Ryan turned his head toward Arena, his voice firm and unwavering. "Arena, go immediately to help your people. The prisoners roaming the streets pose a greater threat than anything else."
Arena hesitated, her eyes fixed on him. "And what about your kingdom? Aren't you going to stop the ranked prisoner there?"
Ryan smiled confidently. "Don't worry… my father is there. He'll take care of it."
There was no time to waste. They exchanged one last look, then set off in different directions.
Arena raced through the streets of the Forest Kingdom, surrounded by destruction. Giant trees lay shattered, houses burned, and cries for help tore through the people. As she raced, her bow formed in her hands. She drew the string and fired a hail of arrows, infused with glowing green energy, mercilessly piercing the prisoners one by one as she made her way toward the royal palace.
Ryan, meanwhile, formed his wings and took flight. He was following a trail of suffocating, dark, heavy energy… the energy of the Ranked Prisoner. Suddenly, he saw them. In a devastated arena at the edge of the palace, the Jungle King was fighting a terrifying figure. The Ranked Prisoner's sword was about to pierce the king's body, and his next move would end the fight. Ryan eyes widened. "No!"
He unleashed a tremendous burst of energy from his palms, which shot swiftly toward the prisoner. Sensing the danger at the last moment, the prisoner turned and parried the attack with his sword, creating a violent explosion that shook the area. Ryan landed powerfully between the prisoner and the Jungle King. Without turning around, he said, "Your Majesty, step aside now. I'll take care of him."
The king staggered back, trying to see the face of his savior, then said in surprise, "Ryan…? Is that you?"
"Go," Ryan replied firmly. "Arena is heading to the palace."
The king didn't argue and immediately withdrew. The prisoner sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "And who is this bug who dares to interfere in my fight?"
Ryan glared at him, his eyes blazing. "When I crush you, you'll know exactly who this bug is."
The prisoner's expression shifted. "I'm Prisoner Number Two… Valcreon."
"Ryan," replied Ryan without hesitation. "Heir to the Dragon House."
Valcreon laughed even louder. "From the Dragon Kingdom? And what are you doing here?"
Ryan didn't answer. In an instant, he vanished. He reappeared before Valcreon, delivering a powerful punch to his stomach, followed by a thunderous kick that sent him flying, crashing through several buildings. "I don't like to waste time talking," Ryan said, advancing. "And what business is it of yours what I'm doing here? Fight me. I'm burning with rage."
Valcrion rose from the rubble, wiping the blood from his mouth. "Then... let's fight."
They charged at each other with incredible speed. They traded blows wildly, each collision creating a deafening roar. Valcrion landed a powerful upward strike to Ryan chin, launching him high into the air, and Valcrion followed immediately.
The battle moved to the heavens. Every punch, every kick pierced the clouds and created thunderous explosions. Ryan gathered his aura around his fist, preparing for a knockout blow. But Valcrion stopped. He stood still in mid-air. Just as Ryan closed in, Valcrion caught his fist. Ryan eyes widened in surprise.
The next moment, he received a brutal punch to the stomach. His body arched in pain, and Valcrion gathered energy in his hand and released it, sending Ryan crashing to the ground. He hit the floor with a thud.
As he struggled to his feet, he felt a crushing pressure on his chest.
Valcreon foot was on top of him, pressing down mercilessly. Ryan cried out in agony. "You said you'd crush me?" Valcreon said contemptuously. "Now I see you being crushed beneath my feet… like a bug."
Suddenly, Ryan seized Valcreon foot, his teeth clenched tightly, his voice filled with rage. "We… haven't even begun."
He opened his mouth, a blazing flame forming within, which he unleashed directly at Valcreon, forcing him to retreat. Slowly, Ryan rose, anger radiating from his body. "The warm-up is over," he said in a low voice.
His energy began to rise, little by little, until it became suffocating.
Valcreon took a step back without realizing it. Then Ryan energy exploded in a blinding light. As the light faded, the prisoner's eyes widened. Ryan had changed.
A hybrid body, a blend of human and dragon. Hard scales covered his entire body, glowing dragon eyes, and a terrifying aura surrounded him. Ryan exhaled a smoky breath, saying in a deep voice, "Sorry I kept you waiting… Come on… Let's continue now."