The arena was buzzing with excitement.
The battle, which just a moment ago seemed one-sided, began to turn in a way that no one expected. Burning Sand, which had dominated the battlefield just a moment ago, was now retreating step by step.
— SOMETHING IS CHANGING! — roared the commentator. — WOLF'S EDGE TAKES THE INITIATIVE!
Arok moved calmly, almost without haste, but each step pushed Kiyoshi closer and closer to the edge of the arena. The dragon's aura still hovered over him, not exploding, not spiraling out of control. It was stable. Controlled.
Kiyoshi gritted his teeth.
— No... not yet. — he muttered.
The sand mummy around his body rippled, reacting to his every movement. The sand tried to bind Arok, entwine his legs, strike him from the sides with sharp streams. But Wolf Blade was ready.
Nebuko jumped out from the left flank, her attack cutting through the stream of sand before it could take shape. At the same moment, Destro and Azazel struck Zahim, forcing him to retreat.
— Damn... — Zahim hissed, stepping back.
At the other end of the arena, Lya tried to keep her distance, summoning wave after wave of sand. Nebuko stopped opposite her, resting her weapon on her shoulder.
— Hey, sand princess. — she said with a smile. — Do you still think your captain is the most powerful?
Lya snorted, not breaking her concentration.
— At least he doesn't have to borrow power from a dragon.
— Borrow? — Nebuko raised an eyebrow. — He just has it. And it looks better on him, too.
— You're dreaming — Lya retorted. — Kiyoshi has style. And class.
— Arok has strength and character. — replied Nebuko. — The choice is simple.
Their brief exchange was interrupted by another blow. Nebuko moved first, forcing Lya to take a few steps back.
Meanwhile, in the center of the arena, Arok and Kiyoshi clashed again. The dragon's aura collided with the swirling sand, creating a shockwave that swept across the arena.
— I won't back down! — shouted Kiyoshi, strengthening his defense.
Arok looked at him calmly.
— I know. That's why I'm moving you.
One strike. Precise. Timed perfectly for the moment when the sand armor lost its cohesion for a second.
Kiyoshi flew backward, struggling to maintain his balance.
— THE CAPTAIN OF BURNING SAND IS BEING PUSHED BACK! — the commentator almost lost his voice. — IS THIS THE TURNING POINT?!
The rest of the Burning Sand was also retreating. Their formation began to break down, the sand reacting more slowly and less precisely.
Dragon's Pursuit appeared in the stands.
Valdor sat down in the front row, crossed his arms, and watched intently. Mayuri and the others took their seats next to him.
— Looks like Arok is getting into his stride. — Arwen murmured.
Valdor didn't answer right away.
— He hasn't shown everything yet. — he said finally.
In the arena, Wolf's Edge pressed harder and harder. Burning Sand was pushed back meter by meter, closer and closer to the border.
— BURNING SAND IS ON THE RETREAT! — shouted the commentator. — WILL WE SEE THE DECISION SOON?!
Kiyoshi was still standing, but his breathing was heavier. He looked at Arok and smiled weakly.
— It's not over yet.
Arok responded with only a slight nod and drew his sword.