Leveling Up With My Dragon System

Chapter 74 Node Convergence

The chamber was indeed filling up with the teams that had successfully navigated the Mind's Maze. Among them were Team 8, with their Ice Node bearer, and Team 3, with their surprisingly effective Plant Node duo. They had all earned their place here, and the tension was palpable as they waited for the final results.

Team 12 huddled together, sharing their experiences and strategies. The diversity of their nodes allowed them to overcome challenges that would have been insurmountable for a team with less versatility. Kai couldn't help but feel a twinge of pride in his friends' abilities, and a fierce determination to protect them.

The final countdown began, and the remaining recruits sprinted into the chamber. The room grew tense as the clock hit zero. The crystal orb in the center of the room pulsed once more, and the floor began to shake. A holographic projection of Colonel Skai appeared before them, his stern gaze sweeping over the exhausted recruits.

"Congratulations, you have all shown remarkable growth and teamwork in the Mind's Maze. However, this is not the end of your trials. You must now face the ultimate test of unity and power," Colonel Skai announced, his voice booming through the chamber. "Prepare yourselves for the Node Convergence."

The recruits looked at each other with a mix of excitement and dread. They had heard whispers of this final test but knew little about what it entailed. The walls of the chamber began to shift and reform, creating a large arena-like space with a circular podium at the center. The podium had five spots, one for each node.

"The Node Convergence is a battle of unity and power," Colonel Skai's voice echoed through the arena. "Your nodes will be linked, and you will fight as one. The first team to knock their opponents off the podium will be declared the winners."

The recruits looked at each other nervously. This was uncharted territory for them, but they had come too far to back down now. They climbed onto the podium, each taking their designated spot, their nodes lighting up in unison.

The air grew heavy as the podium began to hum. The light from their nodes grew brighter until they formed a single, pulsing beam that shot into the sky. Kai felt a strange energy flowing through him, melding with the powers of his teammates. Erik's electricity, Annika's water, Ingrid's Banshee, and Frode's Magic - all combined into a formidable force.

"Remember, trust your instincts and each other," Kai murmured to his team, his voice steady despite the uncertainty.

"We're in this together," Annika said firmly, her eyes flickering with determination.

"Ready?" Kai asked, glancing around the podium.

Each team member nodded solemnly, their grips tightening. The arena was a buzz of whispers and murmurs as the other teams took their places on similar podiums around them. Stay updated through empire

The Node Convergence was about to begin.

The arena went quiet, and the podium beneath them vibrated intensely. A sudden jolt sent them all stumbling, but they managed to regain their balance as the light from their nodes grew so bright it was almost blinding.

"Now, begin!" Colonel Skai's voice rang out, and the other teams on the podiums around them leaped into action. Kai's dragon node roared to life, and he felt a surge of power, unlike anything he had ever experienced. The podium beneath them morphed into a battlefield, the ground shifting and crackling with energy as the nodes clashed.

Team 12's podium trembled as the opposing nodes attacked, sending shockwaves through the ground. Frode's magic swirled around them, creating a protective shield that absorbed some of the impact. Annika's water node surged forward, forming a liquid barrier that melded with the earth beneath them, stabilizing their platform.

Ingrid's Banshee node let out a piercing scream, which resonated through the air, causing their opponents to stumble. The sound waves collided with the incoming attacks, disrupting their aim. Erik's lightning bolts shot out, weaving around the team's defenses to strike at their adversaries.

The first few moments of the Node Convergence were chaotic, as Team 12 tried to synchronize their movements and powers. Each team member had to be attuned to the others, anticipating their actions and adjusting accordingly. Kai's dragon form grew more substantial, the scales reflecting the light from the other nodes, a symbol of their unity.

Above them, the holographic scoreboard displayed their combined power level. It was clear from the beginning that they were the team to watch. The crowd made up of fellow recruits and academy staff, watched in awe as Team 12's podium remained stable while others wobbled precariously under the pressure of the clashing nodes.

The first few rounds of the Node Convergence passed with Team 12 holding their own. They had managed to knock out two teams, but the competition was fierce, and the remaining podiums had recruits who were equally as skilled. Kai could feel the strain on their connection, the effort of maintaining their combined power was taking a toll on each of them.

Erik called out, "Kai, watch out!"

Kai spun around just in time to see a giant rock hurtling towards him. Frode's magic shot out, wrapping the projectile in a cocoon of lightning. The rock exploded into dust, the shockwave rippling through their podium.

"Thanks," Kai panted, his heart racing.

"We're going to need to up our game," Ingrid warned, her eyes darting around the arena as the competition grew more intense.

Kai nodded, feeling the pressure build within him. He knew they had to work smarter, not just harder. He took a deep breath, focusing his thoughts on the dragon within. The creature roared in response, and the podium beneath them grew stronger.

"Erik, Ingrid, focus on offense. Frode, keep the shields up and provide support as needed. Annika, stay on defense and be ready to adapt." Kai's voice was clear and commanding, his role as the team's leader becoming more prominent as they faced the next wave of attacks.

Erik nodded, his lightning crackling around his fists as he shot bolts at the approaching team. Frode's magic swirled around them, creating a dome that deflected incoming projectiles. Ingrid's banshee wail pierced through the cacophony of the battle, and Kai felt the power of the dragon node pulsating through his veins, urging him to strike.

The battle grew more intense, with each team pushing their powers to the limits. The podium underneath them grew hot from the constant clash of elements. Team 12 remained steadfast, each member playing their part in the intricate dance of power and strategy.

A giant ice spike shot towards them from Team 7's podium. Annika saw it coming and raised her hand, the water around her freezing instantly into a wall, blocking the attack. The ice shattered upon impact, sending shards flying everywhere. Frode's lightning shield flickered briefly but held firm.