***Author here, this is the first time I tried to describe a fight scene, so let me know what you think.

Yixing (Heibai) POV:

Ahhhh…that was a profitable week. Today is the destined day, between morning and noon. The clouds in the sky are scarce and the sun is strong, bathing the land in its rays. I have progressed more than I anticipated, despite dad tormenting me in the process. I have finally mastered the steering controls of mana manipulation and even learned some Qi attacks in the process after I mastered control over my body.

It is very tricky fighting with a serpentine body with two small hands attached as my options to fight in close combat are very limited unlike my human body, but still I managed. In case I have to get up close and personal, I can just use my teeth and spear-like tail to fight in close combat if needed. I even familiarized myself with my skills in the process.

I have also mastered my Imoogi racial skills like Divine Eye which will let me see the world around me in a different light and even see the world around me as if I have eyes all over my body, leaving me no blind spots. This skill even has a zoom function. It can also let me see the Status Windows of other creatures as well as mana and Qi, if I fuel it with my own mana.

I also found out how Evolution works. It turns out I can evolve skills if I practice enough in a specific way or survive and adapt through pain and suffering from whatever the world can throw at me, like how I got the skill Polymorph from practicing with Transformation Magic. Dad taught me Transformation Magic the same way mom taught me telepathy as a freebie, since he wants me to pick a class and such as early as I can. I picked a certain Hero class that matches my human origins though.

I did not raise my level much however, as I am level 14 at this moment. Dad made me train with magical EXP limiters runes on me, as he told me I should learn as much skills and masteries as I can before I level up, as it will be detrimental to my growth in the long run. I even managed to learn Unarmed Combat mastery and raised it to the high Intermediate stages and some other masteries up to Novice or lower in a short time by practicing against the local fauna. They are surprisingly weak despite being much more higher-leveled than me…I guess it is because they are still mortal and frail, as there are some things even levels alone can’t give you.

There are more interesting things I learned about myself like the functions of my Essence Absorption, but I need to focus on the fight ahead. I am hovering in the air at the outskirts along a road leading to the Clan capital Dharma, looking at my home city for the first time...well, only its walls for now. I cannot see the city, just the titanic walls covering the city, but judging from the size of the walls alone, the city must be enormous as expected to accommodate the dragons and Imoogis. The walls are placed in a circular fashion to protect the city and they are so large and tall, they even make The Great Wall of China look like a baby in comparison (by comparing my human size and Imoogi size to the wall, I still could not see the top of the walls so yeah, it is large even compared to the size of dragons make no mistake). What makes the walls so unique is its…material. They are made of some kind of heavily polished, slightly shaded but gleaming white stone. The white stones make the walls bright as hell, glowing almost like a white sun, but due to my race I am unaffected by such levels of brightness and can still see clearly unfazed. From what I can see, they are formed to build the walls in a brick-like fashion, like how one makes a house of brick except that each individual brick is the size of a house. The stone is very unique, as its mana signature gives off the same feeling like how I feel the sun on my scales.

I asked Dad what the walls are made of and he told me they are made of White Sun Jade. The White Sun Jade is a unique extremely durable mineral that grows under sunlight. Yes, the jade can grow like how a plant grows under sunlight. The walls’ brightness are used to keep light sensitive creatures at bay, be it day or night (yes the stone shines at night time as well, making it as a HUGE bright-as-hell light source, making the outskirts 'day' twenty-four seven). If that’s not all, Dad said the clan modified the jade with advanced craftsmanship techniques and complex enchantments to regenerate itself when damaged according to its set design as well as reinforcing its durability instead of growing out of control, but the regeneration ability only works when it is absorbing sunlight, or anything similar to sunlight like specific fire spells and such. This means that they place artificial sun orbs at night, to keep the walls self-repairing and strong as well as fending off any monsters sensitive to light at day or night. Some mortals also call it the Teeth of Prometheus, as the stone shines like the white teeth of the Divine, or something like that he said.

We are flying towards the gargantuan gates on the white shiny walls now. The gates are made to accommodate not only those the size of dragons, but also those the size of humans as well looking at the smaller gates on the gargantuan gates. The Clansmen made a little gate on a big gate…wow. There are also guards standing by, ones on top of the lookout posts on what seems like a balcony in the white wall while others are standing guard on handcrafted wooden posts and the ground next to the stone-paved road.

By my eyes, the guards are of…various, visibly diverse dragon-like humanoids. They look more dragon-like unlike the others I’ve seen in the Clans’ Palace. Are they Draconians or something? Some of them have horns and scales while others don’t, and even fewer of them vary in color. Dad noticed my confusion and told me they are Draconians like I predicted. They are the strongest in terms of martial combat like the ones standing ground here with weapons held high, while others are the most magically gifted like the other Draconians with mage-like robes on the wooden outposts or on the balcony, since their talents vary in said two categories, he said in summary. Draconians that excel in both categories are rare and possess bright futures ahead of them.

As we approached them, Dad spoke with a…casual tone.

“Hello there, would you let us pass, or should I make your lives more difficult than it needs to be?” – Heiyang spoke with the corners of his mouth perking up.

One black Draconian walked up to Dad. He is the most masculine and most armored looking of them all. He has two strong, pointy horns curved backwards at the two sides of his head, his eyes are piercing red, and his black-gray knight-like armor covering his whole body except his head is made from some kind of metal I don’t know, but gleaming with power.  

“HEIYANG, WHAT DID YOU DO THIS TIME??!! I received orders a week ago from the Dragon Queen herself to directly convey her message. The message is this, and I am saying this lightly, ‘You are sentenced to a fine for the damages you caused and unauthorized leave of absence from a important meeting!!!’ she said, and the fine is about…50,000 adamantine coins, FIFTY THOUSAND. And to also keep you out of the capital until you pay the fine immediately!!! You do know we can’t keep you out no matter what we try right?! And she still orders us to fight you to the last man in case we see you despite our difference in strength, or we’ll face capital punishment if we fail to do so! My subordinates and I will face cruel and harsh punishments either way no matter the outcome, you know that Heiyang?! WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY FOR YOURSELF?!!” - ?

‘…Wow, this guy is loud despite his small stature, although he is the tallest of the Draconians here.’

It would seem he's acquainted with Dad judging from his casual yet harsh tone. Dad however casually replied with:

“Yes, yes. I get it. Tell her I will pay the fine 'later', since as of right now I need to get in, Ulfren.” – Heiyang

Dad waved his hand and…neutralized the guards stationed here, from the ground to the balcony on the walls. He used some kind of magic spell to 'freeze' the guards from what I see, and the guards are struggling very hard to move. They are like statues to be honest, and some of them can't even struggle to twitch their eyes...or even blink in that matter. Although the one called Ulfren still has the capacity to speak despite his...‘condition’.

“CURSE YOU, HEIYANG!!! AT LEAST TRY TO NOT DRAG US INTO YOUR ‘MISCHIEF’!!! I SWEAR ONE DAY I WILL GET YOU BACK FOR THIS!!!!! MARK MY WORDS!!!!!” – Ulfren

Dad on the contrary ignored his words and grabbed me by my neck and…‘phased’ both of us through the gates.

Wow, I literally phased through solid matter like a ghost…Dad can do that?

After entering the capital, Dad proceeded…holding me neck in hand again T_T…towards the colosseum meant to hold tournaments for Imoogis and sometimes dragons to give the most prominent ones among them a chance to earn their right to greatness. Apparently, Longwei rented the colosseum for our match due to his wealth and influence as one of the Great Protectors.

I asked dad what are they, when I heard him spoke of them. He said the Great Protectors are tasked with protecting the Clan as the Clan’s most powerful and strongest of them all. If the Royal Seers are Rulers, then the Great Protectors are Royal Guards on a greater scale as they shoulder the responsibility of protecting the Clan with their claws and fangs should the need arise. Surprisingly…Dad is also one of the Great Protectors and among the most powerful of them all, despite him having the mentality of a true villain. I am now waiting…though filled with embarrassment due to the way I'm held neck in hand…for the moment I get to fight a true dragon for the first time in my life.

Meixi’s POV:

Now is the day of the match. My father and I are currently on the arena in the circular colosseum, the Gates of Ascension. This battle ground has many large square arenas made of synthetic stone created to mimic the properties of White Sun Jade in its durability and how it repairs itself called the False Sun Jade. However, it regenerates more quickly, but it is much, much more fragile than the genuine one though it still sturdy enough to stand against the might of low tier dragons. This arena is usually meant to hold tournaments for Imoogis to see which one is the most worthy to ascend to dragonhood through combat early on, or have friendly duels with others to test their skills. A black line is carved into each arena to mark and set up two equal sides, one for each opponent to stand in position at a certain distance from the line. The arenas are also protruded a few above the colosseum floor, meaning if one falls off the arena, the said individual is out of bounds.

Despite our match being private, word of it somehow leaked as there are many spectators on the stone seats ranging from demi-humans to monsters, some in human form, flying above the colosseum or seated in the stands as they are curious of the match between me and the Imoogi. The Dragon Queen is also spectating on her VIP throne seat on the enchanted stone balcony, which gives me an idea how word had spread. The audience seats are almost full even. What is terrible is that I am already over level forty and yet, I am about to fight a newborn Imoogi not even a month old yet…how humiliating. This will damage my honor as a dragon, as this match is really degrading from a outsider's point of view.

The rules of the match are simple, fight until one of us is out, out of bounds from the square stone arena we are fighting on, until one of us surrenders, no killing or outside help, and other rules to keep the match fair. There are two rounds in every duel, and if fighters are tied with each a score from the rounds, they will have to fight in human form as they are more weaker since they do not retain all their powers and traits…unless one is skilled enough in transformation to ignore such flaws. I patiently waited for the Imoogi to arrive, though I won’t be surprised if he did not show up. Imoogis have a tenth of a true dragon’s total strength at birth after all. They can only surpass one through the tempest of time and harsh self-improvement.

However, contrary to my expectations, the strange Imoogi did arrive with Heiyang-! >.> ...*PFFFTTTTT* with Heiyang holding the Imoogi by his neck like how one holds a pet! :D

*Hahahahahahaha*

The audience and I laughed the bizarre sight for a while, after the Imoogi is put down. After I’m done, I tried to read him again, and I still cannot…wait, I can’t seem to read his heart this time. What on Mundus happened during these seven days? As I was perplexed about this, Heiyang greeted Longwei.

“Ahhhh, today is the day. Ready for our children’s match, old friend?” – Heiyang

Heiyang smiled as he spoke to dad.

“Hmmmm….I hope you know what you're doing. You holding your child like a pet does not help ease my worries at all. If this match is too one-sided…” – Longwei

“Do not worry. You know me too well to not risk damaging our clan’s name. You can have us both be the referees if you want to make sure the match is fair.” – Heiyang

Although Dad was distracted after Heiyang spoke.

“…What I want to know is, how did word spread this far to have the stadium packed full of spectators? I even rented it to be private….” - Longwei

Heiyang replied with a sarcastic remark.

“Your answer is over there.” – Heiyang

Heiyang pointed to the small, giddy Dragon Queen in human form. I was right…-_-‘

“She is too excited about the match after I told her, and…you know the rest.” – Heiyang

“Ah…then let’s not waste any more time. Meixi, go to your spot.” – Longwei

I followed dad’s instruction and went to the right side of the arena, marked in half at midpoint by a carved black line, as the Imoogi was placed down by Heiyang to his side. I should at least go easy on him…but the air around him is very unsettling for some reason. The audience however is very ‘enthusiastic’ at the Imoogi’s cuteness now that they got a better look at him sober, which I cannot blame them. His face is like a cute bunny rabbit’s in place of a snake.

Heiyang and Dad went to each side of arena out of bound at midpoint, Dad at my right side while Heiyang is at the left. They are standing right in front of the line carved into the square white jade arena, marking the arena in two halves.

Before we started however, the Dragon Queen gave an announcement using her telepathy.

“Here they are! The battle between dragon and Imoogi you’ve all been waiting for! On side is the Imoogi, recently born, Yixing and on the other side is the prideful Sun Dragon Meixi! You all know how this match ends…normally, but you also know we are here because…this match is different. The Imoogi there is unique. His power is on par with a dragon’s and can defeat one if given the chance, but can we put that claim to the test in this match? We will soon find out! You know the rules! Either one wins by knockout, forfeit, or out of bounds-! Oh and before I forget, PAY YOUR DAMN FINE HEIYANG OR THERE WILL BE TROUBLE!!! MATCH, START!” - Mazupo

Uhhhhhh, ok then. The audience laughed at her last statement while I’m preparing myself. I do not want to know why she said that last part. I readied myself casually, as I am not convinced the Imoogi can stand up to me.

I was wrong.

He opened his…third eye. He has three eyes? While I was surprised by his new eye, he instantly appeared in front of me with incredible slithering speed while my guard was down and grabbed me by the throat with strength an Imoogi his age should not have! As I struggled, he then slammed me down on the ground throat in hand, and planted me deep onto the arena’s stony floor, then he dragged me across the white pavement in circles leaving a trail of my blood at great speeds before he threw me behind him after spinning twice to add centrifugal force in his throw. And when I thought he done, was set himself in position where I am now flying at him, I saw him rushing past me when I was still flying at great speeds from his throw and stopped at the point where I was sent flying. After that, he struck me with his armored tail with great force.

*BOOM*   *BAM*BAM*BAM*BAM*BAM*….*DUN*

‘*Coughs up blood* Ugh…What in the heavens HAPPENED?!!’

I felt that I was struck and then bounced off the ground several times before I was out of bounds……

I was unable to process what the Imoogi just did. He overwhelmed me. ME. A pure-blooded dragon and threw me out of bounds within seconds. The damage he had done to me was worrisome, shaving almost thirty percent of my HP. My throat in pain, I looked up at the Imoogi to see…him looking the audience. Following his line of sight, the audience was speechless. They did not know how to process the sight of an Imoogi defeating a true dragon in record time. And then they chattered on the stands, but despite the great distance between us I can still hear them with my superior senses.

“An Imoogi defeated a true dragon…” - ?

“Is that really an Imoogi?” - ?

“And he was just born-” - ?

They were all dumbfounded by the scene obviously. And looking at the Imoogi again, he…turned his back on me and flew…wait he is flying? Imoogis aren’t supposed to fly after hatching…their intelligence need more time to develop…

As I was dumbstruck by him flying, he flew back into position at the standby point of the arena, waiting for the next match. He didn’t even look at me….

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

I angrily flew back into position and waited for the Dragon Queen to start the next round. I will not be caught off guard this time…and I will break that calm face of yours apart.

“WOW! INCREDIBLE!!! The Imoogi Yixing defeated Meixi in new record time! We have a prodigy at our hands! Can Meixi reclaim her lost pride in the next match?! Let’s find out,…AND DID YOU EVEN PREPARE THE MONEY YET HEIYANG?!! START!!!” – Mazupo

‘She is having too much fun with this…and why is she bringing up Heiyang that much…’ Looking at Heiyang now, he is ignoring her like she is nothing but air…I am shocked to see him show this kind of attitude even to the Elder…

I brushed off my distracting thoughts and attacked first this time. I used Dragon’s Breath to burn the Imoogi in one move, but he flew to the left and dodged it casually, and is now closing the distance between us. I turned my head towards him and follow his movements in order to hit him with my breath as he moves and not giving him a chance to fight back, though he is dodging me well with his snake body in great speeds and practiced movements. As he closed in and now hovering above in front of me at medium distance, he fired a dark and lightning affinity Imoogi Shoot at me from his mouth. Imoogi Shoot, a lesser skill that shoots a projectile based on the Imoogi’s choice of one or more elements if the Imoogi has the affinity for said elements of course, and his is Darkness and Lightning it seems. I dodged the electrical black sphere and was preparing to counter until I hear an explosion.

*BOOM*

‘What?! Imoogi Shoot is not a skill that can explode!’

I shrugged the thought away as I have no time to check, and used Solar Sphere, a spell derivation from the standard Fire Ball spell, and fired it from my right hand at him in the air. He descended to attack me at the exact time I fired, dodging the spell simultaneously and attacked me with a tail swipe from his right. However, I was prepared for him to use his tail as I am now aware of his habit of relying on his tail to fight.

*CRUNCH* *ROAR*

I then gripped his tail with my mouth, trying to sink my fangs deeply past his scales and into his flesh as he roared with pain, but…his scales are TOUGH! Where on Mundus did he get those scales?! I realize it will take time to bite past his scales, so abandoning the idea, I firmly gripped his tail in my mouth and forcibly slammed his body into the ground behind me. Now his back facing me and him stunned from the impact, I pinned him down with Gravity Manipulation and Gravity Magic as I used Dragon’s Breath again on him before he can react.

*ROOOOOAAAAAAAAARRRRRRR*

My combination attack was unhindered, and I continued to breathe streams of burning light on his trapped figure until he relents or is knocked out. My light is stronger than the average flame, and more than enough to burn through an Imoogi’s strong natural fire resistance and other defenses. It can even harm a true dragon to some degree. The Imoogi should be burned into unconsciousness, but the Imoogi roared with pain as I’m roasting him and still resisting with vigor.

‘He is durable…I might need to stop holding back.’

While still holding him down with gravity, I stopped attacking and breathed deeply as I was about to use Dragon’s Breath again but with more firepower. But as I opened my jaw, he…

*BOOM*

slammed his tail into the ground and then a slab from the arena erupted from the ground and struck my lower jaw, closing it at the right time I was about to use Dragon’s Breath.

*BAM*BOOM*SSSsssss*

By doing so, my mouth and throat exploded as a result, severely damaging myself in the process.

‘EARTH MAGIC?!! BUT HOW?!!’

But the arena is made of False Sun Jade and despite being lesser, it still cannot be moved by Earth Magic unless it’s casted by a Dragon King or higher!! No way can this Imoogi move it with Earth Magic!

*COUGH*COUGH*

My mouth is burning hot and in pain, so I turned my head left and coughed out the heat to prevent further damage, but then something blocked my vision and hit me.

*BOOM*

I was sent flying again, this time almost out of bounds. It felt like his tail that hit me…which is irritating. The Imoogi got back up instantly, and flew at me in high speed. He is more powerful than I thought, so I decided hold nothing back.

*PSH!* *ROOOAAAAAAARRRRRRR*

Dad had me wear magic limiters in case to make the fight seem more fair, but seeing as I will lose if I keep fighting like this, I decided it is time to remove them. I removed my restrictions in a split second and used Dragon’s Roar before he can react. Stunning and Dazed him, I used Sun Dragon’s Aura to boost my stats and skill effectiveness, and used Gravity Magic to pin him down with much greater force before using my greatest spell, Solar Cannon. The spell concentrates the light from the sun into my hands and infuse it with my mana to accelerate the process until it is condensed to my current limit, and then fires a focused laser of mana-infused solar energy to my target. It can also explode upon the caster’s will after contact. Not only that, the explosion radius is large and destroyed most of the pseudo-jade arena the last time I used it, though the explosion will be mostly directed at the target making it take the brunt of the aftermath. The spell can only be used under broad daylight though, directly in contact with the sun above me. Unfortunately for the Imoogi, it is the afternoon and the skies are clear and the sun is strong.

After I completed the spell for three seconds, I fired while he was vulnerable. He reacted in time though, as he broke out of my Gravity Magic and fired at the beam with Imoogi’s Shoot with the same chosen elements as before to weaken the spell’s momentum, but my spell blasted through it almost effortlessly. So he then caught it with both his hands by clapping on the beam on point with great timing… He’s being pushed towards the arena’s edge slowly by my spell, but he is still fighting back hard. This one…he has talent. From what I can see, he is trying to deflect the force of the spell he caught with his hands. But…not good enough.

*BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM*

He could not deflect the spell before it exploded in time, and flew out of bounds crashing into the colosseum floor. It seems he's not used to handling advanced spells yet. The arena is cracked, but it still under sunlight so it’s repairing itself within a few moments.

“Incredible! Meixi was forced to use her all-time favorite, Solar Cannon! Yixing has taken a direct hit, but…he is getting back up, and standing!” – Mazupo

At her words, I checked the Imoogi’s condition to see for myself. He is barely damaged…is he really an Imoogi? Even my spell’s explosion can break False Sun Jade, harder than even Orichalcum, and he’s only moderately wounded. And he is now getting up and shaking the damage and dust off him.

“Hmmm...I need more practice.” - ?

I heard a voice I never heard before. Wait, is this voice the Imoogi’s? He can talk?!

And as if noticing my distraught, he turned to me and spoke…fluently.

“Ah, it seems my thoughts have leaked. Oh well. And yes, the voice you heard belongs to me. That was a splendid counter, my Imoogi-hating foe.” - ?

…Did he just speak like a polite gentleman? He’s just born, how could…How…did Heiyang do something strange to him?! …Or is it because he is Heiyang’s son?!! I don't know what is happening anymore!

“I see you have…conflicting questions, but now is not the time for them. We still have a round to finish, no?” – Unknown Alien Creature

I was brought back to my senses from his words. I am chaotically filled with so many questions like he said. Seeing an Imoogi that young speak is just, just…...*Deep Breath*...I have no time to think about this no matter how bizarre, as of right now…he is right. I need to win this match, but…can he even transform into a human? I won't be surprised if he can considering our fights so far. But that doesn't matter now. I will reclaim my pride as a dragon from him. I will show him how strong we dragons REALLY are, even in human form!...assuming he can transform of course.

…Thinking about what to say to the Imoogi, I am not sure how to respond to him considering my…first outspoken opinions. So I awkwardly went back to my position, as he went to his. Before I do so, I searched the arena for the explosion from the Imoogi’s Shoot attack and saw a…large black, corroded crater…The Imoogi’s attack actually broke through False Sun Jade, something even youngling dragons have a hard time breaking. …The crater is taking its time to repair itself…much more slowly from his attack …I am speechless at this sight since if the attack landed on me, I would’ve been in serious trouble or worse…

“Now that you are both ready in your positions, ready your human forms!” – Mazupo

After her statement, I began to use my Polymorph. When I use my magic, I am now in my human form clothed after a few moments as it takes time for me to change. I stretched my human limbs as I am still learning how to adapt to my human form. When I am done stretching, I took out my double edged sword Moon Jade Sword from my Item Box. The Imoogi however looked at me for a while before…commenting on my human form.

“Your words when we first met were…audacious. Such rudeness does not suit a lady of your standing.” – Bizarre Imoogi

...The Imoogi is very irritating. While I admit my words were very outspoken, but the contents of his words are very similar to the Imoogis’, the ones I usually deal with.

“Ahhh…it seems my words had offended you somewhat. Contrary to your feelings, I meant no harm with my words, so I am very sorry if I made you recall some bad memories.” – Annoying Imoogi

He bowed apologetically after he said his part. He is…genuinely polite, unlike the others. I can also feel his sincerity this time when he was speaking, which is the first time I’ve actually read his feelings. Why could I now…don't tell me he can hide himself from me at will? When this is over, I must have him tell me his secrets no matter what if I plan to improve myself in the future...as well as explain how he is so intelligent after birth.

“I see you now have some kind of revelation...along with some questionable 'thoughts'. I am not sure of your thoughts though and you do not seem one for conversation, but no matter. On another topic, I must digress. I just recently learned how to transform last week and I am still unused to it. This might turn out bad, so forgive me if I…botch myself in the process.” – Unique Imoogi

After his small speech, he started his own transformation. He’s transforming for the first time, so I am curious on how he will turn out. However…he is not using transformation magic. He is using a superior skill version known as Polymorph, which only costs stamina instead of mana. Imoogis can't have the skill unless they obtain enough strength after adulthood in hundreds of years, so they developed transformation magic to change with magic first at the cost of mana…True dragons however have this skill at birth though, so hearing him say he learned Polymorph just last week defies all common sense.

As I am busy with my thoughts though, he wrapped himself with his own tail, and then glowed. After a while, what came out was…a young man with slanted, sharp, yet harmless eyes. His hair is a bit long around medium length to the point of his fore locks half-covering his eyes and its color is still black on one half side and white at the other and he still retains his red and blue eyes. But what is strange is…I actually thought he was a human for a second despite me knowing better. Even the aura he gives off is much like a human’s for a split second, I could've sworn. His first attempt at transformation is…not bad as his body structure is well-balanced and his appearance is pleasant to the eyes, a bit too pleasant to be honest. However, what is even stranger was his…unique assortment of clothes.

He’s wearing some kind of capeless hooded cloak with sleeves and unbuttoned in the middle of it revealing another layer of clothing underneath, his shoes are unlike what I see here as they have more firmness and shape matching his size despite being made of leather-like materials, and his pants is long and thick reaching to his ankles. Polymorph can form clothes as well at the cost of some mana, so I am surprised he can afford the mana to do so. The clothes formed by Polymorph are forged from the user's flesh, so the clothes share the same traits and defense as the caster's original race. His clothes seem very well made though.

His pants’ color is pale black pants, and his cloak is red and cloth underneath are black gray with…pictures. The picture on his cloak is segmented into two halves but I can tell that putting the halves together I see an image of a bald man drawn wearing a white cape, yellow tight suit, and red boots and red gloves punching out at me drawn in an art style I’ve never seen before and the cloth underneath has the picture of a cute girl with short red and black hair, wearing scarlet red and black skirt with red trimmings around the edges, red and black boots, and a red and black cloak while posing in a stylish attack pose armed with a finely detailed scythe drawn in the same art style, but obviously drawn by a different artist.

Where on Mundus did he get the reference to such strange clothing? I curiously looked at the audience to see their reactions, and saw they are also dumbstruck by his strange attire, chattering their opinions with each other. Even the clan elder is startled judging by how she is leaning forward from her seat to get a better look at the Imoogi’s clothes.

“What? Like what you see? *Smug Smile*” – Strangely Clothed Imoogi in Human Form

He sarcastically asked as he tilts his head to the left and spread his arms wide apart to dramatically 'present' himself.

‘Like is not the right word for my current feelings. I don't even have the capacity to be irritated from his mocking attitude.’

The Elder then tried to continue her announcement, doing her best to sound unfazed by the Imoogi's strange appearance.

“Um, er…Yixing has assumed a unique human form! Despite being an Imoogi, he successfully learned Polymorph at such a young age! He’s a new subspecies that comes once every generation with boundless talent, as if he’s blessed by the heavens themselves! He has a bright future ahead of him, but for now, he has to fight Meixi to the last! Will he defeat the true dragon in human form, or fall short on his progress? Final Round, START!!!” – Mazupo

After she started the final round, the Imoogi asked me a question.

“How does this final round work? Do we fight bare-handed or….?” – Very Strange Imoogi

‘Ah, so he’s still in the dark at this part. I should educate him as his respectable senior. He's earned that much respect from me at least.’

“Hmmm…We can fight however we want, with weapons, unarmed, or with spells. Even poison, as long as it's a part of your body. The same rules still apply.”

At my words, the Imoogi nodded and then performed…a series of empty air punches, kicks, and small hops left and right. I think he is warming himself up or trying to adapt to his human form. I do not expect much from his human form though. When any dragon or Imoogi is in humanoid form, they will lose some of their stats unless they perfect their transformation by finding their other ‘identity’ and invest their time to develop it further. So even with his incredible feats, it’s impossible for him to find his ‘identity’ unless he spends many years finding and perfecting his ‘human self’. I managed to find my identity within a year with luck, talent, and help from my parents and teacher who taught me how to fight like human, as she fought many humans in the past to know their movements. I know from experience that it is NOT easy... unless he is a human in his past or something, HAH!

After he is done, he lifts his arms up high and then slowly, and gradually lowered them with his palms facing the ground while he takes a slow, deep breath. After that, he assumed a fighting stance placing his two hands open and unclenched in front of him, and placed his left leg slightly forward and his right leg in the rear. His left hand is stretched out while his right arm is tucked in closer to his chest. Is that a fighting stance? How weird…never heard anything like it even from my teacher. The humans she fought usually have their hands clenched into a fist and prefers to fight with raw might rather than technique. I prepared my own sword stance, holding my sword with both my hands to my right, pointing the sword tip to the sky. I flashed my reflective flat side of my sword at the Imoogi before I ask him if he’s ready.

“Are you ready?”

The Imoogi in human form is looking at my sword and then at me, observing me deeply. After a few seconds, he then responded.

“Hmmm, does it look it I’m not ready to you? Yes, but are you ready, my foe? *Smile*” – Imoogi

Hearing his sarcastic and childish tone irked me. I swear, I will jam my sword into your smiling face if you provoke me further.

Now we are staring at each other in the eyes, waiting to strike at the opportune time. After a few moments, when the sun is about to be covered by a single stray cloud, bathing the colosseum and only the colosseum and its inhabitants in shadow, we moved and started the greatest fight of my life.