The Dragon Emperor's New Power

Ryuga had descended into a vast valley, far from the village. Dense forests stretched around him, the wind rustling through the branches, creating a faint whisper. In his hand, he clutched Nightmare L-Drago, his fingers pressing firmly against the Beyblade’s cold black-purple surface. Its new form both fascinated and unsettled him. This power was uncontrollable; it had yet to submit to his will. But Ryuga was not one to accept weakness. His eyes gleamed with determination, his lips forming a thin line. He muttered to himself, “Are you going to defy me, L-Drago?” There was a threat in his voice. “We’ll see.”

He pulled out his launcher, set Nightmare L-Drago in place, and took a deep breath. “Begin!” he shouted. The moment the Beyblade hit the valley floor, the ground trembled. Black-purple energy waves spread out, and L-Drago’s rotation was so fast that the surrounding bushes shook and scattered. Ryuga aimed at a rock, but L-Drago chose its own path. Instead of stopping after the impact, it veered toward the trees, its sharp edges cutting through the trunks like a scythe. Falling trees raised clouds of dust. Ryuga shouted angrily, “I said stop!” But L-Drago did not listen. It tore through the valley, carving marks into the ground, shattering another boulder. Ryuga gritted his teeth and ran, grabbing the Beyblade. His breath was heavy, his eyes burned with fire. “Are you challenging me?” he said, his voice as sharp as a cold blade.

Though this lack of control drove him mad, he refused to give up. He began training. For hours, he launched L-Drago, choosing tougher targets each time. He aimed at a rock—L-Drago struck it but didn’t stop, swirling like a tornado and toppling another tree. Ryuga swallowed his rage; he would tame this power. He trained all day, drenched in sweat, his hands trembling from exhaustion, yet he did not stop. The first gray strands appeared in his hair, his eyes grew sharper—his body was reacting to this power. He locked onto a rock and commanded, “Stop!” This time, L-Drago halted before the stone, hovering slightly. A cold smile spread across Ryuga’s lips. “That’s more like it,” he murmured, his breath still uneven. “Now, you’re mine.”

At the same time, on the other side of the forest, Gingka and his friends were walking. The group had been following a strange energy for some time, their goal was to find its source. Unusual signs from around the world had unsettled them—lights appearing in the sky, increasing earthquakes—forcing them to take action. Gingka led the way, gripping Pegasus tightly. Beside him were Kenta, Madoka, Yuki, and Benkei, each lost in thought. Yuki spoke anxiously.

“Do you think we’ll find what we’re looking for here?”

Gingka answered confidently.

“I’m sure of it. A power of this magnitude can only belong to someone with a Star Fragment.”

Yuki felt a bit reassured and replied,

“You’re right, Mr. Gingka. If we bring that person to our side, we’ll take a huge step toward stopping Nemesis.”

At that moment, Kenta climbed onto a rock, scanning the area. With a concerned voice, he asked,

“Isn’t this forest a little too quiet?”

Madoka checked her device, studying the screen before responding calmly.

“It’s not quiet, Kenta. Look at these vibrations—something’s moving nearby.”

Yuki adjusted his glasses and glanced at the device. With a mix of curiosity and seriousness, he added,

“Yes, these energy waves aren’t natural. It’s definitely coming from a Beyblade, but for it to be this strong… that’s unusual.”

Benkei clenched his fists and puffed out his chest. In his bold, confident voice, he chimed in,

“Whoever it is, let them come! I’ll crush them with my Bull!”

Gingka stopped, turning his head toward the direction of the sounds. With a thoughtful expression, he looked at his friends.

“These vibrations… they feel familiar somehow, but I’m not sure. Let’s check it out.”

Just then, a blast echoed from the valley, halting them in their tracks. The ground shook, leaves fell from the trees. Kenta flinched and shouted in alarm.

“What was that?!”

Madoka raised her device, the screen flickering faster. With excitement but cautiousness, she spoke.

“The energy levels just spiked—it’s very close!”

Gingka’s expression hardened. In a determined tone, he addressed the team.

“This can’t be a coincidence. Something is happening, and we need to find out what.”

Meanwhile, Kyoya had gone his own way, unaware of the group’s plans. As always, he followed his own instincts, refusing to match the team’s pace. The sounds from the valley reached his ears. He gripped Fang Leone tightly. “Someone’s here,” he thought, a challenging smirk playing on his lips. But deep inside, he felt a sense of unease. “Let’s see what I’m up against.” Quickening his pace, he cut through the forest and reached the valley.

As Kyoya arrived at the upper parts of the valley, a dark dragon-shaped aura suddenly slammed him to the ground. The energy and power he faced felt oddly familiar. The area around him was engulfed in the flames of darkness, and the dragon’s silhouette rose into the skies of the valley, visible from the entire village. Its roar shook the land once again. The dragon turned toward its master, and Nightmare L-Drago finally calmed in Ryuga’s hands. Ryuga stood firm and composed, L-Drago in his grasp. A flicker of hesitation passed through Kyoya’s eyes. His voice carried mockery, but deep down, there was a hint of unease.

“So it’s you, huh, Ryuga? What are you doing here?”

Ryuga slowly turned his head, eyes locking onto Kyoya. His gaze was icy, his lips curling into a threatening smirk. His voice dripped with disdain.

“That’s none of your concern, Kyoya. The real question is—what are you doing here?”

Kyoya was cautious. After all, he still had unfinished business with the opponent before him. His eyes gleamed as he clenched his teeth and responded.

"This place is perfect for the revenge I'll take from you, Ryuga! Get ready!"

A smirk stretched across Ryuga’s lips, cold and confident. His gaze pierced through Kyoya as he replied.

"You're not even worth being a training dummy for me, Kyoya."

Kyoya's breathing quickened, his anger radiating from his eyes, yet a shadow lurked within him—Ryuga’s presence unsettled him. Still, his defiant spirit took control, and his voice hardened.

"Stop talking and get ready, Ryuga! I'll defeat you here and prove that I'm the best!"

Ryuga let out a cold laugh, attaching Nightmare L-Drago to his launcher. His voice carried both mockery and menace, a glint of victory in his eyes.

"The best, huh? It’s amusing that someone like you believes they could be stronger than the Dragon Emperor."

Both Bladers took their positions. Kyoya shouted the countdown in a challenging tone, though there was a slight crack in his voice.

"Three, two, one… Let it rip!"

Fang Leone and Nightmare L-Drago descended into the valley at the same time. Leone’s green metallic surface spun rapidly, generating faint gusts of wind and leaving fine trails on the ground. Meanwhile, L-Drago’s black-and-purple frame vibrated, its sharp edges carving deep grooves into the rocky terrain.

The Beyblades hurtled toward each other, and the first impact was fierce. Leone’s sharp edges struck L-Drago’s side, sending a metallic clang echoing through the valley. Sparks flew as L-Drago wobbled slightly, yet Ryuga’s gaze remained steady.

"Oh… not bad at all."

Kyoya shouted, his voice filled with determination, though his hands trembled slightly as he gripped his launcher.

"Faster, Leone! We can win this—attack again!"

Kyoya had noticed it—L-Drago was different. It spun faster and struck harder than before. This wasn’t Meteo L-Drago. This Beyblade was something entirely different. That realization sent a chill down his spine, but he refused to let it shake his resolve.

"Come on, attack! Finish it!"

Leone accelerated, striking L-Drago from the side once more. As it crashed into L-Drago’s frame, Leone’s edges scraped against the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust. A fine scratch appeared on L-Drago’s jagged surface. Ryuga gritted his teeth; there was a hint of irritation in his voice, but he remained composed.

"Is that all you’ve got, Kyoya? Do you really think a defense-type Beyblade can compete with me?"

L-Drago’s spinning intensified, sending black-and-purple energy waves rippling outward. It lunged at Leone, its razor-sharp edges colliding against Leone’s top surface. The impact sent Leone skidding backward, crashing into the rocks. A small dent formed on its frame, but it kept spinning.

Ryuga had no intention of dragging this battle out.

"Finish it, L-Drago. Time to make the little kitten cry."

L-Drago’s fusion wheel shifted—its mode changed. Previously, its rubber edges had been at the forefront, allowing for balance, but now it had switched to attack mode. Around Ryuga, dark flames flickered to life. His presence exuded a terrifying energy.

With its newfound mode, L-Drago lunged forward. Leone leaped back but clung to the ground, increasing its speed before charging again. The two Beyblades clashed once more, sending even more sparks flying, crackling as they danced in the air. L-Drago’s edges scraped against Leone’s body, creating a sharp metallic screech. Leone’s spin wavered slightly. Kyoya's breathing grew heavier, his determination unshaken, but his eyes flitted away from L-Drago’s strange, ominous energy.

"Hold on, Leone! Attack again—show him our new strength!"

Leone sped up, striking L-Drago from below with a fierce hit. The impact rattled the ground. A fine scratch appeared on L-Drago’s body, but it barely faltered. Ryuga narrowed his eyes, pouring his will into L-Drago.

"Now it’s my turn," he said, his voice cold, laced with the first signs of victory.

L-Drago’s spinning suddenly surged, releasing waves of dark energy that pulsed through the air.

L-Drago unleashed a relentless barrage of attacks on Leone. The first strike sent Leone tumbling sideways, leaving a deep notch in its body. The second distorted its spin, denting its top surface. The third launched Leone into the air—its edges were now bent from L-Drago’s ruthless assault.

Kyoya's eyes widened in shock, his breath caught in his throat. Leone crashed against the rocks, sending up another cloud of dust. But Kyoya didn’t back down. His voice burned with fury and determination, yet his hands trembled.

"What the hell? My attacks aren't doing anything!"

Ryuga barely acknowledged Kyoya. His focus was entirely on his own Beyblade. As Leone attempted another attack, L-Drago swiftly countered, launching it toward the rocky cliffs once again.

"I have no time for an amateur like you. Come, and I’ll show you the difference between us."

Leone rebounded off the rocks, stabilizing its spin, and launched one last desperate charge at L-Drago. Its sharp edges crashed against L-Drago’s side, sending sparks into the air. But this time, L-Drago didn’t even budge.

Kyoya couldn’t hide his shock.

Ryuga could feel it now. Through his training and experience, he had finally begun to grasp control over the dark power. He was suppressing the imprisoning sensations it once imposed on him. This battle wasn’t just a fight against Kyoya—it was a test of his ability to completely dominate the darkness.

Ryuga’s gaze sharpened. He had decided—it was time to end this battle.

"This is it, Kyoya. Say goodbye to your toy. Special Move: Dragon Emperor’s Soaring Darkness!"

L-Drago’s rotation exploded in speed, its black-and-purple aura erupting outward like a storm. Kyoya instantly moved to counter the attack.

"I'm not going to lose to you again here, Ryuga! Finish this, Leone! Special Move: King Lion Crushing Fang!"

Leone summoned a tornado, trying to block and counter L-Drago's attack. But L-Drago dived straight through, tearing through the whirlwind with its sharp edges sinking into Leone’s body. The impact shook the valley, a deafening explosion echoing through the air. Leone was flung into the sky, flipping multiple times before crashing into the rocks. It came to a halt, its surface covered in scratches.

A thick cloud of dust engulfed the battlefield. Kyoya, barely standing from the blast's shockwave, was on the verge of passing out. He muttered in disbelief, a suppressed fear lacing his voice.

"This... can't be..."

Ryuga picked up L-Drago, casting a cold gaze at Kyoya. His voice was laced with mockery and dominance, his eyes gleaming with victory.

"Someone who can't even control their own power thinks they can be the best?"

Just then, voices echoed through the valley. Gingka, Kenta, Madoka, Yuki, and Benkei came running toward the scene. As the dust settled, they spotted Kyoya lying motionless on the ground.

Benkei's panicked voice rang out.

"Kyoya! Are you okay? Say something, please! Kyoya, please!"

He rushed to his side. Seeing Kyoya unconscious, Benkei clenched his fists, his rage evident in his eyes and voice.

"This bastard has no right to do this!"

Madoka held her device, checking the screen. Her voice carried both astonishment and curiosity as she spoke.

"This power… it’s unbelievable… I think we're dealing with someone who possesses a Star Fragment."

Yuki adjusted his glasses, observing Ryuga with a serious, thoughtful expression.

"Mr. Ryuga… could this really be?"

Gingka took a step forward, his voice firm yet cautious. Anger flickered in his eyes as he looked at Kyoya, seeing the state he was in.

"Hey, Ryuga! What are you doing here?"

Ryuga turned his head slightly, glancing at Gingka without moving his stance. Holding Nightmare L-Drago in his hand, he stood still, his expression cold. His voice carried scorn and amusement, his eyes brimming with challenge.

"Hey, Gingka. You brought along your pathetic little friends too?"

Gingka didn't break eye contact as he responded, his voice a mix of concern and defiance.

"Ryuga, what is this? What are you up to?"

Ryuga smirked but didn’t answer.

A heavy silence fell over the valley. Only the howling wind could be heard.