LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 4: Flames and Shadows
Chapter 4: Flames and Shadows
The sound of rain pattered against the windows as Kai sat at his workbench, tuning Inferno Draconix with careful precision. Each click of his tools was a heartbeat in the silence of his small room. His thoughts raced faster than his hands.
He tightened the fusion wheel, feeling its weight shift. "More balance," he muttered to himself. "Control and power… I need both."
The memory of his battle with Kaito played in his mind. He had learned control, but was it enough to face Hiro again? Shadow Basilisk wasn't just a Beyblade—it was something darker, something alive with a force that defied logic.
His eyes burned with determination as he adjusted the Flame Core. "I'll master Draconix. No more losing."
Suddenly, a loud knock echoed from his door. Kai glanced up as Taro burst in, his eyes wide with excitement.
"Kai, you have to come! There's a battle in the old district—you won't believe who's there!"
Kai set his Beyblade down, already on his feet. "Hiro?"
"No," Taro shook his head, his breath coming fast. "But someone just as dangerous. They're saying he's unbeatable—his Beyblade moves like smoke. No one even sees his attacks until it's too late."
Kai grabbed Draconix and his launcher, the fire inside him reigniting. "Then let's go."
The old district was a maze of crumbling buildings and narrow alleys, a place where unofficial battles raged without rules. A crowd had gathered around a makeshift stadium, their eyes fixed on the clash unfolding before them.
A massive blader with thick arms and a scar across his cheek shouted as his Beyblade was hurled from the stadium. It clattered to the ground, defeated. Across from him stood a tall, shadowy figure in a hooded jacket.
The figure's voice was calm and cold. "Weak."
The scarred blader growled, fists tightening. "You got lucky!"
The hooded blader said nothing, only picked up his spinning Beyblade, its smoky black design gleaming.
Kai's heart skipped a beat as he saw it. "That's… no ordinary Bey."
Taro whispered, "They call it Phantom Fenrir. It doesn't just attack—it hunts."
Kai clenched his fists. Every instinct told him to back away, to avoid this battle—but his burning spirit pushed him forward. He stepped into the ring.
"I'll challenge you," he said.
The hooded blader turned slowly, revealing piercing eyes like dark embers. "Another fool."
Kai raised Inferno Draconix high. "This 'fool' won't back down. Let's see how your shadow holds up against my fire!"
The crowd murmured with anticipation as both bladers readied their launchers.
"Three… two… one… Let it rip!"
Inferno Draconix shot into the stadium, flames trailing behind it as it carved a blazing path. Phantom Fenrir spun silently, its movements so subtle it seemed to disappear into the air.
"Draconix, Flame Spiral!" Kai shouted.
The fire vortex erupted, flames roaring as they engulfed the stadium. The heat surged toward Fenrir—but the dark Beyblade was gone.
"What?" Kai's eyes darted around.
Suddenly, from within the flames, Fenrir emerged like a shadow, striking with blinding speed. Draconix shuddered from the impact, its spin weakening.
"Fenrir, Phantom Howl," the hooded blader whispered.
A chilling wind swept through the stadium as Fenrir's dark energy intensified. Its movements became even more elusive, slipping between Draconix's flames like smoke.
Kai's mind raced. "I can't hit it… I can't even see it!"
He clenched his teeth. "Focus. Control. Remember Kaito's lesson!"
He steadied his breath. "Draconix, Inferno Shield!"
The flames around Draconix drew inward, forming a protective barrier of heat. Fenrir struck again, but the fire held firm, forcing it back.
The hooded blader's eyes narrowed. "Clever. But shadows cannot be burned."
Fenrir twisted sharply, circling the flames with increasing speed. The dark aura grew, its power palpable.
Kai could feel the weight of the battle pressing down on him. His heart pounded. "I need to end this before Draconix loses all its power…"
He closed his eyes for a split second, listening to the rhythm of the spinning Beys.
"Now!" His eyes snapped open. "Draconix, Blazing Inferno!"
The flames surged outward in a sudden burst, breaking the shield and creating a fiery explosion that filled the entire stadium.
The blast sent both Beyblades flying, their spinning forms colliding in a final, thunderous crash.
When the smoke cleared, the crowd leaned in, breathless.
Draconix spun, barely holding on. Phantom Fenrir slowed, its dark energy fading… until it finally stopped.
Silence hung in the air before the crowd erupted with cheers.
Kai stood tall, his heart racing with triumph.
The hooded blader picked up Fenrir, his eyes unreadable. "You're stronger than I thought… but strength attracts danger. Beware the darkness."
With that, he turned and disappeared into the shadows.
Kai exhaled, gripping Draconix with pride.
"I'm ready, Hiro," he whispered. "The fire's just getting started."
To be continued…