LIGHT NOVEL Chapter 18: Shadows of the Past
Chapter 18: Shadows of the Past
The victory buzzed in Kai's ears long after the cheers of the crowd had faded. As he stepped off the platform, Inferno Draconix resting firmly in his palm, his mind remained sharp and alert. The thrill of battle coursed through him, but a darker, colder presence weighed heavily on his heart—Zephyr's gaze had followed him throughout the match, a silent reminder of what lay ahead.
Taro caught up with him, his face flushed with excitement. "That was insane, Kai! You crushed Thunder Cyclone like it was a toy. That Flame Surge? Perfect timing!"
Kai allowed a small smile. "It wasn't easy. Thunder Cyclone's vortex almost pinned me down."
"Almost," Taro said with a wink. "But nobody pins down Draconix."
Kai's expression darkened as he slipped Draconix into his launcher holster. "It's not over yet." His eyes flicked toward the shadows where Zephyr had stood. The mysterious Blader had vanished, leaving only the heavy feeling of a storm gathering beyond the horizon.
Later that evening, the tournament grounds were quieter, the roar of the crowd replaced by the hum of energy still lingering in the air. Kai found a quiet corner overlooking the practice arenas, his thoughts swirling like flames trapped in a storm.
He clenched his fists. "What is Nemesis?"
The question gnawed at him, an ember burning hotter with each passing moment. He remembered the way Oblivion Nemesis had pulsed in Zephyr's hand—a living, breathing force of darkness.
"It's connected to the fragment," he muttered. "There's something ancient, something dangerous about it. I have to know more."
"Talking to yourself, fire Blader?"
Kai spun around. A figure leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed. She was tall and sharp-eyed, her dark hair pulled into a tight braid. She wore a jacket adorned with silver flames, her Beyblade clipped to her belt gleaming like polished steel.
"I'm Raven," she said, a sly smirk playing at her lips. "And you must be Kai, the famous Blader of Inferno Draconix."
Kai eyed her warily. "What do you want?"
She shrugged. "Same as everyone else—the fragment. Power like that? It's worth any risk."
Kai's jaw tightened. "Power isn't worth losing yourself."
Raven laughed softly. "Spoken like someone who's never been tempted. But you're different from the others. You feel it too, don't you? The fragment… it's alive. It's calling to certain Bladers."
He stepped forward. "You know about Nemesis."
"Of course I do." Her smile faded, her eyes darkening. "It's the Bey of legend, the one forged from pure darkness. It consumes, devours, and never stops hungering. And Zephyr?" She paused. "He's not just after the fragment. He's a servant of the abyss."
Kai's pulse quickened. "Why would anyone serve something like that?"
"Some Bladers crave power above all else," Raven said. "Even if it means losing their soul."
Kai looked down at his own Beyblade. The fire within Draconix burned brightly, but he could feel the weight of destiny pressing down on it. He clenched his fist.
"I won't let Nemesis destroy anyone else," he vowed.
Raven nodded, her smirk returning. "Good. Then you'd better be ready."
She stepped away, her figure vanishing into the night.
To be continued…