Chapter 35 — The Arena Ignites
The colossal Tree loomed over the gathered masses like an ancient sentinel, its countless branches stretching beyond sight. Around its massive roots, spectators from countless races and worlds packed together, their faces a kaleidoscope of anticipation, fear, and excitement.
Freya stood near the edge of the crowd, arms crossed tightly, her dark hair streaked with silver strands that caught the flickering light of the floating holograms. The faint scar cutting across her left cheek was a stark reminder of battles past—silent testimony to the price she'd paid for power. Her usual cold, calculating demeanor softened for a brief moment, eyes glinting with a mix of concern and fierce determination.
"This isn't just a game anymore," she muttered, voice low.
Beside her, Lyssira's emerald-green hair spilled over her shoulders in waves, her hands clenched so tightly that her knuckles blanched white. Despite her rank, her expression was heavy with dread. "Zavier's grown stronger... but this arena? The stakes are higher than ever. I can't shake the feeling that something's watching, waiting."
Across from them, a shadowed figure clad in midnight robes stood silent, eyes glowing faintly beneath his hood. "The multiverse watches with bated breath," he whispered. "No one may interfere, but destiny has chosen its players."
Above the crowd, Lunaria's voice echoed, calm yet authoritative. "Welcome to the Grand Clinnore Arena — the final stage of the Ascension Tournament. Here, only one shall remain. Let the battle begin."
The massive arena fractured into countless floating platforms, each suspended in the void like shards of shattered star. Fighters appeared on their respective battlefields, ready to fight for survival and glory.
High above the clouds, Zavier hovered on his platform, the massive tree's shadow stretching over him like a promise. His dragon wings beat steadily, each flap a rhythmic pulse syncing with the roaring blood pounding in his ears. Across from him, the Nakarai warrior stepped forward, towering and brutal — rippling muscles covered in jagged, obsidian-black scales, eyes burning with merciless golden fury. Twin crescent blades gleamed like deadly moons in its claws.
The silence snapped like a taut wire.
The Nakarai let out a guttural roar and charged, claws slashing with lethal speed.
Zavier barely raised his wings in time, the force of the strike rattling his arms and sending shockwaves through the platform. Sparks flew where blade met scaled flesh, the ground trembling beneath their feet.
His heart hammered fiercely — every sense sharpened by raw adrenaline. The Nakarai was ruthless, relentless, pushing forward with brutal precision. Zavier dodged, parried, countered, fighting not just for victory but survival itself.
The battle dragged on, muscles screaming, breath ragged, blood mixing with sweat. And then the Nakarai's roar changed — primal, furious — as its body convulsed with sudden transformation. Black scales thickened into jagged armor plates, claws sharpened into cruel blades, strength magnified.
Zavier staggered beneath the new onslaught, faltering for the first time.
Fear prickled at his mind's edge.
But deep within, the endless evolution awakened.
Power flickered, coiling like a storm waiting to burst.
Gathering every ounce of will, Zavier surged forward, claws flashing like lightning, striking the Nakarai's armored hide.
The beast faltered, surprise flashing in its cruel eyes.
The fight was far from over, but so was Zavier's awakening.