The day that had once been bright and clear was now swallowed in darkness. The sun vanished behind thick clouds as thunder rolled, and lightning screamed across the sky. Yet no rain fell — only the echoes of the storm and the clash of two monsters in the arena.
The crowd sat in silence, unable to believe what was unfolding before their eyes.
Up in the stands, Aria Vulcanis leaned forward, curiosity flickering in her sharp gaze.
"Could it be…? Did that boy have a second awakening during his fight with Denji?"
Beside her, Boros Kael grinned, his eyes glinting.
"Interesting… it was worth coming here after all."
Aria frowned. "Shouldn't we stop this? It's clear who the winner will be."
Boros shook his head. "No. Let him know his limit. That's how he'll grow."
Their attention shifted as cracks appeared in the shimmering dome above the arena. The barrier — designed to withstand the power of C-rank Bronze warriors — was faltering. None of them had expected this much destruction from a tournament held in a small village with limited resources.
The air trembled as another bolt of lightning shot out, shattering five of the thirteen drones monitoring the match.
Aria sighed, her voice heavy. "This was supposed to be like every other year… but instead, the barrier is breaking and the drones are falling."
Boros only chuckled. "Denji isn't even serious yet. And that D-rank boy is already fighting like his life depends on it. He's reckless, yes — but he has potential. I'll be keeping an eye on him."
Inside the arena, Renji's Beast Resonance roared at full force. His body was cloaked in snake-like scales of blue armor, the red gem on his forehead glowing. He darted at Denji with everything he had — dashes, echoes, void sense, even the endurance of the Bullmantis flowing through him.
But Denji only smiled, his golden eyes gleaming with excitement as he danced around every strike, his counters landing two times harder.
Even so, Renji's Viper Peak Form absorbed most of the punishment, converting Denji's blows into surges that heightened his perception. Numbers flashed in his vision — Perception: 100.
And suddenly… the impossible happened.
For the first time, Renji began to see Denji's movements in slow motion. Every flicker of lightning, every blur of his steps. But though he could see it, his body could not yet keep up. His mind screamed, yet his limbs lagged behind.
So Renji pushed further.
[Heart of the Beast — Activated]
His chest thundered. His veins burned red as molten heat surged through him. Muscles coiled like steel, blood pumped faster, and his eyes glowed faint crimson. His roar shook the air.
This time, he dodged Denji's attack. This time, he broke through his guard.
And he landed a blow.
The strike connected with Denji's face, but that monster didn't flinch. He only smiled wider. "Yes. Keep going!"
The exchange shifted. No more dodging, no more dancing. They stood in place, trading fists like titans. Lightning — blue and yellow — erupted with every clash, a storm born from their strikes.
To the crowd, it was invisible. All they saw were flashes of color, blinding arcs of energy that split the air with every collision.
In the stands, Aria's tone grew sharper. "Enough. If this continues, they'll destroy the arena itself."
But Boros raised a hand, eyes locked on Renji. "Wait. He's almost there."
The pace quickened. Punches too fast to follow, each clash shaking the ground beneath them. Renji screamed, his voice raw. Denji's grin never faltered.
Finally, Denji's voice boomed over the storm.
"I'll use nineteen percent."
His golden lightning exploded outward, brighter and larger than ever. His right arm blazed like the wrath of the heavens as he prepared the finishing blow.
Renji staggered, body already at its limit.
Denji stepped forward, lightning spiraling up his arm. "Let's end this, Alpha Killer!"
The entire arena froze as he swung —
But then… he stopped.
Denji's eyebrows furrowed. Renji was still standing, though his eyes were closed, his body unconscious. His beast resonance flickered and then shattered, the armor fading away.
The storm above cleared. The black clouds dispersed, revealing the bright sun once more.
Silence.
Aria exhaled in relief. "Finally… it's over."
Boros groaned in disappointment. "Tch. Just when it was getting good." Yet his grin returned quickly, sharp and wild. "But this kid… this kid is something else. He's mine, right? Since he's not a fire user, you wouldn't take him."
Aria's lips curved faintly. "You're right. He's reckless — I can't tell if he's brave or just foolish."
Boros laughed. "No. He's different. Something else entirely."
Then, in a softer tone, she asked, "Do you think he's related to the Dark Hollow Creed?"
Boros snorted. "Doubt it. More likely a mutant honey badger or something."
Back in the arena, Denji looked down at Renji's unconscious body, still standing tall. A rare smirk touched his lips.
"Well done, Alpha Killer," he said softly. "You're strong."
The referee raised his hand. "Winner — Denji!"
But Denji didn't leave it at that. He stepped forward, sliding an arm under Renji's legs and lifting him up in a princess carry. Gasps erupted from the crowd as Denji declared for all to hear:
"I will personally take him to the infirmary. From today onward… I acknowledge him as my rival."
The silence shattered.
The crowd rose to their feet, chanting in unison.
"Alpha Killer! Alpha Killer! Alpha Killer!"
Though Renji had lost, he had won the hearts of the people. He had proven that hard work and unyielding will could defy fate itself.He became a symbol