Plans

"Johnny, what are your plans after winning the championship?" Rat's inquiry carried a smile as he regarded the confident Johnny.

In Rat's estimation, clinching the championship would not only grant Johnny unparalleled freedom within Saka but also bestow upon him a level of glory and admiration unmatched by any other. With such privileges at his disposal, remaining in Saka seemed the obvious choice.

"I will leave Saka," Johnny responded almost reflexively.

"What? Johnny, you need to think this through. Winning the championship would elevate your status in Saka to second only to the Grandmaster..." Rat's confusion was palpable, unable to comprehend Johnny's reasoning.

"Rat, Saka isn't where I belong. I have matters elsewhere," Johnny explained with a faint smile, a vision of a blue planet flashing through his mind.

Though a time traveler and not native to this universe, in Johnny's heart, he remained an Earthling. Whether it was the Earth of his origins or Marvel's Earth, a sense of belonging persisted.

Furthermore, before his arrival in Saka, he'd narrowly escaped the clutches of the goddess of death, Hela, in a harrowing encounter on the Rainbow Bridge. The debt incurred weighed heavily on his conscience.

"Well, Johnny, if you won't be staying in Saka indefinitely, I hope that when you think of your friend Rat, you'll consider returning to Saka to visit me," Rat remarked with a gentle smile, lifting his wine glass in a gesture of camaraderie.

"Don't worry, Rat. However, if you plan to leave Saka, there's one final step," Johnny replied warmly, touched by Rat's sentiment. Since arriving in the Marvel world, Rat had been the only true friend he'd found.

After their exchange, Larter discreetly reminded Johnny to prepare for the upcoming bout before taking his leave, leaving Johnny to ready himself for the tenth knockout round. Given Johnny's current power, the match proceeded much like the ones before it, devoid of any significant twists or turns.

...

In the previous matches, Johnny had amassed a significant number of devouring points. However, in this final knockout round, he refrained from the frenzy of killing and instead stood silently, awaiting the bell's signal to end the game.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the elimination round has concluded. Let's applaud for all the fighters who remain standing!"

Grandmaster's resonant voice echoed alongside the bell's toll.

"And now, I have an announcement to make. I'm sure you've all guessed it. Our esteemed fighter, Johnny the Devourer, has completed ten knockout matches and secured a place in the championship. Let's give him a round of applause!"

Grandmaster's gaze swept over Johnny, who remained composed in the arena, eliciting thunderous cheers from the audience.

"The championship battle will commence in a month. The new champion will rise amidst the glory of triumph, standing tall upon the corpses of their rivals! They shall become the most radiant star in Saka!"

Grandmaster's words confirmed recent speculations, igniting excitement among the fervent spectators.

Each championship battle heralded a showdown among the tournament's mightiest warriors, with only a select few truly worthy of vying for the title.

Unperturbed by the arena's roars of approval, Johnny made his way towards the exit as the door on the duel arena's bottom floor swung open.

"Fighter Johnny, the Grandmaster wishes to speak with you. Allow me to escort you," Topaz interjected, intercepting Johnny's departure.

This time, her demeanor toward Johnny had softened considerably. Striving to convey a kind demeanor, her words bore a newfound politeness.

As Johnny's power burgeoned, Topaz's perception of him underwent a gradual transformation.

Now, Johnny stood as a contender on par with the likes of the Titan, the Insect Mother, and the Venomous Man. He commanded great attention from Grandmaster, transforming from a mere servant into a valued individual in the grand scheme of Grandmaster's immortal existence.

"Why does Grandmaster wish to see me at this juncture? What could be the matter?"

Observing Topaz's serene smile, Johnny wasn't too distant. He trailed Topaz to Grandmaster's palace, pondering along the way. In a single sentence, he queried, "Why does Grandmaster want to see me?"

"Every championship contender receives personal attention from the Grandmaster. He promises unimaginable rewards for those who excel," Topaz explained, speculating on Grandmaster's motives.

Johnny nodded in understanding. The championship was akin to a crucible, sifting through fighters until the strongest emerged. Grandmaster likely sought to motivate contenders with promises of lavish rewards.

Upon entering Grandmaster's palace, Johnny was greeted by blaring music and Grandmaster's enthusiastic voice. Amidst the revelry, Grandmaster acknowledged Johnny's presence.

"Master Grandmaster, what do you need from me?" Johnny inquired, his regard for Grandmaster lukewarm at best.

"Our paths have crossed due to the championship," Johnny mused.

"I had a hunch you'd rise to the top. Your swift ascent surprises even me," Grandmaster remarked, removing his headphones and gesturing for Johnny to sit.

Johnny remained composed, neither awed nor flustered in Grandmaster's presence.

"How confident are you in winning the championship?" Grandmaster queried, adopting a casual demeanor.

"I aim to be the champion," Johnny replied evenly, prompting Grandmaster to chuckle with delight.

"I admire your determination. As a contender, you'll have the chance to reclaim your freedom and bask in Saka's highest honor. Is there anything else you desire?" Grandmaster inquired, extending a gesture of friendship.

.....

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