The morning sun struck the curtains like a spotlight. Leo sprang from his bed, almost flying.
Leo: "Finally… the tournament day is here!"
Chen Wei stirred in the corner, blinking and groaning.
Chen Wei: "Ugh… Leo! Stop shaking the room so early. My head isn't ready."
From downstairs, a familiar voice called out.
Chen Wei's Mom: "Breakfast is ready! Hurry up, or you'll be late for the tournament!"
Leo chuckled to himself. Of course… she'll scold us, but we don't care. This is the day I've been training for.
The two friends ate quickly, quietly, finishing their breakfast in almost military precision. No one spoke much; their focus was already on the stadium.
Leo: "Chen Wei, today's the day. I finally unlocked the new form. My old form was just my basic limit… now, I can channel my 1% beast power fully. My whole body feels different… stronger. I need a name for this form."
(He flexed, feeling the energy pulse through him.)
Chen Wei: "Wow… I can feel it too, Leo. Whatever you call it, I know you're ready."
They left the house and stepped onto the streets of the city. People were already streaming toward the stadium from all directions. Media cameras flashed, and reporters jostled for position. The stadium loomed tall, massive, a gleaming structure in the morning light.
Leo: "This… this is huge. Look at it, Chen Wei! So many people… so high up… I've never seen anything like this in my life."
Chen Wei: "Just… breathe. Focus. Remember, every second counts."
Outside, the media crowded the gates, shouting questions. Leo and Chen Wei barely noticed as they approached the entrance.
Reporter: "Leo! Your father was the World Martial Arts Champion! How did he… die? And who exactly are you?"
Leo: "I'm Leo. My father… he was taken from this world, but I'll carry on his legacy."
Reporter: "So… you're here to fight in the tournament? Against the best of the world?"
Leo's eyes glinted. They have no idea what's coming.
Leo: "Yes. And I'll make them regret underestimating me."
Chen Wei grabbed Leo's arm, pulling him toward the locker area.
Chen Wei: "Relax. Don't get carried away. Half an hour before the first round. We change clothes and focus."
Inside the locker room, Chen Wei pulled out a cup of noodles, slurping it loudly.
Leo: "Seriously… noodles again? Why do you always eat noodles before a fight?"
Chen Wei: "It's for the Dragon power, Leo. It gives me strength. Don't question it."
Leo rolled his eyes but smiled.
Leo's Inner Thought: Chen Wei is ridiculous… but I can't deny it works.
The stadium announcer's voice boomed over the loudspeakers:
Announcer: "Welcome, Martial Artists from around the world! Ten minutes until the first round. Remember, those who do not enter in time will be disqualified!"
Leo grabbed Chen Wei's hand and led him through the bustling crowd.
Leo: "Come on! Let's get ready. The first battle is about to start."
The stadium was packed. Fans cheered, banners waved, cameras followed every move. Leo's heartbeat accelerated.
Leo's Inner Thought: This is it… the first step toward mastering my 1% beast power. I've trained for this. I will not lose.
The announcer continued:
Announcer: "First round: Leo from Nepal! Facing Jiang Tao from China. Jiang Tao's beast power is the Water Dragon!"
Chen Wei: "Water Dragon, huh? That's… not easy, Leo. Stay sharp."
Leo: "I know. But I've got my own strength now. Let's show them."
They both stepped into the arena, the crowd's roar hitting them like a wave. The energy in the stadium was almost tangible, a mixture of excitement, tension, and awe.
Leo's Inner Thought: This is the moment I've been waiting for. My 1% power… let's see what it can do.
The first match was about to begin. Leo flexed, feeling his golden aura shimmer around him. Chen Wei stood beside him, calm but ready.
Chen Wei: "Remember… two rounds to win. Focus, Leo. You've got this."
Leo: "I won't fail. Let's go."
The crowd che
ered louder, the announcer's voice echoed, and the battle began.