Chapter 7: Clash of the Titans

"Ugh! Those stupid idiots have drained part of my energy" Aria said to himself, his voice carrying a hint of annoyance. "What a complete waste, if I meet them after the exam, I will be sure to give them a well-deserved lesson" Aria thought a sadistic smile found its way on his face.

Aria traversed the snowy terrain, his cold distant eyes scanning the horizon for his next opponents who are dumb enough to approach him. The battle royal had scattered the recruits all around the arena, and he needed to find new prey to eliminate. His crimson energy pulsed within him, eager to be unleashed.

Aria visibly sighed, "I really don't like stress."

As he crested a snow-covered hill, he spotted flames dancing in the air, and he could tell it was that idiot Kael. Kael was engaged in a fierce battle against 3 opponents, his hand-to-hand combat skills on full display. Aria watched, impressed, as Kael dispatched his opponents with precision and power.

Kael faced the three recruits, his flames burning bright. The first recruit charged, swinging a wild punch. Kael sidestepped the attack and countered with a swift kick, his foot striking the recruit's stomach with a loud thud. The recruit crumpled, clutching his abdomen.

The second recruit launched a series of rapid-fire punches, each one aimed at Kael's face. Kael blocked most but one struck his cheek, leaving a faint bruise mark. He retaliated with a spinning back fist, his hand engulfed in flames whirling a circle of death. The recruit was sent flying in reply, his eyes wide with fear.

The third recruit attempted a grappling move as his muscles seemed to enlarge with the aim of crushing him, wrapping his arm around Kael's waist. Kael quickly countered with a hip throw, sending the recruit flying across the arena. The recruit landed hard, his body sliding across the snowy ground carrying an expression of shock of easy it felt for Kael to easily lift him.

Kael's flames roared to life, engulfing the three recruits. They screamed, their bodies burning from intense heat, before being teleported out of the arena. Aria watched, his eyes narrowing in approval. Kael's hand-to-hand combat were impressive, but his flames were the true key to his explosive power.

'Well time to get going before this idiot notice me,' Aria thought to himself as he stood up to walk away.

Kael, noticing the gaze on him since the beginning of the fight turned to face Aria. "Ah, Aria! Come to join the fun?" he asked, his grin gleaming with excitement.

'Shit! Just when I was about to leave' Aria who had his back turned at Kael suddenly turned to look at his…annoying face. Aria's expression remained neutral, his interest in the conversation minimal. "I'm here to win, not socialize."

Kael chuckled, undeterred. "Oh, this is going to be exciting! Aria! Our battle will be legendary! I've been hearing about rumors of your crimson energy, Aria. I'm eager to see it in action."

Aria's eyes narrowed, seeing the smile on the idiots face only made his eyes colder. "You're eager to die, Kael. That's all."

Kael laughed, his flames dancing in the cold air. "We'll see about that! I've been waiting for a worthy opponent, and you're the only one who's caught my attention. Let's give the crowd a show they will never forget!"

Without warning, Aria charged, his fist flying in a blur of motion. For some reason, the more the idiot talked the more annoyed he got. Kael laughed, embracing the challenge, and unleashed hi flames. The two clashed in a spectacular display of martial arts, their movement lightning-fast and deadly.

Aria launched a series of rapid-fire punches, each one aimed at Kael's face. Kael blocked most, but few manage to strike his face, leaving a burnt mark. Aria followed up with a spinning kick, his foot whirling in a circle of death. Kael dodged but Aria's crimson energy allowed him to quickly recover and land a devastating knee strike.

Kael retaliated with a flurry of flame-infused punches, each one imbued with his inner power. Aria blocked most, but one struck his chest, leaving a scorch mark. Kael seized the opportunity, unleashing a powerful uppercut that sent aria flying across the arena.

Aria landed hard, his crimson energy surging to cushion the impact. He sprang to his feet, his eyes blazing with intensity. The battle raged on, the two combatants exchanging blows and showcasing their mastery of martial arts.

Aria executed a perfect hurricane kick, his foot striking Kael's chest with precision. Kael stumbled back, his flames faltering for a moment. Aria seizes the opening, unleashing a series of elbow strikes that sent Kael crashing to the ground.

Kael quickly regained his footing, wiping the blood on his mouth with a smile, his flames roaring back to life. He launched a wave of fire that Aria barely dodged, the flames singeing his hair. Aria countered with a deadly combination of punches of punches and kicks, each one aimed at Kael's vulnerable spots.

The battle reaches its climax, the two evenly matched, their breathing heavy, their eyes locked in a fierce stare. The outcome hung in the balance, leaving the crowd who were watching the broadcasted match holding their collective breadth.

And then, in a flash of insight, Aria realized the true extent of Kael's power. His flames weren't just a weapon, they were a manifestation of his inner strength. His flames where just as wild as he was. Aria's crimson energy responded, surging to new heights.

The two combatants paused, their fists still clenched, their eyes where burning with intensity. The air was electric with tension.

"This isn't over," Aria growled, his voice low and menacing, his eyes shining brightly with a cold aura.

Kael grinned, his flames flickering in anticipation.

….

69 recruits remain.