advance/early chapters : p atreon.com/Ritesh_Jadhav0869
BONUS CHAPTER
"Who's he staring at?"
The question rippled through the stands like wildfire. To the confused audience, Holden appeared to be having an intense staring contest with the southern section of the arena, his eyes burning with the kind of fighting spirit usually reserved for blood feuds or disputed restaurant bills.
The broadcast director, sensing drama, zoomed in on the object of Holden's attention. Russell's face filled the giant screen—expression caught somewhere between amusement and resignation, like someone who'd just realized their ex was at the same party.
"That's Russell from Northgate! Why is Holden—"
"They're old rivals," a know-it-all in the crowd explained, voice dripping with insider knowledge. "Fought at the Riverview Province Unified Examination six months ago. Holden got destroyed. Absolutely demolished. But now he's been training under Master Frank..."
"The War Sage? The guy who punches mountains for cardio?"
"That's the one. Six months of his training could change anyone."
"Sure, but Russell's also a monster. Did you see what he did to Capital University? That wasn't a battle, it was a public execution."
As speculation reached fever pitch, Holden walked off the platform with the swagger of someone who'd just delivered the sickest burn in history. His challenge was clear: I'll see you in the next round, assuming you're good enough to get there.
Fate, apparently having a sense of humor, immediately paired them together.
The bracket appeared on screen, and the first match practically glowed with destiny: Northgate University vs. Kirin University.
Grant stared at the display, jaw dropping. "This is rigged! This is shadier than my grandmother's mahjong games!" The timing was too perfect—Holden issues his challenge, and boom, instant matchup? "Someone got paid for this."
"It's probably legitimate," Russell said, though he found the coincidence amusing. "The National Competition doesn't need manufactured drama."
"Besides," Lucian added, pinching the bridge of his nose, "rigged or not, we still have to fight them. And Kirin with Holden is... problematic."
"Relax." Russell's confidence was absolute. "I beat him once, I'll beat him again. Simple math."
His teammates fell silent. When Russell used that tone, arguments were pointless. He wasn't bragging—he was stating facts.
The general audience, lacking Northgate's insider confidence, erupted in debate.
"This is faker than my cousin's Rolex!"
"No way, if they wanted maximum hype, they'd save this for the finals."
"Maybe it's reverse psychology? Make it look unrigged by doing the obvious thing?"
"My brain hurts."
Coach Carter appeared, grinning like he'd won the lottery. "Dinner time! We're in the quarterfinals!"
"Coach," Russell said mildly, "celebrating before we win is bad luck. You're basically asking the universe to humble us."
Carter laughed. "Speaking of the universe having opinions, the President and his entourage are attending tomorrow's match."
Russell shrugged, but his teammates went rigid.
"The President?" Grant's voice cracked. "Like, THE President? Before the finals?"
"Why?" Jean whispered, adjusting her glasses nervously.
"Because you're too good," Carter said simply. "Russell's been soloing entire teams. Even Capital University looked like beginners against him. When was the last time Northgate made quarterfinals? The bigwigs are curious."
He clapped Grant's shoulder. "Don't overthink it. We've already exceeded expectations. Everything from here is gravy."
Listen to this man, Grant thought. Is this what instructors say? 'We've already lost in our hearts, so no pressure'?
The next morning, Russell was deep in meditation when a knock interrupted. His mental probe identified the visitor, and surprise flickered across his features.
"Senior Sister?" He welcomed Hazel inside, secretly grateful he'd stayed out late with friends instead of engaging in any... recreational activities with his cards. Explaining that scenario would've required witness protection.
"School's on summer break," Hazel explained, her tone characteristically flat.
Right. July. Normal people had vacations. "Will Teacher come?"
Hazel shook her head, then reconsidered. "For the finals."
Great. No pressure. Just have to reach the finals or disappoint my Master. Totally relaxed now.
"You're close to breakthrough," Hazel observed. Not a question—a statement.
Russell nodded. The Gold threshold was approaching rapidly. He might cross it before the competition ended. Whether they'd let a Gold-rank continue competing was unclear, but suppressing his growth wasn't an option.
The tragedy of being too talented. If normal people could hear this thought, they'd rightfully strangle me.
"You'll leave for a new posting soon," Hazel said quietly, a flicker of loneliness in her eyes. "I'll be alone again."
Their other senior siblings were perpetually busy, often silent in the group chat for weeks. They rarely returned to Northgate.
"Senior Sister, you're not that old. Why do you sound like an empty-nest parent?" Russell teased gently. Seeing minimal improvement in her expression, he added, "I'll visit Northgate whenever possible. Promise."
Hazel's expression softened marginally. "Good luck tomorrow." She made an awkward fist-pump gesture that looked like she'd learned it from an instructional video.
Day three arrived with the kind of anticipation usually reserved for championship boxing matches or royal weddings. The Russell vs. Holden narrative had consumed the Capital's attention.
In the preparation area, Northgate discussed strategy.
"Should we go first?" Grant suggested hesitantly. "Wear them down for Russell?"
"Agreed," Lucian nodded. "Russell anchors. After we soften them up—"
"Unnecessary." Russell stood, eyes locked on the arena. "He's already waiting."
Holden stood on the platform, radiating challenge like a beacon.
"Don't worry," Russell said, walking toward the battlefield. "I'll win. Just like last time."
"RUSSELL!" Holden's voice boomed across the arena. "Finally! But I'm not the same person! Today I'll prove that 'recklessness' beats calculation!"
This guy really hasn't changed.
"Bold words before results just set you up for humiliation," Russell observed.
Holden paused, then exploded in laughter. "You're right! But since that day, I dream about fighting you every night! The thought makes my blood BURN!"
I really didn't need to know about your dreams, man. That's... concerning.
Russell summoned his cards, noting Holden's slight disappointment at Luffy's absence. The Straw Hat boy required Gold rank to manifest—something Holden couldn't know.
TWEET!
The referee's whistle unleashed chaos.
Holden merged with his spectral tiger instantly, wind coalescing into invisible weapons. Even through the barrier, the audience felt the sting of his aura.
Fubuki's wind control is completely suppressed. His dominance over the element is absolute.
Artoria struck first, her holy sword wreathed in black flames.
CLANG!
An invisible spear of compressed air blocked the strike. Wind and flame entangled, energies grinding against each other with a sound like tearing metal.
Sasuke's hand crackled with electricity. [Chidori Sharp Spear] extended toward Holden's chest—a lance of pure lightning.
Holden didn't flinch. He shoved Artoria back with raw strength, then hurled his wind spear. The invisible projectile shredded the lightning like paper.
"Parlor tricks," Holden scoffed, manifesting another spear instantly.
Ding! Ding! Ding!
Weapons clashed in a symphony of violence. Sparks and black flames painted the air.
His close combat has transcended human limits. This isn't the same fighter from six months ago.
"ROAR!"
Neliel's Resurrección flooded the arena with spiritual pressure. The Antelope Knight materialized beside Holden in a heartbeat, double-headed lance seeking flesh.
Even pinned between Artoria and Neliel, Holden held his ground.
"NOT ENOUGH!" His roar shook the stadium. "IS THIS ALL YOU HAVE, RUSSELL!?"
His spear swept wide, blasting both women back, then slammed into the ground. The arena floor split like broken glass.
Northgate's team watched in horror. Only Hazel remained calm.
Artoria stepped back, black flames dissipating. Golden light began gathering—if she couldn't win with skill, she'd win with power.
Simultaneously, Unohana revealed her true nature. With [Seireitei]'s blessing, the First Kenpachi emerged.
Holden, fighting Unohana and Neliel simultaneously, saw Caliburn charging. He was being herded toward the arena's edge.
Faced with annihilation, Holden grinned like a madman.
"YES! SHOW ME EVERYTHING!"
The golden torrent fired. Unohana and Neliel dodged. Holden stared into the light, eyes wild with joy.
"[Shattered World • Storm Lance]!"
An auxiliary card disintegrated, its energy flowing into his invisible spear.
He thrust forward.
Caliburn's beam split cleanly in two, passing harmlessly around him. The diverted energy slammed into the barriers, shaking the entire structure.
When the light faded, Holden stood on a narrow strip of intact ground, everything else vaporized. Battered, exhausted, but somehow stronger.
He threw his head back and roared at the heavens.
"COME AND FIGHT!"
Then he launched himself at Artoria, whose holy sword had quietly shattered from overexertion.
(End of Chapter)
PLZ THROW POWERSTONES.
Next target reach 500 powerstones for bonus chapter.