Finals begin

The atmosphere in the arena was charged, almost suffocating. The finals weren't just a competition; they were a spectacle. People weren't here for a fight; they were here for a war. The air itself seemed to hum with anticipation, a raw energy crackling through the stands as the crowd buzzed in excitement.

The announcer's voice boomed across the stadium, his tone grand and over the top, fitting the magnitude of the moment. "On one side, the undefeated shadow prodigy, Ying Yue! And on the other, the storm incarnate, Zhao Wei!"

The crowd roared, their cheers splitting into factions. Some shouted Ying Yue's name with unwavering devotion, while others rallied behind Zhao Wei, their voices blending into a mix that seemed to shake the very foundations of the arena.

From the stands, I couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between them. Ying Yue stood silent, her calm demeanor as unyielding as steel, as if the spectacle didn't even touch her. She exuded a quiet, deadly focus. Zhao Wei, on the other hand, was alive with energy, practically feeding off the crowd's excitement. He raised a hand to acknowledge their cheers, soaking in the adoration like a seasoned performer. This was his stage, and he owned it.

"Zhao Wei's no pushover," Hurky muttered from beside me, his eyes glued to the arena, full of intent. "He's not just fast, strong and he's strategic. His wind attacks aren't just for show; they're distractions, setting up his lightning strikes. It's why no one's been able to counter him."

I waved a hand dismissively, though I could feel the weight of Hurky's words. "Yeah, yeah, lightning and wind, big deal."

Hurky gave me a pointed look, his gaze sharp. "Trust me, this isn't something to take lightly."

I leaned forward, narrowing my eyes at the arena. "Well, let's see if the so-called 'storm incarnate' can handle the Shadow Lotus."

The judge stepped forward, his expression stern as he raised his hand. The moment his hand dropped, the arena exploded into chaos.

Zhao Wei moved first, his speed blinding. A gust of wind surged toward Ying Yue, followed by a volley of sharp air blades that cut through the space between them like knives. The crowd gasped in anticipation. Ying Yue, however, was a picture of grace, sidestepping the initial attack with a fluid motion. Her shadow tendrils snaked around her, ready to defend or strike.

But Zhao Wei wasn't done. He surged forward, crackling with electricity, his movements swift and aggressive. His fists became conduits for lightning, each strike a miniature storm aimed at overwhelming her defenses.

The first clash of their powers was like a thunderclap. Shadows met lightning in a flash that illuminated the arena, the impact shaking the ground beneath them. The air buzzed, the tension palpable. Zhao Wei smirked, his confidence unwavering as he pressed the attack, sensing her hesitation.

"Impressive," I murmured, impressed despite myself. He was forcing Ying Yue onto the defensive a rare sight in itself.

"She's testing him," Hurky said confidently, eyes tracking the flow of the fight. "She hasn't even used her full power yet. You'll see."

Still, there was something about Zhao Wei's movements that caught my attention. His strikes were precise, each one a calculated decision, each step part of a larger plan. He wasn't just relying on raw power. He was setting up his next move, anticipating hers, a few steps ahead of the game.

For the next few minutes, the battle was a beautiful, dangerous dance. Zhao Wei's wind attacks kept Ying Yue on her toes, forcing her to shift, dodge, and pivot. Every time she thought she had a moment to strike, a bolt of lightning would fly her way, keeping her at bay. It was a constant test of endurance and reflexes.

But Ying Yue wasn't out of tricks. Her shadows moved with lethal intent, darting and weaving around Zhao Wei like vipers, countering his every attempt. Each shadow seemed to have a mind of its own, converging at the perfect moment, only to be disrupted by Zhao Wei's wind. The arena seemed to vibrate with the power of their clash one was fluid, a master of movement; the other, a force of nature, relentless and calculated.

As the fight dragged on, something shifted. Zhao Wei began to adapt, his movements sharper, his attacks more effective. With every strike, every counter, he seemed to learn, tweaking his strategy to better deal with Ying Yue's elusive shadows. It was clear he had studied her past fights, analyzed her techniques, looking for cracks in her armor.

The crowd sensed it too. Their cheers grew louder, more frantic, as Zhao Wei started to gain the upper hand. His attacks grew more calculated, more precise, and the momentum seemed to swing in his favor.

"This guy's better than I thought," I admitted, crossing my arms. My eyes followed his every move. He was proving Hurky right he wasn't just physically gifted. He was a tactician.

Hurky glanced at me, his expression serious now. "That's why he's here. Ying Yue might actually have to fight for this one."

I smirked, leaning forward slightly. "Good. Let's see what she's really made of."