"Against the Heavens: The Villain's Return"

The atmosphere thickened to a near unbearable level as both warriors stood locked in a final stance. Their energies collided invisibly but palpably, a manifestation of their determination and will.

Thunderclouds loomed overhead, casting dark shadows over the arena, reflecting the tempest that raged between the two combatants below. Orien, battered yet not broken, surged forward once more. He activated the core of his Stormvale techniques—Storm King's Pulse. His body effectively transformed into a conduit for a miniature storm, lightning coiled around his limbs like serpents, flickering erratically. His eyes glowed an unnatural, brilliant white as he harnessed all of the power at his disposal.

The speed with which he moved was terrifying, eliciting gasps from the audience. To the untrained eye, it appeared as if he vanished into thin air. But Rio, through years of sparring with his sister and honing the depths of his family's techniques, could still trace the movement.

The clash between their energies had begun anew. Steel met lightning with a cacophony of force. Every strike released a thunderclap that echoed throughout the arena, creating a fierce symphony of battle.

Rio gritted his teeth, planting his feet firmly on the ground as the storm surged around him. He unleashed his own aura in response. From within, he channeled the Bladecrest's technique—Heaven's Guard erupted forth. A pillar of sword energy wrapped around him like a fortress of wind and steel, a protective barrier that would withstand even the mightiest of blows.

As the storm clashed with his defensive wall, the arena stage cracked and splintered under the sheer force of their combined power. Chunks of stone and debris flew in all directions, an explosive display of the violent energy unleashed by the duel. Spectators gasped as energy ricocheted toward the barriers shielding them, sparks illuminating the crowd's wide-eyed expressions.

Maximus finally leaned forward in his seat, his normally impassive demeanor replaced with palpable interest. His keen eyes analyzed the flow of battle, assessing each nuance as he watched the raw potential of both fighters unfold before him.

"Alone, two strong currents might clash, but united they can create a storm," Maximus mused quietly. "He's pushing his limits," he muttered, referring to Rio, whose skill and determination had captivated even the most storied of warriors.

Yet Orien, driven by the power of the storm, screamed. He unleashed his last desperate attack—a vertical arc of condensed lightning aimed to cleave through any defense. This was the culmination of his abilities, a final effort summoning everything he had left within him to secure victory.

Rio raised his sword high as if drawing upon an unseen reservoir of strength. He funneled all his energy into one last stance—Silent Slash.

The moment hung suspended in time, charged with tension. The clash happened in the blink of an eye, an instantaneous exchange of fate that would alter the outcome of the match forever.

The two forces collided in a brilliant flash. Lightning dissipated at the meeting of their powers. The sword gleamed brilliantly, a shining beacon against the stormy backdrop of their fight.

Orien stood frozen for a fraction of a second, shock blooming on his face as he processed the gravity of the moment. Then he slowly dropped to one knee, his weapon clattering to the floor with a dull thud, signaling the end of the confrontation.

Rio, though barely standing, remained upright, his victory palpable in the air that surrounded them. The arena erupted into a deafening roar. Cheers cascaded like thunder, a tumultuous wave washing over the stage.

Rio had triumphed.

Leo watched quietly from the stands, his eyes narrowing in contemplation.

Not bad, he thought, recognizing the level of skill Rio had demonstrated. But the final isn't yours. He felt the thrill of competition surge through him, knowing he too would need to push beyond his own limits in the matches to come.

Roxanne, watching with a sense of pride despite her own exhaustion, smiled faintly. The gleam of admiration shone through her fatigue, a testament to the bond they shared.

Their father rose from his seat, eyes shimmering with silent approval, pride etched across his face as he absorbed the reality of Rio's achievement in the arena.

The semifinal had ended, and though it was a significant milestone, the final loomed on the horizon, a tempest of potential challenges just waiting to be met head-on.

As the dust began to settle and the arena buzzed with the excitement of the moment, Rio took a deep breath, collecting himself for what was yet to come. The victory was sweet, yet he knew that the true test awaited him, and he was determined to rise to meet it, ready to embrace whatever might come his way.

The next chapter would bring new storms, new challenges, and perhaps, the chance to truly prove himself as a warrior worthy of respect, honor, and ultimately victory.

Both combatants had made their mark, and as Leo watched the proceedings unfold, he felt the winds of change stirring within himself. The call of destiny was strong, and he was ready to respond, setting his sights on greatness.

---

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!