Chapter 8 - Shadows and Secrets: Journey to the Unknown part 1

The arena held its collective breath as Asher seemed on the brink of defeat, but in a blinding flash, he emerged unharmed, leaving the audience stunned. Even Asher himself had faltered momentarily after the overwhelming assault.

The Dark Blizzard's laughter reverberated through the arena with a sinister undertone. "What happened? Look at your face. Don't worry, I'm not going to end your life." A sense of bewilderment spread across the arena as they tried to fathom the Dark Blizzard's intentions. Asher's terror was palpable, his body drenched in sweat, his mind unable to formulate a plan.

Trembling, Asher managed to muster a quivering voice, "Why won't you finish me?" In an unexpected shift, the Dark Blizzard's tone softened, his words gentle yet foreboding. "You are my first and only student, Asher. Death is not your fate, but a lesson in strength awaits."

Despite his fear, Asher's defiance gave birth to a resolute chuckle, "You won't win this, old man. Brace yourself, for I am unleashing my true power." The old man's excitement shone through his response, "Oh, intriguing. Show me all you've got."

Asher closed his eyes, enveloping the arena in a pervasive warmth. Obsidian waves of heat radiated from him, coalescing into a demonic visage against the scorching sky. The intensity ignited Asher's shirt, flames licking at its fabric.

The Dark Blizzard's admiration broke through, "Ah, my boy, that's what I've yearned for. With this aura, I sense the demon within. Time to meet it head-on."

In mere seconds, flames consumed Asher's shirt, devouring the glove he wore to hide his bony hand. The Darkened appendage captured the Dark Blizzard's attention.

"I was right. A demon resides within you. Perhaps I must end your life here."

Undeterred, Asher's focus remained steadfast on his magic. The Dark Blizzard employed "Thunder stepping," amplified to its peak. Gasps of amazement echoed as he moved with imperceptible speed, landing a hit on Asher's hand.

The audience's cheers erupted, Asher's name ringing through the arena. He retaliated, hurling the Dark Blizzard aside, who found himself momentarily defenceless. "Your speed has risen," Asher noted.

Dusting off his clothes, the Dark Blizzard projected fearlessness. Yet deep within, true terror brewed as Asher's immense magical prowess became evident. A mere brush with the heat waves had singed his hand within seconds.

Asher's eyes snapped open, their intensity sending a shiver through the audience. The temperature surged, enveloping all in the battle's fervour.

"Old man, your reckoning has arrived. Today, Asher Blackwood emerges victorious."

The Dark Blizzard maintained an unwavering smile, his composure unshaken. "Confidence suits you, but I've yet to reveal my hand." A peculiar gleam danced in Asher's eyes. "When will you?" he inquired, followed by a fit of laughter.

The clash resumed, Asher, initiating a familiar move, "Demonic Katana," launching potent slashes. The Dark Blizzard laughed derisively, "Mocking me? Such tricks won't sway me."

In response, the Dark Blizzard unleashed "The Mirrors Reflect," repelling Asher's strikes. Skillfully, Asher dodged the mirrored assaults with determination.

Despite Asher's attempts from various angles, failure prevailed. An evil grin adorned the Dark Blizzard's face, tauntingly. "Now, it's my turn to strike." He embraced hand-to-hand combat, hindering Asher's counterattacks.

Employing "Thunder stepping," the Dark Blizzard darted unpredictably, launching attacks from every corner. Asher struggled, barely managing to parry a single blow. Critical hits rained down, and Asher's reaction faltered. Suddenly, a punishing punch landed, toppling Asher to the ground.

His vacant eyes stared into nothingness, his face pressed into the ground. Dark Blizzard gripped Asher's foot and effortlessly hoisted him into the air, a sinister determination marking his actions. Convinced of Asher's defeat, Dark Blizzard readied himself to end the match.

In a heavy tone, Dark Blizzard announced, "Mirror magic: Ray of hope." A mirror formed in the sky, and a ray of light burst downward, striking Asher in mid-air. The impact sent him hurtling toward the ground at breakneck speed.

Asher plummeted, losing consciousness as he crashed into the earth. The arena fell into stunned silence, the realization of Asher's defeat hanging heavy in the air. Dark Blizzard raised his hand triumphantly, prompting the audience to erupt in cheers, his name echoing throughout the arena.

After his victory, Dark Blizzard departed without a word. Two men swiftly entered the arena, rushing to Asher's side. As they neared him, they noticed the blood flowing from his head, shoulder, and back. With urgency, they picked him up and hastened to the infirmary.

*****

Alexia and Henry sprinted towards Asher, arriving in the aftermath of Dark Blizzard's final attack. Alexia's plea for Asher's safety was met with Henry's reassurance, trying to keep her calm.

Reaching the infirmary, they found Asher under the doctor's care. The doctor was administering first aid, while a nurse provided updates on his condition.

Tears welled in Alexia's eyes as she spoke, her voice trembling, "Please be safe, Asher."

Henry's voice was gentle, his words soothing, "Don't worry, he will be safe. Stay calm."

After a while, the doctor emerged from Asher's room. Alexia rushed to him, asking anxiously, "How is he, Doctor?"

The doctor's response was reassuring, "He's stable. His recovery is faster than average, but he needs complete bed rest for a few days."

Relief washed over Alexia, "Thank goodness, he's okay."

Henry chimed in, "See, he's okay. I told you not to worry."

Wanting to see Asher, Alexia inquired, "Can we go in and see him?"

The doctor nodded, "You can visit him for a few minutes."

Inside the room, Asher lay unconscious, wrapped in bandages. Alexia whispered to Henry, her voice choked with emotion, "Look at what happened to him." Tears welled in her eyes.

Henry's reassurance followed, "Calm down. We'll go, and we'll come back in the evening."

Alexia nodded, her voice soft, "Alright, okay." She wiped away her tears.

And so, the scene unfolded, capturing the aftermath of the intense battle and the concerns of those closest to Asher.

Late into the night, Asher awoke, finding himself nestled in a bed. Attempting to shift, he encountered an unexplainable heaviness, as if a great weight bore down upon him. Repeated attempts to move proved futile, leaving him with no choice but to concede defeat. The room lay ensconced in darkness, illuminated only by the moonlight filtering in through the window.

A sudden recollection jolted Asher—his clash with Dark Blizzard in battle. His memory faltered, the last image he retained being hurled into the air before awakening in this unfamiliar place.

His voice heavy with resignation, Asher mumbled, "It seems I have been defeated."

Closing his eyes, he surrendered to regret, the weight of unfulfilled promises to Alexia and Henry looming over him—the vow to emerge triumphant in this festival.

His gaze drifted to a lone clock adorning the wall, its hands indicating 4:30 am, while a gentle breeze seeped in, infusing the room with a chilly embrace....

*****