Battle of the Firstborn

Chapter 8 – Battle of the Firstborn

The air crackled with overwhelming energy.

Kairo and Raizen stood frozen, their eyes locked onto the two legendary figures before them—the Firstborn of Fire and Lightning.

These were not just warriors.

They were the original wielders of their respective powers. The ones who had mastered the very elements that now burned within Kairo and Raizen.

The beast's voice echoed in the sky above.

"Kairo Tenma. Raizen Shiro. Before you stands the origin of your strength. The first to be chosen by the Phoenix and the Storm Wolf. Those who shaped the history of your world."

Kairo clenched his fists, flames flickering around them. "You're saying these guys were the first to have powers like ours?"

The golden-flamed warrior stepped forward. His very presence radiated heat, the air around him shimmering as if the atmosphere itself feared his power.

"I am Kaelith, the Firstborn of the Phoenix." His voice was deep and commanding. "The one who first unlocked the true potential of the Phoenix's flames."

Kairo's breath hitched. Kaelith. The name felt oddly familiar, like something buried deep within his memories.

Then, the storm-cloaked warrior spoke.

"I am Raikuro, the Firstborn of the Storm Wolf." His silver eyes gleamed like lightning in the darkness. "The one who became one with the storm and forged the path for those who came after."

Raizen's eyes widened. "Raikuro… I've heard that name before."

Kaelith turned his gaze to Kairo. "Your flames are strong, but they are wild. You do not yet understand the burden of the Phoenix."

Raikuro nodded at Raizen. "You wield the storm, yet you do not hear its whispers. Your power is clouded."

Raizen scowled. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Kaelith's expression darkened. "The Phoenix's flames are not just power. They are a curse. The more you use them, the more they consume you."

Raikuro crossed his arms. "And the storm does not follow the weak. It only grants its strength to those who accept their true selves."

Kairo's mind raced. A curse? What did he mean?

Raizen narrowed his eyes. "You're saying we don't fully understand our own powers?"

Kaelith's golden flames surged. "Not yet. But you will."

Raikuro's lightning crackled in the sky. "If you survive this trial."

Then, without another word—

They attacked.

---

The Battle Begins – Fire vs Fire, Lightning vs Lightning

Kaelith vanished.

Before Kairo could react, a blazing fist slammed into his gut, sending him flying backward.

"Gah—!"

He crashed into the ground, flames exploding around him.

Fast!

Kaelith landed gracefully, his body wreathed in golden flames. "You hesitate, Kairo Tenma. A Phoenix who hesitates will be devoured by his own fire."

Kairo groaned, pushing himself up. "You talk too much."

His wings of fire ignited, his golden eyes burning. He launched forward, throwing a blazing punch.

But—

Kaelith caught it.

Caught his punch.

With two fingers.

Kairo's eyes widened. "What—?"

Then, Kaelith's flames surged.

Kairo barely had time to scream before an eruption of fire engulfed him.

---

Raizen's battle was no easier.

Raikuro raised his hand, and the sky roared.

A bolt of lightning descended like a god's wrath, striking Raizen's position.

Raizen dodged, barely missing the attack—

But Raikuro was already behind him.

"Too slow."

A thunderous kick sent Raizen flying.

"Damn it—!"

He twisted midair, sparks dancing around his fingers.

Lightning Strike!

He thrust his palm forward, sending a burst of silver lightning toward Raikuro.

The Firstborn merely raised his hand.

And absorbed it.

Raizen's heart stopped. "You—?!"

Raikuro smirked. "Your lightning is weak. It carries doubt."

He clenched his fist—

And the same lightning Raizen had just fired exploded back at him tenfold.

Raizen barely dodged as the sky itself seemed to split apart.

He gritted his teeth. "Damn it…!"

Raikuro tilted his head. "You are conflicted. Your heart is heavy. That is why the storm does not obey you."

Raizen's hands trembled.

He knew what Raikuro was talking about.

The truth he refused to face.

The past that haunted him.

Raikuro's eyes glowed. "Until you accept it, you will never wield true lightning."

Raizen clenched his fists, lightning crackling violently.

"I don't care what you say." His eyes burned with determination. "I'll surpass you my own way."

Raikuro smirked. "Then show me."

And the battle raged on.

---

Revealing the Truth – The Curse of the Phoenix & The Storm's Test

As Kairo struggled against Kaelith's impossibly strong flames, he felt something stir deep inside him.

A memory. A warning.

"The Phoenix's power… it is not just a gift. It is a test."

He remembered the words of his father, spoken long ago.

"You must never lose yourself to the fire. If you do, you will burn everything—including yourself."

Kairo's eyes widened as he barely dodged another attack.

Kaelith's words earlier suddenly made sense.

The Phoenix's flames weren't just a source of power.

They were a curse.

The more he used them—

The more they would consume him.

His body… his mind… his very soul.

And if he wasn't strong enough—

He would lose everything.

---

Meanwhile, Raizen's battle was pushing him to his absolute limit.

Raikuro's words kept ringing in his ears.

"Your heart is heavy."

"You refuse to accept your true self."

Raizen knew what he was talking about.

The past he never spoke of.

The reason why he always chased strength.

Why he had to be the strongest—

Why he couldn't lose.

Because if he was weak…

Then everything he had done was for nothing.

Raizen clenched his jaw.

He wouldn't lose.

Not to this guy.

Not to anyone.

---

To be continued-

Next Chapter – Breaking the Limits