"Getting excited, Huai Shi?"
The elder holding protein powder chuckled softly to himself. "That feeling, as if even the Soul is blazing... That's what a battle is: exhilarating. That's what an adversary is: lovable. It's precisely because of this—no, only because of this—that victory is worth pursuing."
And so, on the screen, Huai Shi stepped forward, toward his opponent.
"Again!"
The young man murmured. His Axe disappeared as a dazzling glow condensed in his hands. The outline of the Cross Spear grew forth, its blade oozing endless Dragon Blood, like tears.
That was the posture of an all-out assault.
Just bending his body produced a low, taut sound, like a tightened bowstring. Just taking a step unleashed a Roaring Outburst, as if he were breaking through the air.
The Green Crown Dragon transformed into a misty rain, sprinkling down from the spear's blade. Where it passed, the colors of iris flowers sprouted from the crimson carpet, as if embroidered. They surfaced on the fabric, branches swaying and blossoms opening.
A refreshing fragrance spread through the air.
A point of light, like a falling star, had already shot across tens of meters, whooshing towards its target. The White Horse retreated, but the spear blade pressed onward, forcing the White Horse to retreat again.
The Sword Blade slashed, but the spear's tip swept it aside. Hooves trampled, but the spear shaft smashed through them.
Like a majestic meteor descending from the heavens.
In the blink of an eye, it cleaved the White Horse's noble face, leaving a crimson scar on its handsome features.
The White Horse cried out in pain, a hint of weariness appearing in its spirited, martial demeanor.
The spear blade, following its momentum, stabbed into the ground.
But Huai Shi was still moving forward.
Then, suddenly, the spear shaft bent like a bow and sprang back, launching the young man into the air. The Axe Blade materialized in his hand, aimed at the Prince, who was now within striking distance.
CHOP!
The screech of clashing metal burst out.
The White Horse backed away. Atop it, the Prince lifted his Longsword in astonishment, noticing a new notch on its blade.
A strand of golden hair fell from his temple, fluttering in the air before landing conspicuously in the White Horse's fresh blood on the ground.
"Is this all you have, Lord Prince?"
Huai Shi landed, casually swinging his weapon, a pleased smile on his face. "Shouldn't the warm-up be over by now?"
"Is this fight still not enough to satisfy you, Huai Shi."
Atop the White Horse, the Prince gazed down at him, surprise flashing in his eyes. He nodded slowly. "Very well, then let us take it a step further—"
His Sword Blade swung down, issuing a silent command.
Hooves stomped on the stage, sounding like a great iron drum being struck, followed by a Roaring Outburst.
Then, countless figures emerged from backstage, rushing about hurriedly, like blood flowing through veins. In an instant, the lighting crew was in place, the props crew was in place, the stage management crew was in place, the machinery crew was in place, and finally, the director's team was in place.
As if endowed with a soul, at this very moment, this ancient theater was once again shining with its former glory.
This stage had come to life.
"Don't let your guard down, Huai Shi."
The Prince smiled, looking around at his kingdom. "The performance has just begun!"
Behind him, from behind numerous billowing curtains, light suddenly emerged. It projected onto the cyclorama above, forming a revolving countdown.
3, 2, 1!
—Action!
The old clapperboard was raised slowly, then clapped shut abruptly, producing a crisp sound.
In an instant, the entire stage trembled violently.
Rainbow-colored lights changed rapidly, and numerous machines operated with intense energy. As gears turned, countless mechanisms engaged, lifting platforms rose and fell, and innumerable props appeared and disappeared on the slowly rotating stage.
Through the pure interplay of colors, the presence or absence of props, and changes in the backdrops on the fabric curtains, the climate of the Four Seasons was interwoven, and landscapes of countless mountains and rivers evolved.
The world itself had been condensed onto this small stage.
And the princes' performance had truly begun!
"Be careful."
The Prince shouted.
The White Horse neighed, rallying once more.
Its hooves trampled the grey carpet. As the lifting platform rose, the horse leaped among numerous rock-like props. It was as if it were galloping across towering mountain ranges, stepping on outcrops on cliff faces, and swooping down toward Huai Shi.
No, at this moment, what's appearing before me must be actual mountains!
Even if it was just painted backdrops and abstract props, the effect created at that moment was indistinguishable from that of a real mountain.
Huai Shi found himself midway up the mountainside.
When he looked up, he could feel the immense pressure of the vast mountain range. From the summit, the Prince descended with the momentum of a Rolling Stone, displaying an agility and swiftness that allowed him to navigate the steep mountains as if on flat ground.
A gale howled down from the mountain's peak.
The sky grew dark; lightning flashed and thunder rolled.
The immense pressure of this entire world bore down on him, making each step a struggle.
In that brief moment of shock, the White Horse, swift as light, was already upon him. From its back, the Prince's sword slashed down. Huai Shi instinctively dodged and tried to block, but he couldn't withstand the enormous power and was sent flying.
In midair, he looked around and saw the White Horse leaping up, seemingly treading on air as it charged towards him.
Ramming someone with your mount is going too far, isn't it?
Huai Shi flung out his hand. His Lock Chain shot out, pulling him towards the ground. He twisted in midair, dodging the White Horse's trampling hooves, and landed unsteadily.
But as soon as he landed, he saw... the carpet's color had turned deep blue.
The backdrop now showed a profound blue. Projections on the overhead screen revealed the vague shapes of schools of fish. The floorboards flipped, suddenly displaying patterns of coral reefs. From tracks in the ceiling, panels painted with wave designs hung down, undulating with the movement of the tracks.
This was... the Sea!
Instantly, gravity became erratic, and Huai Shi felt himself begin to choke.
But the White Horse, falling from the sky, plunged into the Sea. It nimbly twisted its body, swimming and weaving through the water, carrying the Prince towards Huai Shi.
Are you some kind of legendary steed from the stories?!
Huai Shi's eyes widened. He slowly turned over in the waterless Sea, watching the approaching White Horse. Then, suddenly... he smiled.
In his hands, the Axe reappeared.