Episode 12: "Shinjū Tournament – Matches Begin"
The arena's energy barriers began to glow, and the audience held their breath.
Ryokuryū unleashed his dragon energy, casting a massive shadow over the arena.
Ryokuryū: "Shinjūs, the tournament begins! The first round matches are ready!"
1️⃣ Riku vs. Hikaru (Steppe Wolf)
Riku summoned the spirit Fenrir, his claws glowing with blue light.
Hikaru, armed with the energy of the stern wolf, his eyes filled with fire.
Hikaru: "Riku… don't forget today!"
Hikaru attacked with incredible speed. Riku tried to counter with his claws, but Hikaru, being of the same rank and strength as Ryūjin, gained the upper hand.
Riku managed to land a few hits, but he was unable to withstand Hikaru's combination attacks.
The arena shook, waves of energy spreading throughout the area.
Riku (while falling): "I'm not ready yet… but one day…"
Winner: Hikaru
2️⃣ Ryūjin vs. Kaoru (Hawk)
Ryūjin partially unlocked his powerful lion form; his roar filled the arena.
Kaoru tried to dodge the attacks by maneuvering in the air.
Ryūjin sent swift claws from the ground, pinning Kaoru down.
Although Kaoru was fast in the air, he was cornered by Ryūjin's pressure.
With a final roar and claw combination, Kaoru fell.
Winner: Ryūjin
3️⃣ Tensei vs. Kiyomi (Snake)
Tensei unlocked his Phoenix form, creating massive waves of fire with his wings.
Kiyomi used his snake power to slither along the ground, dodging attacks and preparing counterattacks.
Tensei suppressed Kiyomi with his swift wing movements and strategic fire blasts.
Despite being the best, Kiyomi was powerless against Tensei's combination power.
Winner: Tensei
4️⃣ Kabuto vs. Shira Gengetsu (Shark)
Kabuto attacked Shira using swarms of insects.
Shira repelled the attacks and countered with water and pressure waves.
Kabuto's multi-faceted insect attacks proved insufficient.
Shira gained the upper hand with water waves that shook the arena.
Winner: Shira Gengetsu
🌊 Post-Round Arena Tension
The winners stood in the arena: Hikaru, Ryūjin, Tensei, and Shira
Losers: Riku, Kaoru, Kiyomi, and Kabuto
Riku collapsed to the ground, gasping for air:
Riku: "Hikaru... one day... definitely..."
Ren ran to Riku:
Ren: "Don't give up! We'll work harder!"
Ryūjin stands proudly in the arena as the winner, but there's a hint of concern in her gaze towards Riku.
Shira observes the arena, carefully selecting the winners.
Shira (inner voice): "I've seen your strength... but this is only the beginning.
The true test begins now."