Chapter 350: Fight
From that light, a majestic form emerged: the Ocean Heart Azure Dragon. Its scales shimmered like polished sapphire, each one reflecting the sunlight with liquid brilliance. Its eyes glowed with an ancient, tranquil power, and its long whiskers drifted as though moved by unseen currents. The dragon’s coiling body radiated both grace and unstoppable force, a presence both serene and commanding.
The children gasped—some stepping back instinctively, others leaning forward, wide-eyed.
"Woooow..." one whispered.
"It’s... beautiful..." another breathed, unable to look away.
A little girl, barely six, clutched her hands together. "It’s like the ocean turned into a dragon..."
Dave reached up, resting his palm lightly on the dragon’s snout. The Azure Dragon let out a low, melodic rumble—like waves rolling over smooth stones.
"This," Dave said with a faint smile, "is my martial spirit."
The kids erupted into excited chatter, some already whispering about how they wanted to grow up to be as strong as him. Even a few of the older Shrek students nearby glanced over, their expressions a mix of surprise and respect.
But before the awe could settle, Dave raised his right hand.
His voice was calm but carried a weight that made even the chattiest kid go silent.
"It’s not only that..."
The dragon’s massive form began to glow—its body unraveling into streams of azure light, swirling down and compressing into Dave’s grasp. In mere moments, the vast beast had transformed into a sleek blade—a blue-bladed katana with an oceanic glow running along its edge. The hilt was wrapped in deep navy leather, and faint wave patterns shimmered across the steel as though the ocean itself lived within it.
Dave held it up slightly, letting the sunlight catch on the blade.
"This is still my Ocean Heart Azure Dragon," he said, his tone matter-of-fact. "My martial spirit can exist in two forms—beast form and weapon form."
A chorus of "Whoa!" erupted from the kids. One of the braver boys stepped forward, eyes sparkling.
"B-Big Brother Dave... c-can you fight with it now? Like, cut a boulder in half? Or split a lake?"
Another girl clutched her cheeks. "It’s so pretty... even prettier than my mom’s wedding sword!"
Even Chubby Feng’s usual teasing had vanished—he was staring with an open mouth, clearly imagining himself holding such a blade.
Dave’s lips curled into a faint, playful smile as he looked at the wide-eyed kids, their excitement almost buzzing in the air.
"Do you want to see me fighting?" he asked casually.
A chorus of eager nods followed instantly — little heads bobbing up and down, their big beady eyes sparkling with pure anticipation. Some even clenched their tiny fists like they were about to join in themselves.
"Okay then..." Dave chuckled softly. "Listen to me closely."
His gaze shifted slightly, spotting Tony leaning against one of the arena railings, smirking like he already knew where this was going.
"Tony," Dave called, tilting his chin in Steve’s direction, "go get our resident second-stage show-off."
Tony gave a mock salute. "On it." He pushed himself off the railing and strolled toward the training area where Steve had been putting in extra practice, the sound of his voice already carrying across the arena.
"Cap! You’re up. And bring that shiny shield, the kids need a show."
Within moments, the little ones started whispering excitedly among themselves — some bouncing in place, others tugging lightly on Dave’s sleeve as if afraid he might change his mind.
But Dave just rested a hand calmly on the hilt of his azure-bladed katana, the Ocean Heart Dragon’s latent aura subtly humming through the air. The blue light danced faintly across the blade, almost as if the dragon itself was stirring, eager for the coming display.
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The air in the small practice field crackled with excitement as Captain Steve strode in, his calm yet competitive expression making the younger kids gasp and whisper among themselves. He had the confident gait of someone who knew he could handle himself in a fight, and the moment he stopped opposite Dave, a ripple of anticipation ran through the watching crowd.
With a flash of silver light, Steve’s Martial Spirit manifested.
The Silver Rune Lion — its mane flowing like molten moonlight, every strand etched with glimmering runes. The great beast roared, the sound vibrating in the children’s bones before its form shimmered and condensed into a sleek, silver-bladed double-edged sword. The runes along the blade pulsed faintly, like a heartbeat.
The kids’ eyes widened, their beady gazes glued to the transformation.
"Woooah... it turned into a sword!" one boy blurted.
"That’s so cool!" another added, tugging his friend’s sleeve.
Dave, standing opposite him, smirked. "Not bad, Cap... but let’s see if your lion can keep up with my dragon."
Azure light flared around him as his Ocean Heart Azure Dragon burst forth — scales the color of the deepest sea, eyes glowing with wisdom and might. The beast curled protectively around him before dissolving into flowing water, swirling around Dave’s body and coalescing into a sleek, water-forged blade in one hand and a fan-shaped, crystalline guard in the other — Ayato’s style in pure martial form.
"Do you want to see me fighting?" Dave asked the kids, his voice carrying a teasing warmth. The little ones all nodded eagerly, their big, round eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Alright then," he said with a grin. "Listen well."
He glanced toward Tony. "Make sure they’ve got a good view... oh, and don’t let anyone run in here."
Tony gave a lazy salute. "Got it. Front row seats, VIP section."
The two combatants took their stances.
For a moment, all was still.
Then — CRASH! — water surged forward from Dave, clashing against the blinding silver arc of Steve’s first strike. The sound of their blades meeting rang like a bell, echoing through the training yard.
The kids flinched, then leaned forward, their tiny hands gripping the fence.
"Did you see that?! The water blocked the sword!"
"No, no, the sword cut through it first!"
"You’re both wrong — they’re equal!"
Steve’s sword swept in a controlled, rune-empowered arc, silver sparks scattering as Dave twisted, his blade moving with fluid elegance. Water trailed behind his movements like ribbons, turning parries into small waves and slashes into crashing surges.
Dave ducked under a strike, his counter slicing upward in a flash of azure. Steve blocked — the runes on his sword glowing brighter — and shoved Dave back a step.
"Not bad," Steve said, his voice low enough that only Dave could hear. "But you’re holding back."
Dave grinned, water swirling tighter around him. "So are you."
The kids were practically bouncing in place now, cheering every clash, every close dodge.
"Go, Dragon guy!"
"No, no — Lion guy’s cooler!"
"Shhh, I’m watching! Don’t blink or you’ll miss it!"
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