As Mon released his aura, the entire Colosseum trembled. A dark, suffocating energy spread across the battlefield, sending chills down the spines of those watching. Kyoko, standing among the spectators, activated her analysis ability. Her eyes widened in shock.
"His power level… it's 40,000… and he still hasn't used his Awaken form."
Despite witnessing immense power before, this unsettling pressure made her uneasy. Sho, standing in the battle arena, clenched his fists as the weight of Mon's aura pressed down on him. This wasn't the first time he had experienced something of this level—he had encountered an even greater power in the Seiryu Cave—but despite that, his body was still struggling to stabilize.
Without warning, Mon rushed forward, his movements nearly imperceptible to the normal eye. Before Sho could react, a powerful punch connected with his face, sending him flying backward. Dust rose as he skidded across the stone floor, but somehow, he managed to stay within the battlefield's limits.
Sho wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. His hands were trembling.
"That punch… It's on a completely different level."
The crowd roared in excitement, their voices echoing through the Colosseum. Chants of "Mon! Mon! Mon!" filled the air, drowning out any other sound.
Sho gritted his teeth. I have to win this. No matter what.
Then, a golden light burst forth from his body. His aura surged, wrapping around him like flames. His Awaken form had been activated.
Mon's expression shifted slightly—perhaps a flicker of amusement. But it didn't matter. The battle resumed with even greater intensity. Both fighters clashed, fists meeting with earth-shaking force. Shockwaves spread across the battlefield, causing cracks to form on the stone platform.
Ten minutes passed. Sho's breathing grew heavy. He could only maintain his Awaken form for twenty minutes—and half of that time was already gone. He clenched his fists tighter.
"I have to end this soon!"
Mustering all his remaining strength, Sho rushed forward, dodging Mon's counterattacks with precise movements. Then, with all his power, he delivered a devastating punch—his fist colliding directly with Mon's stomach.
A brief silence filled the battlefield.
Mon staggered backward, clutching his abdomen. His calm demeanor shattered. His lips curled into a snarl.
"HOW?" he growled. "How can you—someone beneath me—land a hit?!"
For the first time, Mon's rage surfaced. The once composed and untouchable warrior was now seething with fury.
Then, his aura exploded.
A wave of pure terror washed over the Colosseum. People in the stands began collapsing as the air itself became too thick to breathe. Kyoko's legs trembled.
"This power… it's…"
Kyoko analyzed once again. Her eyes widened in horror.
"His power level is at 80,000!"
Above them, dark clouds gathered once more, but this time, the moon wasn't just visible—it was crimson red.
Sho couldn't move. His body refused to obey him.
"This is beyond anything I've ever seen…"
Mon's eyes glowed with a sinister light, and he raised his index finger, pointing it at Sho. The battlefield cracked under the weight of his presence. Sho could feel death approaching—his body was paralyzed, his breath shallow.
Then—
"TIME'S UP!"
Jun's voice thundered across the battlefield, breaking the tension.
"This match is a draw!"
The entire arena was silent. The battle was over. But Mon wasn't done. His finger was still pointed at Sho, dark energy swirling at his fingertip.
Before he could release whatever attack he was preparing—
Escarion entered the battlefield.
The legend himself stepped forward, his mere presence crushing the weight of Mon's aura. His golden eyes locked onto Mon, filled with something neither anger nor amusement—just a piercing intensity.
"Stop, Mon."
Mon turned to him, his rage flaring.
"Get out of my way, weakling… or you will die."
Silence.
Escarion's smile disappeared. His eyes darkened. In an instant, he grabbed Mon's head, lifting him effortlessly.
"Know your place, kid."
Mon's body froze. The unshakable warrior, the prodigy of the Tsukigiri Clan, was trembling. His rage dissolved into fear. The oppressive aura vanished completely—like it had never existed.
Moments later, Mon collapsed. His body went limp.
Escarion hoisted Mon onto his shoulder, carrying him off the battlefield.
Sho stood frozen in place, still processing what had just happened.
"What… just happened?"
The crowd remained silent, their excitement replaced by sheer awe.
As Escarion walked away, the Colosseum felt empty, as if all the energy had been sucked out of it.
And for the first time since the tournament began, Sho wasn't sure if he wanted to fight again.