Chapter 4: The Predator in the Shadows
Sohan and his friends had just finished an intense fight when, from a distance, a mighty surge of water rushed toward them, changing the entire landscape around. A chilling mist filled the air, and through the swirling waves, Kayes's shadowy figure appeared.
Kayes, known as the water hero — the one who could breathe life into water with a mere gesture. A hunter's glint sparkled in his eyes, a strange, calm smile playing on his lips.
> "You fought well," Kayes said calmly, droplets swirling around him as if they followed his voice,
"but are you ready to give up your chip?"
Sohan gripped his katana firmly. A faint glow of electricity and flame shimmered along its blade.
> "We won't give up so easily," he replied, his voice clear and steady.
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Behind him, Isha stood with hands raised, a gentle light emanating from her — a warm aura that gave them all strength. Lamia's hair moved like a living storm of blades, as if waiting to strike.
Kayes chuckled, a swirling vortex of water spinning at his feet — and in the blink of an eye, it shot toward them like a serpent.
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Sohan moved in an instant. Channeling the Electric Breathing Technique, sparks danced along his feet as he leapt aside. The water missed him by a hair's breadth.
Simultaneously, Lamia's hair lashed out like steel ropes, coiling around the water as droplets splashed across the ground.
> "You control water well," Lamia whispered, "but we know how to stop it too."
Kayes narrowed his eyes — clearly not expecting someone to counter his attack so quickly.
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Suddenly, a shadow darted toward them from behind — a warrior with a cold glint in his eyes.
> "Noz!" Isha gasped.
Sohan turned to see their friend Noz standing there, a faint smile on his face as electricity crackled between his fingers.
> "I was watching long enough," Noz said in a playful tone. "Figured it was my turn."
Sohan felt his confidence surge.
> "Let's do this," he nodded. "Together, we can take Kayes on!"
Noz grinned and stepped up alongside them, tiny sparks of electricity trailing his every move.
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In the next moment, an explosion of elemental energy erupted — water, lightning, fire, steel, and light intertwined into a furious cyclone.
Kayes froze for a moment, astonished by the perfect coordination of Sohan and his team.
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Sohan raised his katana high, drawing a deep breath.
> "Fire… Wind… Lightning… Water… together as one — like a river, like a cyclone!"
He whispered into the charged air:
> "Electric Breathing — Fourth Form: Thunder Slash!"
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Lightning burst along his blade as streams of water, fire, and wind wove together into a terrifying wave. Kayes lifted his hands to summon a water shield — but it was already too late.
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With a dazzling flash, the shield shattered into droplets. Kayes was thrown backward, landing on one knee as steam rose from his body.
> "Impressive," Kayes breathed, his eyes shining with newfound respect.
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Sohan lowered his katana and glanced at Isha, Lamia, and Noz. Every one of them was glowing with the light of confidence and camaraderie.
> "When we fight together," Sohan said softly, "no one can stand in our way."
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Kayes smiled faintly.
> "Keep the chip," he said. "You deserve it."
And with those words, he melted into the shadows — like a drop of water disappearing into mist.
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For a moment, the field was still, as though time itself had paused.
But Sohan knew — this was only the beginning.
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> "There's more to come,"
he told himself, "and I'm ready for it."
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[End of Chapter 4]
(Next chapter preview: A terrifying new foe arrives — the mysterious figure lurking in the shadows will finally reveal themselves to Sohan, bringing a dark secret to light…)
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