Seeing this, Mr. Halden smiled as he led everyone out of the classroom and brought them to the school's advanced training facility.
It was a large, open space, designed for maximum flexibility. There were multiple platforms and obstacles, along with a variety of materials, weapons, and tools.
And in the deepest part of the facility, five large arenas were set up.
The arenas were wide circular stages surrounded by strong tech barriers that gleamed under the bright lights. Nano-cameras floated above, ready to scan and record every move and power used.
The crowd of students gathered, eager to witness the fight.
"We will be observing the battle from above," Mr. Halden explained.
He turned toward Ethan and Lucas, his expression stern.
"Both of you, get into position and activate your protective suits. And remember, no killing."
"Got it," they replied, the air around them thick with tension.
Students filled the seats quickly, whispering and pointing toward the stage. Some were openly cheering for Lucas. Others stayed quiet, but their eyes kept flicking to Ethan, hoping he'd prove something.
Meanwhile, both Ethan and Lucas had climbed up the stage and stood across from each other, both calm and focused.
Mr. Halden activated the barriers, sealing them inside.
"Now, begin."
With the signal, Ethan and Lucas faced each other.
A silence fell over the audience as everyone watched intently.
A moment later, Ethan took a deep breath.
Then, he let it out slowly.
And as he did, a light mist began to form around him. At first, it was barely visible, but then it thickened quickly, spreading to cover the entire stage. The special barrier around the platform flared gently, stopping the mist from spilling out.
This surprised everyone as they started talking about this.
"Is that... part of his power?"
"What does it do?"
"Looks harmless."
Whispers rose in the crowd.
Ethan ignored them, his gaze fixed on Lucas.
On the other side, Lucas frowned.
'An ability to create mist? What is this? A cheap smoke bomb?'
He scoffed.
'What a waste. Well, time to end this farce.'
With a quick gesture, Lucas raised his hand—and the air around them changed.
The gravity inside the arena multiplied.
Suddenly, the mist dropped like heavy rain, falling to the ground in seconds. The air felt heavier, like an invisible force pressing down on everything.
Ethan was caught off-guard, stumbling as his footing shifted.
"Whoa," he muttered.
The pressure was intense, nearly suffocating. It felt like a giant had wrapped its fingers around him, squeezing tightly.
He grunted, struggling to breathe.
And then his knees gave out as he dropped to one knee.
He clenched his jaw, sweat already forming. His body felt like it weighed a ton. Every breath was a struggle.
This caused everyone in the audience to be silent.
"Damn..."
"Incredible."
On the other side, Lucas stood tall, completely unaffected, smirking, his face twisted with sadistic delight.
"Ha! How does it feel, Ethan?!
Being crushed under the weight of my power?!"
Ethan grimaced, his body trembling.
He tried to stand, but it was like lifting a mountain.
His vision blurred, his lungs burning.
The pain was almost unbearable.
It felt like he was dying.
Seeing this, Lucas slowly walked in front of him, and when he was less than a meter away from him, he stopped and looked down at him.
"You seriously showed up with fog tricks?" he said, smirking. "Pathetic."
"This is too easy," he continued, a mocking tone in his voice.
"Do you have any idea how many times I've dreamt of this?"
He laughed, his voice booming.
Ethan, who was still kneeling on the ground, didn't respond.
Seeing this, Lucas lifted his leg and kicked him hard across the face.
The hit knocked Ethan across the stage. His body rolled and crashed into the edge of the arena wall.
Gasps and screams echoed from the crowd.
Lucas smirked and raised the gravity again—right where Ethan had landed.
The pressure intensified, and the floor cracked and crumbled beneath him.
Ethan groaned, barely able to move. His arms trembled as he tried to push himself up. But the pressure was too much.
He fell forward, his cheek pressed against the cool ground.
Blood dripped from his mouth.
"Is that all?"
Lucas laughed, his eyes cold.
"How weak. I thought you were better than this.
What a disappointment."
Lucas said as he walked over again, slowly, like he was enjoying every second.
He bent down and grabbed Ethan by the collar, lifting him halfway up before slamming a fist into his stomach.
Ethan choked out a breath.
Another punch hit his jaw, sending blood flying.
Lucas's fists were merciless.
Ethan's eyes began to lose focus, the pain making his body numb.
His ears were ringing.
In the stands, Evelyn and Everly stood up, their eyes wide with horror.
"Stop it!" Evelyn shouted, her voice breaking.
"You've done enough!" Everly cried out.
Lucas didn't even look at them.
He threw Ethan back to the ground and kicked him hard in the ribs.
There was a loud crack as bones broke.
The students were speechless. No one dared speak.
Lucas's cruelty had crossed the line.
He was going too far.
This was not a normal fight. This was an execution.
'No...'
Evelyn shook her head, tears forming.
She wanted to rush over and stop him, but the barrier prevented anyone from interfering.
"Stop..." she whispered, her hands clutching the railings tightly.
But her plea was lost in the noise.
As Lucas continued his relentless assault, Ethan lay there, unmoving.
Blood stained his uniform, his body covered in bruises and cuts.
Then finally, he put his foot on Ethan's head, pressing it into the floor.
He raised his arms and yelled, "This is what happens when weaklings think they belong at the top!"
"This is the end!"
With those words, Lucas released his hold on gravity.
All the pressure suddenly vanished, and Ethan was left sprawled out, motionless.
There was a long, stunned silence.
Lucas smirked as he enjoyed this silence.
But suddenly, the arena exploded with cheers and shouts.
"That was amazing!"
"So awesome!"
"Lucas is the best!"
Lucas soaked it all in, smiling widely.
He had won with absolute victory, or did he?