The arena was still buzzing with shock and disbelief following the unexpected outcome of Lucio's fight against Jax. The once-confident crowd was now a sea of uncertainty, and the betting people no longer knew to whom they would gamble.
Before Bennet could even think about reaching the finals, he had a challenging obstacle in his path – a duel against Zaira, his own comrade and friend. They both knew that this match would test their abilities to the fullest.
"Zaira," Bennet began, breaking the silence that hung between them. "This is going to be one intense battle, isn't it?"
Zaira nodded, her eyes reflecting the determination she felt. "Absolutely. Whoever wins must crush that mut" referring to Jax who disrespected Lucio.
They shared a silent understanding that the outcome of the fight wouldn't affect their bond and it was all about the next round.
As the battle commenced, it became clear that it was a clash of swiftness. Both Bennet and Zaira were lightning-fast, their movements a blur to the spectators. It was a dance of agility and precision, with each warrior relying on their speed to land quick strikes, execute counter-attacks, and evade the opponent's moves.
Zaira unleashed her augmenter skill, a burst of energy surging through her veins. Her attacks, already swift, took on an even more powerful edge. She moved like a whirlwind, her rapier slashing through the air with precision and grace. Bennet knew he had to match her ability with something of his own.
With a deep breath, Bennet activated his skill, Enhance. A surge of power coursed through his body, making him feel like an unyielding fortress. His strikes carried an extra punch, and his body became more durable, allowing him to withstand Zaira's fierce onslaught.
The clash between the two young warriors intensified. They darted around the arena, their movements a blur as they exchanged rapid blows. Zaira's augmenter-enhanced strikes were met with Bennet's enhanced durability, creating a fierce contest of strength and agility.
The arena buzzed with excitement, they couldn't believe that they were watching young warriors who were not even fifteen years old. Their movements were fluid, almost like a pair of swans dancing with almost perfect reactions against each other.
Bennet unleashed a series of quick strikes, aiming to break through Zaira's defenses. She countered with dazzling footwork, narrowly dodging each blow. The spectators were treated to a breathtaking display of blade vs. swordplay as the two young warriors pushed each other to their limits.
As they continued their intense exchange, Bennet began to analyze Zaira's movements. He saw a pattern, with a feigned strike to her left, Bennet baited Zaira into a powerful counterattack. As her rapier descended with lethal intent, he suddenly shifted his weight, narrowly avoiding the blade. It whizzed past him, leaving Zaira momentarily off balance.
Seizing the opportunity, Bennet lunged forward with precision. He delivered a rapid series of strikes, pushing Zaira back step by step. The crowd gasped as his blade neared her, but she managed to regain her footing and parry his attacks just in time.
Their battle reached a fever pitch as both warriors refused to yield, Bennet knew that it was time to reveal his secret weapon.
With a deep breath, he activated his skill, Haste. Everything around him seemed to slow down, and he became a blur of motion. Zaira, caught off guard by his sudden burst of speed, struggled to keep up, and the final, decisive phase of their battle began.
Zaira's reactions were no match for his lightning-fast attacks. His dual blades moved so swiftly through the air that she had to switch from a defensive stance to evasive maneuvers.
With every step Bennet took towards her, his strikes transformed into a barrage. Zaira frantically retreated, trying to deflect or evade his assaults. However, as time went on, she became increasingly defensive, incapable of launching any significant counteroffensive moves.
Then, in a swift and calculated maneuver, Bennet executed a complex feint, drawing Zaira into a false sense of security. As she lunged to counter his perceived attack, he pivoted with unparalleled agility, landing a decisive blow on her shoulder.
Zaira cried out in pain and stumbled backward, clutching her wounded shoulder. The audience erupted into cheers and applause as Bennet stood victorious, his body still imbued with the incredible speed of Haste.
Breathing heavily, Bennet extended a hand to help Zaira to her feet. She accepted it but tears welled up in Zaira's eyes as she watched Bennet's victory, a mixture of joy for his success and disappointment in herself.
After exiting the arena, the bustling sounds of medical personnel tending to Zaira's injuries filled the air. Bennet, feeling a deep sense of concern for his friend, made his way toward her, but his path was abruptly blocked by a tall, imposing man.
The man showed little emotion, but his clenched fists betrayed what he felt within. He took a deep breath and spoke, his voice firm yet tinged with an underlying strain.
"Excuse me," he began, "I'm Zaira's father. I apologize if I couldn't completely hide my emotions. Zaira is my beloved daughter, and seeing her hurt like this... It's been a painful experience."
Bennet, recognizing the raw emotions in the man's eyes, offered a nod of understanding.
"I completely understand, sir," he replied. "We both fought our hardest in the arena, and I did my best to ensure her safety. Zaira is a valued friend, and I'd never want to see her hurt."
Zaira's father gave a slight but appreciative nod. "Thank you for looking out for her," he said.
"She spoke highly of you and I've never seen her so eager to be the best, I think she likes you" the father of Zaira laughed, warming up to Bennet.
Bennet felt a rush of warmth spread across his cheeks, his embarrassment growing with each passing moment.
"Um, well," Bennet began, fumbling for words, "I... I really value our friendship too. Zaira is an amazing person, and we've been through so much together. I admire her skills and dedication as a warrior."
Zaira's father continued to chuckle, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he watched Bennet's evident discomfort. He then patted Bennet on the shoulder, his demeanor warm and reassuring. "Well, my boy, I hope you two continue to support each other and grow together, no matter what form that takes."
"Thank you, sir Tempest" answered Bennet.
"Just... Cyrus, you can call me that" Cyrus said before turning around.
"By the way, I will warn you the same way that I warned Zaira and Lucio," Cyrus said, his tone serious. "Watch out for that Jax kid, he is an odd one."
Bennet furrowed his brows, genuinely intrigued. "What do you mean that Jax is odd?"
Cyrus leaned in slightly, his gaze unwavering. "He was only registered last year, both by the academy and by the Jackal guild. He hasn't participated in any missions or even academy lessons."
Bennet nodded, absorbing the information. "That is strange indeed. So, why is he suddenly competing in the tourney?"
Cyrus shrugged, a hint of concern crossing his face. "That's the question. All of a sudden, he just emerges at the top and even defeats Lucio. It doesn't sit well with me."
Bennet nodded in understanding, appreciating Cyrus's concern. "Thank you for the warning. I'll definitely keep an eye on this Jax kid. I can't afford to underestimate anyone in this competition."
Cyrus gave a faint smile, his eyes reflecting a mix of pride and concern. "I knew I could trust you to take this seriously. Now I understand why Zaira speaks highly of you.".
With a firm nod, Bennet bid farewell to Cyrus and headed back to the quarters where all the young warriors were.
As Bennet entered the quarters, Hugo approached him with a curious expression. His eyes were filled with a mix of anticipation and concern.
"Bennet, I saw a while ago that a guy approached you. What was that all about?" Hugo inquired, clearly eager to know the details of their conversation.
Bennet shared the warning that Cyrus had given them about Jax, emphasizing the oddity of the situation—how Jax had suddenly emerged as a top contender without a history of participation or missions.
Hugo's eyebrows furrowed as he absorbed the information. "That is strange indeed."
Bennet nodded in agreement. "Exactly. I have a feeling there's more to Jax than meets the eye, and we need to be cautious."
After an hour of rest, Bennet sat in a small chamber designated for the tournament's finalists. His heart pounded with anticipation, and his muscles were tingling with the residual adrenaline from his previous battles.
As he sat there, adjusting the straps of his armor and sharpening his dual blades, his mind raced with thoughts of fighting against Jax, he knew that the final round would be the most challenging yet, and he needed to be at the peak of his abilities.
A tournament official came to summon Bennet. With a final, reassuring pat on his blades, he rose to his feet, ready to face the unknown wild young warrior, Jax.
The cheers of the crowd outside grew louder as he made his way to the arena's entrance.