Chapter 11 (Into the finals)

Razen stepped into the arena, his face twisted with arrogance and disdain. But Blackthorn remained calm, his mind focused on the task at hand.

As Razen and Blackthorn emerged onto the stage, a thunderous cheer went off in the stands. The anticipation was palpable, but Blackthorn was as focused as ever. The only thing on his mind was to give Razen his deserved punishment.

Razen cracked his knuckles, a smirk playing on his lips. "You're in for a world of hurt, newbie," he sneered, flexing his muscles menacingly.

Blackthorn didn't respond, merely adopting a defensive stance, his eyes narrowed in determination.

As soon as the announcer yelled for them to begin, Razen pushed off to a ferocious start. He wasted no time in launching his attack. With a roar, he charged at Blackthorn, his fists wreathed in swirling earth and rock.

He possessed the earth's ability, and wasting no time or movements, he swung all he had, and techniques towards Blackthorn. The latter, however, moved with a grace and agility that belied his physical strength. He moved with lightning speed, dodging Razen's blows with practiced ease.

Blackthorn danced around his opponent, his movements fluid and graceful, like a shadow weaving through the darkness. He made slight movements that allowed him to dodge, and sometimes parry Razen's attacks with precision.

In frustration, Razen intensified his attacks to get the win. His frustration grew with each missed strike, his attacks becoming more frenzied and desperate. But Blackthorn remained unfazed, his focus unwavering. However, despite his best efforts, he made no progress.

As the fight dragged on, the crowds began to boo, wondering why Blackthorn hadn't done anything special rather than block, tire out his opponent, and sneakily or luckily land a finishing blow when they are weak. Even Valeria began to wonder if something was wrong with Blackthorn's strength. And on another note, she noticed that Blackthorn hadn't used his ability since they had been sent back in time.

However, as she was still in her thoughts, something caught the corner of her eye. Yes, it was Blackthorn's movement. He was now jumping and flexing like a martial artist who was about to go on full offense.

Razen's attacks began to lose their power and precision. His movements became sluggish, and his breathing labored.

Blackthorn seized the opportunity, his eyes blazing with determination. With a sudden burst of speed, he launched himself at Razen, his fists a blur as they rained down upon his opponent with devastating force.

Razen staggered backward, blood streaming from his wounds. He looked up at Blackthorn with fear in his eyes, realizing too late that he had underestimated his opponent.

"Now!" Blackthorn spoke inwardly, then charged with a new velocity of speed, landing deadly, crucial, pinpoint blows on Razen's body.

For Razen, all he could feel at that moment was pain in his different body parts. He didn't even get a second for his nerves to feel and process the amount of pain. The crowd stunned in silence, were too shocked to speak. They thought Blackthorn had been winning through the luck factor. But after seeing this short seamless display of brutality, they were utterly shocked.

"Isn't this getting too much for Razen?" A student inquired, looking towards his fellow friends.

As this continued to occur, the intensity of Razen's beating getting out of hand, X, whose entire body was hidden in the shade away from the sun, signaled to an official to end the match and declare Blackthorn as the winner.

Sensing this was the right thing to do to prevent casualty, the officials rang the bell and announced Blackthorn as the winner. However, before they did, Blackthorn saw that decision coming and decided to give a backward roundhouse kick to the jaw of Razen, blood gusted out the latter's mouth, as he fell to the floor, his body battered and bruised from several harsh strikes.

With one final, decisive blow, Blackthorn sent Razen crashing to the ground, defeated and broken.

"Blackthorn is your winner!" The announcer ululated while stretching his free hand towards Blackthorn who had a blank look on his face. The crowd roared in frenzy one more time, and the surprised reaction went from left to right, the defending champion had just been defeated by a newbie.

But Blackthorn paid no heed to their adulation, his gaze fixed on Razen's prone form.

A smile resurfaced on Valeria's lips as the thoughts of Blackthorn losing his powers weren't in her mind any longer.

X, taking a glance towards Valeria who still had a smile on her face, spoke: "I think that girl is somewhat connected to Damien. Well then, I will repay the favor by doing what you did to my student

As the officials moved in to tend to the fallen fighter, Blackthorn turned and walked away, his victory complete. But deep down, he knew that his battle was far from over.

"(Approaching Blackthorn with a smile) You did it, Blackthorn! Sorry, Damien! You showed them what you're made of." Valeria uttered.

Blackthorn, his expression unreadable, replied coldly:

"It had to be done."

"(Noticing the intensity in Blackthorn's gaze) Are you alright? You seem... distant." She inquired.

"I'm fine. It's just... This victory, it doesn't feel like enough." He muttered.

With a concerned expression, she asked:

"What do you mean?"

"(Clutching his fists) I don't think he has been repaid enough." Blackthorn spoke.

Placing a hand on Blackthorn's shoulder, She spoke;

"Revenge won't bring back what you've lost. We need to focus on moving forward."

"(Nodding slowly) You're right, Valeria. For now, let's celebrate this victory. All that is remaining is for you to enter the finals, and you will be going to meet the other two." He added.

"(Smiling) Agreed. And who knows, maybe this win will open up new opportunities for us." She said, with an optimistic tone

"(Returning the smile) Perhaps. But one thing's for sure, Valeria. Our journey is far from over." Blackthorn uttered.

"(Determined) Then let's face it together, Blackthorn. Whatever comes our way, we'll face it together."

"Together huh?..." The latter mused, however, a presence broke him out of his reverie.

"Well well well, isn't that the opponent you would be going against?" Blacthorn grinned, as he turned to a certain individual.