The announcer's booming voice echoed through the arena, drawing every gaze toward the wide expanse of sand.
The roar of the crowd shook the ground itself as "Gray" stood in the center of the field, fists clenched tight, shoulders weighed down by the pressure of expectation. Beneath his calm exterior, another battle raged within.
"Now… now is my time. There's no turning back. I cannot betray the trust placed in me…"He repeated it silently, driving out the fear clawing at his chest. In his mind, Kin's calm voice resounded: "No matter how strong your opponent may seem… he is still only human. Do not let him conquer your mind before your body."
On the opposite side, Kota strode in with steady steps, a mocking smile stretching across his lips. His muscular frame radiated years of combat experience, his gleaming eyes never leaving Gray, as if dissecting every detail of his stance. He lifted a hand to the crowd with confidence, and the cheers for him thundered even louder.
The announcer's voice pierced the chaos:— "Ladies and gentlemen! The moment you've all been waiting for! The highly anticipated duel between the rising contender, Gray… and the seasoned veteran, the mercenary champion known to many, Kota Valren!"
The arena shook with waves of excitement—some chanting Kota's name, others, more hesitant, beginning to cheer for Gray.
In the royal stands, the king sat with solemn authority, his four sons beside him. Leon, the second prince, leaned forward, his eyes sharp with interest. Kin, the fourth, sat with arms crossed, thoughtful. Darius, the third, offered no words, only a sly smile as he watched his younger brother. Adrian, the eldest, remained silent and calm as always, his gaze steady and unreadable.
Leon muttered under his breath:— "This boy… Gray looks nervous. He won't last long against Kota."
Kin smirked faintly.— "Don't be so quick to judge, Leon. Nerves are natural. What matters is what he does after. I saw something different in his eyes."
Darius interjected, leaning back lazily:— "Different or not, Kota is no ordinary foe. This duel will either define Gray… or destroy him."
The elderly advisor leaned close to the king, whispering:— "Your Majesty, this confrontation may reveal much about the boy's true potential."
But the king gave no answer. His sharp eyes remained fixed on the center of the arena.
Elsewhere in the stands, five men of varying ages whispered over their wagers.The first jingled a pouch of coins:— "Fifty aur on Kota. His victory is certain."
The second laughed:— "Reckless. I'll wager on Gray… the unknown always surprises."
The third shook his head, counting his coins:— "Be realistic. Kota won the Altran Tournament and placed second here last year. Do you truly think a novice can topple him?"
The fourth raised a brow:— "Beginners are the most dangerous to underestimate. My bet's on Gray."
The fifth grinned slyly:— "I'll wager on both—half on Kota, half on Gray. Either way, I win."
They all laughed, though their eyes never strayed from the battlefield.
The duel began.
At the announcer's signal, Kota surged forward with confident strides, his massive blade flashing beneath the sun. He swung it in a swift arc toward Gray's head.
Gray's instincts screamed. He leapt back just in time, the strike whistling past and slamming sparks into the sand.
Kota barked a laugh:— "Ha! Faster than I thought, boy!"
Gray's grip tightened on his short blade. He lunged, launching a rapid series of thrusts toward Kota's chest. Yet the veteran parried each one with ease, as though fending off a child with a stick.
The crowd erupted—some chanting Kota's name, others cheering Gray whenever he dodged a strike or countered with sudden aggression.
The announcer's voice rang out, charged with energy:— "There it is! The gulf of experience is clear—but Gray… Gray proves he is no mere amateur! His resolve is steel!"
Sweat streamed down Gray's brow, his breath quickening, but his eyes burned brighter with determination.
"I will not yield… I will not let you crush me like the others…" he told himself, every word stoking his resolve.
Kota's mocking grin hardened into something more serious. He shouted over the roar as he struck again:— "Show me what you've got, boy! If you don't surprise me… this ends now!"
Steel clashed with steel, sparks flying as their blades locked, the echo of iron filling the coliseum.
The crowd was on its feet, gamblers clutched their coins, nobles leaned forward, and the royal family watched with bated breath.
At that moment, with both locked in combat, the question hung heavy in the air—who would truly seize control of this storm?
End of Chapter