Those present were stunned, shaken by Kalista's new form.
The screams of the crowd made the entire coliseum tremble, a collective roar charged with emotion, fear, and expectation.
From the highest stands, eyes did not blink; no one breathed normally. Everyone waited… for the next move.
-well… it seems your girl has decided to take a rather risky path, don't you think, Master Ursa?.
( Said Mazlan, visibly impressed )
Ursa did not respond.
She only watched, attentive… far too attentive.
She clenched her teeth tightly, sweat running down her temple, trembling hands hidden beneath the fabric. Her breathing was short, irregular.
-why do you say that, Mazi?.
( Asked Helios, curious )
-miss Helios, I would appreciate it if you didn't call me that.
But, in short… she has taken in all the air and swallowed it, cooling it down. That will stop the bleeding and ease the pain. Furthermore, she will be able to turn that thick layer of ice covering her arms, her feet, and her mouth… into a weapon.
( Explained Mazlan, serious )
-wow… that sounds incredible.
( Said Helios, impressed )
-but.
( Said Mazlan, sharply )
That single sound was enough.
The masters, the princess, everyone fixed their gaze on him.
-but?.
( Repeated Helios, confused )
-doing all of that has a terrible consequence.
It doesn't just cool the blood or the muscles… it cools the body from the inside. The organs, one by one, begin to fail. The longer she maintains that form, her blood will become slow, heavy… until it stops completely.
The result will be falling into a deep sleep.
( Concluded Mazlan, imposing )
-so… are you saying the director's boy has won?.
( Said Goro, expectant )
Mazlan merely nodded.
That gesture was enough to break Ursa from within.
Hearing them declare Morgan the winner frustrated her even more.
She didn't know what to do.
She ran a hand through her hair, pulling it hard, until she began biting one of her nails from stress… breaking it, then tearing it off with her teeth, unaware of the pain.
-mister Mazlan.
( Said Reika and Seika at the same time )
-isn't he… also badly injured?.
( Said Seika, analyzing the fight )
-and besides, the power he's using is running out. That violent energy surrounding him… it's diminishing very quickly.
( Added Reika )
-yes, that's correct. However… he is in an unstoppable state. There is no fear, doubt, or emotion that would make him stop to think.
The wounds and the cost of miss Kalista's ability are greater than those of the director's young man.
Now… he simply has to..
Mazlan did not finish the sentence.
Another voice did it for him.
A masculine voice, seductive and sweet, yet at the same time overwhelmingly imposing.
-avoid her, isn't that right?.
Behind Mazlan's seat appeared a tall man, dressed in long black robes. His hair, the same color, fell beneath a dark veil.
Upon his head rested a broken golden crown, dirty, worn, so ancient it seemed to belong to another era.
His face was covered by a white porcelain mask, smooth and cold. Around the eyes, soft makeup in pink and purple tones gave him a delicate, melancholic air.
From those black, empty eyes fell black tears adorned with small silver stars.
His presence was… unnatural, elegant, and terrifying, like the distorted reflection of a woman.
Amon and everyone present, upon hearing his voice, immediately knelt.
-your majesty… what brings you here?.
( Said Amon with utmost respect )
Luzbel was terrified.
She trembled.
He had appeared… the last person she wanted to know of Morgan's existence.
Zarathoz, on the other hand, was furious.
-what is he doing here?, what the hell is he doing here?.
( Thought Zarathoz, filled with rage )
-oh, nothing… nothing, my daughter. I simply wanted to step out for a bit, get some fresh air, and see what had everyone so… energetic.
( Said the man, elegant and gentle )
Zarathoz spoke immediately, passive-aggressive, yet respectful.
-is that truly the only reason your majesty is here, honoring us with your presence?.
( Said Zarathoz, on her knees )
-how dare you question his majesty?, Zarathoz. That is an offense I will not let slide.
( Roared Amon )
Amon was about to attack her, but the man stopped him, placing a hand on his shoulder.
-come now, my daughter… it's not that serious.
( He said kindly )
-tell me, Zarathoz… what makes you think otherwise?.
Without hesitation, Zarathoz replied.
-we do not often receive the grace of your presence. Your majesty spends most of his time on his throne, barely allowing himself to be seen.
It seemed… strange to me, that you would come all the way here just to get some air.
( She said respectfully )
-ZARATHOZ.
( Growled Amon )
But the man stopped him again.
-come, come, Amon… everything is fine, hahaha.
( He said, laughing softly )
-I suppose you're right. I don't usually come around here very often.
( He added, still smiling )
-but you caught me… I heard that someone very interesting had appeared.
And I wanted to see it with my own eyes.
The man approached the edge of the balcony.
His gaze locked onto the fight… but especially onto Morgan.
-so it's him… isn't it?, the one who has livened this place up.
( He said, curious )
-without a doubt… someone very interesting.
I wonder what kind of person he is.
( He murmured, fascinated )
-hahaha… but don't worry. I won't stay long.
I just want to see how this ends.
( He said cheerfully )
-allow me to bring you a seat, your majesty.
( Said Amon hurriedly )
-no, no… this is fine. From here I can see better.
( He replied, smiling )
-tell me, mister Mazlan… was I correct about what our young friend must do now?.
-yes, your majesty. As always, so wise.
( Replied Mazlan, devout )
-oh, come now… don't flatter me so much, you'll make me blush.
But… I don't think he'll do that.
( He said, first nervous, then more serious )
-why do you say that, your majesty?.
( Asked Mazlan )
-because that would only happen in a fight between two thinking, logical, civilized beings.
And this… is about to become something else.
His gaze sharpened.
-a fight between two beasts, guided solely by the primitive instinct to survive.
Morgan looked at Kalista.
He understood her message.
He rose.
He stood up.
For a few eternal seconds, both stared at each other from opposite ends of the coliseum.
The silence was absolute.
Then… Morgan took the first step.
Kalista did the same.
Steam poured from their maws.
They walked.
They accelerated.
They ran.
They charged their fists at the same time.
And when they were close enough…
they struck, launching their attacks in unison, screaming with everything they had left.
End of chapter.
Next chapter: The Victor (part 2)