LIGHT NOVEL Chapter 16: The Gathering Storm
Chapter 16: The Gathering Storm
The echoes of Kai's victory over Shin lingered in the arena like the last embers of a fire, but a storm was brewing far beyond the walls of the Beyblade Academy. Kai could feel it—a tension in the air, a sense of something darker moving in the shadows.
As he and Taro walked home that evening, Taro chattered excitedly, his energy boundless. "That was insane, Kai! The way you turned the whole arena into a furnace and melted through Fenrir's defenses—epic! You're unstoppable!"
Kai smiled faintly but kept his gaze ahead. "Everyone has a weakness, Taro. I haven't faced mine yet. There are stronger Bladers out there—more dangerous ones."
Taro waved his hand dismissively. "Come on! You've beaten Ryuga, Hiro, and now Shin! Who else could stand a chance?"
Kai stopped, his eyes narrowing as he gazed at the horizon where storm clouds gathered. "Someone's coming. I don't know who yet, but I can feel it."
The wind picked up, swirling leaves around their feet. A chill ran down Kai's spine as he remembered Hiro's words:
"Darkness is always patient. It waits for the right moment to strike."
The next morning, the Beyblade Academy buzzed with excitement. Posters announcing an upcoming World Bladers' Tournament lined the hallways. Bladers from across the globe would gather to compete, and the prize was more than glory—rumors whispered of a mysterious, ancient Beyblade fragment said to contain immense power.
Taro's eyes sparkled as he pointed to one of the posters. "Kai, look! This is huge! The best Bladers in the world will be there. We have to enter!"
Kai read the announcement silently, his heartbeat quickening. The fragment… something about it felt familiar. A flame stirred deep within him.
"We'll enter," Kai said firmly. "But this isn't just about winning. If the rumors are true, that fragment could be dangerous in the wrong hands."
Taro smirked. "Then it's a good thing we've got the right hands! With Draconix on our side, we'll handle whatever comes."
As they walked toward the registration booth, a sudden hush fell over the crowd. Bladers parted like waves as a figure strode into the academy. He was tall and imposing, his presence radiating power. A cloak billowed behind him, dark as midnight, and his eyes burned with a fierce, golden light.
He carried a Beyblade in his hand—sleek, black, and pulsating with crimson energy. The air around it seemed to hum with raw power.
Taro gulped. "Who… is that?"
Kai's eyes narrowed. "I don't know. But he's here for more than just a tournament."
The figure stopped in front of them, his gaze piercing. He held up his Beyblade, a smirk curling his lips.
"I am Zephyr," he said, his voice low and commanding. "And this…" He held up the Beyblade. "Is Oblivion Nemesis. A Bey forged from the depths of darkness itself."
Taro shuddered. "Nemesis… that name… it's—"
"—the Beyblade of legend," Kai finished, his pulse quickening. "Said to hold the power of destruction."
Zephyr's smirk deepened. "Legends are only stories. Power is real. And in this tournament, I'll show the world who truly commands it."
He turned to Kai, his eyes narrowing. "You… You're the Blader with the fire Bey. I've heard of you. Inferno Draconix, they call it. Impressive, but fire burns out quickly when faced with the abyss."
Kai stepped forward, his flames igniting with resolve. "Fire isn't just heat. It's the spark that keeps the darkness at bay."
Zephyr chuckled darkly. "Then let's see how bright your spark can burn before it's snuffed out."
As Zephyr walked away, a silence hung in the air. The storm had arrived, and the flames of destiny were about to face their greatest challenge yet.
To be continued…