The cheers from the crowd echoed in Liam's ears as the defeated warrior was carried off the platform. His next opponent wasted no time climbing up—a lithe woman wielding twin daggers, her movements sharp and precise. She was clad in dark leather armor, her face partially hidden beneath a hood.
Ray's voice chimed in, sarcastic as ever. "A bit flashy for an assassin. I wonder if she's better at stabbing people or posing for the crowd."
"Let's find out," Liam thought, his grin widening.
The referee signaled the start of the match, and the woman darted forward with blistering speed. Liam barely moved as she closed the distance, her daggers flashing under the torchlight. At the last possible moment, he stepped aside, her blades cutting through empty air.
She didn't stop, spinning gracefully and launching another attack. This time, Liam blocked one dagger with his forearm and twisted away from the other.
"You're quick," Liam said, his tone teasing. "But you'll have to do better than that."
The woman smirked, retreating a few steps. "Don't get cocky, barehanded boy. You're just lucky I haven't gotten serious yet."
Liam tilted his head, his smirk growing. "Serious? Please, show me."
The crowd roared as the woman rushed in again, her movements a blur. She feinted to the left, then struck from the right, her daggers aiming for Liam's ribs. But once again, his body moved on its own, sidestepping the attack and landing a swift kick to her stomach.
She stumbled back, coughing, but her eyes burned with determination.
Ray's voice echoed in Liam's mind. "She's fast, but she's relying too much on her speed. The moment you break her rhythm, it's over."
"Got it," Liam replied mentally, his eyes locking onto his opponent.
The woman lunged again, her attacks relentless. But this time, Liam didn't dodge. He blocked her daggers with his forearms, using his raw strength to hold her in place.
"What—?!" she gasped, struggling to free herself.
Liam leaned in close, his voice low. "Speed means nothing if you can't land a hit."
Before she could react, Liam twisted her wrists, forcing her to drop her daggers. A swift sweep of his leg sent her crashing to the ground.
The crowd erupted in cheers as Liam stepped back, letting the referee declare his victory.
Ray's voice broke through the noise. "Two down. Not bad, Liam. But don't let it get to your head. There are tougher opponents ahead."
"Let's hope so," Liam replied, excitement sparking in his eyes.
---
As the matches continued, Liam found himself growing more confident with each victory. His opponents ranged from brute warriors to cunning magicians, but none could match his speed and adaptability.
Between matches, Liam took a moment to catch his breath, leaning against the edge of the platform. His eyes scanned the arena, taking in the crowd's energy.
"Ray," Liam muttered under his breath, "why do they care so much about these fights? I get that strength is a big deal here, but this feels... excessive."
Ray's voice was calm as he replied. "Strength isn't just valued here, Liam. It's everything. These people don't have skills like you do. They have to rely on their bodies and their training. For them, these fights are proof of their worth."
Liam frowned, mulling over Ray's words. "So what do they think of me? A cheater?"
Ray chuckled. "Some might. But most will see you as a prodigy—or a monster. Either way, you've got their attention."
---
Liam's final match of the night brought him face-to-face with a massive man clad in full plate armor. His weapon of choice was a colossal warhammer, its head glowing faintly with magic runes.
The crowd fell silent as the man stepped onto the platform, his heavy footsteps echoing ominously.
"Finally," Liam muttered, cracking his knuckles. "A real challenge."
The referee raised his hand, signaling the start of the match.
The armored man wasted no time, charging forward with surprising speed for someone his size. He swung his warhammer in a wide arc, aiming to crush Liam with a single blow.
Liam dodged at the last second, the hammer smashing into the platform with enough force to leave a crater.
"Not bad," Liam said, his voice light. "But you're going to have to do better than that."
The man growled, lifting his hammer for another swing. But this time, Liam was ready. He darted in close, staying within the man's guard and delivering a series of quick punches to his exposed joints.
The man staggered, his movements slowing as Liam continued his assault.
Ray's voice cut through the chaos. "Careful, Liam. That hammer's not just for show. One hit, and you're done."
"I know," Liam replied, his focus unshaken.
As the man swung again, Liam leaped over the hammer, landing a powerful kick to his helmet. The force of the blow sent the man crashing to the ground, his warhammer slipping from his grasp.
The crowd erupted into cheers as the referee declared Liam the winner.
---
Back in the resting area, Liam leaned against the wall, catching his breath. The night's battles had pushed him to his limits, but he felt exhilarated.
Ray's voice broke the silence. "You did well tonight, Liam. But this is just the beginning. The real challenges are yet to come."
Liam smirked, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Good. I wouldn't want it any other way."