Chapter 32 - Where are you, Master?

As the battle raged on, Jarod realized he was nearing his limit. He had underestimated Aric's strength and cunning, and the relentless assault was taking its toll. Desperation began to creep in, and he knew he needed help. Drawing upon his last resort, Jarod called out to his master for assistance.

"Master! I need your help!" Jarod shouted, his voice tinged with urgency.

He expected a response, a surge of power or guidance, but nothing happened. The arena remained silent, the only sounds being the heavy breathing of the combatants and the murmurs of the audience. Confusion and panic flickered in Jarod's eyes as he called out again, louder this time.

"Master! Please!"

Still, there was no response. Jarod's heart sank, a cold dread settling over him. Why wasn't his master answering? Had he been abandoned at this critical moment? The thought gnawed at him, adding to the emotional turmoil already churning within him.

Unbeknownst to Jarod, the reason for his master's absence was Aric's cunning use of the Soul Suppression Talisman. The talisman created a barrier, preventing Jarod's master from intervening in the battle. Aric had planned this meticulously, ensuring that Jarod would be isolated and vulnerable.

"What's wrong, Jarod? Feeling abandoned?" Aric taunted, his voice dripping with mockery. "It seems even your master has given up on you."

Jarod's eyes widened with a mix of anger and betrayal. Could it be true? Was his master already supporting Aric, using him just for show? The seed of doubt took root in his mind, shaking his confidence to its core. The very foundation of his beliefs was crumbling, and the emotional weight was almost unbearable.

"No… it can't be," Jarod muttered to himself, trying to shake off the encroaching despair. "I have to win. I have to kill Aric. For my family… for my honor… for my redemption."

His resolve hardened, and he pushed the doubts aside. The emotional turmoil was fuel for his determination. With a roar, he launched himself at Aric, his attacks fueled by a desperate need to win.

Aric, sensing the intensity of Jarod's attack, was momentarily taken aback. He raised his sword to block, but Jarod's blow was too powerful. The impact sent Aric skidding backward, his composure finally shaken.

"You think you can win just because you're desperate?" Aric sneered, though his voice now carried a hint of uncertainty. He activated the second subskill of his Eclipsing Shadow Blade, Phantom Strike, hoping to regain control of the battle. Shadows enveloped his form, and he seemed to split into multiple afterimages, each one launching an attack on Jarod.

Jarod managed to block most of the attacks but was nicked by a few, his blood staining the arena floor. "Fancy tricks won't save you, Aric!"

Jarod, his mind a maelstrom of doubt and determination, knew he had to end this. He had one powerful move left, one that could turn the tide. With a primal scream, he activated his Primordial Chaos Scripture, drawing upon its deepest reserves. The ground beneath him cracked, and the air hummed with energy as he unleashed a strike that could only be compared to the power of someone in the Spirit Severing (5th Stage).

Aric's eyes widened in shock. He quickly activated his defensive talisman, the Heavenly Guardian Talisman, which he had purchased from the system just before the fight. A radiant barrier formed around him, absorbing most of the impact, but the sheer force of Jarod's attack broke through, sending Aric flying across the arena. Aric crashed into the ground, injured but not defeated.

How did Jarod manage such a powerful attack? Aric thought, bewildered. He must have the support of the heavens, the will of the world aiding him.

Aric, now desperate, reached for his trump card. He had one talisman left: the Thunderstrike Talisman, an offensive weapon he had obtained from the system's lottery. As Jarod staggered, drained from his last attack, Aric activated the Thunderstrike Talisman.

A massive bolt of lightning descended from the sky, striking Jarod with unrelenting force. Jarod screamed in agony as the electricity coursed through his body, his defenses shattered. The crowd gasped, witnessing the sheer power of Aric's final move.

Jarod's thoughts raced as he fell to his knees. Why didn't Master come? Have you truly abandoned me? Or has he been with Aric all along? The doubts and betrayal tore at his heart, but he had no time to dwell on them. He had to win, he had to survive, for his family, for his honor, for his redemption.

With one last, defiant cry, Jarod tried to rise, but his strength was gone. The lightning had taken its toll, and he collapsed onto the arena floor, unconscious.

Aric, panting heavily, stood over his fallen opponent, his body trembling from the exertion. Despite the toll the battle had taken on him, a triumphant smile spread across his face. He had won against Jarod, even with the will of the world seemingly supporting his rival. This victory proved that Jarod's protagonist halo wasn't as invincible as he had feared. Sooner or later, Aric would be able to kill him without difficulty.

"The match is over! The winner is Aric Lei!" the referee declared.

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, the sound filling the arena like a thunderstorm. Many had lost their bets, but they couldn't help but be amazed by Aric's battle prowess. Conversations buzzed through the stands as spectators marveled at the intensity of the fight.

"Did you see that Thunderstrike Talisman? Unbelievable!"

"I thought Jarod had him for sure, but Aric turned it around!"

"That was the most intense battle I've ever seen. Aric Lei is truly a force to be reckoned with."

As Aric reveled in his victory, he glanced at the defeated Jarod, who lay unconscious on the arena floor. He felt a surge of satisfaction knowing that despite all the advantages the world had thrown at Jarod, he had still emerged victorious.