Emberfall Chronicles

BOOM!

The entire battlefield shook as Rajiv and Anil clashed once more. Their fists met in mid-air, golden and black energy exploding outward like a dying star. The shockwave sent debris flying, the very ground beneath them cracking apart.

Rajiv, still radiating his Lazarus energy, moved with unnatural precision—his strikes were faster, sharper. Each step was calculated.

Anil, however, was completely opposite. Unhinged. Wild. Brutal.

"Hahaha!" Anil's possessed voice echoed, his grin widening as he ducked under Rajiv's golden blade and sent a devastating punch towards his ribs.

Rajiv vanished.

He reappeared behind Anil in a golden blur, delivering a sharp kick to the back of his head.

CRACK!

Anil staggered forward but didn't fall. Instead, he twisted midair and slammed both hands into the ground.

A black shockwave erupted.

The very fabric of space around them seemed to distort.

Rajiv jumped back just in time to avoid a dark tendril that shot from the cracks in the earth.

"You're adapting," Rajiv murmured. His voice had changed—calm, cold, unreadable.

Anil wiped blood from his mouth, his red eyes glowing. "Of course. I don't just fight—I evolve."

With a sudden burst of speed, Anil appeared right in front of Rajiv.

Their fists met once again—

But this time, the impact tore through the stadium walls, sending waves of energy across A1 City.

---

In the Distance – The Watchers

Dark Blue 67 stood atop a ruined tower, arms crossed. His sharp eyes watched the battle unfold, a smirk forming on his lips.

"This… is exactly what I imagined." His voice was laced with amusement.

Behind him—

A shadow moved.

Before he could react—

A sword sliced toward his neck.

CLANG!

Dark Blue 67 spun just in time to block the attack with a dagger hidden in his sleeve.

He smirked. "Took you long enough, Black Knight."

The Black Knight stood before him, silent as ever. His dark armor gleamed under the crimson sky, his sword raised.

He didn't say a word.

Instead, he attacked again.

CLASH!

Dark Blue 67 parried, stepping back. "Why so hostile? I'm just watching the show."

The Black Knight remained silent.

Then, as their weapons locked, he finally spoke:

"The Strays…"

Dark Blue 67's smile faded slightly.

"They are not accidents." The Black Knight's voice was low, almost mechanical.

"They were created."

Dark Blue 67's eyes narrowed. "Oh? Now that's interesting."

The Black Knight's sword pulsed—a dark energy running through its double-handed black blade.

He took a step forward.

"And I will end them."

---

Back to Rajiv vs. Anil

Rajiv skidded back, his golden aura flickering.

Anil laughed, rolling his shoulders. His black mist had changed, shifting like armor around his body.

"You're strong, Rajiv," Anil said, cracking his knuckles. "But you're still holding back."

Rajiv didn't respond.

Instead—

He lifted his hand.

Golden particles floated around him, forming strange, ancient symbols in the air.

"Let's end this, Anil."

Anil's grin widened. His own symbols—dark and twisted—began forming around him.

Both warriors charged forward.

As their fists met again—

A new force began awakening in both of them.

The battle wasn't just about strength anymore.

It was about who would evolve first.