The crowd in the grand arena buzzed with excitement as the next match was announced. The name Rynhara Tiamoris drew a collective gasp from the spectators, and the tension in the air thickened when her opponent was revealed.
Kira Brightwind, the graceful spear-wielding princess of the Windspire Kingdom, stood tall and proud on the opposite side of the arena. Known for her lightning-fast strikes and unyielding defense, she was one of the most formidable competitors in the tournament.
The audience whispered furiously:
"Rynhara's up against Kira? This is going to be intense!"
"Do you think the 'villainess' can actually win without her scythe?"
Rynhara stepped into the arena, her katana hanging at her hip instead of her signature scythe. She met Kira's piercing gaze, her rainbow-edged hair shimmering under the sunlight.
The announcer's voice boomed through the arena. "Rynhara Tiamoris versus Kira Brightwind! Let the match begin!"
Kira twirled her spear, its blade glinting in the light. "A katana? Really, Rynhara? I thought you'd bring out your scythe for a fight like this."
Rynhara smirked, unsheathing the ebony blade with a smooth motion. "You're not worth the effort to bring my scythe."
Kira's eyes narrowed, a flicker of irritation crossing her face. "You'll regret that arrogance!"
Without another word, Kira lunged, her spear thrusting forward like a blur.
Rynhara sidestepped the strike with an elegant pivot, her katana flashing in a sharp counterattack. Kira blocked with her spear, sparks flying as steel met steel.
"Fast," Kira admitted, stepping back. "But not fast enough."
She spun her spear, creating a whirlwind of force that whipped around the arena. The gale pushed Rynhara back, her wings flaring out for balance.
"You think a little wind will stop me?" Rynhara taunted, dashing forward against the gale.
Her katana sliced through the air in a blur, each strike aimed with deadly precision. Kira deflected most of them but struggled to keep up with the relentless assault.
"Impressive," Kira panted, sweat beading on her brow. "But you'll have to do better than that!"
She leapt into the air, her spear glowing with wind magic as gusts of wind began spiraling aroundher spear. "Hurricane Strike!"
The spear came down with the force of a raging storm, the impact shaking the arena floor. Rynhara dodged at the last moment, her katana slashing upwards in retaliation.
As the fight continued, the crowd watched in awe. The two combatants seemed evenly matched, their movements a blur of steel and magic.
But Kira had one glaring advantage—her defense. Every time Rynhara got close, the wind barrier surrounding Kira's spear would deflect her attacks.
"Tired yet, Rynhara?" Kira called, smirking as she launched another series of rapid strikes.
Rynhara's eyes narrowed. "Not even close."
She gripped her katana tightly with both hands, the blade beginning to shimmer with a faint rainbow light ans stardust particles as she tossed aside her scabbard and got onto a quick draw stance.
Kira noticed the change and frowned. "What are you—"
Rynhara's voice cut through the noise. "Shooting Star Slash!"
She dashed forward with blinding speed leavingbehind a trail of after images, her katana glowing like a star. The blade sliced through Kira's wind barrier as though it were paper, landing a clean strike across Kira's armor.
The crowd gasped as Kira staggered back, clutching her side.
"That's new," Kira muttered, her expression a mix of pain and respect.
However Kira wasn't done yet. She steadied herself, her spear glowing with renewed energy. "I won't go down that easily!"
But Rynhara was already preparing her next move. She closed her eyes for a moment, her aura flaring with power.
When she opened them, her mismatched gaze burned with determination. "You wanted to see what I can really do? Fine. Dragons Rioting!"
The ground beneath her feet cracked as a surge of magical energy erupted around her. Spectral dragon heads made of starlight and darkness spiraled into the air, their roars echoing through the arena.
Kira's eyes widened in shock. "What in the—?!"
The spectral dragons lunged toward her, their combined force overwhelming her defenses. One dragon head bit her and smashed her body into the ground before the other heads bombarded her.Her spear shattered under the onslaught, and she was thrown backward, landing hard on the arena floor creating a sizable crater.
The dragons dissipated into stardust as Rynhara stood over her, katana in hand.
The referee's voice rang out. "Number one battle!Winner!Rynhara Drakethorne!"
The crowd erupted into cheers and whispers.
"She didn't even use her scythe!"
"That Shooting Star Slash was incredible!"
"And what was that dragon spell?!"
Rynhara sheathed her katana and offered Kira a hand.
"You fought well," Rynhara said, her tone surprisingly genuine.
Kira hesitated, then accepted the help. "You're better than I thought. I'll admit, I underestimated you."
"Everyone does," Rynhara replied with a smirk. "Makes it more fun to prove them wrong."
As she walked off the field, the spectators' cheers ringing in her ears, Rynhara couldn't help but feel a flicker of satisfaction.
Back in her private box, Tiamora laughed loudly, clapping her hands. "That's my daughter! Show them what it means to be a dragon!"
Kaelira sighed, shaking her head. "You're going to inflate her ego even more, you know."
"She's earned it," Tiamora said with a grin. "And this is just the beginning."