Death Frost | Deathsworn #2

Chapter 42 ❆ Silent Dragon vs. Black Flame

I honestly forgot I had to update last Monday ahaha. Sorry. Too many things going on lol.

I did not know how to describe Maun's mood, especially under the mask. However, I could sense a slight shift in his countenance as he stepped into the arena. It was familiar...even chilly.

For a minute, I had an ominous premonition.

My breath hitched as I watched Maun's back. I could not help but recall his first fight where he had lost some of his self-control. Even though he didn't completely go over the edge that time, it was enough to send a chill down my bones. I wasn't sure whether the same thing would happen today and if Black Flame could handle it, should it happen. Hopefully, I could help him keep sane before anything went wrong—hopefully being on the sidelines, having someone watch over him, would be enough to remind him.

I could not help but remember the time we first met. I wasn't the curious type—I'm more the cautious one, really. If it hadn't been for Amber's prompt for me to follow that feeling, I wouldn't have gone out of my way to look for him at all. Considering the person I was, I normally wouldn't pick up a stranger either.

But now, I was glad I did.

When I found him, he was on the brink of death—bloody and beaten, even malnourished. Perhaps it was his element, the blessing of life, that he could survive such a state. He was so thin his ribs jutted out, not to mention the blood. But now...well, in the past year he was with us, I could say he'd reversed this splendidly.

He sent me signs as he walked. His gait had strength and ease. If there was no mask, I was sure I would see a confident smile. "I'll take revenge for you!" He told me. "I'll definitely win."

I smiled under my mask, but I straightened my voice. I better not indulge this kid too much lest he got reckless and too arrogant. Genius didn't mean insurmountable.

"Just focus on the fight," I said after him, my tone severe. "Don't get too carried away. I'll be here to cheer you on." I nodded at him encouragingly, and he waved his hand with a bob of his head.

There was a spring in his step as he pulled into the spotlight. The resounding cheers nearly deafened me. But the excitement did not end there. The moment Black Flame came up, there was even some clanging and banging on the fences and the steps. It was so intense that I felt the ground shake. The very foundations of the arena was challenged by the might of the audience's excitement. I doubted for a while if it would hold.

This match would decide between champion and his runner-up. It was the very highlight of this tournament. After this, the excitement should dwindle a bit.

The announcer hopped in. "And Lovarda!"

The arena screamed in response.

"Prime highlight! In this very hour, we decide who becomes champion of this year's tournament!" he said. "But before that, let me just announce the names of our final five disciples!"

They cheered.

"Defiant Soul! As the winner of our knockout round, his place as fifth is now cemented! That was his last fight. He can now rest!" he exclaimed, then gave the spectators some time to cheer and whistle. "Now we look forward to Lionheart and Mushroom Soup! Whoever loses between the two will be placed fourth and the winner will come up against the loser of the match between Black Flame! And! Silent Dragon!"

The whole arena roared.

It seemed the final five was finally decided. I sighed in relief. I knew it already, but hearing it announced officially had relieved me of the last of my worries. I could not help but subconsciously think I was dreaming...that maybe my win was a fluke.