The arena thundered as Yumi Aoyama and Toru Kurotaki stepped onto the battlefield. The lights dimmed slightly, a single spotlight shining down on the two semi-finalists.
From the sidelines, Riku watched calmly, arms crossed. He knew both of them well—Yumi's grace and precision, Toru's sheer power and unpredictability.
A loud horn sounded.
The match began.
Toru took the initiative, dashing forward with monstrous speed. His Titan Essence ignited, forming armor-like layers around his body.
Yumi remained still, her hands glowing with silver-white energy.
"Essence Art: Lunar Guard!"
A radiant shield of moonlight formed in front of her just in time to absorb Toru's opening punch. The impact cracked the air, and the shield rippled like disturbed water before shattering.
Yumi flipped backward, landing lightly, then raised both arms.
"Lunar Bind!"
Silver threads lashed out from her palms, aiming to wrap around Toru's arms and legs. The threads danced in perfect arcs—each one precise, aimed at pressure points.
But Toru grinned.
He flexed—and the threads snapped.
"You're fast," he admitted. "But not fast enough."
Toru charged again, shoulder-first like a battering ram. Yumi barely dodged, spinning to the side and countering with a glowing palm strike to his ribs.
WHAM!
He staggered—not because of pain, but from surprise.
Yumi pressed the advantage, her body flowing with energy now, her movements smooth and refined.
"Essence Flow: Moonstep!"
She vanished in a flicker of white light and reappeared behind him.
Crack! A heel strike to the back of his head sent Toru stumbling forward.
The crowd roared.
Toru wiped his mouth, chuckling.
"I was holding back. Bad habit. Not anymore."
He slammed both fists into the ground.
"Titan Drive: Core Breaker!"
A shockwave exploded outward, crumbling part of the arena stage. Yumi tried to leap away—but the quake disrupted her footing. She lost balance, just for a second.
That was all Toru needed.
He appeared in front of her like a juggernaut, fist raised high.
BOOM!
Yumi was thrown across the field, hitting the barrier wall hard. Dust and fragments flew. The protective shield flickered briefly from the force.
Riku stood, tense, watching carefully.
"Come on, Yumi…"
She staggered up, blood on her lip, eyes fierce. Her Essence flared again, brighter this time. The lunar threads reformed, swirling around her body like glowing silk.
"This… isn't over."
Toru smiled. "Good."
He charged again.
Yumi screamed and unleashed her final move.
"Lunar Gate: Full Bloom!"
Dozens of radiant threads burst out in all directions like petals in a storm. They whipped, snapped, wrapped around the battlefield and even cracked the floor. For a moment, the entire arena glowed white.
But through it all—
Toru kept walking.
His armor cracked. His clothes tore. But his Titan Will never wavered.
And when he reached her—
He struck.
Not a wild punch, but a clean, sharp jab to her stomach, knocking the air out of her.
She fell.
The lights dimmed again.
Winner: Toru Kurotaki
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Yumi lay on the ground, breathing heavily, staring up at the lights. Toru walked over and offered his hand. She looked at it… then took it.
"Good fight," he said.
"You too… beast."
They both laughed.
From the edge of the arena, Riku smiled faintly. His eyes locked with Toru's.
It was time.