Ten... nine... eight... seven... six... five... four... three... two... one... zero.
Everyone dashed toward the floating ball, arms outstretched, driven by pure instinct and adrenaline.
The first team to reach it was from the Lightning Clan. With sharp precision, they formed a protective triangle around the sphere, trying to hold off the advancing teams.
A digital clock lit up on the far wall the moment one of the Lightning Clan team members made contact.
05:59...58...57...56...
The realization hit all nine participants at once. Time was the real enemy. Whoever held the ball longest would win, and that meant striking now.
The participant from the Lightning Clan struggled to hold the ball as competitors from all sides closed in, making it harder and harder to keep control.
05:27...20...
A Water Clan team spotted an opening. They moved in quietly from behind, snatched the ball quickly, and without delay, one slammed a heavy shield against the ground, sending shockwaves through the air.
A translucent dome of water formed swiftly, rising around the trio and sealing them inside. Silence fell over the room as everyone watched, knowing no one could breach the barrier.
The commentator's voice cut through the silence, sharp and catching everyone's attention.
"Participant Jean from the Lightning Clan team lost the ball. He maintained possession for forty seconds."
"Duncan from the Water Clan now holds the ball."
05:18...17...16...08...
Several participants unleashed desperate attacks, single shots, dual techniques, combos, but the water dome held firm, rippling with each hit, refusing to break.
May regrouped with Raph and Colt near the edge of the ring, drawing them in for a quick strategy check.
04:45...42...41...40...
Raph and Colt would not just blindly follow May's orders, so she came up with an alternative plan instead, one that would require the earth clan team to act desperately.
"We're not winning this with brute force. We've got to be smarter than them."
Colt crossed his arms.
"You've got my attention."
May pointed to the giant countdown clock, its red numbers ticking down steadily.
"It's been nearly two minutes. We've got three left."
She turned back toward her teammates.
"Did either of you catch what the commentator said when Jean dropped the ball?"
Raph's eyes narrowed briefly before relaxing.
"Wait, he only said Jean, not the team."
May nodded.
"Same when Duncan lost the ball. No mention of his team, just him."
Colt's gaze sharpened, his mouth tightening slightly.
"So it's not the team that counts... it's the individual."
Realization hit. Raph's eyes widened.
"We'll each take a turn. Divide the remaining time evenly."
May grinned.
"Now you're getting it."
Colt shook his head, frustration clear in his eyes.
YOU ARE READING
UNIFIED W
FantasyIn this world where people have crystal powers, fate chose Kai to once again reunite the seven clans, who are in a constant civil war with each other for centuries. Although Kai were chosen, his path is full of despair and pain, but a voice keeps te...
