The air crackled with excitement. Thousands of spectators packed the stone arena the battleground surrounded by jagged cliffs, blazing torches, and engraved walls that told stories of past champions. The final match of the regional Knight Exams was moments away.
Dan stood tall at one end of the arena. His heart pounded in his chest. Dressed in his black hoodie, he bounced on his heels, lightning faintly sparking across his arms and legs. His eyes were sharp and focused.
(I have to come at him fast and try out my new special move—just like the last one. It has to be close range.)
On the other side stood Daki, lean and composed, his bamboo-colored cloak fluttering in the wind. Around his waist were several sharp bamboo rods, and his calm green eyes scanned Dan with an unsettling intensity.
The announcer's voice boomed through the magical amplification runes etched across the arena walls. "This action-packed final match is about to begin!"
Cheers erupted.
"My money's on the Lightning Kid!" a man from the crowd shouted.
"Daki's the underdog, but he's gonna pull through!" yelled another.
Daki nodded at Dan. "Let's have a good match, boy."
Dan gave a small bow. "Yes, sir."
The announcer raised a glowing flag. "Begin!"
Dan became a blur of motion. He surged forward, lightning flaring from his limbs as he launched himself at Daki. But just as he closed the distance—
Swish!
Daki whipped out two razor-sharp bamboo rods and slashed. Dan ducked under the first, skidded backward—but too late. A shallow red line appeared on his left cheek, and blood trickled down.
Dan winced. (He cut me? That fast?)
"You were able to see me?" he muttered in disbelief.
Daki's voice was calm. "Your speed cannot deceive me. My eyes are fixed on victory."
Dan narrowed his eyes. (He's tough. I have to finish this fast—before I burn out.)
Inside the Knight Administrators' viewing office, overlooking the arena from a high balcony, four key figures sat behind enchanted glass.
Greg, the head examiner, folded his arms. "This final is looking real interesting."
Vixen, a black-haired official, leaned forward. "Who do you bet on?"
DG, the stern administrator, replied, "Dan."
Talar, smirked. "Daki. Experience wins battles."
Vixen shrugged. "I don't usually bet on the Lightning kid… but I'll go with Dan today."
Back in the arena, Daki slammed his bamboo rods into the ground. Sharp shoots erupted upward like spears, launching straight at Dan.
Dan flipped and dodged. Some grazed his sides, slicing his hoodie and drawing shallow cuts.
(Damn it. Why are these things so hard to break?)
He gritted his teeth, grabbed one of the rods mid-air, screamed, and with a burst of strength—crack!—he snapped it in two.
Daki raised an eyebrow. "Wow. You really broke one. But that doesn't—"
Dan hurled the broken piece like a spear. It grazed Daki's left cheek, cutting him.
Dan smirked. "Oops. I missed."
"You little—"
Before Daki could finish, Dan was already in front of him, lightning roaring around his body. His fists became blurs of fury—striking Daki in the gut, his legs, and finally the jaw. Each hit sizzled with electric fury. Dan grabbed him by the arm and tossed him across the battlefield like a ragdoll.
Dan panted. (Finally… the match is going my way.)
He surged again, this time aiming a lightning-charged punch at Daki's face.
But Daki growled, "Enough!" Bamboo rods burst upward again. Dan anticipated it and leapt behind him.
"Nice try," Dan said coldly. "I expected that."
He tightened his right fist. Lightning converged and spiraled around it. "Lightning Karate—Straight Punch!"
He threw it—but boom! Daki summoned a barricade of thick bamboo branches that exploded from the ground and sent Dan flying.
Dan rolled to his feet, stunned. "What the hell?!"
Daki's face was stern. "You're strong, kid. But this is where it ends."
The ground began to rumble. Dozens—no, hundreds—of bamboo branches erupted around Dan, forming a dome of spikes and rods. They swirled and lashed out like living snakes.
Dan grunted as each whip-like strike slammed into his body.
Daki raised his arms. "Game over, boy. You're stuck in my Bamboo Prison."
Up in the office, Talar chuckled. "Hehe, looks like I'm winning the bet."
DG slammed his fist on the desk. "Come on, Dan! You've made it this far—don't stop now!"
Vixen turned to Greg. "Is this it? Is this the end for him?"
Greg laughed deeply. "He won't give up. That boy's bloodline is full of surprises. They always think on their feet. They're not the strongest just for show."
Back in the arena, Dan gritted his teeth. (These sticks hurt like hell. But I can't give up. Not now.)
He scanned the battlefield—then jumped, bouncing across the bamboo branches like stepping stones.
Daki smirked. "You think I can't reach you up there?"
He moved his arms, and the branches retracted. Dan fell, landing hard on the floor as another wave of bamboo struck him.
"Ugh! Fine!" Dan roared. "I'll tear through all of it!"
Lightning burst from his skin, coating him in a glowing aura. He smashed through branch after branch, each one splintering in a shower of sparks and leaves.
He was getting closer.
Daki summoned an impenetrable wall of bamboo between them.
Dan punched it—and cried out as a jolt of pain shot up his arm.
"They're solid now," Daki said, grinning. "You won't break them."
Dan's body trembled, blood running down his arms. "Shut up...!"
(I won't let anything stop me. If I must break every bone in my body to win—then so be it!)
With one final scream, Dan summoned everything he had. Lightning exploded from him like a storm. Fists clenched, he pounded the wall of bamboo over and over.
CRACK!
The barrier shattered into shards. Daki's eyes widened.
Dan stumbled forward, coughing blood, but didn't stop.
In the office, DG jumped to his feet. "Hell yeah!"
Talar groaned. "Oh no…"
Vixen's eyes sparkled. "What a comeback."
Greg smiled proudly. "Told you. The kid's got the spirit of a true knight."
In the arena, Dan was now face to face with Daki.
"I'll make more—" Daki began.
But Dan was faster. He shot forward in a bolt of lightning and unleashed a flurry of punches. "Time to end this!"
He clenched his right hand, lightning surging through every muscle. "Lightning Karate: Straight Punch!"
CRACK!
The blow smashed into Daki's chest. The older boy coughed blood, stumbling backward.
As he fell, he heard Dan's voice cry out—
"Don't you dare pass out yet!"
Dan's eyes burned with electric fury. He raised his hand, now glowing with a new charge.
"Lightning Karate: CHOP!"
He brought it down across Daki's neck.
Daki's body dropped to the ground, motionless.
Silence.
Dan dropped to his knees, panting. Blood dripped from his mouth, but he grinned faintly.
"…Finally… I won."
And then he collapsed beside Daki.
A beat of silence.
Then—
"THE WINNER—DAN FROM THE LIGHTNING NATION!!" the announcer roared.
The arena exploded in cheers.
"YEEEESSS!!"
"Heck yeah, Lightning Kid!!"
In the administrator's office, Greg leaned back with a grin. "That match was incredible. I can't wait to see what that kid does in the main exams."
Vixen sighed in relief. "So… we're done here?"
Greg nodded. "Yes. DG—inform the other nations. The regional exams are complete."
DG stood and walked out briskly.
Hours Later – Across the Five Nations
Air Kingdom – 2nd Branch
Wind whistled softly across marble rooftops. White, an Air chi user with silver-white hair, stood outside a dojo.
"Esther," he called, "we'll soon head to the Fire Nation's 8th Branch for the main exam."
Esther, twirling gently in the air currents, smiled. "Okay, White."
Ice Kingdom – 10th Branch
A grand citadel of ice reflected moonlight like crystal. Inside, a tall boy named Ash lounged on a velvet couch, a girl in his lap kissing him softly.
A messenger entered. "Sir, the Knight Main Exams begin in a few days."
Ash smirked. "Wonderful. But I'll miss my girls."
Fire Kingdom – 6th Branch
Inside a flaming dojo, Agi shouted, "Steven! The main exams are starting!"
Steven, muscles glistening, rolled his eyes. "Shut the hell up. No need to scream."
Lightning Nation – 16th Branch
In a quiet training room, two figures sat playing chess.
"Rebecca," said Chase, moving a piece, "the main exams will begin soon."
She pushed her glasses up. "Yes. We have to do great."
Weapons Nation – 3rd Branch (Sword Division)
A sparring match ended with a clean slice.
"Master Alexis—" Elke said, holding his bleeding arm.
Alexis grinned wickedly, sword resting on his shoulder. "Sorry for the cut. Just practicing. What's the message?"
Elke bowed. "The Knight Exams begin soon."
Alexis's smirk widened. "Interesting… I can't wait."
To Be Continued…