Four years had passed since Riku began training with Arashi. The time had been grueling, filled with endless battles, grueling workouts, and moments of self-doubt. But it had also been the most transformative period of his life. Now, at 19 years old, Riku stood taller, stronger, and more confident in his abilities. He had grown to a height of at least six feet, his body well-muscled, his grey hair falling in messy waves around his face.
His transformation wasn't just physical—it was mental and spiritual. The Divine Avatar essence that Arashi had spoken of had merged with him, becoming a part of his very being. Yet, Riku knew that he still hadn't fully mastered it. Despite the progress he had made, he was acutely aware of how much he still had to learn.
Today was different.
It was the final day of his training with Arashi. The day that would determine if he was ready to face the world beyond their secluded training grounds. Arashi had told him that he would be testing him one last time. But Riku hadn't expected this.
Arashi stood across from him, his expression unreadable. His hands were clenched in fists, a slight aura of power radiating from his body.
"Riku," Arashi said, his voice calm but firm. "It's time to see if you're truly ready. No more training. This is a fight. A full-blown battle. No holding back."
Riku's heart raced. He had been expecting some sort of test, but this? This was something else entirely. He took a deep breath and steeled himself. He wasn't going to hold back either. He had spent the past four years training for this moment. He had to show Arashi—and himself—that he was ready.
Without another word, Arashi lunged forward, his movements blindingly fast. Riku barely had time to react, but he instinctively stepped to the side, narrowly avoiding Arashi's fist as it shot past him.
The fight had begun.
Riku countered with a series of swift punches, but Arashi deflected them with ease. The older man was as fast and powerful as ever, his technique flawless. Riku gritted his teeth and pushed forward, focusing on his Essence. The Divine Avatar's power stirred within him, flowing like liquid fire through his veins.
Arashi dodged another of Riku's blows and spun, delivering a powerful roundhouse kick that sent Riku stumbling backward. He barely managed to catch himself, his feet skidding along the dirt. His heart was pounding, but he didn't let the pain cloud his focus.
"You're faster," Arashi commented, a slight grin on his face. "But not fast enough."
Riku's frustration flared, but he pushed it down. He couldn't afford to let his emotions control him. He had to think—focus. He had trained for this moment. Every movement, every strike was meant to be a part of a bigger plan.
He closed his eyes for a moment, channeling the Essence deep within him. The power surged, and a golden aura enveloped his body. His grey hair seemed to shimmer, and his muscles bulged with raw energy. He could feel the Divine Avatar essence coursing through him, sharpening his senses and heightening his reflexes.
Arashi's eyes widened slightly at the transformation, but he didn't flinch. "Good. Now show me what you've learned."
Riku attacked again, this time with a renewed vigor. He moved faster, his punches and kicks landing with precision. Arashi blocked and dodged, but Riku could see the older man's concentration slipping slightly. He was starting to feel the pressure.
Arashi, however, was far from finished. He smirked and leaped into the air, summoning a torrent of Essence to his fists. He slammed his fist down at Riku with the force of a thunderstrike, the ground beneath them cracking from the impact.
Riku barely managed to roll out of the way in time, the blast of energy raking across his side. He could feel the burn of the attack, but it only fueled his resolve. The pain was nothing. He wasn't going to lose.
He stood up, shaking off the debris, his eyes locked on Arashi. This was it. He had to end this now.
Riku clenched his fists, the Essence swirling around him, coiling like a serpent ready to strike. He gathered all his energy into his core, his body vibrating with power. He charged forward, using every ounce of speed he had gained over the years.
The two warriors collided once more in a blinding explosion of force. Punches were exchanged, blocks were countered, and kicks were narrowly dodged. Riku could feel the Essence in his body shifting, evolving with every strike. He was growing stronger with each passing moment.
Arashi grunted as one of Riku's punches landed solidly on his chest, but he quickly retaliated with a crushing elbow to Riku's ribs, sending him flying backward.
Riku skidded across the dirt, coughing up a bit of blood, but he grinned. That was a good hit. He's not holding back anymore.
The fight raged on, each warrior pushing themselves to their limits. The storm above them raged as if mirroring the intensity of the battle below.
Riku's body was bruised, his limbs sore, but his determination burned brighter than ever. The Divine Avatar power inside him surged, amplifying his strength. He could feel it building, reaching the tipping point.
Arashi had taken a few steps back, clearly assessing the situation. Riku could see the older man's serious expression, and for the first time in the fight, Arashi spoke.
"You're almost there, Riku. But you still have a long way to go."
Riku nodded, wiping the sweat and blood from his brow. This wasn't over yet. It couldn't be. The fight was just beginning.