Chapter 3 — "The First Duel of Fate"
Greyhaven had never been so quiet. The city seemed to hold its breath, as if it, too, was waiting for what was coming.
Mikael Grey stood in the open courtyard behind his small home, the faint glow of the Tiger Pulse radiating from his body. His fists flexed automatically, instinct guiding him. Every motion felt sharper, faster, more precise.
Lianhua watched from the side, her eyes wide with awe. "Mikael… your power… it's unlike anything I've ever seen."
He shook his head, trying to focus. "I don't understand it yet. I don't even know what I am."
The phantom tiger appeared, crouched low, tail flicking. Its eyes glimmered like silver fire.
"Then learn," it said, voice low and commanding. "Your body is a weapon. Your mind is a battlefield. Only when both are awakened can you survive what comes next."
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1. The Arrival of the Rival
A sudden ripple of energy disrupted the courtyard. From the shadows, the noble boy from before—Jin Xuanhao, the reincarnation of the Golden Serpent Sage—appeared.
"You're persistent," Jin said, voice dripping with venomous amusement. "I wanted to see how long it would take for you to notice real danger."
Mikael's tiger pulse flared in response. This was more than a street fight; the boy radiated a refined, dangerous power. The air between them crackled.
Lianhua stepped forward. "Mikael… be careful. He's not an ordinary boy."
Mikael nodded. His instincts screamed: fight first, think later.
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2. The Duel Begins
Jin Xuanhao lunged with precision, his movements fluid like water, but Mikael's body moved faster. The Tiger Pulse guided him.
First strike: Mikael dodged effortlessly, feeling Jin's energy before the blow landed.
Second strike: He countered, a spinning kick enhanced by the pulse, sending Jin stumbling back.
Third strike: His hand struck, not hard enough to kill, but enough to mark the boy and test his limits.
Jin's eyes widened. "Impossible… your power… it's not natural!"
Mikael's vision sharpened. The alleyways, rooftops, and streets beyond—the entire battlefield became clear. He saw the tiniest movements, sensed Jin's breathing and pulse.
The Tiger Pulse was awakening further.
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3. Fragmented Memories
During the duel, flashes of a past life appeared:
A battlefield drenched in fire and blood.
A sword that roared like a beast.
A phantom tiger charging at enemies far larger and stronger than him.
A betrayal that shattered him… and a vow to return.
Mikael staggered for a moment, mind reeling.
The phantom tiger's voice echoed: "Remember… but do not be trapped by the past. Use it."
He clenched his fists, eyes burning. "I won't fail. Not this life… not ever."
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4. First Lesson in Control
The duel escalated. Jin's strikes became faster, sharper, but Mikael's instincts had grown. His Tiger Pulse allowed him to read movements before they happened, predicting attacks and countering them with flawless precision.
At the height of the duel, Mikael unleashed his first proper technique:
Tiger Fang Slash
A flash of energy erupted from his fist, shaped like a tiger's fang. Jin was knocked off his feet, landing hard against the wall.
For the first time, he tasted victory—not a full victory, but the thrill of realizing his true potential.
Jin's face hardened. "This isn't over. You'll pay for this, Mikael Grey."
He vanished into the shadows, leaving a tense silence.
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5. A Glimpse of the Path Ahead
Breathing heavily, Mikael fell to his knees. The Tiger Pulse still throbbed through him, warm and alive, almost like it was urging him onward.
Lianhua ran to his side. "Mikael… are you okay?"
He smiled faintly, though fatigue was evident. "I'm… fine. But this… this is only the beginning. I don't know what Jin Xuanhao is… or why he's after me… but I will be ready."
The phantom tiger appeared again, more solid than ever. Its glowing eyes reflected the moonlight.
"You are awakening, Mikael Grey. One step closer to reclaiming what was lost, and one step closer to the destiny the heavens feared. But know this…"
Mikael looked at it, chest still burning with energy.
"…every step will demand your strength, your mind, your soul. And enemies are only the beginning."
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6. Seeds of Destiny
As Mikael gazed at the stars that night, he realized the world was much larger—and far more dangerous—than he had ever imagined.
Somewhere, Jin Xuanhao was plotting.
Somewhere, other powerful forces waited to test him.
And somewhere, the fragments of his past life still whispered, guiding him, shaping him, reminding him of the vow he had once made.
The boy in the slums was gone.
The White Tiger had awakened.
And the journey of Mikael Grey—the future Great Tiger General—was truly beginning.