The virtual arena crackled with fading energy as the shockwave from the final clash dissipated. Dust settled, revealing the aftermath of the intense battle.
Both Kael and Zyrath had collapsed, their bodies struggling to recover from the impact. For a few breathless moments, the arena remained still. The crowd held their collective breath, waiting for the system's verdict.
Zyrath stirred first, his body flickering with unstable energy. He braced himself, attempting to rise, but his limbs gave out. His energy pulsed wildly, but it was clear—he couldn't continue.
Kael, battered and exhausted, pushed himself up on shaky legs. His vision blurred, but he forced himself to stay standing. His heartbeat pounded in his ears, and every muscle screamed in protest, but he had won.
[Winner: Kael Eternis.]
The announcement echoed throughout the arena. A moment of stunned silence hung in the air before a wave of cheers and murmurs broke out among the spectators.
Some erupted in celebration, amazed by the impossible victory. Others whispered in disbelief—how had a mere Layer 3 Mortal Awakening cultivator defeated someone at Layer 7?
Zyrath's Perspective
Zyrath, still slumped on the ground, let out a breath. He had underestimated Kael. At first, he had assumed this would be a simple match—an easy display of superiority. But now, as he looked up at the figure standing before him, he saw Kael in a different light.
"This guy… he wasn't just some overhyped genius. He's the real deal."
Instead of frustration, a faint smirk tugged at Zyrath's lips. With a shake of his head, he dusted himself off and met Kael's gaze. A silent acknowledgment passed between them.
He didn't need to say it aloud—but he respected Kael now.
Still, as he turned to leave, he paused for a brief moment and said,
"Enjoy the win, but don't get cocky. Next time, I won't underestimate you."
It wasn't a threat—it was a promise.
Reactions from the Elders & Important Figures
Somewhere in the private viewing chambers, an elder leaned forward, stroking his beard thoughtfully. His sharp eyes were locked on Kael.
"A Layer 3 defeating a Layer 7… not by luck, but by strategy and power."
A few other important figures watching remotely also took notice. A man dressed in intricate robes turned to his companion. "The boy is interesting," he mused. "Let's keep an eye on him."
Kael, oblivious to the attention he had just drawn, exhaled deeply.
Kael's Parents' Reaction
In one of the high-ranking family booths, Elara sat still, her hands gently resting on her lap. She had been watching the entire fight in silence, her expression unreadable.
Dan, however, let out a low chuckle. "That boy of ours… always going beyond expectations."
His mother finally spoke, her voice calm yet firm. "He was reckless."
Kael's father smirked. "He was victorious."
She sighed but didn't argue. Instead, her gaze remained on Kael, observing his every movement. She wasn't just relieved he had won—she was analyzing, thinking ahead. This victory would not go unnoticed.
"People will start paying attention now," she murmured.
Her husband nodded. "Good. Let them."
Kael's Internal Thoughts
He had won—but barely. The fight had pushed him to his limits, and even now, he could feel the aftershocks in his body.
A sense of relief washed over him. Not just from the victory itself, but from the release of all the frustration that had been building inside him.
Still, he knew this wasn't the end. If anything, this was just the beginning. He had made mistakes in that fight, and he needed to fix them.
Zappy & Kael's Small Interaction
Before Kael could dwell too much on his performance, Zappy chimed in.
"Analysis complete—adjustments for optimal efficiency are now—"
Kael let out a tired chuckle. "Zappy, let me enjoy the win for one minute."
"Acknowledged. Countdown initiated: Sixty… Fifty-nine…"
Kael groaned. "That was a joke, Zappy."
"Humor detected. Adjusting response for future interactions."
Despite the exhaustion, Kael found himself smiling.
The fight was over—but he had a feeling this victory would lead to something much bigger.