The stands buzzed with anticipation as the next semifinal match was announced. Alex versus Collin. The air crackled with energy as Mira's team members leaned in with eager smiles, and the Stronghold students, clustered together, waited with bated breath. Even Benji and Chris exchanged glances, each feeling the weight of what this fight could mean.Collin stepped into the ring with his usual cocky grin, a glint of mischief and menace in his eyes. His white cloak billowed slightly in the breeze, giving him an almost spectral presence. Across from him, Alex rolled his shoulders, his expression set in determination, clearly unaffected by Collin's intimidating energy. He cracked his knuckles, letting his stance convey his readiness.From the sidelines, Anne and Lila leaned forward, watching as the fight began. Lila clasped her hands in silent encouragement for Alex, who gave her a small nod, a signal he was ready to bring his all."Let's see what you've got, musclehead," Collin taunted, his voice carrying through the silence of the arena."Wouldn't want to disappoint," Alex replied with a wry grin, refusing to give Collin the satisfaction of a reaction.The bell's chime echoed, and in an instant, Collin was in motion, charging forward. He was fast—blindingly fast—but Alex was ready. As Collin reached him, Alex sidestepped, dodging a brutal punch and responding with a solid jab to Collin's midsection. Collin staggered slightly, and for a split second, the crowd gasped, surprised by Alex's quick response.Collin's eyes narrowed. He hadn't expected Alex to hit so hard so quickly. "Not bad," he sneered, brushing off the hit and charging back with renewed vigor.Alex braced himself, countering each of Collin's hits with precision and strength. Fist met fist, and the sheer force sent tremors through the ground beneath them. Alex ducked low, moving with surprising speed as he drove a knee into Collin's ribs. Collin grunted, a flash of irritation crossing his face as he backed up, his hand instinctively reaching up to touch his side."Didn't think I'd actually give you a run for your money, huh?" Alex taunted, catching Collin's eyes with a fierce gaze.But Collin's smirk only grew wider, a hint of something sinister lurking in his expression. "You have no idea," he replied, his tone sharp. He launched himself forward, his body flickering as he suddenly seemed to split into two, an afterimage that threw off Alex's timing.Alex's eyes widened, trying to anticipate which one was real, but it was too late. Collin's fist collided with Alex's jaw, sending him stumbling backward. Before he could recover, Collin delivered a series of rapid punches, his movements a blur of precision and cruelty.The audience winced with each hit, and in the stands, John leaned forward, muttering, "Come on, Alex... stay in it."Benji watched, analyzing every move, noting both Alex's resilience and Collin's sheer brutality. "He's holding his ground, but Collin...he fights like he's toying with him," he murmured.Chris, standing beside him, nodded. "That's Collin for you. Efficient, merciless. If Alex wants to win this, he'll need to surprise him."Back in the ring, Alex managed to recover, wiping blood from his lip, his eyes never leaving Collin's. Without hesitation, he closed the distance, delivering a swift series of punches aimed directly at Collin's midsection. Collin dodged, moving with snake-like agility, but Alex anticipated his next move, shifting his stance and landing a powerful uppercut.The crowd erupted, surprised by the strength behind the blow. Collin staggered, genuine anger flaring in his eyes for the first time. "Oh, you're going to regret that," he hissed.Alex flashed a smile, undeterred. "Then come at me already!"Collin didn't need further encouragement. With a snarl, he lunged, feinting right before spinning around, his leg connecting with a brutal kick to Alex's side. The impact forced Alex to his knees, but he grit his teeth, refusing to stay down. He saw Lila in the stands, her gaze locked on him, and he couldn't let her—or himself—down.Slowly, he stood, a determined glint in his eye. In a burst of energy, he unleashed a barrage of punches, his movements raw and fierce. Collin blocked the first few but was taken aback by the strength behind them. His cocky demeanor wavered as Alex gained ground, landing another punch to Collin's face."That's it, Alex!" Anne cheered from the stands, gripping the edge of her seat. She turned to John. "He's got a shot, doesn't he?"John nodded, a rare smile crossing his face. "If anyone can push Collin, it's Alex."Even Gordon, standing to the side, watched with tense silence, a strange mixture of respect and resentment flickering in his gaze as Alex fought relentlessly, proving he was no pushover.Collin, breathing heavily now, wiped a trickle of blood from his lip. "You've had your fun," he spat, his tone laced with venom. "But it's over."With a focused glint in his eye, Collin moved into his signature stance, his entire aura darkening as he let out a low growl. Alex barely had time to register the shift before Collin shot forward, his movements too fast to track. Alex tried to counter, but Collin's hand gripped his arm, twisting it painfully before delivering a bone-crushing punch to his gut.The impact stole Alex's breath, but he didn't fall. Summoning every last bit of his strength, he pushed back, creating just enough space to prepare his final move. He raised his hand, focusing all his energy into a single point on his fingertip. It pulsed, a tiny but dense glow, ready to unleash a powerful burst at point-blank range.But Collin wasn't about to let him finish. With ruthless efficiency, he lunged forward, grabbing Alex's wrist and forcing it down. "Did you really think you could win?" he whispered, his tone mocking.Alex's eyes blazed with defiance. "Maybe not... but I made you try."Collin's smile turned cold. In one swift motion, he delivered a brutal punch to Alex's jaw, finally sending him sprawling across the ring. Alex tried to stand, but his body wouldn't respond.The referee stepped forward, raising his hand. "The winner... Collin!"The crowd erupted in cheers and murmurs, some impressed by Alex's resilience, others in awe of Collin's sheer dominance.As Collin exited the ring, he cast one last disdainful glance at Alex before walking away, his victory solidified.
Lila exhaled, relieved yet disappointed, her gaze lingering on Alex as he slowly pushed himself up.
John and Anne approached him, John offering a hand. "You gave him a fight, Alex. More than anyone thought you would."Alex managed a weak grin, brushing off his injuries. "Yeah, guess he's not invincible after all."From the corner of the stands, Gordon watched silently, his expression unreadable. He could feel the tension building as his own match against John drew closer, and the thought gnawed at him, making his victory feel more uncertain than ever.As Benji and Chris observed the aftermath, Myra approached them with a knowing smirk. "He almost had him," she remarked, though her tone held no sympathy. "But 'almost' won't cut it here."Benji crossed his arms, watching her with suspicion. "Your student fights like he's taking pleasure in toying with his opponents."Myra raised an eyebrow. "And your point?"Benji didn't respond, but his jaw clenched slightly. Chris noticed and gave a slight shake of his head, wordlessly advising Benji to hold back for now. They both knew that this tournament was revealing far more than just each student's abilities.As Alex left the ring, his friends supporting him, the tension continued to rise. The semifinals were halfway done, and now it would be John versus Gordon—a clash that would test not only their strength but the very foundations of their friendship and rivalry.