"Against the Heavens: The Villain's Return"

The arena still echoed with the fading cheers from the previous breathtaking match.

The excitement and tension hung in the air, a palpable sensation filling the space where the dust began to settle.

It was a moment when all eyes were alert, eager for the next clash of wills.

As Leo and Rio approached the center of the arena, they found Roxanne and Selena still catching their breath.

Each girl showed signs of exhaustion, indicative of their fierce battle moments prior, but there was also a quiet sense of pride that shimmered in their eyes.

Leo stopped in front of the two girls, his usual calm but confident expression softening slightly.

He looked at both and said sincerely, "You did your best. Third best." His words carried a genuine sentiment, an acknowledgment of the effort they had put forth.

Both Roxanne and Selena blinked at the comment, initially processing the weight of his words. A small smile tugged at their lips, lingering with the understanding that, despite the fierce battle they had endured, it had ended in a draw.

And even though they hadn't emerged victorious, they had pushed their limits further than they previously thought possible.

The shared experience of the struggle had drawn them closer, solidifying their esprit de corps.

They knew they had indeed done their best, and that recognition in itself was a significant victory.

Just as the emotional resonance settled, the announcer's voice boomed through the arena, slicing through the lingering atmosphere like a sword cutting through silence.

"Next match! Rio Bladecrest versus Orien Stormvale!"

The excitement in the crowd surged again, a wave of anticipation rippling through the spectators, each person eager for the spectacle that was about to unfold.

Rio, standing tall, nodded quietly toward his sister, Roxanne. Despite her pale cheeks and the clear drain of energy reflected on her face, she raised a weak but firm fist in the air, demonstrating her support.

"Give them hell, brother," she murmured, her voice barely rising above the wind that rustled through the arena.

Rio gave her a small, reassuring nod, his focus sharpening as he prepared for combat. Leo, meanwhile, turned to the girls with a supportive expression.

"Get some rest. You've earned it. Just breathe and recuperate." His tone was soothing yet firm, recognizing their need for rest after enduring such a challenging match.

With that, Leo began to make his way toward the viewing stand. His eyes flickered around the arena, sharp and focused, scanning for any signs of potential rivalry while feeling the electric anticipation coursing through himself. As he passed rows of spectators, his gaze drifted toward a more isolated area of the stands.

There, sitting alone beside Sophia, was Alex. The contrast was stark—while the rest of the arena buzzed with voices and excitement, around Alex was a bubble of silence woven tightly around him.

A smirk found its way to Leo's lips, a calculating glint illuminating his eyes.

Alex, keep watching. Fight with your full strength. I'll give you your moment to shine. But when the time comes... I'll crush that spotlight with my own hands.

The determination surged within him, fueling his competitiveness as he envisioned the trials that lay ahead.

As the stage was reset, the anticipation intensified. A new storm was about to brew. Rio stood firm at one side of the platform, his Bladecrest emblem gleaming subtly on the hilt of his sword as the light caught it, drawing the attention of nearby spectators. His stance was disciplined and resolute, every inch of his posture reflecting years of training, embodying the principles of the Bladecrest Clan.

On the opposite side stood Orien Stormvale, a member of the renowned Stormvale Clan. Known for their mastery over lightning and thunder, the very essence of their existence resonated with the raw power of storms. The Stormvale Clan members were infamous for channeling the might of storms through their bodies and their blades, an attribute that elevated them in the eyes of many. Orien's very presence crackled with electric tension, his weapon sparking as it made contact with the ground, sending small arcs of electricity dancing around his feet.

From the high stands, Maximus, the legendary Sword Emperor, leaned forward, the interest in his gaze unmistakable.

In this moment, he was no longer clouded by indifference; the gravity of the match had his full attention.

Among all the competitors, it was Leo and Rio who had quickly risen to capture his focus.

Roxanne, while undeniably skilled, possessed a streak of rebellion that slightly diminished her favor in his eyes. But now, it was Rio's performance he awaited with keen anticipation.

The Bladecrest family head, Rio and Roxanne's father, sat proudly among the audience, a rare softness breaking through the usual stoicism of his demeanor.

His eyes were fixed on his son, expectations weighing heavily upon him, as he silently urged Rio to uphold the honor of their lineage during this significant moment.

The gong sounded, reverberating across the arena.

The match began in earnest.

Orien was the first to move. In a flash, he vanished, his form momentarily lost amidst the chaos of electricity and speed, reappearing mere meters closer.

He was a blur, striking like lightning itself as he arrived in the next heartbeat, launching his attack. The crack of displaced air echoed ominously as his blade came down in a sweeping arc.

But Rio was ready. His reflexes, honed through intense practice, kicked into high gear. His blade came up in a defensive cross block, steel ringing against steel as their weapons met.

Sparks flew as lightning danced across both blades, illuminating the arena with fierce light.

Rio countered with precision, embodying the teachings of his ancestors firmly rooted in his training.

He didn't waste movement—each step, each swing, each rotation of his sword followed the sacred techniques of the Bladecrest Clan.

His actions spoke of meticulous planning and practice.

As he fought, the air shimmered faintly with the manifestation of blade intent—not quite aura, but approaching the very essence of it. It signified Rio's unwavering focus and mastery over his craft.

Orien leapt back, channeling lightning into his legs for an explosive thrust. He dashed forward with frightening speed, aiming a deadly thrust directly at Rio's ribs.

Rio sidestepped, his movements fluid and calculated. He parried the attack mid-thrust and executed a counter-strike, using the flat of his blade to strike at Orien's shoulder.

The clash sent ripples across the platform, the impact resounding sharply in the stunned silence of the crowd.

Orien grunted under the pressure, his face contorting slightly as he absorbed the force of the blow. He stepped back, gathering his strength and raising his hand skyward.

The clouds above began to twist ominously, darkening the sky, and a low rumble resonated across the arena like a drumbeat heralding an impending storm.

Orien brought his hand down sharply.

A bolt of lightning surged from above, arcing down like a vengeful spear aiming straight for Rio.

The Bladecrest heir was quick to react. He spun, channeling his energy into the motion as his sword traced a full arc in the air.

The blade sliced through the bolt as it struck. The arena gasped collectively, the spectators holding their breath at the breathtaking display of skill and timing.

Leo narrowed his eyes, assessing the situation with keen interest.

He's refined it, Leo thought. His blade movement is cleaner. Faster.

Rio wasted no time, pressing his advantage. He charged forward, his sword gleaming fiercely in the dim light, feet pounding against the ground as he moved.

Orien, anticipating the approach, raised his blade, summoning a whirlwind of sparks around him. He yelled, unleashing a shockwave as he slashed horizontally, sending a wave of electricity rushing forward to intercept Rio.

Rio leapt into action, propelling himself above the surge of lightning. He twisted midair, channeling all his strength and concentration. With a battle cry that resonated through the arena, he brought his sword down with the Bladecrest's third stance: Falling Crescent.

The energy erupted upon impact. Stone cracked beneath the force, splinters flying as Orien struggled to maintain his balance. He was driven to his knees, barely managing to block the immensely powerful blow with his sword.

But the Stormvale warrior did not falter. Tension crackled in the air as thunder roared from his weapon. Lightning pulsed through his veins, heightening his senses and invigorating him. With a guttural growl, he made a desperate lunge, thrusting forward with a storm-cloaked attack aimed directly at Rio's midsection.

The next exchanges became a dynamic dance of light and thunder. Sword met storm; blade arcs collided with electrified thrusts in a breathtaking spectacle. Each clash sent shockwaves through the arena, creating a symphony of chaos and beauty.

Rio drew upon his clan's fourth stance—Blade Gale, slashing in rapid succession from multiple angles. His movements were a flurry, each strike building momentum as he aimed to find an opening.

Orien countered gracefully, utilizing his Thunderstep technique to teleport short distances in flashes of lightning. He avoided several of Rio's precise slashes before retaliating with a crackling overhead strike. The power of his technique was formidable, and the audience could only watch in awe.

Sweat dripped from both fighters, their breaths becoming heavier as the fight wore on. The intensity of the match gripped the audience in a heavy silence, each spectator captivated by the display of extraordinary skill unfolding before them.

Maximus sat with his attention narrowed, his fingers steepled under his chin—an embodiment of patience turned eager anticipation. He recognized the talent on display, eagerly awaiting the strategic moves from both contestants.

In a moment of clarity, Rio finally surged forward once more. Summoning a deep reservoir of strength, he unleashed a fifth stance—Phantom Edge.

For a brief moment, the air split, a flash of sword energy bursting forth with barely visible intensity, a manifestation of his deepest focus and commitment. The blade, sharp and true, tore toward Orien with unrelenting force.

Orien, sensing the impending threat, raised both hands, channeling everything he had into a lightning barrier that shimmered in front of him.

The phantom blade cut through the barrier, shattering it like fragile glass. Orien stumbled back, the force of the blow pushing him precariously close to losing his footing, but he steadied himself, refusing to give in.

Rio saw the opportunity to press his attack. He could feel the storm nearing its peak, the energy in the air buzzing as the final clash loomed. Victory was within his grasp, but he knew it would require everything he had left.

As both fighters prepared for their climactic move, the storm surged overhead—lightning crackling and thunder booming. The arena was alive with electricity as the tension thickened, a palpable silence preceding the storm's unleash.

---

End of Chapter

---

Want to read advanced chapter?

Give me your stone to this novel to reach the milestone that will give you bonus chapter per day!!!

10-20 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter / Day

20-30 Power Stones = 2 Bonus Chapters / Day

30-40 Power Stones = 3 Bonus Chapters / Day

Please support me?

See ya!