The sand grains, like sparks of ignited oil, instantly spread within the rotating sand column, their surfaces glowing with bursts of red light.
The flames swirling from the sand column rose higher and higher.
The crimson flames and golden sand grains intertwined, swirling and rising above the stage, gradually coalescing into a magnificent fire tornado.
The sand and dust mixed within the tornado, scorched by the flames, mingled with the rising smoke, reflecting a kaleidoscope of orange-red and dark yellow light under the spotlights.
The heatwave spread outwards with the tornado's rotation, carrying a scorching oppressive feeling, as if it would engulf everything at any moment, inspiring awe.
"Wow—!" A gasp rippled through the audience; those in the front rows could even feel the wave of heat hitting them, instinctively leaning back.
Yet, their eyes remained fixed on the rotating pillar of fire in the center of the stage, filled with tension and anticipation.
Just then, a yellow halo enveloped the Tyrantrum, and its Sandstorm skill was unleashed once more.
Fine sand grains, as if drawn by an invisible force, clung layer upon layer to its body.
Forming a solid layer of sand armor, it completely enveloped its body, as if clad in a heavy suit of sand armor.
The next second, amidst gasps of astonishment from the audience, the Tyrantrum roared, its hind legs slamming into the stage floor.
Immediately afterward, its massive body shot out like an arrow, charging straight into the raging sandstorm!
"It...it went in?"
A member of the audience instinctively covered their mouth, their heart pounding in their throat, their fists clenched tightly in tension.
The live stream chat exploded instantly:
[Holy crap! What is the Tyrantrum doing?! That fire tornado looks terrifying!]
[What is the streamer up to?! I'm so anxious!]
[I'm worried, but strangely, it's so exciting!]
Meanwhile, on the side of the stage, the Larvesta, seeing the Tyrantrum rush into the sand pillar tornado, felt its red glow intensify, as if it had been infused with endless energy.
The flames it spewed from its mouth instantly increased several times over, until its entire body emitted an almost dazzling red glow.
Overheat skill activated at full power!
The increasingly powerful flames poured into the fire tornado, making the already raging energy even more turbulent.
The tornado's rotation speed increased faster and faster, and the surrounding sand particles were burned to a dark red by the flames, a chilling sight.
Everyone held their breath, their eyes fixed on the swirling fire tornado, filled with worry and curiosity.
They couldn't help but wonder about the condition of the Tyrantrum inside.
On the judges' panel, Miss Joy's eyes held a hint of worry, her hands unconsciously clenching into fists;
Mr. Sukizo's brows furrowed slightly, his fingers tapping lightly on the table, pondering the Tyrantrum's intentions.
Yumiko's eyes were slightly narrowed, her gaze behind her glasses fixed on the center of the fire tornado, as if trying to pierce through the flames and dust to see what was happening inside.
After an unknown amount of time, the Larvesta's flames gradually subsided, its overheating ability began to wane, and its body trembled slightly, clearly indicating significant depletion.
As the flames weakened, the fire tornado in the arena slowly dissipated like a receding tide.
Smoke and dust gently fell, like a curtain gradually lifting to reveal the scene at the center of the stage.
As the last wisp of smoke dissipated, everyone froze.
A statue of a Tyrantrum, formed from solidified sand, stood silently in the center of the stage.
The statue was incredibly lifelike, perfectly replicating the Tyrantrum's powerful posture:
its thick hind legs firmly planted on the ground, the lines of its muscles clearly visible; its head held high, as if emitting a silent roar, overlooking all living beings.
The difference was that the crown-like protrusion on the Tyrantrum's head was more than twice the original size.
Moreover, in front of the crown protrusion, there was an additional curved protrusion resembling a chair.
The edges were covered with charred lines from being scorched by flames, like a throne specially prepared for someone, exuding solemnity and majesty.
The Larvesta carefully used its six small black feet to claw its way up the rough surface of the silver dragon statue, step by step.
The chubby body squeezed itself into the "throne," barely managing to curl up in the curved indentation.
Only its small head peeked out, its bright eyes blinking curiously as it gazed at the stunned audience below.
Then, the Larvesta's body glowed red, its five small antennae on its head twitching gently, and tiny sparks of fire erupted from the tips of the antennae.
At first, they were just weak sparks, gradually growing stronger, until finally a string of flames, like fireworks, ignited above the throne.
The flames exploded in the air, forming tiny specks of light, which slowly drifted down, as if crowning the statue.
Even more miraculously, as the flames burned, the throne gradually became somewhat transparent.
And the body of the Tyrantrum statue began to glow with red light, the solidified sand seemingly awakened, slowly flowing again.
"Crack! Crack Crack!"
A crisp cracking sound echoed clearly in the silent hall.
The outer shell of the statue began to peel away, bit by bit, revealing the real body of the Tyrantrum beneath.
The Tyrantrum's body gleamed moistly under the lights, clearly unharmed, even displaying a hint of smugness in its eyes.
However, the enormous crown throne atop its head did not shatter with the outer shell, remaining firmly attached to the Tyrantrum's head.
The Larvesta nestled comfortably atop the throne, its small head slightly raised. It resembled a small king standing atop a throne.
At this moment, as the red glow of the Larvesta faded, the throne gradually cooled, its charred color disappearing, revealing a slightly glassy texture.
It refracted a crystalline luster under the hall lights, adding to its regal air.
The Larvesta struggled to crawl off the throne, spitting out strong threads from its mouth.
Thread-spitting skill activated!
The threads gently wrapped around Lionel's waist, and the Larvesta pulled forcefully, slowly bringing Lionel to the throne where it had once sat.
Lionel sat down. He placed his hands lightly on the armrests of the throne, his gaze calmly sweeping over the audience.
At this moment, he, the Larvesta beside the throne, and the Tyrantrum beneath it formed a wondrous scene:
It was as if a king, together with his companion, was receiving the gaze of the crowd.
Seeing this, Larvesta excitedly darted behind the throne, its five tentacles once again spewing forth flames.
This time, the flames intertwined in the air, forming a dazzling net of fire, like a magnificent curtain draped over the throne, further enhancing the solemnity of the entire scene.
Tyrantrum, in perfect unison, it tilted its head back and let out a deafening roar, leaving the audience stunned yet unable to suppress their awe.
As the roar of the Tyrantrum subsided and the flames of the Larvestas gradually died down,
Lionel rose from his throne, facing the audience and judges, slowly clenched his right fist and placed it in front of his chest, bowing slightly in greeting.