Chapter 74: Old Bonds, New Power

The stadium lights flared to life once more, casting a golden hue across the massive arena floor. Energy buzzed in the air—electric with anticipation.

On opposite ends of the stage stood Kael Renji and Tetsu Akiyama, both of them transformed from the boys they used to be. One now cloaked in a sleek black robe with white stripes, silver-white hair glowing faintly under the lights. The other wore upgraded kinetic gear—streamlined and reinforced by Eri's newest designs, every inch of him coiled with stored power.

The announcer's voice roared:

"Semi-Final Match One: Kael Renji vs. Tetsu Akiyama… BEGIN!"

Tetsu moved first.

His boots exploded with propulsion, launching him like a rocket. Kael slid to the side, armguards lighting up faintly as he activated his Void Regulation Technique, catching Tetsu's strike with a single palm.

The arena cracked.

Boom.

Tetsu grinned. "You got better."

Kael smirked. "So did you."

Tetsu twisted midair, his gauntlet glowing blue—Kinetic Cyclone Fist—and slammed down with raw force. Kael braced, his Voidstep letting him flicker briefly behind Tetsu, driving an elbow toward his back.

But Tetsu spun, predicting the feint, blocking with his forearm before blasting Kael away with a back-kick powered by his amplifiers.

Kael skidded back, cloak fluttering, cracking his neck. "Nice read."

Tetsu's breath was steady. Focused. "Don't hold back."

Kael nodded—and vanished.

Tetsu's eyes widened—barely tracking Kael's sudden burst of movement as Kael appeared above him, descending with a new move—

"Void Crash."

A spiraling burst of dark energy enveloped Kael's leg as he struck downward. Tetsu barely managed to cross his arms and tank the impact, the arena floor fracturing violently beneath him.

Dust clouded the field. A moment passed before both boys leapt back to reset their stance.

Blood trickled down Kael's brow. Tetsu's right arm shook slightly.

And both smiled.

From the stands, Hana clutched the edge of her seat. "They're going all out…"

Eri adjusted her goggles, whispering, "That's not even their peak. Not yet."

Ryuu, arms folded, watched closely, silently memorizing every move.

Down in the arena, Kael wiped his chin. "I'm just getting started."

Tetsu flexed his gloves, a burst of steam hissing out. "Then let's keep going."

They launched at each other again—fists meeting in a concussive shockwave, the battle raging on with no sign of slowing.