Chapter 282 282: The best finals

Kelvin skidded to a halt in front of him, gasping for breath. His eyes were wider than Noah had ever seen them, darting frantically between Noah's face and the corridor behind him. "She's—here—" Kelvin wheezed, hands on his knees. "Gigarose. In the—main concourse." Noah's expression remained neutral, but something cold settled in his stomach. "Gigarose? From Elder Genes?" "Not just from Elder Genes!" Kelvin's voice cracked. "She owns it! Designed it! She's the—the architect behind the whole thing! And she brought an armed escort—like, military-grade armed—and she's just walking around like she owns the place, which technically she could because it's rumored her net worth is literally higher than the GDP of three sectors combined and—" "Kelvin." Noah put a steadying hand on his friend's shoulder. "Breathe." Kelvin inhaled shakily. "You don't understand. This is Gigarose. The same person who absolutely demolished you in that game. The one who somehow countered every single one of your hacks like they were kindergarten-level code. The player who turned the Shadow Oracle into a literal meme overnight!" Noah's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. The memory was still raw—the humiliation of watching his character disintegrate in ways that shouldn't have been possible according to the game's mechanics, besides what he could do. 'It was like she had some kind of system doing exactly what mine was doing but on a much more larger and scarier scale,' Noah thought briefly, remembering the experience. The forums had exploded afterward, his Shadow Oracle username becoming synonymous with epic failure. "And now she's here," Kelvin continued, voice dropping to a panicked whisper. "At the Nexus Arena. During finals. With security that doesn't look like regular security. And I'm pretty sure she's looking for someone." Noah could see the genuine fear in his friend's eyes. Kelvin, the unflappable technopath who treated life like a game to be hacked, was truly frightened. "It'll be alright." Noah's voice was steady, calmer than he felt. "She's just another competitor or sponsor. This tournament is full of tech moguls and corporate types." "No, you don't get it—" Kelvin started. "I said it'll be alright." Noah squeezed his friend's shoulder. "She's just a developer with resources. Nothing more." Kelvin searched his face. "You're not worried? After what happened in Elder Genes?" "That was a game," Noah replied, though the message that had just flashed across his system suggested otherwise. "This is reality. Different rules apply." He managed a confident half-smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Go find the others. Make sure they're prepared for whatever's happening. I'll catch up in a minute." "You sure?" Kelvin hesitated. "Positive. Everything's cool." Noah maintained his assured facade. "I just need a moment to focus before the finals." Kelvin nodded reluctantly. "Okay. But be careful, alright? Something feels wrong about all this." As Kelvin jogged back toward the main concourse, Noah waited until his footsteps faded. The corridor was empty now, silent except for the distant hum of the arena's systems. The message with the pink heart icon returned to his thoughts, along with the name he'd abandoned a while ago. Shadow Oracle. He turned away from Training Room E-7, abandoning his original plan to speak with Lucas. Instead, he moved quickly down a narrower service corridor, checking to ensure he was truly alone. The passage was dimly lit, maintenance panels lining the walls—perfect for what he needed. Noah stopped in the center of the passage, closed his eyes, and spoke a single word. "Domain." Purple energy immediately erupted around him, darker than the void he typically manifested. It swirled and condensed, forming a perfect sphere that expanded outward before collapsing inward with sudden force. In an instant, Noah was gone. The corridor stood empty, with no trace that he had ever been there. Noah materialized in his domain. Two massive caverns stood exposed in the landscape, their dark entrances visible even from a distance, breaking the otherwise pristine flatness of the terrain. The air shifted suddenly, disturbed by powerful wings. A shadow passed overhead before Storm, the Hollow Blizzard Monarch, descended in a graceful arc. The wyvern's scales shimmered with midnight black and electric blue patterns, frost forming in the air wherever his wings passed. At full extension, his wingspan stretched nearly fifteen meters, his serpentine body coiled with lethal power. Storm circled once before landing with surprising delicacy several meters away, his intelligent eyes fixed on Noah. The temperature dropped noticeably around him, small sparks of lightning occasionally dancing between his scales. Moments later, a roar shook the domain as Nyx approached. The Red Death Dragon was larger than Storm in every dimension—longer, broader, more heavily muscled. Where Storm represented precision, Nyx embodied raw, overwhelming power. His red scales glowed like hot coals, heat distorting the air around him. When he landed, the grass beneath his claws smoldered. "Hey, guys," Noah said with genuine warmth, approaching his companions. "Sorry for the sudden visit." Storm made a chirping sound, lowering his head to Noah's level. Nyx maintained his proud posture but shifted his massive bulk to create a protective half-circle around his human. "We've got problems," Noah continued, resting his hand on Storm's snout. "Someone accessed my system from outside. Someone who shouldn't even know it exists." Storm tilted his head, eyes narrowing as if in question. "Yeah, I don't know how either. Not even Kelvin can do that, and he's literally a technopath who can interface with any digital system. This is... different." Nyx rumbled, the sound reverberating through the ground. "It's worse than that," Noah sighed, pacing between his companions. "They called me Shadow Oracle. Nobody knows that name here. Nobody should connect that identity to me." He ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident in the gesture. "And now Gigarose is at the arena. Remember her? The one who destroyed me in Elder Genes, made the Shadow Oracle look like a complete amateur? She showed up with an armed escort, like she's expecting trouble or planning to cause it." Storm released a puff of frost-laden air, small ice crystals forming and dissolving in the warm atmosphere. "Exactly," Noah nodded as if Storm had made a point. "The timing can't be coincidental. Finals today, the Purge planning something, and now this? It's all connected somehow." Nyx stretched his wings restlessly, a small flame escaping his nostrils. Noah walked to a large, flat rock near the edge of the grassland and sat cross-legged upon it. "I know you guys don't like being cooped up in here, but I might need you both today. All cards on deck." He closed his eyes and began to meditate, but not in the traditional manner Master Anng had taught him. Instead of drawing in his inner energy—the pure white chi of balance and harmony—Noah extended his awareness outward, seeking darker currents. The negative energy responded eagerly, swirling around him in patterns of red and white. Unlike the void energy or the white Chi that came from within him, this Chi felt foreign, aggressive—but undeniably powerful. Noah collected it methodically, compressing it into a dense sphere that hovered between his palms. As he worked, he thought about the Purge members he'd encountered, the deadly efficiency of their dark chi techniques. Master Anng had always taught that white chi was the path of protection, of defense before attack—but Noah had seen firsthand how the dark chi users could overwhelm even skilled people like him. And today, with so many unknowns, with threats converging from multiple directions, defense might not be enough. Slowly, carefully, Noah began introducing filaments of his void energy into the sphere of dark chi, watching through half-lidded eyes as the energies resisted, then gradually accepted each other. The resulting energy pulsed with an unsettling rhythm, neither fully dark nor fully void, but something new. Noah opened his eyes fully to observe Storm playfully taunting his larger brother, darting around Nyx's massive form with typical wyvern agility. Even after evolution, their dynamic remained unchanged—Storm the quick-witted younger sibling, Nyx the powerful, responsible elder. Despite their fearsome appearances, watching them interact brought a small smile to Noah's face. "Even you two, buddy," he whispered, his gaze lingering on his companions. "All cards on deck." He returned to his concentration, the hybrid energy growing more stable between his hands. Whatever was coming—whether it was Gigarose, the Purge, or something else entirely—Noah would be ready. He had to be. ____ Back in the real world, the Nexus Arena hummed with anticipation. The massive screens displayed countdown timers while officials made final preparations for the tournament finals about to commence. The stands were packed to capacity, a sea of faces representing all twelve academies, government officials, wealthy sponsors, and civilian spectators lucky enough to secure tickets. In the exclusive VIP section, Mr. and Mrs. Rowe stood out even among the elite crowd. Mrs. Rowe wore a deep burgundy gown that flowed like liquid silk, complemented by understated jewelry that cost more than most people's homes. Mr. Rowe's midnight blue suit was custom-tailored to his athletic frame, his silver-streaked hair perfectly coiffed. They exuded old money and influence despite their now-controversial status in the eyes of the few that knew. When Gigarose entered the VIP area, heads turned immediately. Her signature pink attire—from her boots to her hair—created a startling contrast against the formal wear around her. Security personnel in unmarked tactical gear maintained a respectful distance behind her. The Rowes' reaction was subtle but unmistakable. They exchanged brief glances before approaching her with practiced smiles. "Ms. Rose," Mr. Rowe greeted warmly, extending his hand. "What an unexpected pleasure. I wasn't aware you had an interest in academy competitions." Gigarose's handshake was firm, familiar. "The unexpected often proves most entertaining, doesn't it, Mr. Rowe?" Her accent was difficult to place—hints of Eastern Sector sophistication blended with something else entirely. Mrs. Rowe leaned in for the customary cheek-air-kiss. "You simply must join us for the finals. Our daughter is competing today." "I wouldn't miss it," Gigarose replied, her smile revealing nothing of her true intentions. From the competitors' section, Kelvin watched the exchange through enhanced vision with a custom contact he wore, his fingers nervously tapping against his knee. Sophie sat beside him, scanning the entrance tunnels with increasing concern. "Where is he?" she asked, checking the time display on her wristband. "The first-year matches start in less than five minutes." Kelvin tore his eyes away from the VIP section. "I don't know. He told me everything was cool, but..." He trailed off, unwilling to voice his fears about Gigarose's presence. Sophie frowned. "That doesn't sound like Noah. Not on finals day." "Nothing about today feels right," Kelvin muttered, returning his attention to the VIP section where the Rowes were now introducing Gigarose to other dignitaries. "Why would the creator of Elder Genes show up at an academy tournament with private security that looks military-grade? And why are the Rowes—known terrorists—greeting her like an old friend?" Sophie's hand found his, squeezing gently. "One crisis at a time. First, Noah needs to show up for his match." The arena lights dimmed suddenly, spotlights converging on the center platform. The crowd noise subsided as a holographic display materialized above the competition ring. The tournament logo—twelve interlocking insignias representing each academy—rotated slowly before dissolving into the face of the announcer. "Welcome, citizens of the Eastern Cardinal and those from far beyond!" The announcer's voice boomed through the stadium. "Today, we witness the culmination of skill, determination, and raw talent from the finest academies in our region!" The crowd roared in response, academy pride on full display as banners waved and chants began. "This year's tournament has already broken records and defied expectations," the announcer continued once the noise diminished. "For the first time in tournament history, we have three finalists from Year 1—that just goes to show the exceptional talent emerging in our academies." Graphics displayed the bracket arrangements as the announcer explained: "Year 2 maintains our standard two finalists, while Year 3—in an unprecedented turn—also presents three champions vying for the top position!" The screens shifted to display the day's schedule, highlighting the first match. "We begin with our Year 1 competition—a three-way battle that promises to showcase abilities far beyond what we typically expect from first-year students." Spotlights swept toward the entrance tunnels as the announcer's voice grew more enthusiastic. "Our first competitor, representing Academy 12, has demonstrated exceptional resilience to get here—please welcome Lila Rowe!" The crowd erupted as Lila emerged from the one tunnel. Murmurs immediately spread through the audience at her transformed appearance—her usual blonde hair now dyed jet black, styled in a severe cut that framed her face dramatically. Her tournament gear had been customized with subtle patterns that seemed to shift in the light. She walked with contained power, acknowledging the audience with only the slightest nod. "Next, from Academy 3, this is one that has taken the competition by sheer force, Kaiden Vex!" From a separate tunnel emerged a lean young man with close-cropped hair and an impassive expression. Unlike many competitors who played to the crowd, Kaiden moved with quiet purpose, his eyes already scanning the arena, analyzing angles and distances. While he hadn't attracted much attention during earlier rounds, there was something in his controlled movements that suggested hidden depths. "And finally," the announcer paused for dramatic effect, "the revelation of this year's tournament—a student who has risen from obscurity to become the talk of the Eastern Sector! Some say he survived the Cannadah incident that claimed Academy 12's top Year 3 students. Others claim he single-handedly took down Category 3 beasts during his first expedition. From Academy 12—Noah Eclipse!" The spotlight swung to the northern tunnel, but no one appeared. A murmur of confusion rippled through the crowd as seconds stretched into an uncomfortable pause. The announcer cleared his throat. "Once again, from Academy 12, Noah Eclipse!" Just as officials began exchanging concerned glances, a figure appeared, sprinting up the stairs from the lower level. Noah emerged into the light, his expression focused and intense. Unlike his fellow competitors who had made ceremonial entrances, he moved like someone with no time for theatrics. His tournament uniform was standard issue—he'd made no customizations or concessions to showmanship. The simple white and blue of Academy 12 stood in complete opposite to Lila's stylized appearance. No one knew where he had come from. No one had seen him in the preparation areas or competitor lounges. What they couldn't know was that he'd spent the last hours in his domain, training with energies beyond their understanding and preparing for more than just a tournament match. As Noah took his position on the platform across from Lila and Kaiden, his eyes were focused on the two people that when the barriers went up, where his enemies. Lila fixed him a gaze and he returned one. She didn't smile or do any of her usual. 'Something is not right about her,' Noah felt something was off and it wasn't even the hair. It just felt like he'd seen this very face before. Well, it was Lila's face except for some strange reasons it didn't feel like hers. And then there was Kaiden. This one he didn't know too well except the tap Kaiden tapped him on his shoulders the day he used the Chi infused Null strike. 'So we finally meet,' Noah thought, locking eyes with the guy that issued him a challenge in that cryptic manner. Meanwhile at the stands, Sophie's nerves were on the high. "Hey, kelvin. You notice anything off? About any of them?" Sophie asked nervously as he'd stomach was doing flips. "No, except that Lila going back to her natural hair colour makes her all the more fake," he said. "Wait, what do you mean by that?" Sophie asked. "I've seen her in dark hair before. In some picture like that. I'm sure Noah remembers. Anyways that's not the problem. The problem is I have lost track of your dad," kelvin said. "Okay? He's probably going around making sure everything is well put together. Why are you even keeping tabs on my father again?" "Uhm...oh look, your handsome boyfriend is about to beat his side chick up and a guy that looks like he should be selling courses online like back in the days," kelvin redirected with a nervous chuckle. "Kelvin..." Sophie clearly wasn't buying it. "Sorry... Noah. She scares me more than you or your dragons combined" Kelvin muttered in resignation.