Chapter 118

The fifth round was coming to an end.

The judge announced:

«Frantz Stone vs. Princess Kara, the peak stage of the advanced phase!»

Everyone thought the battle would not take place. However, the blonde young man of about 18 years old bravely went to the center of the arena. The audience was surprised.

«He decided to suffer Eric's fate?!» … «Wow, how daring of him! I am anxious to see the battle with the princess!» … «Is he really one of us? He is of the second rank but I've never seen him before. It's weird…»

«Be careful, Frantz!» - Marina was worried about him.

The young man gave her a dazzling smile. He knew pretty well he had little chance and yet, he could not back down from the battle in front of the amazing girl. It wasn't in his nature to give up without a fight.

Kara sighed angrily and rolled her eyes, reluctantly letting Juno out of her embrace. She got up from the bench and walked to the arena with a little spring in her step, holding her back straight. The princess showed cold determination which inspired awe and dread in her enemies.

~beeeeep~

The signal announced the start of the battle.

The princess thrust out her ample boobs, spread her arms and closed her eyes.

A bright red light spread from her chest to her arms highlighting the graceful shape of her body, creating something that looked like a silhouette of the bird. Invisible pressure made the audience gasp in awe. Her thick cherry red hair fluttered graciously adding an extraordinary effect to the scene. The girl seemed to have merged with the flame in her heart.

Frantz stopped short. He sensed a terrible danger and focused on his defense. His intuition kept telling him the girl would not repeat the attack any time soon if only he survived it. However, he should not recklessly rush into the battle seeking an imminent death.

Kara opened wide her beautiful eyes. They flashed for a moment with a scarlet flame, then she said in a low voice piercing to the bone:

«Part three, the relic of the phoenix.»

A beautiful silhouette of the fiery bird burst from her body: a beak, bright eyes, feathers outlines, eagle claws. Something was missing in the attack. Apparently, it was incomplete.

At an astonishing speed, the phoenix rushed towards the enemy.

The audience thought Frantz was doomed.

Marina was horrified. She yelled:

«Watch out!»

The blonde guy waved his arms, wrapped his body in water, not ordinary water, it was glowing from within with bright sparks. It was his protective technique.

Phoenix crashed into the young man with a terrible roar, creating a bright explosion of unprecedented power that blinded the audience for a moment or two.

A shock wave of tremendous force threw Franz against the wall, splashing his water defence to the sides. Everyone was shocked to see the walls of the arena crack. A little more and the audience would have been in trouble from the powerful attack of the princess.

Xiao Bai was pretty surprised. According to his calculations, the barrier should withstand attacks at the middle stage of the superior stage.

Frantz went limp. Fortunately, the fire had only touched his hair.

«Princess Kara Grand has won!» - announced the judge.

Kara snorted contemptuously and went back to fondle her little girl.

As soon as the barrier disappeared, Marina rushed to the guy, her eyes full of tears. «Frantz, Frantz! Are you alive?! Are you alright?! Talk to me, please!»

«I am alive, my little Marina.» - The young man said and coughed hoarsely.

«I am so happy…»

«Come here, Marina. Hug me.» - Frantz asked in a weak voice. The girl didn't think twice to do as he asked.

The doctor gave him a shot and, with the help of other people, loaded him onto the stretcher.

«You don't have to go with me…» - Frantz whispered and coughed.

«Don't say that! I won't leave you alone. Do not even ask me to. We are going together.» - The girl disagreed looking tenderly into his eyes.

«Please… You have to understand! I'm not who you think I am!»

«You are my dear Flitz.» - Marina smiled stroking the handsome man on the cheek.

His eyebrows rose in surprise. «How?! I didn't tell anyone about the youth gradient! Bai had given it to me so that I could secretly watch over Juno... How did you find out?»

«I recognized you from your old picture... But above all, I remember your smell. I'll never forget it.» - Marina answered and blushed.

She was no longer afraid of Flitz. His attitude had convinced the girl his intentions were pure. He wanted to apologize for the terrible things he'd done. And she had already forgiven him. Moreover, it warmed the cockles of her heart to see him so young and handsome.

Flitz wanted to object but said nothing. No point to argue... His heart was beating faster with feelings overwhelming him. In the last few hours, he'd been burning with wild jealousy for himself. But then he found out the girl he loved had known the truth. What a fool he was...

Meanwhile, his skin was wrinkling, his hair fell out, and his hands got dry and cracked.

The nurse fainted when she saw those changes.

Kyon, who'd been secretly watching Marina, was surprised at the turn of events. He thought the girl fell for the rich, strong, respected, handsome young man. Well, what did he know! She wasn't afraid to leave with him, was she? She must have already forgiven him.

Kyon wasn't only surprised, he was touched to the depths of his soul by the vibrant quivering light in Marina's eyes when she looked at the blond young man after the battle. It dawned on him then... He figured out how to repay the favor to his friend!

Kara chased Juno who'd run away from her. She caught up with her in a few seconds and dragged her to the bench. Ignoring her victim's squeals and objections, the princess sat her on the lap and gently wrapped her arms around her neck.

«Stop growling, kitty. The princess won't eat you up.»

«Grr ... No wonder Elsa despised you!!» - grumbled the girl.

«We loved each other but we had a strange relationship... Like a clash of two elements, ice and fire.» - Kara whispered gently into her ear.

None of the guests dared to challenge the princess and rescue Juno from her tenacious grip. Many of them were shocked that the lady of the occasion had become the princess's toy. However, the little lady's prestige hadn't been ruined. On the contrary, everyone was now afraid of Kara's favorite girl, they were in awe of her.

XiaoBai solemnly announced:

«Ladies and gentlemen! It's time for the quarter-finals. Eight best participants will fight for the title of the king (or queen) of the party.»

«Oh yeah, the best! Hah ha ha!» - One of the Browns laughed looking at Kyon with a sneer.

Most guests nodded in agreement.

«Luck is also power!» - XiaoBai smiled. - «One was lucky to be born talented, the other made it to the sixth round with a wave of his hand! Now, for the sake of intrigue, the fighter won't be chosen from left to right but in a random way according to the grid. Let the battles begin!»

There was thunderous applause.

XiaoBai made a sign, and the judges created a new arena in the middle of the training ground, significantly larger than the previous ones.

The judge announced the first battle where Kara was to take place.

Another opponent bowed low to the princess and admitted his defeat. Nobody judged him.

«Mr. Lee Stone against Mr. Tsayan Brown, the peak stage of the advanced phase!» - The judge announced the next battle.

The audience erupted in a yell.

«Mr. Tsayan, show everyone the power the Browns have!» … «You must defend the honor of the family! No one can laugh at the tigers!» … «Give him hell!» - The Browns cheered for their representative.

«Elder brother Tsayan, I believe in you!» - A pretty girl shouted out loud.

Everyone knew Tsayan as Kiyan's brother, powerful number two in the Brown family. He was a descendant of pure blood that's why he represented the whole family at the party. He had the highest prestige among the Browns. The youth looked up to him with pride and zeal.

«Go for it, king of the battles! Destroy the arrogant jerk...» … «Lee Stone for the win!» … «We can't wait to see you in the finals, Mr. Lee!» - The Stones enthusiastically encouraged their idol.

Lee was their last hope for a higher place in the grid. He was their best fighter, the idol of the entire young generation. If the Stones fell flat on their faces in front of the first ten families, including the princess, they would fall into disgrace and lose confidence in themselves. Their development would slow down. Morale and honor were more valuable than gold in any family.

«Listen to me, Lee... Tsayan is the earthbender. You have a huge advantage, you know what I am talking about. However, be alert. His self-confidence is alarming.» - Stephanie warned him.

Lee smiled confidently at her. He looked like an eagle that was about to fight a crow. «Watch me. Tsayan is no match for me. He is nothing but an attention whore.»

The rumbling of the audience grew stronger when the two handsome guys entered the arena and took their places. They sent each other sizzling glances.

«Lee, the king of the battles! I am glad to see you safe and sound in the sixth round! It means my victory is going to be fair. Are you ready to defeat me, proving all the power and greatness of the Stones?»

«Tsayan, you are stupid and presumptuous! The battle will decide everything. I will show you the true power of the best fighter among the Stones!» - Lee said in a righteous voice.

He heard a resounding roar of his enthusiastic kinsmen.

The combat effectiveness is determined by the elements that the practitioner can bend. Poorly compatible elements can significantly reduce the final strength. For example, after mastering the earth, it is nice to study the elements that are good against heat or cold that can protect the practitioner from residual attacks.

It is important to understand there will always be those who are stronger or weaker than you are of well-chosen elements or skills. Therefore, everyone wants to eradicate their weak points and enhance the strong ones. For example, Kyon has a truly enormous advantage over the rest as he is the master of nine elements. However, he hasn't had any chance to appreciate this benefit of his.

For example, fighter number 1 in the Stone family bends three elements: pure energy, earth and fire. Thanks to his unique body, he is strong in the aspect of defense and attack at the same time. That's why people call him the king of the battles.

The judge gave a signal to start the fight.

* beeeeeep *

With one graceful movement, Lee tore off his jacket, exposing his strong torso. He looked like an indestructible hero. Lee stamped his foot.

A huge rock jumped out of the ground. Lee threw it at his opponent with a spinning back kick.

In response, Tsayan tore another rock from the ground and met the approaching attack.

* bang *

Both stones crumbled. Tsayan was pushed back a little. But he only flashed a predatory smile and clenched his fists. Two yellow rocks of the same size quickly grew on them.

«I can't believe it... The very gold quartz?!» - Someone from the Browns cried out in amazement, he knew the family legacy well.

«What gold quartz are you talking about?»

«Our family owns a rare unique body of gold quartz. Only geniuses can develop it. If it's in your possession, you can create stone which isn't inferior in strength to the best metals!»

«It cannot be!» … «You must be kidding me?!» … «I don't believe you!»

Lee snorted and repeated his attack with a rock from the ground.

Tsayan easily destroyed the flying stones.

His yellow gloves enveloping his hands in a thick layer did not suffer at all.

«Your miserable dirt is nothing to me, Lee, the king of the battles. Use some decent rocks.»

Lee rolled his eyes, created large scarlet granite in his hand and rushed headlong into the attack.

«Scarlet granite! The best rock of our family!» … «They say it can sharpen swords» … «Which is stronger?!» … «Scarlet granite!» … «No, gold quartz!» - The guests held their breath.

The attacks met.

* bang *

Lee's eyes widened in shock; he hastily pulled back his hand shrouded in a flame of pain. Distress and disbelief froze on his face. «How is this possible?» - He muttered rubbing his injured arm. He had never doubted the rock from his family legacy but the gold quartz had an edge on it in terms of strength and durability!

«Oh my god! Did you see it?! Gold quartz is much stronger than scarlet granite! He crushed it without harming himself! I've seen a hundred times the strongest swords blunt against scarlet granite but I can't see a single crack on gold quartz!» … «Ha ha! The tiger of the Browns is the best! Did you think it would be easy?! Meet the greatest heritage of the Browns!» … «Ha ha ha! Is this the best heritage of the Stones?! Ugh!» … «Come on, Tsayan! You are the best earth bender I know!»

The Stones couldn't believe their eyes. It was a single clash of attacks but everyone took it as a slap in the face. Only, it was even more painful and unpleasant. The young people grimaced. Their mouths did not have the right to argue with the hurtful words of the Browns. The result was in front of their eyes, the quartz was much stronger. They could only hope for their victory, then the rest was no longer important.

Stephanie was afraid, she shouted desperately:

«Do not fight on his field, Lee! Use the fire!»

Lee took a deep breath to calm down his anger. To lose with the element of the earth to the impudent bastard? No way! He hadn't given up yet!

«The king of the earth dragon!» - He shouted furiously and stamped his foot on the ground. It went bumpy as if a huge worm was breaking through to the enemy underneath.

The Stones held their breath. It was one of the most powerful earthen techniques... Once it gets to the goal, a scarlet-granite dragon will burst out from under the ground and swallow up Tsayan, breaking his bones.

«Flatland!» - Tsayan blurted out in a crushing voice, also stamping his foot. The approaching ridge had instantly smoothed out. The powerful attack had been suppressed as if he had crushed a bug with his foot.

The Stones twisted their faces. It was a second slap in the face and it was no less painful than the first one. Humiliating Lee, the Browns humiliated all the Stones, because their number 1 was the face of their young generation.

«How is it possible?! How could he repel the earth dragon?! The minimum advantage required for that is being five stages above! Who is this Tsayan?!» - The Stones exclaimed, stunned. They did not want to give up.

The subject of the comment smiled smugly. His body of gold quartz enhanced the attribute of the earth. And with his advanced grade, he had no equal. Only opponents who are at the 3d or 4th stages could compete with him in the earth element.

Lee looked like thunder, he clenched his fists tight trying to control his anger. What a humiliation... To lose with the earth element to some sucker of the second phase. The gazes of the Browns and his kin hurt his pride.

«The body of golden quartz is the heart of the earth element! There is no stone stronger than that! Of course, Tsayan is overwhelming in this aspect!» … «Ha ha ha! It was expected from Kiyan's younger brother! You are my hero!» … «Tsayan, you are the best! I believe in you!» - A girl secretly in love with the boy cried out the last words.

Tsayan gave Lee a mocking look. «You've disappointed me. I would have expected more from you... Show me your real strength, stop messing around! Is it everything you are capable of!?» - Tsayan demanded with a smug smile.

All the Stones wanted to tear him to pieces after those words. They gave Lee keen glances as if wishing to say: "Kill the presumptuous bastard for us!"

The Stone leader grinned and brushed the dust off his hands. His bloodthirsty eyes were staring at the enemy. His hands sparkled with bright orange flames when he slowly went to the opponent... His silence was akin a disrespectful spit in the enemy's face.

«Look! His hands are glaring orange! He can bend the heat at the advanced grade» … «Lee is going to use the art of fire dance! He is serious!» … «Tsayan is in for big trouble! Ha, finally!» … «Incinerate him, sir! For all of us!»

Stefania breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed. The enemy was doomed. The earth is extremely weak against the fire. The residual heat often goes through the rocks. Even if not all of it reaches the goal it may burn the skin and even the eyes.

Lee dodged the stone attack and waved his fist. A beautiful fiery flower burst from his hand.

Tsayan blocked it with a rock. The stone flared up brightly. The residual heat circled the rock and scorched his face.

Lee's triumphant smile quickly gave way to disbelief. «What the hell?!»

Tsayan's entire body, including his hair, sparkled in gold, not burnt at all. He threw back his head and laughed. «Ha ha ha! What a shame!»

«Why is he unharmed?!» … «He is like a golden statue!» … «Can his talent save him from the heat?!» - The Stones shouted, stunned.

Lee grimaced and attacked again. He gracefully dodged the blows with stones and counterattacked with fiery flowers. The residual heat went around the stones and reached the goal scorching the face but it didn't smell of burnt flesh or hair.

The young man managed to reach Tsayan with his fists a couple of times but failed to injure him. The golden guy pushed off a few steps back. He never stopped laughing. In other words, Lee failed to harm Tsayan neither physically, nor with fire, nor with earth.

{What is wrong with this bastard?!} - Lee continued his futile attempts in frustration. With every attack, his mood fell faster and faster into the abyss. The golden skin didn't seem to feel the heat at all. It was impossible to damage at all! It repulsed all of Lee's attacks.

The refined dance of the strongest Stone had impressed many guests. But what was the point in admiring the beauty when it couldn't damage the enemy?

«Why can't Lee incinerate the bastard?!» … «Did you see it?! He remained intact after the fiery flower hit him right in the face!» … «What the hell is this golden skin?! Is it legal?!» … «Can't you harm him in any way, Lee?!» - The Stones had an unpleasant feeling. When their favorite fighter could do nothing to the enemy they wanted the ground to swallow them up. They wished he could have used a sharp weapon... Then the golden skin would hardly help Tsayan.

When Lee saw the futility of his attacks, he stepped back keeping calm. He shouldn't give any cause for concern. He had long worked out the way to save his face in uncomfortable situations. Deep inside, he was about to explode with indignation. He'd hit the enemy a dozen times but he didn't even blink!

Tsayan put his hands on his hips and burst out laughing. «So be it, I'll tell you my secret. I've recently improved the body of gold quartz to the second stage, thereby enhancing my skin to the state of a diamond. Neither pure energy nor heat nor cold nor even electricity can harm me! And, of course, not a single earthbender of my level can defeat me in the battle. Ha ha ha! The rules of this tournament are made for me! Get ready to admit you're scum, Lee!»

«Die!» - Lee roared unable to contain the overwhelming anger. He treacherously released the technique "a swift dragon." A huge serpentine fiery dragon collided with Tsayan's body with a thunder and broke up sideways in a flower of fire.

A contemptuous smile shone Tsayan's unharmed face. «You're a wretched loser… Using a surprise attack during our talk and trying to defeat me in such a dishonorable way. How low of you, how pathetic. I can't respect you anymore. I am ashamed to have a battle with you.» - Tsayan reproved with utter contempt in his voice as if he was talking to a dog.

Lee held his breath, mortified.

All the Stones as one blushed for their idol's misdeed.

The Browns were delighted. «Boooo! How mean of him! What a pathetic trick?!» … «I'm disappointed in Lee! And he is number one in the Stone family?!» … «You are the god of the battles, Tsayan!» … «I am your loyal fan!» … «You are destined to surpass your younger brother Kiyan!» … «From now on, we have a new king of the battles!»

«Pull out the big one, Lee!» - Stephanie pointed out to him with concern.

Lee took a deep breath and closed his eyes. «Your words don't mean anything. The game is over, Tsayan. You are going to understand why they call me the king of the battles.»

The opponents didn't show any signs of respect to each other anymore.

«Trembling in fear!» - The golden guy exclaimed grinning.

First, scarlet granite grew over Lee's body. After a while the rock melted, turning into magma, flowing over his entire body with an even crust. The boy emitted a dangerous aura of volcano power and looked like a god of fire.

«He is using the magma elemental body!» - An ardent Lee's fan yelled. - «This is the end to your new battle king, you bastards! I swear by heaven, he has no chance!»

«Hurray! You are serious at last!» … «Here you go, the king of the battles!» … «Turn to ashes the arrogant dog of the Browns!» - There was great hope in the hearts of the young Stones. They all knew about Lee's strongest side, the unique magma elemental body.

Now his attacks have enough mass so that they couldn't be blown away with the wind, as well as decent heat so that water or cold couldn't extinguish them. Magma coating is strong enough and is insulated from electricity.

No one doubted his victory. They believed in him with all their hearts. They all were convinced in his incomparable strength and power.

The magma elemental body is Lee's strongest weapon, it's the masterpiece of his unique body. Sometimes practitioners at stages above him lost to him in the battle when he used that body. There are some disadvantages, though, among them, the loss of speed, poor visibility, considerable energy costs. It could be used only once a day, too.

The walking god of fire headed towards Tsayan. Each of his steps was accompanied by a wave of burning heat and almost tangible power. Everything glowed with heat around him as if a volcano eruption.