Chapter 9: Flames and Frost
The blinding sun scorched the metallic floor beneath Virat's boots as he stood alone, panting heavily. The environment had changed—again. Minutes ago, he was with Shinitsu and Xavier, walking cautiously through the simulated exam terrain. Now he found himself surrounded by mechanical debris and the burning smell of scorched circuits.
"Where am I?" he muttered, scanning the arena—a desolate training field filled with obstacle towers, broken drones, and a sky painted in an artificial orange hue.
Suddenly, the ground trembled. A wave of heat washed over him, followed by a blaze that narrowly missed his face.
From the smoke stepped a crimson-haired boy with burning red eyes, his mouth covered by a cool bird-shaped mask that gave him a dangerous allure. His cheeks and eyes were visible, and they gleamed with focus and intensity.
"You're slow," the boy said coldly.
Virat raised his fists instinctively. "Who are you?"
"Jax," the boy answered, flames dancing around his fingertips. "And you're standing in my way."
Before Virat could respond, Jax surged forward, his movements like fire itself—fluid, fierce, and impossible to predict. Virat swung a punch, but his fist passed right through Jax's burning silhouette.
"What—?!" Virat stumbled back. "Why didn't that hit?"
Jax didn't reply. Instead, he spun mid-air, striking Virat in the chest with a blazing kick that sent him skidding across the ground.
Virat groaned, clutching his ribs. "Damn it... He's like Xavier with his powers. But... different."
As he struggled to stand, a snowflake drifted into his vision. The heat began to die down, and a cool breeze swept through the arena.
"Too hot-headed as usual, Jax," came a relaxed voice.
From behind a tower of stone, a boy with ashen-blue hair emerged, his outfit resembling an Antarctic researcher's gear. He had a permanent grin on his face, as if mocking the very concept of pressure. Mist swirled around his fingertips.
"Name's Ayush. He's fire. I'm ice. We're kinda a package deal."
Virat stepped back, now facing two opponents.
"I don't have time for this!" he shouted. "This is supposed to be a test, not a beatdown!"
Jax raised an eyebrow. "You'll never become a hero if you can't handle pressure."
Ayush chuckled. "Besides, this is a group-based survival exam. We were told to eliminate as many targets as we can. And right now? You're a target."
Just then—Boom!
A sonic shockwave echoed through the terrain, and a hulking figure jumped between Virat and his enemies, landing with a ground-cracking thud.
"You're not alone, Virat," the figure said, turning to him.
It was a black-haired boy with a great physique, wearing a white t-shirt and black trousers. His energy was vibrant, and his presence—heroic.
"I'm Ali. Got separated from my group. Mind if I tag in?"
Virat stared. "Y-You can actually hit them?"
Ali nodded. "That's 'cause I use aura."
"Aura?" Virat asked, dodging a spear of ice from Ayush.
Ali narrowed his eyes. "Aura is the raw force of spirit—willpower made manifest. Only those with awakened will and emotional control can wield it. Without it, you can't touch elementals like Jax or Ayush. You'll just be punching air."
"Why didn't Inferno tell me this...?" Virat muttered, frustrated.
"Because you have to awaken it yourself," Ali replied calmly. "Watch and learn."
With a battle cry, Ali charged at Jax. The crimson-haired boy snapped his fingers, sending a spiral of flame at him. But Ali didn't dodge. Instead, a radiant energy—pure white and glowing—surged from his body, slicing through the flames like a knife through smoke.
Ali's punch connected.
Boom!
Jax was thrown across the field, crashing into a metal pillar. He wiped blood from his lip, eyes shining with respect.
"Huh. So you really can hit me."
Ayush whistled. "Looks like we've got a real match."
Virat clenched his fists. "Tell me how to use aura!"
Ali shook his head. "No one can teach it. But… feel your heartbeat. Focus your mind. Stop thinking about hitting them. Think about protecting who you are."
Another blast of flame erupted from Jax's palm.
"Here he comes!" Ali shouted, charging again.
As Ali engaged Jax, Virat found himself cornered by Ayush. The blue-haired boy raised his hand, freezing the air around him. Shards of ice darted toward Virat.
Virat ducked, rolled, but couldn't dodge them all. A shard sliced his arm, leaving a trail of crimson.
"You're good at moving," Ayush said, grinning. "But without aura, you're just a punching bag."
Virat gritted his teeth. Think. Feel. Control. Aura… aura… come on!
Suddenly, a memory surged.
Inferno's voice. "Your power doesn't come from outside—it awakens through will and determination."
Virat slammed his fist into the ground. "I'm not losing here. Not to anyone. Not when I've come this far!"
A warm energy pulsed in his chest. His body glowed faintly.
Fwoosh!
A ripple of light burst from him, and Ayush stepped back, surprised.
"Well, damn. Looks like the kid's waking up."
Ali grinned mid-fight. "That's it, Virat! That's aura!"
Jax's foot collided with Ali's jaw, sending him tumbling.
But Virat's newfound aura allowed him to move faster, react better. Ayush sent another spear of ice, but this time, Virat grabbed it mid-air and shattered it with his bare hand.
"You've got to be kidding," Ayush muttered. "He's already adapting?"
Virat's body surged forward—one, two, three rapid punches. Ayush dodged, but the fourth one connected, slamming into his stomach.
Ali joined him seconds later. "Double team?"
Virat nodded. "Let's do it."
The two heroes clashed with Jax and Ayush in a fiery and icy duel. Metal cracked. The sky flickered. Drones recorded every second. The examiners behind the scenes watched in awe.
One instructor whispered, "This kid—Virat—is awakening much faster than projected."
Another nodded. "And look at Ali. His aura control is nearly pro-level. We might have a team worth investing in."
As the battle raged, Virat's aura glowed brighter. His fists became light and wind. Ali, meanwhile, began to push his limits—his muscles swelling, energy surging.
"Ali!" Virat called. "You're using too much!"
Ali smiled. "I've got five minutes. That's all I need!"
With a shout, Ali struck the ground, sending shockwaves that unbalanced Ayush and Jax. Virat dashed forward, channeling all his strength into one clean uppercut to Jax's jaw.
Crack!
Jax flew back, unconscious.
Ayush caught him midair with a platform of ice and nodded. "Guess that's our loss... for now."
A signal sounded from the sky—DING!
A robotic voice echoed. "Team B: Virat, Ali. Victory recorded."
Virat collapsed to his knees, breathing heavily. "We... we won."
Ali patted his back. "Not bad, partner. Not bad at all."
Elsewhere, in a hidden control room...
Titan stood with arms crossed, watching the footage on repeat. "He's not just strong. He learns in the middle of battle. That's rare."
Inferno stepped in, smiling. "Told you he had potential."
Titan nodded. "I'll take him. He's got a long road ahead… but this fist of his might really rise."