EXCEL -Volume 1: The Beginning-

🔹Chapter 8: Royale One-on-One (Part 2)🔹

"The winner of the 13th Royale one-on-one, No. 24, Jonah Louis Windford."

The audience was in ecstasy after witnessing an immense battle between Louis and his opponent.

"Congratulations on winning." Kiarra greeted Louis as he entered the Royal room. Just like the audience, Kiarra was left amazed by the battle that happened between his companions.

"Thank you, although I think I took a lot of time. I admit, having a conversation with him was rather enjoyable." Louis said and sat to the seat beside Kiarra.

Marie once again stepped in and picked a number from the circle. "I'm excited for Ylona's turn. I hope she's next."

"You two seem very close. I take you've been friends for a very long time." Louis states but is denied by the girl.

"We've only met since the arrival of the participants. I do say we act like childhood friends, but that's far from the truth. You can say I was just very attached to her."

"That's nice. I used to have a friend like that, although I have no idea where on earth he's on right now."

"You two aren't contacting each other?" Kiarra asked.

"I do try sending letters but that guy never replies to them. It's like I'm writing letters to an imaginary person." Kiarra chuckled at his words and he proceeded to talk about this said friend.

Meanwhile, outside the Royal Room...

"The next battle is between No. 28 Yuzo Tionell vs. No. 18 Rhyan Cyrus Manzel."

Alpha signaled the start of the battle and Rhyan quickly ran towards Yuzo. He grabs a hold of Yuzo's hand and activates his Aster. Yuzo's body immediately fell flat to the ground, he was unable to move like he was being pinned by a huge object.

Rhyan powers up his Aster* even more, pinning him at exactly 6 feet underground. A few moments of silence and a rumble under the ground was heard. In an instant, Yuzo unleashed his wings flew above, and used his body to charge at Rhyan. He placed his arms sideways as gets closer to his opponent. His hands formed huge claws that struck Rhyan when Yuzo passed him. Rhyan was able to avoid and placed on an enchantment that made his body glow. His body soon floats and he quickly moves to where Yuzo is.

Yuzo, who was unaware of the figure behind him, was welcomed with an attack, making him fall once more to the ground. His body winced in pain as he tried to make contact with Rhyan. His eyes widen at the sight of the floating boy.

'He used it to himself?!' His mind wonders as Rhyan gets closer and closer to him. "I won't let you!" He unleashed his wings once more and flew at the speed of light. Rhyan and Yuzo went on to the second battle of the flying competition. Rhyan chased Yuzo while Yuzo attacked as he flew away from him.

Yuzo was getting impatient about this and strategized a plan to finally end this cat-and-mouse chase. Flying above even further, Rhyan followed Yuzo until they both reached the end of the shield. Yuzo then quickly removed his wings and dropped down. Rhyan quickly followed and changed his gravity to catch up, this made Yuzo smile and instantly opened his wings and flew above Rhyan. using his claws, Rhyan's back was slashed, making him fall to the ground. Yuzo then was dragged down at the same time after Rhyan placed his Aster to the opponent.

The audience witnessed as both participants fell hard on the stadium. The smoke finally cleared and the two were seen standing up, facing one another. Both were panting heavily as both attacks caused them an impact on each other. Rhyan jolted as his back burned from the injury from Yuzo's claws.* Yuzo unleashed his claws once more and used the opportunity to attack Rhyan while he was still weakened. Yuzo successfully slashed Rhyan but was shocked when his body formed cotton on the injury.