The roar of the crowd reverberated through the colossal stadium. Leo, still buzzing from his own victory, stood near the edge of the arena, watching Chen Wei step forward. His friend's eyes glinted with determination, calm but burning like a hidden storm.
Leo (thinking): This is it… Chen Wei's first match. He's got the Water Dragon power… he's nothing like me. I hope he can hold his own.
The announcer's voice boomed, echoing across the arena.
Announcer: "Next match! Representing China, Chen Wei! Facing Ryu Min-ho from Korea. Chen Wei's beast power: Water Dragon. Ryu Min-ho's beast power: Iron Wolf!"
Chen Wei's expression didn't change. He adjusted his stance, palms slightly raised, water shimmering faintly around him. The opponent, Ryu Min-ho, flexed and cracked his knuckles, metallic energy glinting along his arms.
Ryu Min-ho: "Water Dragon, huh? Let's see if you can float or sink!"
Chen Wei: "I don't float… I flow. And I strike where it hurts."
The battle began. Ryu lunged with speed, iron claws slashing through the air. Chen Wei deflected with fluid, precise movements. Water swirled around his arms, bending attacks aside, forming a protective shield that rippled like a living current.
Leo (thinking): He moves like a river… precise, unyielding. He's calm, but every motion has weight. He's… amazing.
Ryu pressed harder, unleashing a flurry of metal strikes. Chen Wei countered, spinning gracefully, striking back with a concentrated water whip that cracked like a whip against Ryu's torso. Sparks flew. The crowd held its breath.
Ryu Min-ho: "Not bad… but can you handle this?"
He slammed the ground, and metallic spikes erupted like jagged cliffs. Chen Wei dodged nimbly, rolling beneath one strike and slicing upward with a water blade that shimmered in the sun.
Chen Wei (thinking): Stay calm… every strike must land perfectly. Flow like the Dragon, strike like the storm.
Minutes passed like seconds. Sweat dripped, muscles ached, but Chen Wei's focus never wavered. With a swift movement, he summoned the full force of the Water Dragon. A torrent of energy exploded from his core, coiling and striking like a living serpent.
Ryu Min-ho faltered, caught off-guard by the overwhelming wave. One precise strike to the chest, and the Iron Wolf's armor cracked. Ryu tumbled backward, hitting the ground hard. The arena erupted with screams and applause.
Announcer: "Incredible! Chen Wei defeats Ryu Min-ho with a masterful strike! The Water Dragon's power fully unleashed — what a victory!"
Chen Wei lowered his hands, the water dissipating around him. His chest heaved, eyes glinting with pride and relief.
Leo (thinking, walking toward him): He did it… my friend. He's nothing like me… but he's strong in a completely different way. Even after all this, I can't match him yet. His beast… it's amazing.
Chen Wei noticed Leo and grinned faintly, giving a small nod.
Chen Wei: "It's over. One match down."
Leo: "You… you were incredible. Flowing like water, striking like lightning. I couldn't even keep up with your rhythm."
Chen Wei shrugged, modest but aware of his achievement.
Chen Wei: "It's just the beginning. Don't underestimate your own strength, Leo. But… yeah… I had my moment today."
Leo's chest tightened with both pride and the sting of envy.
Leo (thinking): He's my best friend… but I lost to him. Not just physically… his calm, precise flow… it's something I have to learn from. My 1% power isn't enough yet. I have to get stronger… for the next round, for the tournament… and for me.
The crowd's cheer thundered around them as Chen Wei exited the arena, victory in hand. Leo followed, already feeling the fire of motivation burning brighter than ever.