The long-awaited day finally arrived. The atmosphere in the tournament arena was more tense than usual. The roar of the spectators echoed, filling the air with high anticipation. Everyone knew that today's battle would be the most decisive, determining who was most worthy to become the future ruler of Veloria.
Raven, now in Alaric's body, stood in the contestant waiting room, preparing for the final match. The handsome and confident face of Alaric radiated calm, but behind it was a strong desire to destroy anyone who stood before him.
Felix, who had faithfully accompanied Raven throughout the tournament, stood beside him. "Your Highness, your opponent this time is Seraphina from the Valoria Clan. She is known as the 'Wind Sorceress,' an expert in wind magic which is difficult to predict. This battle might be the toughest one."
Raven glanced at Felix briefly before giving a small smile. "Wind magic? Interesting. But no element can defeat darkness."
Felix nodded, though there was still a hint of concern in his eyes. "Seraphina is a cunning and intelligent fighter. She might try to deceive you with her speed. Make sure you stay alert, Your Highness."
Raven simply nodded and then stepped out of the waiting room into the arena. The roar of the spectators grew louder as he appeared, with the name Alaric being chanted by thousands of people who hoped to see the young prince win. However, they didn't know that the Alaric they cheered for was now a completely different entity.
On the other side of the arena, Seraphina was already waiting. She was a young woman with long silver hair, emerald-green eyes radiating intelligence and sharpness. Her green and white attire symbolized her affinity with the wind element. A staff adorned with a softly glowing blue crystal hung from her back.
Raven observed his opponent carefully. He could sense that Seraphina was no ordinary fighter. The wind aura surrounding her body indicated that she was ready to fight to the utmost.
"Alaric, the Crown Prince of Veloria," Seraphina began with a calm but confident tone. "I have heard much about you. Your power is impressive, but I am not an easy opponent to defeat."
Raven merely smiled coldly. "The wind is just a weak breeze compared to the storm of darkness that will destroy everything."
Seraphina stared sharply, then took a defensive stance. "Let's see who is stronger."
The referee signaled, and the fight began. Seraphina immediately leaped into the air, her body floating with the aid of wind magic. With astonishing speed, she began attacking from above, sending sharp wind blades like swords toward Raven.
Raven quickly activated Shadow Glide, moving with a speed almost invisible to the eye. Seraphina's wind blades merely struck the ground, leaving scars in the arena but failing to hit their target.
"Quite fast," Raven thought while observing his opponent's movements. However, he knew that speed alone would not be enough to defeat darkness. Quickly, Raven cast Dark Binding, launching shadow chains from the ground that attempted to ensnare Seraphina in mid-air.
Seraphina, accustomed to wind magic, easily avoided the chains. With agile movements, she darted toward Raven and unleashed a more powerful wind attack, trying to surprise him at close range.
Raven remained undaunted. With Soul Fortress, he formed a magical shield that absorbed the wind attack, then swiftly retaliated with a fire blast aimed at Seraphina. Seraphina, having anticipated the attack, created a wall of wind to block the fire. The two elements clashed in the air, creating a massive explosion that shook the arena.
"Quite impressive, but I'm not finished," Seraphina said as she leaped higher into the air, then launched a spinning small tornado moving swiftly toward Raven.
Raven, still in Shadow Glide mode, quickly dodged and slipped into Seraphina's shadow. With remarkable speed, he reappeared behind his opponent and struck with Titan's Wrath, a punch reinforced by the power of dark and fire magic.
Seraphina didn't see the attack coming. The powerful punch struck her back, sending her sprawling forward and crashing hard onto the ground. The spectators fell silent, stunned to see Seraphina, who was always agile and hard to catch, now falling so decisively.
However, Seraphina was not a fighter who would easily give up. With the remnants of her strength, she rose again, though her breath came in ragged gasps. "You... You're stronger than I expected, Alaric," she said, swaying. "But I won't surrender."
Raven looked at Seraphina with a cold gaze. "It's over, Seraphina. You've lost."
Seraphina gritted her teeth, trying to summon the wind for a final attack. But before she could launch her assault, Raven activated Absolute Domination. Dark energy flowed from Raven's body, creating a fearsome aura around him. Seraphina felt the power invade her mind, dragging her into a deep and cold shadow.
"You cannot resist this," Raven whispered, his voice echoing like a haunting in Seraphina's ears. "Submit to the darkness."
Seraphina struggled to fight back, but Raven's power was too great. As Absolute Domination began to infiltrate her thoughts, Raven didn't just break Seraphina's will but also planted a deeper emotion in her heart a growing affection that turned into love. In the darkness of the shadow, Seraphina started to see Raven not as an enemy, but as a powerful, charismatic figure deserving of love.
"Why... why do I feel this way?" Seraphina thought, trembling. "He... he's so strong, so... handsome."
Raven sensed the change in Seraphina's aura. With a thin smile, he extended his hand and touched Seraphina's cheek, now filled with confusion. "You don't need to fight anymore, Seraphina. With me, you will find a greater purpose. More than just a wind sorceress, you will be part of a power that will change this world."
Seraphina felt her heart race, and her final resistance shattered. "Yes... I... I will follow you," she answered in a weak yet resolute voice.
Raven drew her closer, whispering sweet words. "From now on, you are mine, Seraphina. Together, we will conquer this world."
The spectators, witnessing the fight, were unaware of the true nature of what had happened. They only saw Seraphina suddenly dropping her weapon and kneeling before Alaric, seemingly surrendering to the young prince. But the reality was much deeper—Seraphina had fallen in love and become Raven's devoted subordinate.
The roar of victory finally erupted, echoing throughout the stadium. Alaric's name was chanted, hailed as the hero and rightful heir to the throne. But Raven only felt a cold satisfaction in his heart. This tournament was just the beginning of his power. With Alaric's body and Seraphina as his new ally, he had defeated all his opponents, and now he stood at the pinnacle of Veloria's power.
Felix approached with a broad smile on his face. "Your Highness! You have proven that you are the greatest fighter in all of Veloria. No one can doubt you now."
Raven simply nodded. "This is just the beginning, Felix. There's still much to be done."
Felix looked slightly confused but quickly nodded. "Of course, Your Highness. I will prepare everything for your victory."
Raven glanced at Seraphina for a moment, who now stood beside him with a look of respect and admiration. "We will soon meet my father... the King. You will accompany me, Seraphina. Be prepared, as we will discuss the future of this kingdom."
Seraphina nodded enthusiastically. "Certainly, Your Highness. I will be by your side, no matter what."
With this final victory, Raven had established himself as the greatest force in Veloria. Not only that, he now had a loyal ally ready to help realize his ambitions. With Alaric's body, and gaining Seraphina as a new pawn, along with his grand plans, no one could stop Raven from achieving his goal of dominating the world with unparalleled dark power.