Chapter 1: The Finals! (Part One)
"And here he is, backed into a corner right at the beginning of the Final Round. The Predacons are maintaining their relentless pressure from the previous round. This match is unprecedented in the history of Legends," exclaimed the commentator, capturing the attention of the spectators.
All eyes were glued to the screen, watching the intense battle unfold between two players representing the Predacons and the Extremists. These two teams had emerged as the finalists of the World Championship League for Legends, a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) with nearly 3 billion players worldwide. Millions of fans, both present at the live event and watching online, were engrossed in the spectacle.
"Let's closely observe the dynamics of this duel. And there it is! Lee's self-created move, the Breaking Steps!" announced the commentator as the male swordsman on the screen stomped his feet, propelling himself forward and pushing his opponent, a skilled female swordsman named Carlene, off balance.
"You think you can defeat me alone, Carlene?" taunted Lee, pressing his sword against her neck, threatening her life with a swift strike. A subtle smile formed on Carlene's face as she heard a distinct click from the northwest, making Lee jump back.
"Curren, I've got a sniper!" Lee announced, slashing at a nearby tree in an attempt to locate the hidden assailant. Just as he swung his sword, a shot rang out from the woods, prompting him to redirect his blade to block the attack. Carlene's sword, radiating a vibrant pink aura, clashed against his own.
"Sakura Petal Strike," Carlene declared, thrusting her sword forward. Lee instinctively tried to employ his Breaking Steps to evade, but found himself immobilized by a binding vine.
"Oh, shoot!" Lee realized, desperately using his sword to free himself from the entangling vine. He swiftly resumed his Breaking Steps, only to be startled by a gunshot fired from behind him. A voice echoed in his ears.
"On your left," the voice warned, followed by a resounding clang. Two spent shells fell to the ground. Raising his sword to block the incoming attack, Lee surrounded his sword with a protective blue aura and launched a counterattack.
"And he counters with his Lightning Vibration Slash," the commentator exclaimed. Every moment on the screen was a spectacle of vibrant colors, captivating the viewers. They eagerly awaited the appearance of the remaining three players from each team.
"We are yet to witness the other three players entering the fray," the commentator noted as the clash of swords continued.
CLANG!
The impact of their clash sent shockwaves rippling through the surroundings, forcefully pushing both combatants apart. Seizing the moment, Lee swiftly engaged his Breaking Steps once again, anchoring his legs into the ground and surging forward in a straight line.
A smirk formed on Carlene's face, snapping her fingers and conjuring a bow seemingly out of thin air, leaving the audience and even the Extremists stunned. Shooting an arrow randomly into the ground, she immediately snapped her fingers again, causing a tree to sprout from where the arrow had landed.
Placing his hands behind his back, Lee smiled as particles materialized out of thin air, forming a second sword, smaller than his current one.
"I have yet to unveil the full extent of my skills, and you are quite the formidable team. I once believed you were insignificant and undeserving of attention, but you have proven yourselves capable. Nonetheless, we will emerge victorious. Do you know why?" Lee paused, glancing behind him.
"I was never meant to assume this role; destiny has something different in store," he declared, vanishing instantly from his original position. Confusion washed over Carlene as she scanned her surroundings, and the clouds above her began to darken ominously.
All five members of the Extremists emerged from the shadows and the trees, locking their gaze on Carlene. Simultaneously, the Predacons appeared in a similar fashion, forming two opposing lines. Lee, wielding his sword pulsating with blue lightning, stood alongside his teammate, whose blade emanated a shimmering purplish-golden hue.
"Hold on! Breaking news from the game developers! That golden sword is an award for completing an Ultimate Level Quest, which is one level below the game's maximum level, known as the Celestial Level," the commentator announced, his excitement palpable as he jumped out of his seat.
The audience was left in awe upon hearing the difficulty level of the quest, which only a handful of individuals had managed to complete. Lightning crackled down around Lee, his eyes sparking with energy from the corners. His skin turned a fiery shade of red as he contained the surging power of lightning, while his sword vibrated at an incredible speed, filling the arena with a resounding hum.
Lee's teammates faced off against the other four members of the Extremists, engaging in a flurry of gunshots and clashes, creating a symphony of chaos. Meanwhile, the female swordswoman prepared her own counterattack, conjuring a deluge of sakura petals that enveloped the entire area.
"With this decisive attack, we shall determine the victor. May the best player win," Lee declared with a confident smirk. Carlene returned his smirk, uttering the same words.
"May the best player win."
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