LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 2: The New Challenge
Chapter 2: The New Challenger
The stadium was alive with noise—cheers, gasps, and the hum of anticipation filled the air. Kai Kurogami stood at one end, gripping his launcher with steady hands. Across from him, Hiro remained calm, a predatory smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. His dark Beyblade, Shadow Basilisk, glinted ominously under the sunlight.
"Let's see what you've got, rookie," Hiro taunted. His voice was smooth, but there was an edge of arrogance in his tone.
Kai took a deep breath, focusing on his Inferno Draconix. His custom-built Bey had always been his pride—its flames reflected his fighting spirit, and its relentless attack style mirrored his unyielding determination. He wasn't here just to win. He was here to prove himself.
The announcer's voice boomed across the plaza.
"Three… two… one…"
Both bladers shouted in unison:
"Let it rip!"
Their launchers clicked, and the Beyblades shot into the stadium with a burst of speed. Inferno Draconix spiraled into the ring, its red and black body leaving streaks of flame-like energy in its wake. Shadow Basilisk moved with unnerving precision, circling smoothly like a snake preparing to strike.
"Draconix, go on the offensive!" Kai commanded.
His Beyblade surged forward, flames swirling as it sped toward Basilisk with a powerful head-on attack. Sparks flew as the two Beyblades clashed, the impact reverberating through the stadium.
Hiro barely flinched. "Shadow Basilisk, dodge with Phantom Glide."
Basilisk twisted effortlessly to the side, evading Draconix's strike with fluid, almost ghostly movements. It slithered along the edge of the stadium, moving so fast it seemed to leave afterimages behind.
Kai gritted his teeth. "Keep up the pressure, Draconix! Flame Spiral!"
Inferno Draconix spun faster, creating a fiery vortex around itself. It shot toward Basilisk again, the heat warping the air as it unleashed a relentless series of strikes. Each hit was faster, stronger—but Basilisk continued to evade with ease.
"You're too predictable," Hiro said with a smirk. "Power means nothing without control. Shadow Coil, now!"
Shadow Basilisk suddenly coiled inwards, its movements tightening like a serpent wrapping around its prey. The dark aura around it intensified as it shot straight into Draconix's path, meeting it head-on.
The clash sent shockwaves through the stadium. Draconix spun wildly, its flames flickering as it struggled against the tightening force of Basilisk's attack.
"Don't give up, Draconix!" Kai shouted, his heart pounding.
But Basilisk's grip was too strong. With one final twist, it sent Draconix flying out of the stadium. The crowd gasped as the fiery Bey clattered to the ground, its spinning coming to a slow, defeated stop.
Kai stared at his fallen Beyblade, his breath caught in his chest. Defeat weighed heavy, a crushing force pressing against his shoulders.
Hiro walked over, his smirk widening. "Is that all? I expected more from someone with that much fire in their eyes." He leaned in closer, his voice lowering. "Remember this, kid: strength alone will never win a battle. Real power comes from understanding the darkness—and how to control it."
Kai clenched his fists, lifting Draconix from the ground. The metal was warm against his palm, its flame-patterned design still glowing faintly.
"I'm not done," he said quietly, his voice steady despite the defeat. "This was just the beginning."
Hiro raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? Then maybe we'll meet again… if you survive the next step."
As Hiro turned and walked away, the crowd slowly dispersed, their excitement fading into murmurs. Taro ran up to Kai, his expression filled with concern.
"Kai, are you okay?"
Kai nodded, his eyes burning with renewed determination. "I'm fine. But I need to get stronger—a lot stronger. That wasn't just any Beyblade. Shadow Basilisk had something different… something dark. If I'm going to beat Hiro, I have to learn what it is and how to overcome it."
Taro grinned nervously. "Well, if anyone can figure it out, it's you. You never give up."
Kai looked at Inferno Draconix, his fingers tightening around it. "No, I don't. And next time, I'll show Hiro that the power of flames isn't so easily extinguished. This isn't the end—this is just the spark that starts the fire."
To be continued…