The air was thick with tension as the second round of the Grand Tournament began. Ethan's body still hummed with the aftermath of his hard-fought victory against Rork, the Black Knight. His muscles ached, and sweat dripped down his brow, but there was no time for rest. The next challenge loomed large, and he had to be ready. It wasn't just about fighting anymore—it was about proving himself, showing the world that someone like him could rise above the ranks of the Awakened without relying on mana.
Ethan stood in the waiting area, taking a moment to breathe deeply, his mind focused. The Ashmore twins were by his side, Lilian still brimming with excitement, while Vivian, as always, maintained a calm and composed demeanor.
"You did great out there," Lilian said, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "I knew you had it in you! You're going to crush the next round too!"
Ethan nodded, offering a small smile in return. "Thanks. But I can't get complacent. The competition is only going to get tougher from here."
Vivian, her voice serene but firm, added, "You're right. But you've already proven that you can handle whatever comes your way. Stay focused."
The words were simple, but they carried weight. Ethan had learned through his journey that he couldn't afford to let his guard down, even for a moment. Every challenge he faced, every battle he fought, was part of something bigger. It was all leading him to the goal he had set for himself—to become the strongest Awakened, to protect those he loved, and to change the world. But now, as the tournament raged on, he felt the weight of that responsibility more than ever.
The next match was called, and Ethan's opponent stepped into the arena. The announcer's voice boomed, causing the crowd to erupt in cheers.
"The second match of the Grand Tournament is about to begin! Ethan, the F-rank Awakened, will face off against Kael Thornblade, a renowned swordsman of the Storm Guild!"
Ethan's heart rate increased. Kael Thornblade was no stranger to the arena. He had built a reputation as a lightning-fast fighter, known for his speed and precision. His swordplay was said to be second to none, and many of the competitors were intimidated by his presence.
The crowd's excitement was almost palpable, but Ethan wasn't fazed. He had faced dangerous opponents before. He had no doubt that Kael would be tough, but he wasn't going to back down.
The horn sounded, signaling the start of the match. Kael wasted no time. With a burst of speed, he dashed toward Ethan, his sword gleaming in the sunlight as he launched a flurry of rapid strikes.
Ethan's eyes narrowed. He could feel the electricity in the air as Kael moved with astonishing speed, each strike more precise than the last. The crowd gasped in awe at the sheer agility of Kael's movements. Ethan knew that he had to keep up, but he also knew that a head-on clash would be a mistake. He couldn't match Kael's speed or swordsmanship in a straight-up fight.
Instead, he relied on what he did best: agility, perception, and timing.
Kael's sword sliced through the air, but Ethan was already moving, his body twisting out of the way just in time. He could hear the rush of wind as the blade whistled past him. Kael didn't give him any space to breathe, launching another flurry of attacks, but Ethan was like water, flowing around the strikes, always staying just out of reach.
Kael's eyes narrowed as he realized that Ethan wasn't an easy target. With a growl, he took a step back, adjusting his stance. "You're faster than I expected," Kael said, his voice low, though his confidence remained. "But you can't keep dodging forever."
"I don't plan to," Ethan replied, his voice calm despite the intensity of the situation.
With a sudden surge of energy, Kael launched himself forward again, but this time, his sword crackled with electricity. The air around them seemed to hum with the power of the Storm Guild's techniques. Kael was no longer holding back.
Ethan's eyes widened slightly. This was the true power of Kael Thornblade—lightning-infused strikes that could overwhelm even the most agile of opponents. The speed and power of the attacks were almost too much to track with the naked eye. But Ethan had his own way of fighting, and he wasn't about to let Kael's flashy moves control the pace of the fight.
He ducked under one strike and then rolled to the side to avoid another, feeling the electric charge in the air as the sword sliced through the space he had just occupied. The tension in the arena only intensified, with the crowd watching in awe as the battle unfolded before them.
Kael's next move was even more dangerous. He lunged forward, the lightning crackling around his blade as he aimed for Ethan's chest. In a split second, Ethan's instincts kicked in. He dropped to the ground, sliding under Kael's attack, and before Kael could react, Ethan used the momentum to spring to his feet behind him. With a swift kick to Kael's back, Ethan sent the swordsman stumbling forward.
The crowd gasped in surprise. Kael Thornblade, known for his unrelenting speed, had been caught off guard. But Kael was quick to recover, spinning around with a vicious swing of his sword. Ethan barely managed to dodge, the blade narrowly missing his side.
"You're good," Kael said, his tone a mix of respect and frustration. "But you won't win this fight. Not with my speed."
Ethan didn't respond. He couldn't afford to waste words. Instead, he kept his eyes locked on Kael, studying his every move. The lightning-infused strikes were powerful, but they had a clear rhythm. If Ethan could find the right moment, he could strike back.
The next time Kael charged, Ethan anticipated the attack. With a quick sidestep, he dodged the incoming blade and then, using his enhanced agility, landed a series of precise strikes to Kael's exposed side.
Kael staggered back, breathing heavily, and for the first time in the fight, there was a hint of doubt in his eyes. Ethan could sense the shift. The storm that Kael had summoned around him was starting to lose its power, his speed diminishing with each passing second.
"You're not as fast as you think," Ethan said, his voice steady.
Kael's eyes flickered with frustration, but he was far from defeated. With a roar, he summoned a final burst of lightning, charging at Ethan with a desperation that made the ground tremble beneath their feet. It was his last-ditch effort to overpower the F-rank Awakened.
Ethan's heart raced, but his mind was calm. He had studied Kael's movements carefully, and he knew exactly what to do. At the last possible moment, he ducked low, avoiding the lethal strike, and then, using all his strength, he launched himself upward, landing a powerful blow to Kael's midsection.
Kael's breath left him in a harsh gasp, and he collapsed to his knees, unable to continue the fight. The crowd went silent for a moment before erupting into cheers. Ethan stood tall, his chest heaving with exertion. He had won again.
The announcer's voice rang out, clear and triumphant. "And once again, Ethan is the victor! The F-rank Awakened continues his impressive journey through the tournament!"
Ethan didn't bask in the victory for long. His eyes were already focused on the next challenge, the next step in his journey. He had faced two powerful opponents, but he knew that the true test was yet to come.
As he walked off the arena floor, Lilian and Vivian were waiting for him, their faces beaming with pride.
"You did it, Ethan!" Lilian exclaimed, rushing to his side. "You beat him! I knew you could!"
Vivian offered him a soft smile. "Your focus was impressive. You've earned your place in the next round."
Ethan smiled, grateful for their support. But deep down, he knew that this was just the beginning. The tournament had only just begun, and there were far more dangerous opponents ahead. But for now, he allowed himself a moment of respite.
"Thanks," he said. "But we've still got a long way to go."
And as he looked ahead, Ethan knew that the road to glory, to becoming the strongest Awakened, would be full of challenges. But with his strength, his determination, and the support of those who cared for him, he was ready to face whatever came next.
To be continued...