The roar of the crowd shook the arena as the announcement rang through the air.
"Winner—Anup!"
It was official.
The reigning champion had fallen.
Aria lay on the ground, breathless, battered, but grinning. The sheer insanity of the match had left even the most seasoned spectators speechless. No one had ever pushed her this hard. No one had beaten her like this.
And yet—she didn't look disappointed.
She looked excited.
Anup, standing above her, still gripping his sword, exhaled slowly. His heartbeat was steady. His breathing, controlled. But inside, he felt it—the exhaustion creeping in, the weight of victory settling over his body.
He had won.
The announcer's voice boomed across the stadium.
"Anup has done the impossible! The undefeated champion of last year, Aria, has finally been dethroned!"
A massive cheer erupted.
