Chapter 180: Heat and Rain

Chapter 180: Heat and RainThe volcanic peak pulsed with unbearable heat, the air rippling as waves of molten energy emanated from the plateau.

The phoenix stood in the center, its golden feathers blazing with light, its eyes piercing as they bore into Colin.

The young girl stood a few steps ahead of Eratz, her shoulders tight, her fists trembling, but her resolve growing stronger.

"Feel the energy inside you," Eratz said from behind her, his voice calm but commanding. "Let it move through you. Don't fight it, control it. Use what you need and keep the rest. You're the one in charge here."

Colin took a sharp breath, her fingers flexing as she focused.

Her heart pounded in her chest, a drumbeat of fear and anticipation.

She closed her eyes, searching for the fire within her.

The initial spark flickered faintly, but as she inhaled deeply, the flames began to grow, dancing around her like shadows finding form.

"Good," Eratz said, stepping closer, his calm voice cutting through the oppressive heat. "Push it further. Build it, but don't let it explode yet. Control it."

The trembling in Colin's fists eased as the flames around her swirled brighter, their heat merging with the searing atmosphere of Eratz's field spell.

Her crimson aura collided with the fiery dome surrounding the battlefield, the combined energy warping the air into a shimmering haze.

The phoenix screeched, its massive wings sending waves of golden fire crashing toward them. The ground quaked under its power.

"Stay calm!" Eratz called sharply, holding steady against the beast's flames. "You're a fire user too, nothing here can hurt you. Match your energy to mine, try try to imitate it as much as you can. Make it yours, Colin."

The roar of the flames filled her ears, but Colin's fear melted away, replaced by a fierce determination.

Her fingers stopped trembling, and her fists clenched with purpose.

Her crimson aura surged brighter, bending the wild flames around her to her will.

Her eyes snapped open, glowing molten red.

With a scream of pure resolve, she thrust her arms outward, and her aura erupted into a towering dome of fire that consumed the battlefield.

It was her first field spell.

The phoenix roared in response, its golden blaze surging forward to meet her crimson inferno.

The air crackled as their powers collided, the heat and brilliance of the clash swallowing the plateau.

Eratz stepped back, his field spell dissolving to let Colin's fire overtake it completely.

His smirk was faint but proud as he watched from behind her.

"Good," he murmured to himself. "Now get ready. This is your battle now."

With another scream, Colin surged forward, her aura blazing unyieldingly.

The phoenix's piercing gaze met hers, and its screech echoed as it spread its massive wings.

The two forces clashed in a storm of fire and light.

Far away, beneath a shroud of rain and mist, the city of Arcanis bustled with its own chaotic energy.

Neon lights reflected off rain-soaked streets, their colors blending with the glow of traffic signals and shop signs.

Skyscrapers pierced the low-hanging clouds, their steel and glass exteriors gleaming under the downpour.

Pedestrians moved hurriedly under umbrellas, and cars sent waves of rainwater rippling across the slick pavement.

Amidst this urban sprawl stood a colossal structure, seamlessly connected to a towering

arena.

The Infinite Twilight Headquarters was a symbol of strength and prestige, housing some of the most skilled and renowned beast masters in the world.

Inside, the sleek reception area gleamed with polished floors, and walls adorned with holographic screens displayed iconic battles and legendary victories.

Staff moved with purpose, their steps brisk but controlled.

Deeper within lay the training arena, alive with tension.

Fighters and trainees lined the edges, murmuring among themselves as they watched the aftermath of a recent sparring match.

At the center of the arena, a girl knelt on the ground, breathing heavily as medics checked her

over.

"You didn't have to go that far," one of them said, his voice low but firm. "She's not on your level."

Nyx stood nearby, brushing a strand of dark hair behind her ear. Her striking features were calm, but her sharp eyes carried a flicker of irritation.

"If she couldn't handle me, she shouldn't have stepped into the ring," Nyx said dismissively, her tone laced with condescension. "She wasted my time. Honestly, this is ridiculous. If they're not ready, they should just stay in the training center." Searᴄh the Nôvel(F)ire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Her words cut through the arena, silencing the murmurs. Most of the trainees avoided her gaze, their unease palpable.

Nyx scanned the group, her lips curling into a sly smile.

"Next," she said simply. "Or maybe a group of you? If you're scared, you can all come at

once."

The trainees hesitated, exchanging nervous glances. The silence stretched until a calm, measured voice broke it.

"Taking down weaklings one at a time or all at once, it's still a waste of time."

All heads turned toward the speaker. Arin stepped forward, adjusting her round glasses with deliberate precision.

Her pixie-cut white hair framed her calm face, her tanned skin gleaming under the arena

lights.

Nyx raised an eyebrow, her smirk fading.

"Oh, no, it's the police," she said lazily. "What's up, Arin? Got some wisdom to share? Or are

you here to bore me to death?"

Arin's voice was even.

"You're bored because you're impatient. You fight trainees and act surprised when they're no match for you. This is only a training, what do you expect? Maybe the problem isn't them.

Maybe it's you."

The crowd murmured, a ripple of shock spreading through the trainees. Nyx's smile vanished entirely, replaced by a cold glare.

"You talk a lot for someone who's never training," Nyx said, stepping closer. "Careful, or

you'll find out what it's like to lose to me."

"Why would I train with people that I could defeat without trying?" Arin said calmly. "But I suppose that's why you're still in the regional league?"

The tension in the room grew thick. Nyx's hands curled into fists, her eyes narrowing.

"Fine, four eyes," she said coldly. "Why don't we see if I'm still at the regional level?"

Their standoff was interrupted by a firm, commanding voice.

"Enough."

Everyone turned as Sia entered, her damp hair clinging to her sharp features.

The room fell silent, her mere presence cutting through the tension like a blade.

Sia's cold gaze swept across the room.

"Stop wasting time," she said, her tone calm but firm. "We have a meeting with the leader.

Let's go."

Arin adjusted her glasses, stepping back without a word. Nyx rolled her eyes but followed,

muttering under her breath.

The trainees remained frozen, stunned by Sia's appearance.

"It's her..." one of them whispered, their voice barely audible. "Why are all of them here

today?" "Three aces in one day," another murmured. "It has to be for the team battles."

The three entered a sleek conference room lined with holographic screens. Already seated was a girl chewing gum, Iris, the fighter who had humiliated Kenny in the

Grushia tournament.

Beside her sat a slim teenager with short yellow hair, scrolling through his phone.

Across the table, a man with fiery red hair leaned back in his chair, arms crossed.

In the corner, a young boy with bright orange hair struggled to stay awake, his head bobbing forward before he caught himself.

Sia entered the room, taking a seat with a composed grace. Nyx slouched into a chair with an exaggerated sigh, while Arin sat rigidly, adjusting her glasses once more.

Sia scanned the room, frowning. "Where is he?"

Iris smirked, her tone amused. "Forgotten, probably. Or maybe he got lost."

Sia pinched the bridge of her nose, muttering under her breath.

"Why is it so hard to learn discipline?"

"Because discipline doesn't feed. Results do."

All heads turned as a man stepped into the room. His sharp, angular features and piercing

gaze demanded attention.

Dressed in a long black coat with gold accents, he exuded authority.

"You can be as disorganized as you like," he said smoothly, his voice carrying a quiet power.

"As long as you get the job done."

He stepped to the head of the table, his gaze sweeping over the group.

"Now," he said, his tone calm but commanding. "Let's begin."