284

Champion Fighting

The gray-haired man in the hologram projection was none other than the ruler of Sakaar, Grandmaster.

His appearance was met with enthusiastic cheers from the arena, accompanied by pulsating electronic music that filled the air with excitement.

"Tonight promises to be an exhilarating competition. Our reigning champion Ares will face a new challenger, alongside the debut of a promising newcomer," Grandmaster announced.

"I'm sure many of you have placed your bets on your favorite gladiators. But first, let's kick off with some warm-up matches."

Before every grand fighting competition, several warm-up bouts would take place where lesser-known gladiators fought each other to rouse the crowd's excitement.

"The first match: Wiggin versus Cruz!" Grandmaster announced the contenders.

The gates on opposite sides of the arena slowly creaked open, revealing two towering gladiators.

"Let the games begin!" Grandmaster declared.

One of the gladiators charged forward with a massive sword, immediately captivating the audience with the spectacle of their clash. Both combatants displayed equal prowess, exchanging blows that left them bruised and bloodied after hundreds of rounds.

Ultimately, one gladiator was decapitated, and the victor celebrated by triumphantly stepping on the fallen opponent's corpse, head still spewing blood.

Two more intense matches followed, each ending in a similar display of brutal combat, leaving bloodstains across the arena floor.

Despite the carnage, the crowd's enthusiasm soared, with cheers echoing and fireworks lighting up the sky, intensifying the spectacle.

"I'm sure you're all feeling as thrilled as I am. What a spectacular night it's shaping up to be," Grandmaster's hologram reappeared, sporting a broad smile. "A big thank you to our gladiators who gave their all in those warm-up matches. Now, let's introduce this month's standout newcomer, Bill the Horse-Faced!"

"His opponent tonight: Two-Face!"

Forseti leaned forward in his seat.

The arena gates opened once more.

Out stepped a robust horse-faced man wielding a warhammer – none other than Bill, the Horse-Faced Thor. Notably, a small disk on his neck marked him as under Grandmaster's control, a perpetual trace of anger evident on his face.

Forseti sat in the third row, his proximity to the arena granting him a clear view. As Bill's eyes scanned the audience, they briefly locked onto Forseti's, surprise flickering in his gaze.

Forseti offered a friendly smile before assuming a neutral expression once more.

Though they'd made contact, the challenge remained: how to liberate Bill from Grandmaster's grasp.

Bill visibly steeled himself, took a deep breath, tightened his grip on the warhammer, and focused on his opponent.

Two-Face, aptly named for his dual visage – one furious, the other weeping – charged forward with two massive swords gripped tightly.

"The Horse-Faced versus Two-Face – let the battle commence!"

Two-Face's furious side roared as he lunged, swords slashing with fierce determination. But before they connected, Bill swung Mjölnir, unleashing a brilliant bolt of lightning.

"Boom!"

Two-Face was struck head-on by the lightning.

"Horse-Faced! Horse-Faced!" Thunderous cheers erupted as the audience erupted, fireworks lighting up the sky.

From his vantage point, Grandmaster also smiled. "Haha, impressive, Horse-Faced. You might just have what it takes to challenge Ares, though he still holds the edge."

He glanced aside, acknowledging a thin, bald man with pale skin.

"Carlo, you've found quite the fighter. You do me proud, my brother."

Back in the arena, Two-Face struggled to his feet, both faces contorted in rage. Suddenly, the weeping visage transformed to match the furious one, both faces snarling in unison.

"I'll kill you!" they shouted, launching another furious assault.

With both faces united in anger, Two-Face gained newfound strength, engaging in a back-and-forth struggle with Bill. However, as guardian of the Corbins and bearer of Odin's gift, Mjölnir, Bill's might surpassed his opponent's.

Not many could match the Horse-Faced Thor's prowess, not even in Asgard.

Taking the battle more seriously now, Bill swiftly gained the upper hand. With a resounding blow from Mjölnir, crackling arcs of lightning entangled Two-Face, sealing his defeat.

Upon hitting the ground, Two-Face's expression shifted once more, both faces now displaying fear and pleading: "Don't kill me, please..."

Known for his honor, the Horse-Faced Thor, acknowledged by Mjölnir, halted his attack immediately.

Yet just as he did, Two-Face's faces twisted back to rage, swords swinging toward Bill with deadly intent.

Caught off guard, Bill dodged hastily, but one sword still struck him, drawing a pained grunt.

"Boom!" Lightning erupted again from Mjölnir, striking Two-Face squarely and ending the battle.

"Thor! Thor!" The audience cheered louder than ever for Bill.

Bill gazed solemnly at the fallen combatant, then turned and left the arena without a word.

Forseti scanned his surroundings, planning his next move. Spotting a nearby entrance used by gladiators, he entered. After turning a corner, he saw Bill just emerging from the arena.

"Bill."

Before Forseti could approach, laser barriers materialized, drones hovering, and heavily armored guards rushed toward him.

"Who are you?"

"I'm a supporter of Bill's, hoping for an autograph."

"Move along. Only those with business with the Master are allowed here." The guard dismissed him.

Bill subtly shook his head at Forseti, advising against confrontation.

Resigned, Forseti left, pondering his next steps, returning to his seat to watch the rest of the matches with a distracted mind.

"Horse Man's performance was truly exhilarating. But now, let's move on to our main event," Grandmaster's hologram reappeared, his smile widening.

"Please join me in welcoming tonight's headliner, Ares, the Cruel Axe, with your warmest applause!"

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