The air around them seemed to crackle with energy as Riku and Arashi continued their fight, both warriors pushing their limits in a relentless exchange. The storm overhead raged fiercely, as if the heavens themselves were witnessing the battle below. Thunder boomed in the distance, matching the intensity of every blow they traded.
Riku could feel his body growing more and more fatigued, but he refused to slow down. Each time Arashi landed a blow, Riku's resilience only increased. His muscles burned, his bones ached, and his energy was starting to dwindle—but there was no turning back now.
Arashi, despite his age, was a whirlwind of power and skill. His movements were like a blur as he attacked and defended with flawless precision. Every strike he landed sent shockwaves through Riku's body, but he held his ground, refusing to let his opponent see even a hint of weakness.
"You're not bad," Arashi said between heavy breaths. "But you still don't get it, do you? There's more to this than just power. It's not about how hard you hit; it's about how you use your essence—your connection to it. You have to become one with it. Right now, you're just… a vessel."
Riku growled, his hand shaking slightly as he wiped the blood from his lip. He had been hearing that a lot recently. "I'm not some vessel," he muttered under his breath. "I've worked too hard to be just that."
Arashi smiled, a glint of approval in his eyes. "I'm glad to hear that. But that's exactly why this fight matters."
With a sudden burst of speed, Arashi launched himself at Riku, his fists glowing with energy. Riku barely had time to react as Arashi's strike collided with his chest, sending him flying backward. The wind was knocked out of him as he crashed into the ground, feeling the gravel dig into his skin.
Riku gasped for air, but he didn't stay down long. His training had taught him never to give up, and this fight was no different. He pushed himself back up, his body screaming in protest, but his will was stronger. Every muscle in his body felt like it was on fire, but he wasn't done yet.
"I'm not finished yet!" Riku shouted, his voice filled with defiance. He gathered what little strength he had left and surged forward.
Arashi was ready. The two collided again, their fists meeting with a deafening crack. Riku's blows landed with increasing intensity, fueled by a mixture of adrenaline and the burning desire to prove himself. But every time Arashi countered, it felt like the older warrior was still holding back, just slightly. He could see the wisdom in his eyes, the battle-hardened resolve. Arashi wasn't just fighting Riku physically—he was teaching him, showing him what it meant to truly fight.
"You have the power," Arashi said, ducking under a wild punch. "But you're still relying too much on force. Power alone won't win this fight."
Riku's expression hardened. He wasn't going to let Arashi get away with that. His fists blurred as he threw a flurry of punches, hoping to catch Arashi off guard. But the older man effortlessly dodged each attack, his body moving like water in a stream, flowing around Riku's attempts.
"I can't just rely on force," Riku muttered, to himself this time. He needed something more. Something that would truly make him whole.
As if answering his unspoken question, a strange energy began to well up inside him. The Divine Avatar essence stirred within his chest, calling to him. He could feel it, deep in his bones. His connection to it wasn't just a power—it was his very essence, the foundation of his being. The realization hit him like a lightning strike.
Without thinking, he reached deep into himself, drawing on the power that had lain dormant. It wasn't the same as just unleashing his physical strength. No, this was different. He was becoming one with the essence. He felt his body synchronize with the flow of energy around him, each strike and movement perfectly timed.
Riku's eyes snapped open, glowing with a golden light as he launched himself at Arashi. This time, he didn't just throw punches—he felt them, each one landing with precision, each strike guided by an unseen force. Arashi's eyes widened in surprise as Riku's movements became more fluid, more calculated. It was as if Riku was no longer just a student—he was becoming the very embodiment of his essence.
Arashi barely managed to block the first few attacks, but Riku's speed was too much. He unleashed a powerful roundhouse kick that sent Arashi skidding back, his feet leaving trails in the dirt. The older man steadied himself, his expression shifting from one of mild surprise to full focus.
"Now that's more like it," Arashi said with a grin. "You're finally starting to understand. But there's still more to do. Don't think you've won just yet."
Arashi surged forward once more, his own essence flaring around him. The two warriors met in the center of the battlefield with a deafening crash, their fists colliding with the force of thunder. The storm above them intensified, as if the sky itself was reacting to the battle unfolding below.
The clash continued in a blur of speed and power. Neither warrior showed any sign of relenting, pushing their limits further and further. Riku felt his heart race as his connection to the Divine Avatar essence deepened, his power growing with every move he made. But he knew, deep down, that this wasn't the final test. This was only the beginning.
As the fight raged on, Riku knew that Arashi wasn't just testing his strength—he was testing his spirit. This wasn't about winning or losing. It was about becoming something greater than he had ever imagined. And Riku, with his newfound determination, was ready to rise to the challenge.