The arena had quieted, but the tension lingered in the air. Floating platforms swayed gently, sparks still flickering from the shattered cores.
Riku sat on the edge of a platform, his gauntlet humming faintly, sweat dripping down his face. Bolt lay curled beside him, panting, fur singed in places.
Toma approached cautiously, holo-pad in hand.
"Everyone's okay… I think. But the system still hasn't announced the winner."
Riku exhaled slowly, his eyes scanning his team. The female lead adjusted her gauntlet, her hair tousled, yet a determined gleam in her eyes.
"Your Core… it's stable?" Riku asked.
"Yes," she nodded. "But we pushed close to our limits."
Jessica, the training partner turned teammate, laughed softly despite the exhaustion.
"You all looked like you were about to explode out there. I'm impressed… and terrified."
Bolt growled playfully, nudging Riku's shoulder.
"Don't forget me! I carried my weight, too!"
Riku chuckled, brushing off debris. "Yeah, you were incredible."
For a moment, the team simply sat in silence, letting the adrenaline fade. Sparks of Core energy danced faintly in the air, intertwining—blue, violet, green—a subtle reminder of what they had just survived.
Toma finally spoke, breaking the quiet.
"The judges will announce the official result soon, but… I think everyone out there now knows: Core Evolution isn't just a rumor anymore."
Riku nodded, gazing at the horizon beyond the arena.
"We'll need to prepare… for whatever comes next."
Above, the floating stadium lights flickered, casting long shadows. Each participant, from their perspective, had felt the storm—and now they all shared its echo.
[Scene 1 – Author's Note]
I must apologize… my mind has been exhausted these past few weeks. Today, I could only post two chapters. This story… it was mine, inspired by the thrill of Beyblade and Pokemon, particularly the Beyblade: Metal Fusion series.
Each tale is like my own child. I may forget details sometimes—not because I don't care, but because my imagination needs a pause. Yet every character, every battle, and every Core pulse is still alive in my heart.
Thank you for following Riku, Bolt, and the others this far. The journey isn't over yet.
⚡ End of Chapter 25
Next: Chapter 26 – International Qualifier Selection
All participants have passed Group C.
Now, the country must choose its representative team.
Three-member squads will compete for the chance to fight on the international stage.