Chereads / Bender - The League / Chapter 61 - The Final Duel

Chapter 61 - The Final Duel

The crowd's energy buzzed through the air, a tangible force that swept across the sprawling Mira Nexus, a lush forest with colossal trees, vines twisted like old secrets, and soft beams of sunlight filtering through the canopy, dappling the ground. The arena was woven through this wild, verdant backdrop, nature itself framing the fight.Every inch of the arena seating was packed. Supporters from each of the eight Bender cities waved flags and chanted in anticipation, their voices blending into a single, electrifying hum. But even amidst the fervor, the tension of the moment lay heavy over the crowd, as everyone knew they were about to witness a legendary battle.Jimmy Sykes, his usual charismatic self, stepped forward, his amplified voice booming across the arena. "Welcome, everyone, to the grand finale! Today we have two fighters standing on the brink of greatness. It's not just a duel; it's Stronghold versus Mira! Will Mira's legacy hold strong? Or will the fierce force of Stronghold topple it?"He grinned, pacing the stage as he worked the crowd, drawing cheers from Mira fans before shifting his gaze toward Stronghold's section. "Our fighters have pushed through every battle, defied every limit, and here they are—the last two standing!"He pointed to one side of the arena, where John Will entered, focused and determined. Jimmy's voice rose as he introduced him. "First, we have John Will, Stronghold's powerhouse and flame manipulator, a true embodiment of strength and determination!" The screens around the arena displayed John's fierce expression, a quiet storm of focus in his eyes."And his opponent," Jimmy continued, gesturing to the opposite side, "Mira's own Collin Easton, the pride of the home city and a fierce competitor known for his cunning, his skill, and his ruthless efficiency!" The crowd roared louder than ever as Collin entered, a confident smirk playing on his lips as he basked in the cheers.From the audience, Benji and Chris sat close to the edge, eyes fixed on the two competitors. Benji leaned forward, his gaze steady, observing John's stance and focus. "This is it," he muttered, mostly to himself. "It's his chance to prove everything he's been training for."Next to him, Chris nodded slightly, though his attention was split between John and Collin. "Collin's going to be tough to beat. I've seen that look in a fighter before—he's determined, and he's got the home advantage."The Mira crowd watched eagerly as Collin stretched his arms, his demeanor a mix of calm and arrogance. To him, John was just another opponent, another step toward his victory. But to John, this was everything—the culmination of all the sweat, strategy, and strength he'd built up throughout the tournament."Fighters!" Jimmy's voice called out. "This is the final duel of the tournament. Anything goes—no rules except one: no killing or maiming! Victory is achieved only when one of you either forfeits or cannot continue fighting. May the strongest prevail!"As the two competitors took their positions, the natural sounds of Mira's Nexus forest filled the silence—rustling leaves, distant bird calls, and the faint rush of a hidden stream. John took a deep breath, centering himself.Collin smirked, hands at his sides as he waited. "Ready to lose, Stronghold?"John's jaw tightened, but he held his focus. "I don't intend to."Jimmy's hand dropped, signaling the start of the match. "Let the final duel begin!"The arena fell silent for just a beat before Collin sprang forward, quick as a shadow. He moved like the wind, closing the distance with swift, agile strides, attempting to catch John off guard. John barely had time to raise his defenses as Collin's fist swung toward him, aiming for his midsection.John sidestepped, evading the blow and countering with a calculated strike of his own. Collin dodged effortlessly, his movements fluid and precise, adapting to each of John's attempts to gain the upper hand. The two circled each other, both assessing, both waiting for the right moment to strike.Collin struck first, using the terrain to his advantage as he maneuvered through the trees. He feigned left, then darted right, using his agility to create openings in John's defenses. "You're not fast enough, Stronghold!" he taunted, his voice carrying through the forested arena.John ground his teeth, determined not to let Collin's words affect him. He adjusted his stance, watching for patterns in Collin's movements, and when Collin lunged again, John was ready. He ducked, slipping past the attack, and threw a fiery blast from his palm aimed at Collin's shoulder.Collin barely avoided it, but his expression shifted, his smirk faltering for a split second as he glanced at the singed bark behind him.From the stands, Alex clenched his fists, eyes following every move. "Come on, John! Keep pushing him!" he muttered, willing his friend to keep up the intensity.Meanwhile, Benji's focus was unwavering as he studied John's movements. "He's learning... adapting with each hit," he observed to Chris, who nodded in agreement.But Collin, undeterred, shot back with a calculated ferocity. He dashed forward, his strikes relentless, as if each blow was meant to test the boundaries of John's endurance. With every evasion, every counter, John felt the weight of the battle press down on him. He wasn't just fighting Collin—he was fighting the entire forest around him.Finally, with a burst of energy, John unleashed a powerful flame, a blazing arc that swept toward Collin, forcing him back and away. Collin staggered, a slight burn marring his sleeve, and he glanced at it with mild irritation. His expression darkened, and his smirk turned sharper, more dangerous.Collin shot John a grin. "You've got some fight in you after all.""More than you're ready for," John replied, his voice steady.The two fighters locked eyes, each assessing the other, each refusing to back down. The atmosphere grew tense as the crowd leaned forward, holding their breath in anticipation.Then, with a shared look of determination, both fighters charged forward, clashing once more in a storm of energy and raw power. The forest Nexus around them bore witness to every blow, every dodge, every fierce, unrelenting strike as they vied for victory in the heart of Mira.