Leveling Up With My Dragon System

Chapter 68 No Breaks

With a sudden burst of speed, Bard shot out his hand, sending a blast of pure life essence towards Kai. The dragon-node bearer reacted swiftly, his reflexes honed from countless battles and training sessions. He raised the streetlamp shard, the metal glowing red-hot from the previous clashes, and deflected the energy. The force of the blow sent him reeling backward, but he remained on his feet.

The crowd watched in awe as the two leaders of their respective teams clashed, their powers intertwining in a dance of destruction. Frode, Ingrid, and Annika held their ground, ready to assist if needed, while Team 10's members hovered at the sidelines, unsure of how to intervene.

Kai's dragon node flared to life, the fiery essence of the creature suffusing his veins. He felt his muscles bulk up, his senses sharpen, and his reflexes become almost predatory. He knew he had to end this battle swiftly to protect his team and claim victory. He took a deep breath, focusing all his power into one devastating move.

With a roar that echoed through the arena, Kai lunged at Bard, the flaming streetlamp in hand. The plant-node bearer saw the fiery charge and braced himself, his vines lashing out in a last-ditch effort to repel Kai. But the dragon-node bearer was relentless, his blazing weapon cutting through the vines like a hot knife through butter.

SUMMARY^1: Bard uses a powerful life essence attack, which Kai deflects with the red-hot streetlamp. The battle reaches a crescendo as Kai's dragon node powers up, enhancing his abilities. He charges at Bard, cutting through his plant defenses with fiery determination.

The two met in a clash of fire and earth, sparks flying in every direction. The metal shard of the streetlamp connected with Bard's chest, piercing through his protective plant armor. The force of the blow sent Bard reeling backward, a look of shock etched on his face as he realized the power surging through Kai's body.

Kai didn't stop, pushing forward with all the might his dragon node could muster. He swung the makeshift weapon again, the flames now coating the entire length of the shard. Bard stumbled, his plant form weakening as the fire ate away at his life essence. With one final, desperate move, Bard tried to ensnare Kai with his vines, but Kai was ready for it. He ducked and sliced through the vines with ease, leaving them to wither and die on the ground.

The crowd's roars grew louder as Bard staggered, his once-mighty form now a mere shadow of its former glory. The life force draining from him was palpable, and the tension in the air was thick as molasses.

"Bard, yield," Kai called out, his voice firm yet not without a hint of concern for his opponent.

The plant-node bearer gritted his teeth, his eyes flickering with green light. "I... I can't..." he choked out.

Kai knew he had to act fast. He couldn't let Bard push himself to the brink of death. He raised the flaming shard, ready to deliver the final blow, but hesitated. He saw the desperation in Bard's eyes, the unwillingness to concede. It was a look he understood all too well.

SUMMARY^1: Kai pierces Bard's plant armor with a fiery streetlamp shard, weakening him significantly. Despite the overwhelming victory, Kai feels a kinship with Bard's refusal to surrender, prompting him to urge his opponent to yield before delivering a potentially fatal blow.

With a swift motion, Kai slammed the shard into the ground, the flames fizzling out as the metal cooled. "I won't let you die here," he said firmly. "You're better than this."

Bard stumbled back, his plant form crumbling away, revealing his charred and bruised body beneath. His breaths were shallow and ragged, his eyes flickering with pain and defeat. He looked at Kai, his expression a mix of anger and respect. "You... you truly are the dragon...," he murmured, collapsing to the floor.

The arena fell silent, the recruits watching in shock and amazement as Kai walked over to Bard. He offered his hand, helping him up despite the pain it must have caused them both. "You fought well," Kai said, his voice carrying a hint of admiration. "But now, we must focus on the real enemy."

Bard took Kai's hand, his eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation. "The device," he croaked, nodding towards the object that had started the conflict.

"We have it," Ingrid called out, holding the device up for everyone to see. "It's safe."

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Kai nodded, turning his attention back to Bard. "Let's get you some medical attention."

Their teams approached cautiously, the animosity of the battle now replaced by concern for their respective leaders. Kai's team was relieved to see him unscathed, while Team 10 looked at Bard with a mix of fear and admiration.

"Fall back," Kai ordered his teammates as the medical staff rushed in, surrounding Bard. The tension in the air dissipated slightly as the two sides retreated to their designated areas, their eyes never leaving the other. The crowd's whispers grew to a murmur as they speculated about the outcome of the battle.

"Team 12, you've proven your worth," Colonel Skai's voice boomed through the speakers. "Your strategic coordination and power control are exemplary. However, this is not the end."

The medical staff worked swiftly to treat Bard's injuries, and Kai couldn't help but feel a pang of pity for his adversary. Despite their rivalry, he knew that Bard was a formidable warrior who had simply been manipulated by Team 11.

"What do we do now?" Annika asked, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation.

"Now we wait for Colonel Skai's next instruction," Kai responded calmly, his eyes still on the medical team working on Bard.

The Colonel's holographic projection appeared in the center of the arena. His stern gaze scanned the recruits before focusing on Team 12. "You've shown that even when divided, your unity can conquer. But now, you must face your biggest challenge yet. The next phase of your training will test your limits as individuals and as a team."

The medical staff managed to stabilize Bard, who was now lying on a stretcher, his eyes still locked onto Kai. He knew he had underestimated the dragon knight. As the recruits were ushered out of the arena, the whispers grew louder. The news of Team 12's victory had spread like wildfire, and the implications of their new rank were not lost on anyone.

The team gathered in the training room, where they were briefed on the next phase of their training. "You've all shown exceptional growth," Colonel Skai said, his voice echoing in the large space. "Now, it's time to take your skills to the next level."