Chapter Fourteen: Jonathan's Overconfidence
The arena was alive with the fervor of the crowd, their voices rising in anticipation as the next match began. The previous fights had showcased some impressive skills, but Daniel knew that the real challenge was coming. Jonathan Wei, with his imposing frame and the massive axe he wielded, was a force to be reckoned with. The crowds had already started murmuring about his strength, and Daniel could feel the weight of their expectations on his shoulders.
As the two stood across from each other in the center of the arena, Daniel couldn't help but notice the way Jonathan carried himself. He was confident, perhaps too confident. His stance was wide and sure, his grip on his axe firm. Jonathan was powerful, but Daniel wasn't intimidated. He had learned a lot since his fight with Alex Xing, and he was more prepared now than ever.
"Boy," Jonathan Wei said, his voice dripping with disdain as he looked Daniel up and down. "You really think you can beat me? I'm the one they're all watching. You're just some kid playing with swords."
Daniel clenched his jaw but didn't respond. The taunt was expected, but it only served to fuel his resolve. He'd seen enough to know that Jonathan was strong—there was no denying that. But the arrogance in his words was enough to make Daniel all the more determined to prove him wrong.
The referee's voice echoed through the arena. "Begin!"
Without hesitation, Jonathan lunged forward, his massive axe swinging in a wide arc. The force behind it was enough to shake the ground, but Daniel was already moving. He dashed to the side, narrowly avoiding the blade of the axe as it cleaved the air where he had just been standing. Daniel's eyes never left Jonathan, watching his movements carefully. He knew that Jonathan's strength wasn't just in his weapon—it was in his raw power and confidence. But that overconfidence would be his downfall.
"Too slow, boy," Jonathan sneered, raising the axe for another brutal strike. This time, he aimed downward with all his might, trying to force Daniel into a corner.
Daniel's swords moved like a blur, his left sword intercepting the falling axe while his right darted toward Jonathan's side. The force of the clash made Daniel's arm ache, but he held his ground. Jonathan grunted, surprised by the resistance. For a moment, his eyes flickered with uncertainty, but his pride quickly reclaimed control. With a roar, he pushed harder, trying to force Daniel back.
Daniel didn't budge. Instead, he sidestepped, using his momentum to strike at Jonathan's exposed side with both swords. The first blade grazed Jonathan's armor, but the second found its mark, slashing across his arm. Blood stained the cloth, but Jonathan barely seemed to notice. His face twisted into a snarl as he quickly retreated and repositioned himself.
"You think you're clever, don't you?" Jonathan growled, gripping the axe tightly. "I'll crush you, brat!"
Jonathan's anger was evident now, his previous calm confidence replaced by a burning rage. He swung his axe again, more recklessly this time, aiming to overwhelm Daniel with sheer power. But Daniel was faster. With every swing, he weaved around Jonathan's attacks, his dual swords slicing through the air like a dance of precision. Daniel's strikes were too swift, his movements too fluid for Jonathan to keep up.
Jonathan's face was turning red with fury as Daniel continued to evade him, the older cultivator's breath coming in ragged gasps. "Stand still, you brat!" Jonathan roared. His frustration was palpable, and in his rage, his technique began to falter. His swings grew wider, more desperate, and Daniel took advantage of this. With a sharp twist of his body, Daniel struck Jonathan's axe with his left sword, sending it spinning out of Jonathan's grip and crashing into the ground.
Jonathan stumbled back, his eyes widening in disbelief. "No..."
Before Jonathan could recover, Daniel was upon him, his swords flashing in the air. The left sword grazed Jonathan's side, and his right sword pressed against the cultivator's throat.
"Yield," Daniel said coolly, his voice steady despite the adrenaline rushing through him.
Jonathan's face contorted with rage, but he knew he had been defeated. He clenched his fists, glaring at Daniel as if trying to burn him with his gaze. "You think you've won?" Jonathan sneered, his voice low with anger. "You're just a boy! This isn't over!"
Daniel remained silent, his swords held firmly in place. He had won, and the crowd had erupted into applause, but Jonathan's fury was palpable. The older cultivator's eyes flickered with disbelief and disdain, unable to accept that a younger and seemingly weaker opponent had bested him. He turned away without acknowledging his defeat, muttering under his breath.
The referee stepped forward, declaring Daniel the winner. Daniel nodded politely but didn't let himself be distracted by the crowds' cheers. He had learned something valuable in this fight—not just about Jonathan's overconfidence, but about how far his own abilities had come.
As Jonathan stalked off, seething with anger, Daniel took a moment to center himself. He had proven that raw strength wasn't everything. Speed, technique, and adaptability were just as important, and he was beginning to realize how to use them to his advantage.
The tournament was far from over, but Daniel had already set the stage for what was to come. And one thing was certain—he wasn't going to let anyone underestimate him again.