The forest had gone quiet again.
But this time, it wasn't peaceful.
It was heavy. Like the calm before a storm.
A wave of spiritual energy surged through the trees, and even the wind paused to listen.
South Forest Sector
Uzuki stood motionless, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the surrounding trees.
"…That spiritual force… it was powerful," he muttered under his breath.
A small smirk formed at the corner of his lips.
"Looks like we've got competition."
Deeper in the Woods
Shun and Goro were on the move when it hit them—an overwhelming pressure that made the air feel thick.
"I felt that power…" Shun whispered, slowing his pace. "It was so much…"
"What power?" Goro asked, puzzled.
"Stop," Shun said suddenly, raising his hand.
The ground beneath them began to shift.
A swirl of green spiritual energy burst from Shun's body. Grass twisted toward the sky, roots pushed through soil, and the very trees bent as if bowing to his presence.
Goro's eyes widened. "What is going on…?!"
"It's my ability," Shun said simply, almost in disbelief himself.
"Man, that's cool. Do you know what it is?"
Shun shook his head. "I don't know… but I think… if I can master it, I'll be able to control even more."
Goro grinned. "That's awesome!"
But as Goro celebrated, Shun couldn't help but think to himself:
I've always been the one dragging the team down… but maybe now…
Elsewhere
"You feel that?" Ryju asked, glancing around. "That spiritual force—it was powerful."
Kenshiro nodded. "Yeah… That person's energy is way stronger than mine."
"Man… this is getting serious."
Announcement: Team 33 has been eliminated.
Misa's Team
"Let's go after that group," Misa said, pointing across the clearing. "The two boys."
Azar smirked. "Got it."
They moved fast.
A brief clash. Two flags stolen. Done.
Misa dusted off her gloves. "That was easy, huh Azar?"
"Yeah."
Announcement: Team 25 has been eliminated.
Uzuki, Alone
The breeze shifted.
Someone on the ground whispered, "Why is Uzuki so powerful…?"
Uzuki chuckled.
"Two down. More to go."
Announcement: Team 20 has been eliminated.
Shun's Team Reunites
"Shun!" a voice called out.
He turned.
"Kuroyami… and Rei?"
"What's up?" Kuroyami greeted casually.
"Sup," Shun replied.
"Hello—wait," Rei's eyes widened. "Shun… your spiritual force… it's amazing!"
Shun nodded. "Yeah. I unlocked my ability. Here, look."
He raised his hand. Trees coiled and wrapped around him, forming an emerald halo of vines and bark.
"Wow…" Rei murmured. "Just imagine how strong we'll be when we awaken our abilities."
"Let's keep moving," Kuroyami said, turning to the horizon. "We've got more flags to collect."
North Forest Sector – Unknown Group
"Let's head south," an unknown boy said. "I can feel a lot of spiritual pressure that way."
Announcement: Team 19 has been eliminated.
Spiritual King's View
From somewhere far above, the Spiritual King watched.
"So many teams eliminated already… and Shun just awakened."
He leaned back in his seat.
"…Who's next, I wonder?"
Ryju & Kenshiro – Waiting At The Flag
"Man, I wish something would happen," Ryju groaned.
Kenshiro yawned. "Yeah… even I'm tired of being tired."
Ryju took a deep breath, then looked toward the canopy above.
"…I wonder how the others are doing."
Team One – Comfort Zone
"This is fun," Rei said, arms folded behind her head. "We don't even have to fight. Shun's ability makes this whole forest our playground."
"Yeah, it's awesome," Kuroyami agreed.
Goro floated above them on a wooden platform shaped like a leaf. "It's so cool flying like this!"
Shun forced a smile.
Maybe I shouldn't have shown them my power so soon… but still, this is pretty fun.
Announcement: Team 27 has been eliminated.
Back to Misa's Group
"Another one down," Misa said, satisfied.
"Your stone ability really helps," Azar commented.
Misa smiled. "Thanks."
Announcement: Team 31 has been eliminated.
Uzuki's Path of Destruction
"Please, don't take our flag—please! I beg you!" a boy cried.
Uzuki stood over him, unfazed.
"…Too easy."
Announcement: Team 47 has been eliminated.
Spiritual King, Watching Again
"That's ten teams gone already," he said with a grin.
"It's only been three hours."
Ryju's Intermission
"Gotta take a leak," Ryju announced.
Kenshiro rolled his eyes. "I'll stay and guard."
"Thanks."
Team One – Still Coasting
"Another group eliminated," Goro announced.
"This is fun!" Rei cheered.
"This is too easy," Kuroyami added.
Shun looked down, expression darkening.
No one really cares how I feel. They're just using me…
He looked up at his teammates, all laughing.
"…What's so funny?" he asked quietly.
Unknown Team – South Forest Border
"Please… please spare us…"
Slash!
"Shut up," the unknown boy muttered.
Announcement: Team 35 has been eliminated.
Back to Ryju
"That felt good," Ryju sighed as he returned.
Kenshiro leaned against a tree. "Still bored. I'm taking a nap."
Suddenly—a rustle in the bushes.
"…Someone's here," Ryju said, turning serious.
"I know," Kenshiro replied, already on his feet.
The leaves parted.
And there stood—
Uzuki.
"You…!" Ryju snarled.
"Get ready!" Kenshiro shouted.
Uzuki grinned.
"Just as I expected."
To Be Continued…
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