Smoke lingered over the Crimson Arena. Ryuji's Dragon energy still glimmered faintly, the glow of his Dragon's Fist fading as he caught his breath.
But there was no time to relax. A challenger stepped forward. Tall, muscular, eyes sharp as steel—a warrior from the Iron Tiger Clan, the clan known for its brutal strength and merciless combat style.
"I'm Darius," the man growled. "I've been sent to test the so-called Dragon. Let's see if you're worthy of the arena."
Ryuji tightened his fists. The energy inside him surged. This is it… my first real test against a rival clan.
The fight began with a roar. Darius charged like a tiger, fists smashing down like hammers. Ryuji dodged, blocked, and countered, his movements faster than before. The Dragon's Fist flared as he struck, leaving a trail of golden light in the air.
Darius laughed. "Not bad… but raw power isn't everything!" He unleashed a spinning strike, a whirlwind of sheer force. Ryuji barely jumped back, sweat streaming down his face.
The crowd was on their feet. Fighters from other clans watched closely. This was more than a fight—it was a statement.
Ryuji closed his eyes. Focus… control… Dragon! His Golden aura exploded. Time seemed to slow. With a single, precise strike, he channeled the Dragon's Fist perfectly. The impact hit Darius squarely, sending him skidding back across the arena floor.
Silence. Then… cheers. Ryuji had won.
But victory was short-lived. From the shadows, a hooded figure watched, smirking. The Dark Cloud Sect had eyes everywhere. They were already planning their next move.
Lyra approached, her expression serious. "Ryuji, this fight proved your power… but also your limits. The clans are not your enemies yet. The real threat is still coming. And you will need every ounce of your Dragon energy to survive it."
Ryuji's fists flared once more. His heart pounded. This was only the beginning of a war—not just between clans, but against the Dark Cloud Sect that threatened them all.
The Dragon inside him whispered: "Next time… we strike harder."