The next moment, Morca stood behind the vampiro royal monster, their backs facing each other.
Silence fell over the arena.
No sound.
No movement.
Then....
---
The colossal form of the royal monster, which had once stood mighty and unchallenged, began to dissolve into thin air. It started with its massive, muscular limbs, the very foundation that had supported its overwhelming power. Piece by piece, the creature disintegrated, vanishing as if it had never existed. Soon, nothing remained of the formidable 2-star Royal Monster.
A heavy silence filled the vast hall. Thousands of spectators stood motionless, their breaths caught in their throats. The weight of the moment pressed upon them, a hushed reverence for what had just transpired. The stillness lingered, unbroken, until a voice, its origin unknown, sliced through the quiet with a single, precise utterance.
"Crimson-Black."
The words hung in the air like a sacred chant, resonating through the hall.
"Crimson-Black."
"Crimson-Black!"
The name rippled through the crowd, first as a murmur, then as an electrified roar. Within moments, the entire hall was alive with the deafening sound of that name. Excitement surged through the audience like wildfire; cheers erupted, and voices melded into a chorus of pure exhilaration. They screamed, laughed, and wept with sheer amazement. The moment was one that would be etched into history, a spectacle that those present would recount with pride to future generations.
For those who had witnessed Crimson-Black's debut in the battle ring of the Dark Avengers Club, this was an unforgettable occasion.
Unbeknownst to Morca, he had unknowingly carved an unshakable image into the minds of those who had watched his grueling two-day Ring Battle. The legend of Crimson-Black had been born. A blind faith had taken root, an unwavering belief that as long as the 'Massacre Blade Dance' Crimson-Black stood, victory was assured.
Even those who had bet against him, who had watched the drained monster fall before his might, found themselves unable to suppress their admiration. Despite their losses, they wore broad grins, their pride swelling at the privilege of witnessing such a breathtaking feat. A mere human Awakener had bested a Royal Monster... a 2-star Royal Monster at that.
This was not an impossible feat, but it was certainly rare. Few ever had the chance to see it unfold before their own eyes.
In a shadowed corner of the hall, five red-masked figures stood in silent observation. Their presence had gone unnoticed by most, but those who were aware knew they were no ordinary spectators. No. 2, among them, allowed himself a genuine smile, a rare expression from the usually composed figure.
His companions displayed varied reactions. Some showed amusement, others astonishment. Words failed them. They had no means to describe what they had just witnessed.
Soon, the referee took center stage. A wide smile stretched beneath his masked face, evident in the delight that laced his voice as he declared the results.
"Ladies and gentlemen! With Crimson-Black's victory over the 2-star Royal Monster, he shall be awarded the Dark Avengers Club's highest Token of Honor... the Crimson-Black Mask! From this moment forward, anyone who dares to lay a hand on him will invoke the full wrath of the Dark Avengers Club!"
A brief pause followed before the referee added, sheepishly, "Ah… my apologies. It seems I let my enthusiasm get the better of me. I broke the rules out of impulse."
A murmur of confusion spread through the audience. What rule had he broken? They strained their memories, trying to recall any oversight.
Sensing their bewilderment, the referee chuckled and continued, "Before the battle began, I clearly stated a rule: 'After the two-day Ring Battle concludes, we will award the most victorious contestant with a Token of Honor, the Crimson-Black Mask. Any remaining contestants in the ring will have the opportunity to challenge the reigning champion for the token. However, if the token holder manages to retain it until the very end, additional rewards will be given.' Now, let me ask..."
His gaze shifted toward the nine remaining contestants who had stood on the sidelines, watching Morca's astonishing performance. His amusement was evident in his voice as he asked, "Which of you would like to challenge the champion, Crimson-Black? You never know... you might just win the token."
Laughter erupted from the audience. A single word formed in their minds, "Shameless!" Many outright cackled, further adding to the humiliation the nine contestants were feeling. Their minds burned with indignation, silently cursing the referee for putting them on the spot.
Feigning ignorance, the referee shrugged and continued, "Never mind, then. I suppose you'd rather not steal the spotlight. In that case, let me invite the host of this incredible event to address us, one of the Five Master Chiefs, esteemed Lord 2."
A hush fell over the hall as a lean figure emerged from the shadows, stepping onto the battle ring. He was clad in an oversized cloak that obscured all identifying features, even his hair. The only visible part of him was the red mask he wore, which left only his striking crimson eyes exposed.
Morca's mind raced as he took in the figure before him. Who was this mysterious man? He had to have some connection to his brother, perhaps a business associate influential enough to secure Morca's entry into this club without alarming the other Masters. The thought that his own brother might be standing before him did not even cross his mind... though he know that guy is present.
"I'll need to research this further once I return," Morca mentally noted.
The mysterious Lord 2 finally spoke, his voice calm yet powerful. "I admire your spirit, kid. Unyielding. Decisive. Keep moving forward. I see a powerful expert in you."
After a brief pause, he continued, "Enough with the formalities. Here is the Token of Honor, the Crimson-Black Mask. Along with it, a guide detailing its usage. Study it well. There are other mysteries it holds, beyond what is written. Discover them on your own."
With those words, he handed the Crimson-Black Mask to Morca.
Suddenly, the entire hall was plunged into darkness.
For a moment, chaos reigned. People clutched at each other, uncertain of what was happening. But as swiftly as it had come, the darkness receded, and light returned.
All eyes turned back to the battle ring, only to find it empty.
Crimson-Black was gone. The mysterious Lord 2 had vanished as well.
At that moment, four other figures, clad in attire similar to Lord 2, appeared on the ring. Their presence sent a chilling wave through the hall as their auras surged outward.
Through a secret communication channel, No. 3, the all-knowing man, grumbled in an annoyed tone, "That bastard got us this time. He planned everything seamlessly, always one step ahead of me. I should have known earlier."
"Never mind," No. 5, the only woman among them, responded neutrally. "That's just his nature."
The other two remained silent, though their body language betrayed their irritation.
Elsewhere in the hall, a mysterious young girl, Noe Laura, murmured under her breath, "How mysterious, Emmett Lee. You're capable of pulling such strings? A smart move… At least it saved him from trouble."
A faint smirk graced her lips as she added, "See you in the Academy, Bond."
---
A/N
I'm trying My best guys
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