The streets of the Main Capital buzzed with life—a chaotic blend of laughter, the clatter of goods, and the distant hum of celebration. But amid the jubilant crowd, a tension hung thick in the air. Kael stood alone, his chest heaving with each breath, facing off against the relentless figure—Mr. Saturday.
Kael's mind raced as he tightened his fists, drawing from the wellspring of spiritual energy Hikari had unlocked within him. His body burned with the energy, his senses sharpened to their peak. He would not falter. Not now.
"You really think you can stand against me?" Mr. Saturday sneered, stepping forward with deliberate slowness, his eyes piercing into Kael's resolve. "You're strong, but strength alone won't save you."
Kael's voice was calm, yet firm. "I'm not here to save myself. I'm fighting for everyone who can't fight back. This ends here."
Mr. Saturday didn't waste another moment. With a blur of movement, he surged forward. His strikes were fierce, designed to break through any defense, but Kael met each blow with precision and force. His fists moved like flashes of lightning—swift, controlled, and relentless.
Their clash echoed through the streets. The sound of bone against bone, the hiss of burning energy, and the sharp cries of onlookers watching the battle unfold in awe.
Kael focused everything he had, summoning his spiritual energy to fortify his defenses. Every punch he delivered resonated with a raw intensity—each strike packed with purpose and the will to protect.
But Mr. Saturday wasn't one to be underestimated. His counterattacks were brutal, a storm of relentless force that chipped away at Kael's energy, testing his limits with each passing second. Still, Kael held his ground, his mind clear, his spirit unbreakable.
"You're stronger than you look," Mr. Saturday growled, his breathing labored, his movements slowing ever so slightly. "But not strong enough."
Kael saw his opening. With a fierce cry, he channeled his energy deeper into his limbs, twisting his body mid-motion to deliver a devastating uppercut—an explosion of force that sent Mr. Saturday crashing into the cobblestones below.
Silence fell for a moment, the only sound being the faint rumble of dust settling in the aftermath.
Mr. Saturday rose slowly, blood dripping from his lip, his eyes burning with fury. "You've pushed me too far," he hissed. "Now you'll pay."
Kael stood tall, unwavering. His chest rose and fell, every breath measured, every movement controlled. "Let's finish this."
Mr. Saturday's hands ignited with magma-red energy, his entire body radiating with searing heat. He let out a roar of anger and charged again, fists ablaze with molten power.
Kael responded with equal ferocity, summoning every ounce of his spiritual strength. A surge of light erupted from his body, creating a shield that deflected the fiery punches with ease. He pushed forward, closing the distance between them.
"Solar Burst!" Kael shouted, releasing a brilliant wave of sunlight infused with his spiritual energy. The beam of light slammed into Mr. Saturday, searing through his defenses with blistering heat and raw power.
Mr. Saturday stumbled back, his form faltering under the sheer intensity of Kael's attack. His energy flickered, his strength waning. Yet, his will to fight refused to break.
Kael took a steady step forward, his eyes burning with resolve. "You've pushed me to my limits, but you've underestimated me from the start."
The crowd had gathered once again, watching in hushed awe. The spectacle was unlike anything they had seen before. A clash between two titanic forces, a struggle between light and dark.
"Enough!" Kael roared, pushing all his energy into a final strike. "Sunflare Barrage!"
A torrent of radiant energy surged from his fists, enveloping Mr. Saturday in a blinding explosion of light. The ground shook, and the streets quaked beneath the weight of their combined powers.
When the light subsided, Mr. Saturday lay motionless in the rubble. His body was battered, scorched, and broken—yet the determination in his eyes had not vanished entirely.
Kael stood over him, his breath still heavy but his resolve unshaken. "It's over."
The city erupted into cheers as the crowd rushed forward, surrounding Kael in a sea of gratitude and awe. Bachi, Hikari, Sumire, and the others joined him, their expressions a mix of pride and relief.
"You've done it," Hikari said softly, a rare smile crossing his face. "You've far exceeded expectations."
Kael looked around at his companions, his heart full of gratitude. "We fight together. Always."
Together, they turned their focus toward rebuilding—toward hope. And in that moment, Kael knew his journey had only just begun. The battles ahead would be even greater, but with friends like these, nothing could break him