The arena was still, every spectator's gaze fixed on the two fighters who stood at the edge of exhaustion. John and Collin staggered forward, their auras now flickering weakly, each step taking them closer to the final clash that would determine the victor.John's crimson eyes blazed as he gritted his teeth, his breaths heavy but unyielding, and he fixed his gaze on Collin, ready to finish this battle. Collin's golden-brown aura was dim, but his spirit was fierce, his face set in a determined smirk. He lifted his head to meet John's eyes, reading his rival's resolve, and the two stepped closer, an electric charge between them.And then, like a candle snuffed out, John's crimson eyes softened back to their usual brown. The evolved state that had powered him through the fight flickered and faded, leaving him visibly drained, his aura extinguished. His shoulders slumped, his body buckling under the weight of sheer exhaustion.From the stands, Anne gasped, covering her mouth as she leaned forward. "John... he's completely out of energy."A murmur spread through the crowd as they watched John drop to his knees, his body trembling as he struggled to stay upright. His arms hung at his sides, heavy as lead. Sweat poured down his brow, and he fought to catch his breath, feeling the full weight of his transformation crashing down on him all at once.Collin straightened, his chest rising and falling with each ragged breath. A victorious grin broke across his face. "Finally tapped out, huh?" he taunted, his voice low and mocking as he saw his chance. "Guess that's what happens when you're out of your depth, Will."The crowd's anticipation reached fever pitch as Collin staggered back a step, drawing what little strength he had left. Then, with a fierce battle cry, he threw himself forward, charging at John with all the power he could muster, his golden-brown aura flaring for one last desperate strike.John's vision swam, his mind racing. In the distance, he could hear his friends calling his name, urging him on. He closed his eyes for a fraction of a second, letting their voices ground him. "I can't give up now," he muttered to himself, summoning every last ounce of strength from within.Collin's thundering footsteps approached, and John, with a clarity that pierced through his exhaustion, sprang into action. He waited until the very last second, feeling the air shift as Collin's powerful frame bore down on him. Then, with a surge of instinct, he shifted his weight, catching Collin by the shoulder and spinning him around, using his own momentum against him.Collin's eyes widened in shock as he felt himself being hurled off balance. He fought to regain his footing, but John's grip was iron-tight, his movements fluid and practiced. With a final, desperate push, John twisted his opponent's body, sending him careening towards the edge of the ring.The entire arena seemed to hold its breath as Collin skidded to a stop at the very edge. He teetered for a heart-stopping moment, his arms flailing as he tried to find his balance. But it was too late. With a final gasp, he toppled backward, his body crossing the boundary as he fell out of bounds.A stunned silence fell over the arena, followed by an eruption of cheers as the crowd realized what had happened. John Will, through sheer resilience and grit, had pulled off an improbable victory."Ladies and gentlemen," Jimmy's voice boomed, filled with awe and excitement, "we have our champion! John Will has done it! Against all odds, he's won the Mira Bender League Tournament!"John, barely able to stand, managed a weary smile as he took in the roaring crowd. The cheers washed over him, the sound of triumph, but his vision blurred, and he staggered, feeling the weight of every single blow he'd endured.In the stands, Anne leapt to her feet, cheering with a mix of relief and pride. Alex, standing beside her, clenched his fists in celebration, grinning as he watched his friend savor the hard-earned victory. Even Victor, usually reserved, allowed himself a slight nod of respect.Benji's eyes softened as he looked on, pride swelling within him. He glanced to Chris, who was watching John with a grudging smile.As the crowd's cheers echoed in his ears, John glanced around, his eyes finding his friends and mentor in the stands, each face beaming with pride. The last remnants of adrenaline faded, and he allowed himself a quiet breath of relief.He had done it.