CHAPTER 24-LAST EFFORT

Sol asked, "Zane, how long can you hold all that power?"

Zane replied, "I'm guessing three minutes max."

Aza inquired, "What happens if he can't hit the Gakan?"

Sol responded gravely, "Let's pray that doesn't happen, shall we?"

Nobu suggested, "Use my Golden silk to get up top. The same way we went down on Exam Number One. I can control my silk, making it like railways for you guys to skate up. Think of the same method as Exam One, but we're going up instead of down."

Sol praised, "That's genius, Nobu! Let's go!"

Zesh instructed, "Listen out for me; I'll warn you anytime it's going to attack."

Everyone replied in unison, "OK!"

 The Gakan attacked, and Kayge jumped forward to take the hit for Zane. Aza hit the Gakan with her hammer, pushing its hand back. Sol delivered an SM hit to the Gakan's stomach. The Gakan charged, and electricity struck down on the arena. Zane continued to run with the energy ball.

Zeph yelled, "Jump now, Zane!" Zane jumped, and the Gakan's tail barely missed A lightning bolt prepared to hit Sol, but zesh jumped in front and redirected the lightning back towards the sky using his reflective cloak.

Sol yelled, "Nobu, do your string thing!" Nobu lifted his hand, "SM2 Holy cradle" The entire arena is now covered in gold silk like spider webs, creating thousands of silk lines all around the Gakan. "Now you all can use the lines to travel up towards the top of it."

Vojim asked, "So, what is their plan with those webs, exactly?"

Adon replied, "Well, Nobu's Annoiting has the potential of 300 abilities from the Great War of Gideon. Right now, he can only maintain 6 out of 300. Silk Blade is one of them. That silk is like sharp blades, but what he just did was create them and turn them sideways so they can't cut his allies. As they said, it's like skating rails up to the beast's face."

Khayjin ran to jump on, saying, "I need to hit this beast as hard as I can to make him stumble and set up Zane for the kill shot. Zane, follow me; I'll protect you going up."

Zesh cautioned, "Hey Khayjin, as you two go up, listen out for my signals and warnings. This will keep you safe."

Zane reminded, "Hey guys, time's zooming. Probably got two minutes till this explodes."

As they skated up the reels, Khayjin punched the air, his fist flying in a powerful arc while he grasped Zane's shoulder, propelling them both upward with explosive force. The Gakan's electricity ravaged the arena, striking everywhere with deadly precision.

Aza yelled Khayjin, "Keep skating up! The lightning is attracted to my metal hammer. Every time it's about to hit, I'll toss it at the Gakan to take its focus off you all!"

Zesh shouted back, "I'll let you know every time it's gonna hit!"

Sol bellowed, "I'll hit its stomach with an attack! It's about to do another inner blast!"

Sol unleashed a fierce SM1 - Striking Pierce, striking the Gakan's stomach with incredible force while it was charging. The attack kept the beast from unleashing another devastating inner blast.

The Gakan retaliated, its massive fist swinging at the railing to crush Khayjin and Zane. Zesh's warning shout echoed through the arena, "Incoming!"

Nobu swiftly responded, manipulating the wires with incredible agility, shifting them left to narrowly avoid the Gakan's attack. Khayjin and Zane barely escaped the beast's deadly blow, their hearts racing with adrenaline as they continued their perilous ascent.

Zesh shouted, "Lightning incoming! Three seconds, Aza get ready!" She jumped up, aiming her hammer at the Gakan's knee, and counted down, "3-2-1, now!" A massive lightning bolt from the Gakan struck the hammer as Aza threw it. The hammer hurtled towards the Gakan, hitting its knee, and making it stumble on one leg.

Sol exclaimed, "That brought him down a few feet! Kayge, get ready!"

Zesh warned, "It's getting ready to blast Khayjin and Zane again! Three seconds!"

The Gakan charged up, its eyes fixed on Khayjin and Zane and unleashed a devastating blast. "RWAHHHHHHHHH SHOOOOM!" The blast hurtled towards them, but Kayge jumped in front, his Holy Arm glowing with a brilliant light. He blocked the blast, sending it soaring into the sky with an incredible counter.

Khayjin breathed a sigh of relief, "Thanks, Kayge! That was almost the end for us.

 Zesh shouted, "Watch out! It's gonna crush you two with both hands!"

The Gakan swung its massive hands in, aiming to crush Khayjin and Zane. Khayjin leaped off the reels, and just as the hands were about to hit, he unleashed a powerful SM3 - Wind Collapse. He cocked both fists inward and pinched out at the same time, causing the two hands to separate and swing far back.

Aza seized the opportunity, hitting the Gakan's knee again and making it fall onto its butt. Nobu made all the wires disappear as Zane jumped, and then recreated them, wrapping them around the entire Gakan and restraining it. The Gakan was now completely tied up like a prisoner, its face wide open in a helpless roar.

Zane pulled the ball of fire and lightning behind him, his eyes blazing with determination. "Vulcan Blast!" he shouted, unleashing the attack.

The Gakan responded with a powerful mouth blast, causing a massive explosion as the two blasts collided. The arena shook, and the air was filled with the sound of crackling energy. "FWOOOOOMMMMMBOOOOOOOMMMMMMM!"

Zesh's voice was laced with concern, "Ooo no, Zane, get outta there!"

Zane refused to back down, "No! I will finish this!"

Zesh warned, "It's gonna overpower you, Zane!"

Zane's response was firm, "I don't care, I got this!" He gritted his teeth, his eyes fixed on the Gakan.

Nobu shot three arrows at the Gakan, causing an explosion that made the beast stumble, but it refused to yield. The blast continued, showing no signs of weakening.

Khayjin jumped behind Zane, his voice filled with determination, "Okay, Zane, let's end this! Win... Wind Piercer!" Khayjin punched the blast, causing it to erupt in a spectacular display of energy.

Sol and Aza seized the opportunity, attacking the Gakan simultaneously and cutting its leg, making it lose momentum. The blast finally hit the beast, striking it with incredible force. "BOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMZWIMMMMMMMMMPSHHHHHHHJ!"

The entire arena lit up, and everyone was shocked. Smoke filled the air, obscuring the aftermath of the blast. When the smoke cleared, Zane and Khayjin were seen falling from the sky, passed out.

Kari's voice was filled with concern, "Ooo no, they're falling! Someone get them!"

Sol struggled to move, his body exhausted, "Man, I can't move... my body is done."

Adon-All them are completely exhausted from everything they just did.

Nobu was equally drained, "Yeah, I'm done."

Hela pleaded, "Ark, do something! They'll die!"

Ark replies, "I can't, I have nothing in the arena prepared to help with a fall. Plus, the rules are they must figure it out without us. Zeyta's situation was different than this, she was going to kill people, so Vojim's interference was justified."

Vojim interjects, "Yes this is true unfortunately we cannot go against the rules. What do you say Rouke?"

Rouke... "They got this."

Everyone was shocked.

Aza was desperate, "No! Zesh, what do we do? Zesh is drained out!"I can't catch them with anything

Nobu turned to Raiza, "Raiza, help them, please, brother."

Raiza was hesitant, "Hm, you all figured everything out so far. You don't need my help."

Nobu urged, "Stop being selfish, come on now! Raiza, please!"

Adon intervened, "Raiza, stop being selfish! You're my son, we do not act this way! Help them, now!"

Raiza finally relented, "Hmmm, fine." With a flick of his wrist, a massive water wave caught Zane and Khayjin, gently laying them on the ground. The arena erupted in cheers.

Nobu thanked his brother.

Raiza justified his initial hesitation, "Why do you care? They're not from our tribe."

Nobu was disappointed, "I always looked up to you, but now I see you're a coward, and you're no man of God."

Raiza shrugged, "Say what you like. They're only alive because of me."

Nobu sighed.

Kari, "Gibby they did it! And the Gakan is knocked out naked."

Gibby laughed, "Well, it seems all of them are exhausted. Zane and Khayjin are knocked out cold, Zesh is knocked out, Sol is on all fours, attempting to stand, Aza seems to still be okay, Nobu looks pale and exhausted, Kayge looks like he can't walk..."

Kari pointed out, "Look, you can see all the red buttons now. This is everyone's chance to finish the exam."

Aza tried to rouse Zesh, "Come on, Zesh, the beast is knocked out. Let's go, please! Zesh, move!"

Zesh struggled to respond, his voice weak, "Aza... I'm so exhausted... plus all the back-to-back visions got me drained... I can't stand..."

Aza urged, "You have to, we must finish! Please, Zesh, all we've been through, we must complete this!"

Zesh's response was barely audible, "I... can't... move..."

Sol thought to himself, "I need to finish this. This is my chance. The Gakan is right in front of me. I must force myself... No, I can't. First, I must wake Zane up. He looks dead over there. I gotta crawl to him."

Meanwhile, Nobu prayed, "Alright, Father always told me that when we can't do it alone, to trust in the Holy Spirit. Rely on the Holy Spirit when you can no longer push through in life. I'm asking you now, Lord, give me the strength. Move me, Lord." (He thought to himself) "I'm so dizzy, I used so much energy..."

Hela declared, "They have shown so much faith, strength, and humbleness. I'm sure we can all agree to this. They're all very much worthy to pass."

Vojim added, "I must say, I have never been this impressed in all my years of living. What they displayed is a great glimpse of our future."

Adon beamed with pride, "I'm so proud of these kids. Not only have they done the unthinkable, but they actually took down a Gakan! This is amazing. They've got my pass."

Rouke remained silent, prompting Adon to ask, "What's wrong, Rouke?"

Ark explained, "He knows the rules and laws as much as I do."

Hela inquired, "What are you talking about, Ark?"

Ark clarified, "Well, as much as I agree with you guys, the rule-law is to hit six dots per person under the time limit. They now have two minutes to do so, or they won't qualify."

Hela protested, "No! That's not fair! They've shown their display of..."

Rouke interrupted, "Ark is right. I admire all they've done, but rules and laws are rules and laws."

Adon urged, "Nobuuuuu! You have two minutes! Get your behind up and hit those dots now!"

Hela shouted, "Zane, get up! You must finish! You have two minutes left! Let's go!"

Vojim added, "Allow me, Rouke. I know you're not the loud type..." Vojim's voice boomed, "Khayjin, please wake up!" The crowd gasped in shock.

Vojim chuckled, "I seem to have overdone it a bit, haha." The crowd started chanting, "Wake up, wake up, wake up!"

Khayjin slowly opened his eyes, "Whaaat's going on?" He took in his surroundings, "What happened? Wait, the Gakan... where is he? Oooo, he's knocked out, and the red buttons are showing! The plan worked! Hey, Zan... (Zane was still knocked out cold) Hey, wake up, bro! We did it, and it looks like the Gakan is slowly waking up from the chants. We only got one minute thirty seconds. Crap, Zane, come on!"

Aza struggled to get Zesh up, "Hey, Khayjin, I'm up, but I can't get Zesh up either. Time's running out. What do we do?"

Khayjin thought for a moment, "I don't know... ummm... Hey, Nobu, you praying over there What do we do, man?"

Nobu....

Sol trembled, "I can't... I'm done, bro... I'm trembling. Go hit your buttons, Khayjin and Aza."

Raiza advised, "You all that are up should just go hit your buttons to complete it. Stop caring for everyone else. You're all pathetic."

Khayjin shot back, "I'll deal with you after, Mr. I'm too good to help anyone.

Aza, "Well, Raiza saved you and Zane's life. You were both falling from the sky and he saved you."

Khayjin seethed, "Noooooo! Why? I'd rather have died."

Nobu wakes out of prayer, "That's it, I've got it. Aza, hit the ground as hard as you can. that move you did last round, do it now."

Aza hesitated, "But I almost lost because of that move..."

Nobu urged, "Do it now! It will shake everything in this arena, plus wake everyone up. This arena is made of metal. It will cause such a shock to the body it will not only wake everyone it's like a quick adrenaline shot gooooo!" Aza, evil grin... (Aza unleashed a massive attack) "Megaton Crush!" (FWING BOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMM) The entire arena shook, waking everyone up in shock and pain.

Zane groggily asked, "Wooo, what was that?"

Sol struggled to stand, "Omg, now I'm permanently gonna stand up."

Zesh rubbed his head, "Sheeeesh, that broke my soul."

Nobu slowly got up, "Ok, it worked everyone gooooooo!"

The entire crowd cheered. 

Nobu- "Everyone, we have thirty seconds before time's up! We gotta get our buttons! The Gakan is waking up!"

Zane laughed, "Ha! The plan worked, eh? HAHA! The monkey is completely hairless! HAHA!"

Everyone made their last-minute efforts to get their red dots. Khayjin punched a few, Nobu hit his with arrows, Aza hit hers with her hammer, Zesh hit his with daggers, Kayge hit his, Sol sliced his, and Zane cut them with his sword.

As they finished, the countdown began: "5-4-3-2-Completed!" Everyone cheered, and the Anointed passed out, except for Aza.

Hela beamed with pride, "I'm so proud of them! They did it! True heroes! Soren would be so happy!"

Adon added, "Wow, such a blessing!"

Vojim inquired, "That technique Nobu figured out... how?"

Rouke explained, "He was aware the floor was made of metal smart kid."

As the crowd continued to cheer, Zeyta jumped into the arena to congratulate Khayjin. Gibby announced, "Well, now we have our amazing new Anointed! They have passed the trial and will be the new light that erases the night."

Ark's robots were already at work, healing the Anointed and getting them back to full strength. Gibby continued, "In fifteen minutes, they will all be good to go, and we can continue with the ordainment."

As the Anointed sat in a circle, being healed, Aza exclaimed, "We did it, guys! We all did it!"

Sol added, "Yes, today God smiles on us all."

Zesh reflected, "We worked together; that was the key."

Nobu smiled, "I can see it... my father's face... he is so proud."

Zane fell asleep, and Khayjin put his head down. Kayge asked, "What's wrong, Khayjin? You seem bothered."

Khayjin replied, "My friend Zeyta... she should be down here instead of me. This was everything to her."

Kayge reassured him, "No, don't worry... she'll have her time in the future... it's just not now."

Raiza approached, saying, "It's sad to see you all need healing. Hurry and get up, so we can be ordained."

Khayjin looked up, "Man, I should punch... nevermind, thanks, Raiza."

Raiza smirked, "Huh, Khayjin?"

Khayjin expressed gratitude, "You saved us... from what I've heard, I owe you."

Raiza replied, "Tch, next time, don't slack, and don't expect me to be generous."

The robots announced the Anointed's health statuses: "Khayjin, healthy! Nobu, healthy! Sol, healthy! Zesh, healthy!" and so on.

Nobu exclaimed, "Robots are pretty cool! I'm definitely feeling great now!"

Khayjin agreed, "Yeah, feeling perfect! These robots are amazing!"

However, when the robots announced Zane's health status as "Sixty percent healthy," Sol explained, "Because his power is something else... he can do so much with his Anointing, but it drains him badly... headaches, nosebleeds, fainting... everything. That's the downfall to his Anointing. There's so much power running through him that is why he's always sleeping, but don't worry, I'll carry him to the podium."

As Zeyta entered the arena, she congratulated Khayjin, "Hey, Khayjin I just wanted to say congratulations, and I know you deserve this."

Khayjin thanked her, "Thank you, Zeyta! It means a lot."

Gibby announced, "Okay, everyone, we will ask you all to please stay seated as we acknowledge the Anointed who have passed the trials and who have represented their tribes by overcoming all obstacles. Okay, I will first ask that the four step to the stage to hand off their badges of completion. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome the Four! Shink, Hezu, Soz, and Hazai!"

The four cloaked figures walked toward the podium, their presence commanding attention.

Gibby greeted them, "Hey, guys! We've seen you watching from afar. How'd you all like the Trials?"

GENJO TAKES OFF HIS HOOD. "HAHAAAA THAT WAS JUST THEIR TRAINING!"

THE FOUR OF THEM TAKE THEIR HOODS OFF.

CHAPTER ENDS SEE YALL NEXT THURSDAY FOR DARK TOURNAMENT