally allow him to claim his rightful place.As he approached the pedestal, the air thickened with anticipation. The energy emanating from the structure crackled around him, and a deep hum resonated, responding to his presence. Rage reached out, placing his hand against the cool, smooth surface, feeling the energy thrumming beneath his fingers."Finally," he whispered, a grin spreading across his face. "All of this will be mine."The pedestal's energy flared brightly, illuminating the area in a blinding light. Rage closed his eyes, allowing the energy to wash over him, filling him with its intoxicating power. He could feel the Nexus responding to him, its energy bending to his will.Suddenly, the ground trembled, sending vibrations through the air. The pedestal began to shift, revealing a dark passage leading down into the heart of the Nexus. Rage stepped forward, the thrill of conquest coursing through his veins.But just as he was about to dive into the depths, a voice echoed through the chaos. "Stop right there!"Benji, finally finding his footing, stood defiantly, energy swirling around him like a storm. His eyes glowed white, a stark contrast to the darkness surrounding Rage. "I won't let you take control!"Rage turned slowly, irritation flaring. "You think you can stop me now? You're too late."As he prepared to descend, Benji unleashed a surge of energy, igniting the air with a blinding light. "It's not over yet!" The white light surrounding him grew more radiant, illuminating the shadows that lingered around the pedestal.With a deep breath, he unleashed his energy. It exploded outward in a brilliant flash, engulfing him in a cyclone of light. His aura expanded, a swirling tempest of white energy that crackled and danced with raw power. The intensity of it lit up the darkened area, casting an ethereal glow that captured the attention of all who remained.As the light began to settle, Benji's transformation became evident. His eyes shone with a blinding white luminescence, a reflection of the energy coursing through him. The very essence of his being radiated strength, confidence, and an undeniable aura of authority.The air around him hummed with power, and the ground trembled as he stepped forward, each stride echoing with purpose."Behold," Benji declared, his voice steady and resolute, "the Evolved State of Bending."