Chapter 4: Combat Test!

The dawn of the next morning brought a sharp knock at Rin’s door. “Hey, wake up! We’ve got class today. Heard we’re up against Class 2-B.” Silence answered them. No rustle, no sign of movement from inside her room. Leo frowned and pushed the door open—and froze. The room was empty. The window was wide open, curtains flowing wildly in the morning breeze. “Uh…guys? Get over here!” Leo called, his voice tense. One by one, the others crowded around the doorway, curiosity written across their faces. Even Shadow appeared, his dark presence quiet but alert. “Where did she go?” Kaito asked, brow furrowed. “Pfft, who knows, and who cares? We all know how strong she is,” Shadow replied casually, a smirk tugging at his lips as he gazed out the window. “She’s our classmate—and our teammate! She could be in trouble, for all we know!” Ren protested, his voice tight with worry. “Oh yeah? Well, the last time I sparred with her, she was perfectly fine,” Shadow countered, frustration creeping into his tone. Dark black energy began coiling and glowing faintly around his body, a visible sign of his agitation. “Guys, relax. She could just be on the roof,” Hana said, trying to calm the rising tension. Before anyone could respond, the front door swung open. A figure stepped through—long blue hair tied into high ponytails whipping behind her, her black trench coat trailing past her knees. No shirt, just tight black jeans and chains dangling from her pants. Everyone’s heads snapped toward the doorway. Rin stood there, framed by the morning light. Her long blue hair whipped in twin ponytails behind her, and her black trench coat billowed as if carrying its own storm. Chains clinked softly against the dark denim hugging her frame. “Morning, everyone,” she said, her voice steady but strangely distant. For a moment, no one spoke. Then Yumi’s eyes narrowed. “Rin… what’s with your eyes?” “My eyes?” Rin tilted her head, genuinely puzzled. “They’re blue, like always.” “No,” Shadow cut in, his tone sharp. He leaned forward, his gaze locking onto hers. “They’re not blue. They’re red.” Rin’s brows pulled together, her face full of confusion. “What do you mean…?” “Someone grab her a mirror,” Leo said quickly. Ren returned with one and handed it over. Rin lifted it, and her eyes went wide. “What the… hell?” she whispered, staring at her own reflection. Shadow glanced at her, unimpressed. “Yeah… those are the same eyes from when we fought. Back then you had diamond pupils. Now? Just plain red.” He shrugged, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. “Probably something to do with your core… or whatever. Doesn’t really matter.” His voice was calm, almost careless, but his gaze lingered on Rin a second too long, sharp enough to cut. Footsteps echoed down the hallway. “Alright, alright, everyone, calm down,” Mr. Arashi said as he entered, his voice steady. “If we have to, we’ll put Rin through a few tests to figure out why her eyes turned red.” Mr. Arashi said “Hell… no… we’re not doing any tests on me!” Rin muttered under her breath, her voice tight with irritation. “I’ll be fine,” she added, pushing herself to her feet, gathering her thoughts. Her eyes swept over the room before settling on Mr. Arashi. “I heard we’re going up against Class 2-B, right?” “Correct,” Mr. Arashi replied calmly. “However… you and Shadow will not participate. The principal wants to see the two of you spar first.” Rin’s eyes went wide. “The hell do you mean!?” she snapped. She hesitated for a moment, then added, “I don’t have a problem with it, but Shadow and I already fought yesterday!” Shadow’s gaze flicked to her, his eyes briefly turning a deep, inky black—intense, ready for a fight. Rin’s own eyes widened at the sight, but just as quickly, his eyes returned to normal, calm and unreadable. “What? Too scared to face me?” Shadow drawled, smirking. “Never thought the great AstraVolt would turn out to be such a pathetic loser. Hah!” Rin’s eyes widened for a moment before hardening into a serious glare. Tiny sparks flickered across her irises—visible only to Shadow. She took a step forward, then another, closing the distance with a purposeful stride. In one swift motion, she grabbed him by the collar of his shirt. “I’m not the great AstraVolt,” she hissed, her voice low and charged. “I’m just AstraVolt. And I’m not scared to fight you!” Electric veins danced across her eyes, crackling faintly with raw energy, warning him that she meant every word. Before Shadow could react, Mr. Arashi’s voice cut sharply through the charged air. “Enough!” He stepped between them, placing a hand firmly on Rin’s shoulder. The faint crackle of electricity in her eyes dimmed slightly under his presence. “Rin, Shadow, save your energy for the sparring match the principal wants to see,” he said, his tone calm but carrying an unmistakable authority. “This isn’t the time to settle personal scores.” Rin’s grip on Shadow loosened, though her glare remained, sparks still flickering faintly in her eyes. Shadow merely smirked, letting her go, his posture casual, as if he hadn’t even noticed the intervention. “Now, as for the rest of you,” Mr. Arashi continued, his voice firm, “You’ll be going up against Class 2-B. Be ready—meet at the front entrance in exactly two hours. No excuses.” Mr. Arashi’s voice carried the weight of authority as he turned and strode down the hallway, footsteps echoing and leaving the room in a tense silence. The moment his figure disappeared around the corner, the students of Class 1-C exchanged glances. Excitement and nervous energy crackled through the air. Hana bounced on the balls of her feet, already tugging her gloves on. “Two hours? That’s more than enough to warm up and plan. I’m ready!” Chloe meticulously checked her electromagnetic devices, adjusting straps and making sure every component was perfectly aligned. “I’ll need to run a few calibrations before we go… don’t want any surprises.” Akane cracked her knuckles and let out a quiet laugh, her gravity modules humming faintly. “Time to see what these guys are made of. I can’t wait.” Ren, ever calm, simply tightened the straps on his icy shards, nodding slightly. “Let’s keep it clean… but let’s not hold back either.” Leo smirked, flexing his fingers inside his combat gloves. “I hope 2-B knows what they’re walking into. Should be fun.” Kaito meticulously checked every crystalline construct in his case, frowning slightly. “Precision is key. I can’t risk sloppy moves.” Yumi, serene as ever, gathered her resonance modules and vibration amplifiers, giving a small, confident nod. “Let’s do our best. Keep control, stay aware.” Shadow, leaning casually against the wall, smirked at Rin. “You ready to show off again?” His tone carried that familiar rival-like edge, challenging without fear. Rin’s eyes flashed red faintly, electricity crackling along her fingertips. She smirked back, taking a deep breath. “Always. Let’s see what they’ve got.” With that, the team began moving, gathering their gear, stretching, and preparing mentally. The air was thick with anticipation—Class 2-B awaited, and the friendly sparring match was about to become a battlefield. The sun had climbed higher, warming the cobblestone paths of Hinode Academy. Class 1-C moved together, their boots striking the ground in rhythm, anticipation buzzing quietly among them. Shadow and Rin had gone ahead, heading to their separate sparring area, leaving the rest of the class to focus on their team match. Hana bounced lightly, her flames flickering along her gloves with every step. “I can’t believe we’re finally sparring against 2-B! This is gonna be so fun!” Chloe adjusted her gear meticulously, keeping her gaze forward. “Fun? Don’t get distracted. This is serious. We need to stay focused and coordinate as a team.” Akane’s gravity modules emitted a soft hum as she flexed her fingers. “This is a chance to see exactly what we’re capable of as a class. Let’s make it count.” Ren’s expression remained stoic, hands tucked in his sleeves. “Watch each other’s backs. If we don’t stay alert, someone’s going to get caught off guard.” Leo grinned, cracking his knuckles. “Finally, some real action. Can’t wait to see what they’ve got.” Kaito meticulously checked his gear one last time, nodding once. “Precision and control. This isn’t just about raw power.” Yumi, calm as ever, walked beside him. “Stay aware of your surroundings. Don’t let 2-B control the pace.” As they approached the front entrance of the academy, the courtyard opened up before them. The energy in the air shifted, subtle but palpable, as they waited for Class 2-B to arrive. Though Shadow and Rin weren’t with them, the rest of 1-C felt the weight of the challenge ahead. Every glance, every step, was charged with the knowledge that the upcoming sparring match would push them to their limits—and test their teamwork like never before. The gates of Hinode Academy creaked open as seven students of Class 2-B stepped onto the grounds, immediately drawing the gaze of Class 1-C. Leading them was Renji Minato, tall and wiry, silver hair whipping in the wind as gusts of air danced around him like extensions of his body. Next came Fumiko Hoshizaki, small but lethal, her amber eyes gleaming with a wild, bestial cunning, every movement poised with predatory grace. Daichi Kurogane, broad-shouldered and solid as stone, flexed his metallic bands that could coil into chains or armor in an instant. Beside him, Haruka Yume, with soft lilac hair and shadows swirling like liquid around her, moved with serene precision, her illusions threatening to twist reality itself. Itsuki Naruse, lean and sharp-eyed, exuded uncanny speed, bending the flow of time around him with unnerving subtlety. Reina Kaji, short with icy-blue hair, let frost crawl across her fingertips, crystals forming like shards of glass ready to pierce anything. Last was Satoshi Inoue, calm and quiet behind his glasses, manipulating gravity and space to turn the battlefield into his personal trap. Each of them carried a presence that demanded attention—a mix of raw power, strategy, and unpredictability. Class 1-C stiffened, exchanging glances that spoke volumes. Hana whispered, “Seven against seven… and none of them fight the same way.” Chloe’s analytical eyes narrowed. “We’ll have to adapt on the fly. They won’t play by our rules.” Ren clenched his fists, jaw tight. “We need teamwork. Every move counts. Let’s make this match count, team.” A tense wind whipped across the courtyard, carrying the weight of anticipation. The stage was set, and the sparring match against Class 2-B was about to erupt. “Now, you guys are not fighting here! Everyone onto the buses—now!” The students scrambled, hurried footsteps echoing against the courtyard as Class 1-C quickly filed into the waiting buses. Seats were claimed, gear was secured, and the air hummed with a mix of anticipation and nervous energy. Engines roared to life, and the buses rolled forward, leaving the academy behind. Thirty minutes passed in tense silence, the only sound the steady hum of the engines and the occasional rustle of movement. As the buses crested the horizon, the students’ eyes widened. The city ahead wasn’t just quiet—it was dead. Buildings lay in ruins, streets cracked and littered with debris, and not a single flicker of life moved through the empty avenues. Windows stared like hollow eyes, and abandoned vehicles sat scattered as if the world itself had exhaled and vanished. Hana gripped the edge of her seat, voice barely a whisper. “This… this place… it’s completely abandoned…” Chloe’s analytical gaze swept over every detail, her mind racing. “We’ll have to account for unstable terrain… and traps. Whoever trains here… they’re serious.” Even Ren and Leo exchanged grim looks, their usual confidence replaced with cautious tension. The battlefield ahead was unforgiving—and nothing about this match would be normal. The rumble of another bus echoed through the abandoned streets as Class 2-B arrived. Class 2-B spread out slightly, forming a line opposite Class 1-C, their presence alone carrying a sense of tension and anticipation. Even without words, it was clear they weren’t here to waste time—this sparring match was going to be serious. Everyone’s eyes locked, tension crackling in the air. Principal Jako strode confidently in front of Mr. Arashi and Mrs. May. “Alright, listen up! This is still a friendly sparring match, but there are limits—serious injuries are allowed, but no one is to be killed. Understood?” He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. “Now, I want each team to split up and take this time to strategize and coordinate with your teammates. Shadow and Rin from Class 1-C, step forward—join me here.” His gaze swept across both classes, sharp and commanding. “Everyone else, use the next five minutes wisely. Plan your strategy, figure out teamwork, and get ready. Once the timer starts, you’ll have two hours. Now… BEGIN!” The seven students of Class 1-C huddled together in a small clearing just outside the abandoned city streets, the ruined skyline looming behind them. The tension was thick, but everyone knew the importance of planning before the match began. Hana clapped her hands lightly to get everyone’s attention. “Alright, let’s stay calm and actually think this through. We can’t just rush in and hope for the best.” Chloe pulled out a small notebook, flipping it open and pointing to several scribbled diagrams. “We need to focus on positioning first. Our strength is versatility—if we coordinate our cores properly, we can control the field.” Akane nodded, her gravity modules subtly shifting as she adjusted her stance. “Exactly. I can handle crowd control—slow them down or pin them in place while others take advantage of openings.” Ren, arms crossed, frowned. “We can’t underestimate them. I don’t know their cores, but we have to assume they’ll try to split us up or exploit our weaknesses.” Leo smirked, claws tapping against his gloves. “Weaknesses? I’ll make sure they regret underestimating me. I’ll cover the front and force them to react to me.” Kaito, meticulous as always, adjusted his crystalline constructs. “We’ll need fallback points. If things go south, we regroup and defend, then counterattack. Communication is key.” Yumi, calm and collected, nodded in agreement. “I’ll focus on support—enhancing attacks, monitoring their movements, and providing guidance. We stick together and keep eyes on each other at all times.” Hana smiled, fists clenched in determination. “Alright, team. Let’s make this work. Two hours isn’t long, but if we work together… we can win this. Let’s go!” The team split slightly, each member taking positions in the ruined streets, ready to put their strategy into motion as the clock began to tick down. The members of Class 2-B gathered in a half-circle amidst the shattered streets, eyes narrowing as they assessed the abandoned battlefield. Unlike Class 1-C, they exuded a composed, tactical energy—each student clearly confident in their own ability. Renji Minato, wind swirling faintly around his fists, spoke first. “Alright, listen up. We need to control the battlefield from the start. I’ll handle aerial control—wind currents and pressure zones. I can slow them down or redirect attacks. Stay in my zone if you don’t want to get tossed around.” Fumiko Hoshizaki flexed, her chimeric traits faintly manifesting—serpentine tail flicking, faint claw marks on her fingers glowing. “I’ll be the wild card. I can disrupt their formations, ambush them, and protect anyone overextended. Don’t rely on me to follow orders exactly—I adapt as needed.” Daichi Kurogane’s hands shimmered with metallic energy, small constructs forming around his wrists. “I’ll build barriers and offense constructs. Walls, spikes, or weapons—whatever’s needed in the moment. Just give me a general idea of positioning, and I can adjust on the fly.” Haruka Yume tilted her head, eyes glimmering with an ethereal sheen. “Illusions and mind manipulation are my specialty. I’ll create distractions, manipulate their senses, and control the flow of engagement. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure our teammates know the real from the fake.” Itsuki Naruse adjusted his wristbands, the faint shimmer of distorted time pulsing around him. “Time acceleration and deceleration. I can make our movements faster or slow down theirs in bursts. Coordination with me is crucial—don’t act unpredictably, or it could backfire.” Reina Kaji flexed her fingers, crystalline ice forming and shattering in quick bursts. “I’ll handle crowd control and choke points. Ice and crystal barriers, spikes, and traps will keep them from flanking. I’ll coordinate with Renji to control the vertical space too.” Satoshi Inoue crossed his arms, a faint gravitational distortion warping the ground around his feet. “I’ll handle spacing and disruption. Gravity fields and spatial manipulation will keep their formations disoriented. I’ll coordinate with Daichi for structural support and counterattacks.” Renji nodded sharply. “Good. Everyone knows their role. Stick to it, coordinate, and don’t underestimate Class 1-C. They have strength, but they’re predictable if we use our cores correctly.” Fumiko grinned, tail flicking. “Predictable or not, this is going to be fun.” Haruka smirked, eyes glowing faintly. “Fun… yes. But I’ll make sure it’s chaos for them.” Satoshi’s expression was calm, analytical. “Two hours. Let’s make sure every second counts.” The team spread out, finding positions across the ruined streets, each ready to leverage their cores in perfect sync. The anticipation in the air was palpable—Class 2-B’s synergy was clear, and the looming clash with Class 1-C was about to ignite. Class 1-C moved into formation across the ruins, each student taking a position that maximized their abilities and playstyle. Hana took the lead, her flames flickering faintly, giving off warmth that contrasted with the cold, broken streets. She planted herself slightly ahead, ready to intercept and support anyone overextended. Chloe adjusted her electromagnetic devices, placing herself near the middle of the formation. “I’ll handle disruption and ranged support,” she muttered, scanning the terrain. Her analytical gaze swept across the battlefield, calculating angles and distances as if she were already running simulations in her head. Akane floated slightly above the ground, manipulating small gravity fields to keep herself nimble and ready to assist her teammates wherever needed. “I’ll handle crowd control. Don’t get too close to me unless you’re prepared,” she said with her usual calm smirk, letting her hair sway gently as the field’s energy tugged at her. Ren positioned himself near the flank, his icy shards ready to form defensive barriers or projectiles. His stoic expression betrayed no emotion, but his body language radiated readiness, prepared to respond instantly to any threat. Leo leaned against a broken wall at the rear, claws lightly tapping against his combat gloves. “I’ll handle anyone trying to sneak past. Keep them occupied, and I’ll deal with the stragglers,” he said, smirking with quiet confidence, scanning for weaknesses in the enemy formation. Kaito meticulously arranged his crystalline constructs, placing them strategically around their side. “These will slow down and redirect attacks. Stay within range, and we’ll control the battlefield,” he instructed, checking each construct’s alignment with obsessive care. Yumi settled in the center, her resonance modules humming faintly as she positioned herself where she could boost or amplify her teammates’ movements. “I’ll coordinate support and timing. Don’t move recklessly—we need perfect execution,” she said softly, her calm presence grounding the team as she focused on maintaining rhythm and flow. The team shared quick nods, silent communication passing between them. Despite their differences, Class 1-C had learned to move together as a single unit, each member complementing the others. They were ready, their formation set, and the abandoned city around them became a battlefield primed for the clash that was about to erupt. A distant rumble grew louder as dust swirled around the horizon. Class 2-B appeared, stepping carefully onto the cracked streets of the abandoned city. Each member carried an air of confidence, their cores radiating faint energy that made the air feel heavier around them. Renji Minato floated slightly above the ground, a sharp gust of wind tugging at his uniform as he scanned the formation before him. Fumiko Hoshizaki crouched low, her chimera traits subtly twitching, claws scraping lightly against the rubble. Daichi Kurogane’s metal constructs glinted in the pale sunlight, moving almost like extensions of his body. Haruka Yume’s eyes flickered with a strange intensity, illusions of shifting landscapes briefly dancing around her. Itsuki Naruse flexed his fingers, small distortions in time visible in the rippling air around him. Reina Kaji’s icy crystals sparkled ominously, forming a delicate lattice around her as if ready to strike at a moment’s notice. Satoshi Inoue stood with perfect stillness, the faint distortion of gravity warping the ground beneath him. Class 1-C tensed, hands tightening around their gear, eyes scanning every movement of the rival team. Hana’s flames licked higher along her arms, Chloe’s devices hummed quietly, and Akane’s gravity modules pulsed softly. Ren’s icy shards glinted as he shifted stance, Leo’s claws scraped against the ground, Kaito adjusted his crystals, and Yumi’s modules buzzed faintly in synchronization. Across the desolate battlefield, the two teams’ gazes met, a silent wave of tension rolling through the air. There were no words, only the unspoken acknowledgment of strength and strategy. The city around them, empty and broken, seemed to hold its breath as these seven versus seven prepared to clash. Some members of Class 2-B gave small smirks or subtle nods, while Class 1-C mirrored them with a mixture of determination and cautious confidence. The air was thick with anticipation, the faint hum of cores growing louder in everyone’s ears. The standoff had begun, and the first move could ignite the entire battlefield. Without a word, the teams sprang into action. Hana’s flames shot forward like a streaking comet, aiming at Renji Minato, who twisted mid-air, riding a gale of wind that deflected the fire harmlessly to the side. Sparks flew as the two powers collided, the gusts whistling sharply through the ruined streets. Chloe activated her electromagnetic devices, sending a volley of precise, high-speed projectiles toward Itsuki Naruse. Time around him seemed to blur, but he accelerated and decelerated his movements just enough to dodge, his fingers leaving faint trails in the warped air. Akane manipulated gravity, pulling nearby debris into a sudden trap aimed at Daichi Kurogane. The metal constructs swung forward to intercept, clanging against the makeshift projectiles with a metallic screech. The ground beneath them cracked under the weight of their struggle, chunks of rubble launching into the air. Ren sent icy shards spinning toward Fumiko Hoshizaki, who reacted like a predator—shifting chimera limbs with precision, deflecting the shards while closing the distance. A blur of claws and fangs, she lunged, only to be countered by Ren’s expertly timed frost blasts. Leo and Reina circled each other warily, his claws sparking against her crystalline armor. Each swipe and strike echoed with sharp metallic resonance, fragments of ice shattering but reforming as quickly as they were destroyed. Kaito’s crystals flared in the sunlight, creating a lattice of defensive constructs, just as Satoshi Inoue bent the surrounding gravity subtly, pulling and pushing the structures in strange, unpredictable patterns. Each movement threw Kaito off-balance, forcing him to adapt on the fly. Yumi’s resonance modules hummed, sending low-frequency vibrations that threatened to destabilize Fumiko and Reina’s footing. But their instincts kicked in, countering the tremors with precise adjustments, the ground quaking beneath their feet. Dust, energy, and debris swirled violently around them. Every strike, block, and counter sent waves of power outward, shaking the abandoned city like a storm about to break. The air hummed with the collective strength of fourteen students, each testing the limits of their abilities while the timer for the sparring match began its relentless countdown. Hana’s flames intensified, crackling red-hot and streaking like comets toward Renji. He spun midair, sending mini tornados in every direction, diverting the fire, but Hana wasn’t done. She twisted her body, letting the flames snake along her arms and legs as she leapt over a spinning vortex, landing behind him with a hard kick that sent him staggering. Renji clenched his jaw, compressing a gust into a sharp, cutting blade of wind. Hana’s flames collided with it, hissing and popping as fire and wind battled violently in midair. Dust and debris whirled around them as both grinned, exhilarated by the challenge. Chloe’s electromagnetic projectiles zipped around, each one faster than the eye could follow. Itsuki slowed time around them, twisting Chloe’s attacks into harmless trajectories, but Chloe anticipated it. She tossed a decoy device, then shot another volley from a different angle, catching Itsuki off guard. He accelerated time for a split second to dodge, but the sudden shift caused him to stumble slightly. Chloe’s analytical mind raced, sending a magnetic pulse that disrupted his temporal field. Sparks flew as both of them danced through distortions of time, each testing the limits of reflexes and strategy. Akane lifted massive chunks of concrete and metal with gravity, tossing them like missiles. Daichi’s constructs morphed instantly into shields and swinging blades, clanging against Akane’s debris with explosive force. She twisted her gravity mid-air, changing the weight and trajectory, while Daichi’s metal spun like a defensive web, blocking every piece. Akane launched a spinning gravity punch toward him, and Daichi countered with a solid metal hammer that collided with her fist, sending a shockwave ripping through the ground. Dust, metal shards, and gravel flew as both fighters gritted their teeth, refusing to yield. Ren created a frozen storm beneath Fumiko, spikes of ice shooting upward in rapid succession. Fumiko leapt and shifted into a hybrid chimera form, claws slashing through the ice and dodging the deadly shards. Ren gritted his teeth, summoning ice blades spinning like a whirlwind around him, cutting off her escape. Fumiko roared, twisting midair, her wings propelling her in unpredictable patterns. Each strike met resistance or was narrowly dodged, but both pushed harder, claws and ice colliding with sharp, exhilarating impact. Leo darted in with a flurry of rapid claw strikes, leaving trails of kinetic energy behind. Reina conjured crystalline shards, spinning them into protective walls that deflected his swipes. He twisted midair, landing on a broken shard, slashing again as crystals flew outward. Reina sent a shard column rising from the ground, forcing Leo to leap high, claws barely grazing the ice. Every strike and counter left sparks in the air as shards of ice shattered around them. They were both grinning fiercely, relishing the duel. Kaito’s crystal spikes formed a web of traps around Satoshi, who bent gravity subtly, causing some to float harmlessly. Kaito adjusted, sending spikes from unpredictable angles, forcing Satoshi to twist space in multiple directions. Gravity waves distorted the battlefield, making Kaito leap from floating shards while recalibrating every movement. Satoshi grinned, bending space into warped zones that slowed some spikes but failed to halt Kaito’s precision. Their battle was a delicate dance of strategy, calculation, and sheer spatial control. Yumi stomped, sending a resonance shockwave that disrupted the illusions Haruka had projected. Haruka split into multiple copies mid-air, forcing Yumi to dodge and react with pinpoint accuracy. Yumi’s amplifiers hummed, allowing her to sense the vibrations of Haruka’s real body, letting her strike accurately through the decoys. Haruka twisted the battlefield visually, but Yumi’s calm focus saw through her tricks, delivering precise hits that forced Haruka to re-evaluate her illusions. Each attack, counter, and subtle misdirection sent sparks of energy and visual distortion through the air. The abandoned city was alive with chaos now: shards of ice, flying crystals, fire trails, spinning metal constructs, gusting winds, distorted gravity, and crackling electricity all colliding in a symphony of mayhem. Both teams were locked in a brutal, high-paced duel, each fighter pushing their limits, testing skill, speed, and control. Back near where Rin, Shadow, Principal Jako, and the two instructors stood, the chaos of clashing powers echoed across the abandoned city. Fire, shards, and gusts of wind collided violently around them, debris whirling through the air. Rin’s eyes narrowed, pupils sharp and focused, her electricity barely visible, crackling faintly along her arms in anticipation. “So… when the hell are we going to settle this!?” Rin shouted, her voice cutting through the roaring chaos, full of determination. Shadow’s dark eyes flickered with his usual cold intensity, a faint black aura coiling around him like smoke. Dust swirled at his feet as he smirked, readying himself. “You guys may start now,” Principal Jako’s calm voice rang out over the battlefield, carrying both authority and thrill. The moment the words left his mouth, Rin and Shadow simultaneously leapt back, giving each other space. Without hesitation, they launched at each other with blinding speed, the air around them rippling with energy. Rin’s movements were precise and powerful, electricity dancing subtly along her arms, while Shadow’s void-infused energy left streaks of shadow trailing behind him. They collided midair, fists smashing against each other with explosive force, sending shockwaves through the ruined streets below. Every punch, kick, and strike radiated raw power, bending the air and rattling the debris around them. Sparks flew from each strike as shadow met electricity in a storm of motion. Rin gritted her teeth, grit and exhilaration mixing in her expression. Shadow’s smirk widened, eyes narrowing with the familiar rival fire. The two spiraled upward, twisting, dodging, and trading blows faster than anyone could follow, the ground below trembling with each collision. The instructors and Principal Jako watched, awe and tension etched into their faces. “They’ve pushed past anything we’ve seen before… This isn’t just sparring,” one of the instructors muttered under their breath. The sky above the abandoned city became a war zone of movement and raw skill, the air vibrating with the unrestrained clash of two unstoppable forces finally facing off head-on. Storm clouds devoured the sky, summoned by Rin’s very heartbeat. Bolts of lightning danced wild across the heavens, splitting the abandoned city below into a jagged battlefield of light and shadow. She shot upward, propelled by raw force, sparks detonating beneath her boots with every surge. The storm bent to her will, her presence the eye of its wrath. Her gaze sharpened, eyes blazing with electricity, and her voice split the sky like a divine decree.
“THUNDER SPEAR!” The atmosphere ignited. Lightning bled from her palm in torrents, coiling violently into a weapon far beyond mortal scale. The colossal spear of electricity pulsed with destructive hunger, every arc shrieking to tear the world apart. The very air convulsed under its weight — windows shattered, steel groaned, and even the earth quaked. The battlefield below stilled. Class 1-C and 2-B, locked in mid-combat moments ago, froze in awe and terror. Fists hung suspended, blades halted mid-swing. All eyes were drawn upward, to the storm goddess carving her weapon from heaven itself. Across from her, Shadow floated like a void-born reaper, smirk cutting sharp against the chaos. His voice, low and hungry, rolled across the ruined skyline. “Now… we’re finally getting somewhere.” He raised his hand, mirroring her stance. Shadows surged like living serpents, spheres of nothingness collapsing into his grasp, condensing tighter, denser, until reality itself buckled around his fingers. The weapon he forged was no mere spear — it was absence incarnate, jagged and writhing with the hunger of a collapsing star. His roar was primal, shaking the marrow of every soul present. “VOID SPEAR!” Light and darkness, storm and void — the two ultimate forces roared to life, their collision inevitable. The abandoned city trembled on the edge of annihilation, as if the world itself braced for the moment their spears met. Rin arched her arm back, lightning spiraling violently around her palm. Across from her, Shadow mirrored the motion, void energy writhing like a living storm in his grasp. In the same heartbeat, both unleashed. The sky itself split apart when Rin’s Thunder Spear and Shadow’s Void Spear collided midair. The impact birthed a blinding flash—brighter than the sun—that swallowed the battlefield whole. A roar followed, so deep it shook the bones of the earth. Skyscrapers shuddered on their ruined foundations, windows detonated outward in a rain of glass, and overturned cars spun through the air like toys. Cracks spiderwebbed across the streets below, the ground convulsing as if reality itself couldn’t withstand the clash. A dome of raw energy erupted from the collision, expanding outward in waves. The air twisted violently, swinging between blistering heat and an icy chill as lightning and void gnawed at each other for dominance. Bolts of crimson lightning lashed from the epicenter, carving into rooftops and ripping massive slabs of steel and concrete into the sky. Shadows slithered alongside them, swallowing debris whole, erasing matter like it had never existed. Rin was thrown back by the recoil, sparks flaring at her heels as she forced herself to hold steady, eyes burning with defiance as her lightning fought against the encroaching darkness. Shadow too was pushed back, teeth clenched, cloak snapping violently in the storm as he steadied his stance against the backlash. Then—detonation. Both spears exploded in a chain of successive shockwaves, each one stronger than the last, battering the city with relentless force. “I’M NOT DONE YET, SHADOW!” Rin bellowed, voice tearing through the chaos as she hurled herself forward. “NEITHER AM I, RIN!” Shadow roared back, surging to meet her. Rin’s arm crackled as she conjured her Lightning Fang, electricity sharpening into a savage, clawed weapon. Opposite her, Shadow’s palm condensed a churning Void Sphere, the air around it bending under its unnatural pressure. And then—it happened. Rin’s eyes snapped wide open, transforming before everyone’s gaze. Her pupils sharpened into jagged diamond-shapes, glowing with a fierce, otherworldly intensity. The black of her irises bled away, replaced by a piercing, incandescent red that crackled with living lightning. Her aura, once golden-yellow, surged and shifted into a searing crimson, sparks tearing the air apart with every pulse. Shadow’s grin widened, manic and unrestrained. “YES! THAT’S IT! THAT’S THE POWER I’VE BEEN WAITING TO SEE—SINCE THAT DAY!“ His Void Sphere compressed further, dragging the air into it like a black hole. The pressure was suffocating, the sphere pulling small currents of wind, light, even fragments of debris toward its unstable core. From a distance, someone approached, lightning crackling in his wake. He landed right where Principal Jako stood. “Jako, what in the world is happening?!” Tekashi demanded. “Ah, welcome Mr. Shimizu,” Jako said calmly. “As you can see, your daughter and this student named Shadow are sparring. And if you look closely at Rin… she reminds me of you when you first awakened your Lightning Core. Am I right, Mr. Shimizu?” Tekashi’s eyes widened as he focused on Rin—her gaze, her lightning, the way her pupils burned with energy. He swallowed hard. “Yeah… you’re right. But… my eyes didn’t look like that. Mine were just pure red—not the way her pupils look…” Both Class 1-C and Class 2-B staggered back from the battlefield, dust and debris clinging to them, bruises and scratches marking their bodies. Sweat dripped down tired faces, and ragged breaths filled the air. Class 1-C, while clearly worn out, exchanged glances that were more impressed than panicked. “Man… they’re at it again, huh?” Leo muttered, leaning on his knees to catch his breath, a faint grin tugging at his lips. “Guess we should’ve expected nothing less.” Yumi wiped a streak of dirt from her face, shaking her head with a small sigh. “Still… seeing that much raw power in the middle of the city—it’s intense every time.” On the other side, Class 2-B looked more unsettled. Fumiko, hands on her knees, gasped, her eyes wide. “Wait…why are they always like this? Isn’t that a bit… excessive?” Renji Minato, brushing off debris, glanced toward Rin and Shadow’s spot in the sky. “They’re sparring again. It’s how they always do it. Just… don’t get in their way.” The rest of Class 2-B nodded, still catching their breath, exchanging worried glances. The sheer force lingering in the air—the crackle of lightning, the pull of void energy—reminded them just how far beyond normal these two were. Meanwhile, Class 1-C quietly regrouped, already familiar with the spectacle, shrugging off the chaos. “Alright, time to patch up and get back in,” Akane said, adjusting her gear, her calm demeanor showing just how accustomed they had become to these extreme displays of power. Both Rin and Shadow yelling out loud, as Rin’s lightning Fang and Shadow’s Void ball collides. The air around them screamed as Rin and Shadow charged, their bodies cutting through the wind like living missiles. Rin’s arms crackled with raw electricity, each spark snapping violently, coiling around her fists like serpents of light. Shadow’s void energy roiled and twisted in dark, swirling orbs around his palms, shadows stretching outward as if trying to swallow the very air. With a deafening roar, they collided. Lightning met void in a violent explosion of energy that tore through the abandoned city, sending shards of concrete and steel flying in every direction. The impact radiated in a shockwave, rippling outward, bending street signs and shattering windows. “THUNDER FANG!” Rin screamed, launching a crackling surge forward, electricity lancing out in jagged arcs. “VOID BALL!” Shadow shouted in response, twisting the dark mass in his hands into a spinning sphere of pure pressure. The two attacks slammed against each other midair, locking in a clash of raw force. Sparks danced across the sky, mixing with swirling shadows, creating a chaotic storm of light and dark that painted the city in an electric canvas. The energy between them warped the air, making the world tremble as each struggled to overpower the other. Rin’s eyes glowed crimson, pupils sharp as diamonds, while Shadow’s dark aura flared like a living entity, twisting and pulsing around him. Every muscle tensed, every movement precise, as they pushed themselves to the brink of their limits—not beyond human capability, but far beyond anything their classmates could handle. The collision rocked the city, sending both of them flying backward, but neither fell. Each hovered in the air, energy crackling, breaths heavy but determination burning brighter than ever. They stared at each other across the distance, unspoken challenge in their eyes: one move, one strike, and the battle would escalate even further. The abandoned streets below were a mess of craters and debris, and even the surrounding buildings groaned under the force of the unleashed energy. Yet, in that chaos, it was clear—this was a fight between two prodigies, two rivals pushing each other to heights no one else in the city could ever reach. The massive collision of Lightning Fang and Void Ball tore through the air, sparks and shadows scattering like wildfire—but then, in an instant, the two attacks froze midair. The energy crackled violently between them, caught in a tense standoff, before both Rin and Shadow leapt forward simultaneously, letting go of their constructs. Fists collided with a thunderous CRACK, the force sending shockwaves that rattled the nearby ruined buildings. Rin spun midair, swinging a high kick that Shadow barely blocked with a forearm wrapped in dark void energy. The impact reverberated through the air like a cannon shot. Shadow countered with a straight punch, propelled by the twisting pull of his void, striking Rin square in the chest—but she pivoted, letting the blow graze her shoulder as she spun behind him, sending a rapid series of elbows and kicks that tested his reflexes. Rin’s fists blazed with residual electricity, arcs of sparks dancing across her skin with every swing. Shadow’s strikes absorbed shadows, each punch leaving a brief voidy afterimage that warped the air around them. Their movements blurred, a deadly dance of speed and precision, fists colliding in midair so rapidly it created a visual storm of sparks and darkness. They slammed into a crumbling skyscraper, the building shuddering as if protesting the onslaught. Rin vaulted off the side, launching herself skyward with a surge of lightning-enhanced speed, only for Shadow to materialize beneath her, kicking upward, sending them both soaring higher into the storm-laden sky. Every punch, every kick, each dodge, each strike, carried weight. The air vibrated with the raw intensity of their combat—light and darkness intertwining, a visual symphony of a rivalry that could level cities but was carefully restrained, human in scale yet extraordinary in execution. Above the ruins, the two prodigies clashed again and again, fists and kicks trading in a flurry that blurred their forms. Dust, sparks, and shadows danced in their wake, painting the sky in chaotic brilliance. Both were exhausted, but neither wavered; their eyes locked, smoldering with rivalry and unspoken respect, the battlefield around them trembling from the sheer intensity of their human-level, yet extraordinary, power. Rin and Shadow hovered above the crumbling cityscape, fists still locked in a furious exchange. Each punch sent shockwaves that rattled the air, whipping debris around them like a miniature tornado. Rin’s legs lashed out in lightning-quick kicks, each strike leaving faint arcs of electricity in the air, while Shadow countered with spinning, void-imbued punches, each strike distorting the space around him in brief, unnerving ripples. Rin somersaulted back midair, narrowly dodging a void-enhanced uppercut that could have sent her crashing into a ruined skyscraper. Her hair whipped around her face, sparks dancing along the strands, eyes locked on Shadow with pure determination. “You’re not holding back, are you?” she yelled, fists ready to fly. Shadow smirked, circling her in midair with unnerving precision. “Neither are you. Let’s see how far you’ve really come.” They charged simultaneously, fists meeting midair in a thunderous CLANG, sending ripples of force down toward the abandoned streets. Each subsequent clash grew faster, more ferocious, a blur of fists, elbows, and knees. Rin used her lightning speed to weave unpredictable angles, striking from above, below, and the sides, while Shadow twisted and spun with uncanny agility, void energy trailing every strike, creating phantom afterimages that made it impossible to predict his next move. A spinning kick from Rin grazed Shadow’s shoulder, knocking him back—but he landed on a crumbling rooftop, flipping off it to propel himself forward in a sudden, gravity-defying lunge. Shadow’s fist collided with Rin’s side, sending her skidding backward midair, sparks flying as her aura flared. She recovered instantly, whipping a roundhouse punch toward his jaw, which he narrowly blocked, both grunting with the effort of matching each other blow for blow. The wind howled around them as they traded strikes above the ruined city. Dust and rubble tumbled off the buildings, some pieces collapsing under the vibration of their blows. Both fighters were drenched in sweat, bruises appearing across their exposed skin, yet neither hesitated. Their movements were sharp, precise, and devastatingly fast, each strike carrying both power and the intent to test the other’s limits. For a split second, Rin landed a direct punch to Shadow’s chest, sending him skidding backward across a crumbling highway. She followed up immediately with a lightning-charged series of jabs and kicks, the arcs of electricity leaving glowing trails in the air. Shadow countered mid-spin, unleashing a void-empowered spinning backfist that collided with her last kick, causing a shockwave that threw both fighters several meters apart. They hovered again, catching their breath for a fraction of a second, eyes narrowing at one another. Sparks and fragments of debris circled them like a storm, the air electric and tense with anticipation. Then, with a simultaneous roar, they launched once more, fists blazing, the battle continuing—an endless, exhilarating dance of skill, speed, and raw human determination. The air was thick with smoke and dust as Rin and Shadow continued their relentless clash. Fists slammed into each other with bone-jarring impact, sending shockwaves that shattered walls and cracked streets below. Blood trickled from cuts across Rin’s forehead and Shadow’s jaw, bruises forming like dark blossoms over their skin. Sweat mixed with grime, their clothes tattered, yet neither slowed, driven by sheer determination and the desire to test their limits. Rin’s arm glowed faintly with residual lightning, each strike now slower, weighed down by fatigue, yet still ferocious. Shadow’s void aura flickered, small tears of darkness dissipating in the wind, his movements beginning to show the first cracks of exhaustion. The abandoned city around them was nearly unrecognizable—crumbling buildings, shattered glass, and gaping holes marking the battlefield of their relentless duel. “Rin… Shadow… stop this! You’re going too far!” Principal Jako’s voice thundered across the ruined streets, though neither fighter seemed to hear. Suddenly, a streak of light cut across the sky—a figure landing gracefully beside Jako. Rin’s eyes widened in disbelief as she recognized him. “Dad…?!” she gasped, jaw dropping as Tekashi Shimizu stepped forward, his presence radiating authority and power. The sight of her father standing there, eyes locked on both her and Shadow, seemed to ground her for a split second, the raw energy of the battle crashing around them. “Rin! Shadow!” Tekashi’s voice cut through the chaos like a lightning strike. “Enough! Look at yourselves! You’re tearing this city apart—and risking your lives!” Rin blinked, her chest heaving, hands still crackling with electricity. Shadow finally paused midair, fists clenched but shaking slightly, void energy dissipating in uneven pulses. Even he couldn’t deny the toll the fight was taking. Principal Jako stepped forward as well, arms wide to separate them. “This sparring match was meant to test skill, strategy, and control—not to nearly kill each other!” His stern gaze bore into both of them. “You’ve both pushed too far. Step back. Now.” Rin’s lightning flickered uncertainly as she floated in place, shock and awe washing over her. “Dad… you’re here…?” Her voice was barely audible over the lingering echoes of their clash. Tekashi’s gaze softened slightly at his daughter’s stunned expression, but his tone remained firm. “I told you, Rin. Pushing your limits is fine—but you must learn control. Even power like yours—like Shadow’s—has consequences if left unchecked. Now, both of you, disengage. Immediately.” Shadow, finally catching his breath, let out a low growl but slowly lowered his fists, his dark aura dimming to a faint shimmer. Rin, still trembling from exertion, slowly brought her arms down, sparks fading as she looked at her father with a mixture of surprise, awe, and reluctant respect. The ruined city remained scarred by their fight, but for the first time in what felt like hours, silence reclaimed the battlefield—broken only by the heavy breathing of two fighters who had truly tested each other’s limits. he dust settled, swirling gently around the battered streets, revealing the aftermath of a battle that seemed to have shaken the very foundations of the abandoned city. Cracks ran deep through the concrete, steel beams twisted and bent, and the faint smell of ozone and scorched metal lingered in the air. Rin floated slowly to the ground, knees weak, fists still trembling from the immense exertion. Her chest heaved, eyes wide and red from both strain and adrenaline. She looked over at Shadow, who sat on a nearby pile of rubble, his void aura flickering faintly as he massaged his jaw, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Not bad… you didn’t break,” he said simply, his tone equal parts teasing and respectful. Rin let out a shaky laugh, the tension in her shoulders finally easing. “And you didn’t… completely crush me. I’d call that a tie… for now.” Sparks fizzled softly from her arms as her body slowly returned to normal. Her gaze then landed on her father, Tekashi, and Principal Jako, who approached from the edge of the battlefield. Tekashi’s expression was stern, yet pride flickered in his eyes as he looked at Rin. “You’ve grown… stronger than I expected,” he said, voice calm but heavy with weight. “But remember—power without control is dangerous. Never forget that, Rin.”