The sudden absence of his opponent left him in distraught.
"Why… did he withdraw… sob… I don't understand… he should've been sob… the winner… sob"
As his body laid on the ground, he was crying of tears that he couldn't understand.
WOM!
[Marcus Renfield has been declared the winner. Congratulations to our new Royal Blade.]
The words echoed through the dome, each syllable reverberating in Marcus's chest.
He blinked, certain he must have misheard.
But the announcement came again, louder this time, leaving no room for doubt.
[Congratulations Participant #0,001 you have been granted the title of Royal Blade.]
A surge of emotions washed over Marcus like a tidal wave. He felt joy, disbelief, relief, and an intense sense of responsibility all competing for space in his heart. He had done it. He had achieved his dream and kept his promise to his family.
But as the reality of his victory began to sink in, so too did the toll of the grueling battle.
