LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 3: Flames of Determination
Chapter 3: Flames of Determination
The sky hung heavy with clouds as Kai Kurogami sat on the edge of a rocky outcrop overlooking the city, Inferno Draconix resting in his hand. His eyes burned with determination as he replayed the battle with Hiro over and over in his mind. The crushing defeat had left a scar on his pride, but his spirit refused to falter.
"How do I beat him?" he whispered to himself, tightening his grip on Draconix. "There's more to his Beyblade than just power. Shadow Basilisk moved like it was alive, like it was reading my every move."
The memory of that dark, twisting energy sent a chill down his spine. What was Hiro's secret?
"Talking to yourself won't make you stronger."
Kai whipped around to see a tall figure standing behind him. His spiked silver hair gleamed like ice, and a confident smirk played on his lips. A sleek Beyblade, Frost Wyvern, rested between his fingers.
"Who are you?" Kai demanded, leaping to his feet.
"Name's Kaito. I saw your battle with Hiro," the stranger said, his piercing blue eyes locked on Kai's Bey. "You've got spirit, but spirit alone doesn't win battles."
Kai frowned, narrowing his eyes. "What do you know about it? You weren't the one facing him!"
Kaito chuckled, spinning Frost Wyvern between his fingers. "True. But I've faced bladers like him before. If you want to stand a chance, you need more than brute force. You need control."
"Control?" Kai echoed, glancing at Inferno Draconix. "I already know how to control my Bey."
"Do you?" Kaito stepped closer, his gaze sharp. "Your Beyblade is powerful, but you push it too hard. You rely on raw heat and attack power, but you don't let it breathe. Draconix is like fire—unpredictable, wild. If you don't master it, you'll get burned."
Kai clenched his fists, his pride stinging at Kaito's words. "Then how do I control it?"
Kaito smirked. "I was hoping you'd ask." He placed Frost Wyvern on his launcher and gave a quick nod toward a nearby flat rock, weathered smooth by time. "Let's see if you're ready."
Kai's eyes lit up with determination as he set Inferno Draconix on his own launcher. "I'll show you how much control I have."
"Three… two… one… Let it rip!"
The Beyblades shot into action, spinning across the rocky surface with a screech of metal. Frost Wyvern glided effortlessly, its movements fluid and calm, while Inferno Draconix blazed forward, flames swirling as it tore into its first attack.
"Draconix, Flame Spiral!"
The familiar fiery vortex erupted around his Bey, spinning with intense heat as it closed in on Wyvern. Sparks flew as Draconix struck with relentless power—but Wyvern remained unfazed, dancing along the edge of the vortex with graceful precision.
Kaito's voice was calm but commanding. "Wyvern, Ice Shield."
A sudden blast of icy wind swirled from Wyvern's fusion wheel, cooling the air and forcing Draconix's flames to flicker. The vortex weakened, and with a sharp twist, Wyvern slipped out of danger.
Kai's eyes widened. "What?! How did you—"
"Control isn't just about attacking," Kaito explained, his tone patient. "It's about knowing when to conserve energy and when to strike. You're too focused on power. Sometimes, the best move is to wait."
"Wait?!" Kai gritted his teeth. "That's not how I battle!"
Kaito's smirk deepened. "Exactly. And that's why you lose."
Wyvern shifted again, gliding into position for a counterattack. "Now, Wyvern—Frost Fang!"
With a sudden burst of speed, Wyvern shot forward, striking Draconix with a cold, precise blow. The impact sent Draconix skidding back, its flames sputtering.
Kai felt a rush of frustration, but he clenched his fists and forced himself to think. "Fine. If control is what I need, I'll find it. Draconix, hold your ground!"
Instead of pushing for another attack, Draconix slowed its movements, settling into a steady, defensive spin. The flames dimmed, burning just enough to keep its energy alive.
Kaito's eyes widened slightly. "Hmm. You're learning."
Kai smirked. "I'm not done yet. Draconix, Inferno Shield!"
The flames reignited, but this time, they spiraled inward, creating a barrier of heat around the Beyblade. As Wyvern moved in for another strike, it was met with a wall of fire that forced it back.
"Nice move," Kaito admitted. "But can you keep it up?"
Kai's heart raced, but he kept his focus sharp. "I don't need to. I just need one opening."
With a sudden twist of his launcher, he gave Draconix a burst of spin. The flames surged outward, pushing Wyvern further off balance.
"Draconix, Flame Edge!"
The fiery Beyblade shot forward, slicing through the air with blazing speed. It collided with Wyvern in a final, powerful strike, sending the icy Bey spinning out of the ring.
The sound of silence filled the air as Frost Wyvern came to a stop.
Kai breathed heavily, staring at his still-spinning Bey. A triumphant grin spread across his face. "I did it…"
Kaito picked up his Beyblade, a smile of approval on his lips. "Not bad, rookie. You've got potential after all."
Kai held Inferno Draconix high, feeling the fire within burn brighter than ever. "This is just the beginning. Next time I face Hiro, I'll be ready."
To be continued…