Chapter 15: Solar vs Dragon
[ARC-PASS CONTENT UNLOCKED]
The arena fell silent as Leo's unconscious form was surrounded by emergency medical staff. Kaito approached cautiously, his suppressor bands pulsing with warning signals as they detected residual energy in the air.
"What happened to him?" Kaito asked the nearest medic.
"Power overload," came the grim reply. "His constellation form was artificially enhanced beyond safe parameters. Someone gave him external amplification without proper safeguards."
In the VIP section, the robed figures were departing hastily, their forms seeming to blur at the edges like heat mirages. The military officers remained, taking detailed notes on everything they observed.
"Kaito Ryuusei, victory by opponent incapacitation," the referee announced reluctantly. "Advancing to semifinals."
But the victory felt hollow. As Leo was carried away on a medical transport, Kaito caught a glimpse of his rival's wrist. Dark marks spiraled around his gauge display, definitely not academy-standard equipment.
"Someone's cheating," Bo said quietly, joining Kaito on the arena floor. "And using students as test subjects."
Reina materialized beside them with her characteristic silent approach. "Not cheating. Recruiting. Those robed figures were Void-Fist Society representatives."
Kaito's blood ran cold. He'd heard whispers about the Void-Fist Society: a secretive organization that operated beyond official constellation training, drawing power from sources the academy considered forbidden.
"They're enhancing promising students with their techniques," Reina continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "Creating artificial power boosts that burn out the user's natural abilities."
"But why Leo?" Kaito asked.
"Because he was desperate enough to accept their offer," she replied grimly. "And because they needed to test their enhancement process before approaching their real target."
Her silver eyes fixed on Kaito meaningfully.
"Me," he realized.
COSMO-KI GAUGE 22% ★ FORM SEALED - FLUCTUATION INCREASING
The Nova Gi's protection was still holding, but Kaito could feel something building in his chest. The Star-Dragon power was responding to the threat, growing stronger despite the suppressor bands.
"They know about your real potential," Reina warned. "And they'll do anything to control it or eliminate it."
As they left the arena, Kaito noticed new security measures being implemented throughout the academy. Additional guards, scanner checkpoints, and surveillance drones that definitely hadn't been there yesterday.
The tournament was becoming something far more dangerous than anyone had anticipated.
SEMIFINALS APPROACHINGRIVAL RESPECT METER: +8% (TOTAL: 33%)NEXT: Chapter 16 - North-Star Meditation
Chapter 16: North-Star Meditation
The North Tower's meditation chamber existed in perpetual twilight, its crystalline walls refracting starlight into patterns that seemed to shift with each breath. Master Polaris sat cross-legged at the center, his form radiating calm authority as Kaito approached.
"Sit," the master commanded without opening his eyes. "Your power fluctuations are disturbing the academy's harmonic resonance three levels down."
Kaito settled awkwardly onto the meditation mat, his suppressor bands pulsing with each heartbeat. Since Leo's collapse, the Star-Dragon energy had been increasingly restless, pressing against its artificial constraints like a caged storm.
"The Void-Fist Society has accelerated their timeline," Polaris said quietly. "They're no longer content to recruit gradually. Yesterday's incident was a declaration of intent."
"Intent to do what?"
"Tear apart the constellation system entirely." The master's eyes opened, revealing pupils that held actual miniature stars. "They believe traditional stellar channeling is primitive, limiting. They seek to draw power directly from the cosmic void between galaxies."
A chill ran down Kaito's spine. "That sounds incredibly dangerous."
"It is. Void energy is chaotic, destructive. It corrupts everything it touches, turning constellation forms into twisted shadows of their original purpose." Polaris gestured, and holographic images filled the chamber: academy records showing students whose techniques had been warped beyond recognition.
"Leo's Solar Lion was infected with void traces," the master continued. "Another few minutes and the corruption would have been permanent."
Kaito studied the images with growing horror. These weren't just power enhancements - they were complete transformations, turning students into something inhuman.
COSMO-KI GAUGE 25% ★ FORM SEALED - PRESSURE INCREASING
"Master, my suppressor bands..." Kaito held up his wrists, showing the increasingly frantic warning lights.
"Are functioning exactly as designed." Polaris stood smoothly, moving to stand directly in front of Kaito. "The bands don't just limit your power - they force it to grow more efficiently. Like strengthening a muscle by adding resistance."
"You mean this was planned?"
"The Star-Dragon chooses its own training methods." The master placed his hands on Kaito's shoulders, and immediately the chaotic energy in his chest began to calm. "Close your eyes. Feel the North Star's anchor point in your consciousness."
Kaito obeyed, sinking into meditation as Polaris guided his awareness. Gradually, he began to sense something vast and stable at the center of his being - not the wild dragon power, but something deeper, more fundamental.
"Gauge-breathing," Polaris explained softly. "The ancient technique for managing infinite power through finite channels. Breathe in control, breathe out chaos."
As Kaito practiced the rhythm, his suppressor bands finally stopped their frantic pulsing. For the first time in days, he felt truly centered.
"Better," the master approved. "Now you're ready for what comes next."
"The semifinals?"
Polaris's expression darkened. "The real tournament is about to begin."
Chapter 17: Semi-Final Air Cut
The semifinal arena had been expanded to twice its normal size, with additional safety barriers and emergency medical stations positioned around the perimeter. The academy clearly expected serious injuries.
Kaito's opponent was Reina Aquila herself, standing across the crystalline floor with predatory grace. Her Eagle constellation manifested at full intensity, silver wings of energy spreading behind her like a living aurora.
"I've been looking forward to this," she called across the arena, her voice carrying easily through the amplified acoustics. "A real fight, without interruptions or artificial enhancements."
In the stands, Bo cheered enthusiastically while other students watched with nervous anticipation. The VIP section was notably fuller than usual, with academy board members and more military observers than Kaito had ever seen.
"Contestants ready?" The referee's voice seemed more tense than usual. "Semifinal match: Reina Aquila versus Kaito Ryuusei. Begin!"
Reina moved like liquid lightning, her Eagle Talon techniques carving precise arcs through the air. But unlike their previous encounters, she wasn't holding back at all. Each strike carried killing force, aimed with surgical precision at points that would incapacitate without permanent damage.
Kaito found his rhythm quickly, the gauge-breathing technique allowing him to access his suppressed power more efficiently. Golden energy flickered around his movements as he matched her aerial combat style with grounded precision.
COSMO-KI GAUGE 28% ★ FORM SEALED - STABILIZED THROUGH BREATHING
"Much better," Reina acknowledged, spinning away from his counter-attack. "You're finally fighting like someone who belongs here."
Their techniques collided in mid-air, silver eagle energy clashing against golden dragon lightning. The impact sent shockwaves through the arena, cracking several of the reinforced viewing windows.
"Emergency barriers, full power!" someone shouted from the control booth.
But neither fighter seemed interested in stopping. Reina launched herself into a complex aerial combination, her Eagle constellation allowing brief periods of actual flight. Kaito responded by channeling power through his legs, leaping impossible distances to meet her attacks.
The final exchange came when both fighters committed to ultimate techniques simultaneously. Reina's Eagle Storm filled the arena with silver cutting winds while Kaito's suppressed Star-Dragon energy erupted in a concentrated beam.
When the light faded, both students lay exhausted on opposite sides of the arena, their gauge readings flickering dangerously low.
"Draw," the referee announced after several tense moments. "Both contestants advance to the finals."
As medical staff rushed to assist them, Reina managed a tired smile. "Not bad, dragon boy. Tomorrow should be interesting."
RIVAL RESPECT METER: +12% (TOTAL: 45%)
But Kaito barely heard her. In the VIP section, he'd spotted a familiar face among the military observers: Instructor Vega, speaking quietly with the robed figures who'd fled during Leo's collapse.
The conspiracy was deeper than any of them had realized.
Chapter 18: Tag-Team Survival Drill
"This is highly irregular," Master Polaris protested as academy officials explained the modified final tournament structure. "The finals have always been individual combat."
"Recent security concerns require adaptation," replied Director Altair, a stern woman whose constellation insignia marked her as Stellar Defense Corps. "We need to evaluate how well students can cooperate against superior numbers."
Kaito and Reina stood side by side in the expanded arena, facing a daunting challenge: twelve Level-3 combat drones arranged in coordinated attack formations. These weren't the simple training constructs from earlier exercises - these were military-grade units with adaptive AI and live weapons systems.
"Tag-team survival," the announcer explained to the packed audience. "Finalists must demonstrate tactical cooperation while maintaining individual excellence. Duration: fifteen minutes of continuous combat."
Bo watched nervously from the student section. "Twelve Level-3s? That's insane even for advanced students."
In the VIP area, the collection of military observers had grown significantly. Kaito counted at least twenty officers, plus the mysterious robed figures who seemed to blend into shadows despite the arena's bright lighting.
"Ready?" Reina asked quietly, her Eagle constellation already manifesting at forty percent.
"As I'll ever be," Kaito replied, focusing on his gauge-breathing technique.
COSMO-KI GAUGE 22% ★ FORM SEALED - MEDITATION STABILIZED
The drones activated simultaneously, their crystalline forms glowing with hostile energy as they surrounded the two students. Unlike previous exercises, these units moved with coordinated intelligence, flanking and covering each other like trained soldiers.
"Left formation, three units," Reina called, launching herself into aerial combat. Her Eagle Talon strikes found weak points with surgical precision, disabling one drone while forcing two others into defensive positions.
Kaito focused on the right flank, using his grounded style to anchor their defense while Reina controlled the air. The gauge-breathing technique allowed him to maintain steady power output without dangerous spikes.
"Above!" Reina warned.
Four drones had coordinated an aerial assault, diving from different angles to overwhelm their defenses. Kaito and Reina moved instinctively, their techniques combining in ways neither had practiced. Eagle energy guided his dragon lightning with impossible precision while his grounded strength provided her with stable launching points.
COMBINATION TECHNIQUE DISCOVERED: STORM-DRAGON FUSION
The hybrid attack tore through the aerial formation, golden and silver energy spiraling together in devastating harmony. The crowd erupted in amazement as six drones fell disabled in a matter of seconds.
"Incredible," Director Altair murmured in the VIP section. "Spontaneous technique fusion without formal training."
With six drones remaining, Kaito and Reina found their rhythm completely. They moved like dancers, each covering the other's weaknesses while amplifying their strengths. Eagle mobility and dragon power created combinations that should have been theoretically impossible.
When the fifteen-minute timer finally expired, all twelve drones lay disabled around them.
FRIENDSHIP METER: REINA +25% (TOTAL: 70%)NEW TITLE UNLOCKED: STORM-DRAGON PARTNERS
"Exceptional performance," the referee announced. "Tournament finals will proceed as scheduled tomorrow evening."
But as they left the arena, exhausted but victorious, Kaito noticed something troubling. The robed figures were no longer in the VIP section.
They were gone, and somehow that felt far more dangerous than their presence had been.
Chapter 19: Final Meteor Smash
The academy's main combat arena had been transformed into something resembling a gladiatorial colosseum for the tournament finals. Every seat was occupied, with overflow crowds watching from emergency viewing platforms hastily constructed throughout the facility.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the announcer's voice boomed across the academy, "the final exhibition match between our co-champions: Reina Aquila and Kaito Ryuusei!"
Exhibition match. That was the official designation, since yesterday's tag-team performance had already proven both students' capabilities. But everyone knew this was really about settling the question of who was stronger.
Kaito stretched nervously at his corner of the arena, his Nova Gi's circuits pulsing with readiness indicators. Across the crystalline floor, Reina performed graceful warm-up movements that made her Eagle constellation shimmer like captured starlight.
COSMO-KI GAUGE 24% ★ FORM SEALED - OPTIMAL BREATHING CONTROL
The VIP section was packed beyond capacity. Academy board members, Stellar Defense Corps officers, visiting dignitaries from various colony worlds, and even some faces Kaito recognized from holographic news broadcasts. This tournament had definitely attracted more attention than usual.
"You ready for this?" Bo called from the student section, his voice barely audible over the crowd noise.
Master Polaris stood near the emergency medical stations, his expression uncharacteristically tense. Something about this final match had everyone on edge.
"Contestants, take your positions," the referee announced.
As Kaito walked to the center circle, he noticed something odd about the arena's energy readings. The crystalline floor was humming with power levels far above normal tournament standards.
"They've modified the arena," Reina said quietly as they met in the center. "Enhanced conductivity, amplified energy resonance. Whatever they're expecting to see, they want it at maximum intensity."
"That doesn't sound safe."
"Probably isn't." Her smile was sharp as steel. "But when has that ever stopped us?"
The starting signal chimed, and both fighters immediately launched into full combat intensity. No testing, no warm-up exchanges. This was the real thing from the first second.
Reina's Eagle Storm technique filled the arena with silver cutting winds while Kaito responded with concentrated dragon lightning. The enhanced arena surfaces amplified both attacks beyond anything they'd previously achieved.
COSMO-KI GAUGE 35% ★ FORM SEALED - ARENA AMPLIFICATION DETECTED
"Warning!" Master Polaris's voice cut through the arena speakers. "Power levels approaching safety limits!"
But neither fighter could hear him over the roar of their colliding techniques. Energy feedback from the modified arena was pushing both their constellations into uncharted territory.
That's when Kaito's suppressor bands began sparking ominously.
The enhanced arena was overloading the limitation systems, forcing more power through them than they were designed to handle. Golden energy started leaking around the edges of the restraints.
COSMO-KI GAUGE 45%... 52%... 63%...
"Kaito!" Bo's terrified scream was barely audible over the energy cascade.
The suppressor bands shattered.
Chapter 20: Arc II End - Top-8 Wrist Brand
The arena exploded with golden light as three hundred years of suppressed Star-Dragon power erupted from Kaito's broken restraints. The spectral dragon that manifested wasn't the partial glimpse from his first sparring match - this was the complete form, massive and terrible and beautiful.
COSMO-KI GAUGE 91% ★ STAR-DRAGON FORM - FULLY MANIFESTED
The dragon's roar shook the entire academy structure. Emergency alarms blared as safety barriers activated throughout the facility, but the energy output was beyond anything the systems were designed to contain.
"Emergency evacuation!" Director Altair's voice boomed over the communications system. "All personnel to emergency stations!"
But Reina didn't evacuate. She stood her ground in the arena's center, her Eagle constellation blazing at maximum intensity as she faced the dragon directly.
"Kaito!" she called to the figure barely visible within the golden maelstrom. "You have to control it! The academy can't take much more!"
The Star-Dragon's power was beyond anything Kaito had imagined. He could feel stellar energy flowing directly from distant suns, bypassing the constellation system entirely. It was intoxicating, overwhelming, and absolutely terrifying.
Through the dragon's eyes, he saw things differently. The academy wasn't just a school - it was a carefully constructed prison, designed to contain and study powers like his. The military observers weren't just visiting - they were evaluating him as a potential weapon.
And the Void-Fist Society members, the ones who'd been hiding in the shadows? They were directly below the arena, in underground chambers he'd never known existed.
POWER LEVEL: EXCEEDING SAFE PARAMETERSLIFE FORCE DRAIN: CRITICAL
The Nova Gi's protection was helping, but ninety-one percent was still potentially lethal. Kaito forced himself to remember Master Polaris's gauge-breathing technique, fighting to regain control.
Gradually, the golden maelstrom began to calm. The spectral dragon didn't disappear, but it stopped growing, settling into a more manageable manifestation around Kaito's form.
COSMO-KI GAUGE 73% ★ STAR-DRAGON FORM - CONTROLLED
"Incredible," someone whispered over the emergency channels.
When the energy finally stabilized, Kaito found himself standing in a crater where the arena floor had been. Reina faced him from the opposite edge, her Eagle constellation still active but clearly outmatched.
"I yield," she announced formally, though her voice carried no defeat. "The Star-Dragon has awakened."
As medical and security teams swarmed the destroyed arena, one detail caught Kaito's attention. His wrist no longer showed the standard academy gauge display.
Instead, a new mark had appeared - an intricate star pattern that pulsed with its own light. Around him, he noticed that the other tournament finalists bore similar marks, though theirs were simpler constellation symbols.
NEW STATUS: TOP-8 BRANDEDMARK OF THE STAR-DRAGON: PERMANENT
"Congratulations," Instructor Vega appeared beside the crater with his characteristic silent approach. "You've just become one of the eight most dangerous students in academy history."
His smile was definitely not reassuring.
ARC II COMPLETE - CONSPIRACY ARC BEGINNINGNEXT: Chapter 21 - Night Raid Recruitment