Chapter 47: "The final six"
Ryan was clearly finished, but the match's rules were absolute, no victory until one side was knocked out, surrendered, or dead. And Ryan, with his stubborn pride, refused to yield. Kierian's patience had worn thin. The boy's resilience, even against overwhelming odds, was starting to feel less admirable and more irritating.
"The winner hasn't been decided, though it's clear who that is," the announcer remarked dryly, his voice echoing over the restless crowd.
Kierian had had enough. Without warning, he launched himself forward with a burst of propulsion, his figure blazing through the heat. In one swift motion, he slammed his fist directly into Ryan's face. Ryan crumpled to the ground, unconscious. The thousand flaming arrows hanging in the air detonated harmlessly into embers as Kierian landed, wincing and clutching his fractured ribs.
