Avatar of the Frozen Behemoth: Volume 1

Chapter 9: Breaking Point

As the fight resumed, Yukio followed the figure's advice. He watched Kota's movements closely, waiting for those brief moments when Kota overcommitted. He used the ice constructs to his advantage, ducking behind them for cover and using them to reposition himself.

Kota swung a powerful punch, aiming for Yukio's head. The hooded figure and Mizuki called out potential openings, guiding him through each movement.  "Left side, now! Dodge right and counter!"

Yukio ducked, feeling the rush of air as Kota's first sailed past him. He countered with a swift strike to Kota's side, but Kota deflected it with a quick block.

"Keep moving!" the hooded figure's voice echoed in Yukio's mind. Don't stay in one place for too long.

Yukio pivoted, using the icy surface to slide away from Kota's next attack. He swung the sword in a wide arc, clashing with Kota's forearms. The impact sent vibrations through Yukio's arms, but he held his ground.

"Now, aim for his left side!" Mizuki's voice rang out from the stands.

Yukio feinted right and then slashed left, catching Kota off guard. The blade grazed Kota's ribs, and he let out a grunt of pain. Enraged, Kota lashed out with a rapid series of punches. Yukio dodged the first few, then blocked another with the flat of his blade, the force nearly knocking him off balance.

Kota's next series of punches came faster, more erratic. Yukio dodged and blocked, his body moving almost on its own. He could hear the hooded figure's calm voice in his mind, guiding him. Use his momentum against him.

Furiated, Kota lunged again, attempting to perform a powerful uppercut. "Stay light on your feet and dodge! the figure reminded him. "Use his momentum against him."

As Kota lunged, Yukio sidestepped, letting Kota stumble forward. He swung the sword in a precise arc, catching Kota's exposed side again. Blood stained Kota's shirt, but Yukio held his ground.

The tips and strategies from the hooded figure played in his mind, guiding his actions. He began to see the openings in Kota's defense, landing precise strikes to his sides. Each successful hit bolstered his confidence, and he started to believe that he could actually win this.

As the second round drew to a close, Yukio could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins. He locked eyes with Kota, who was breathing heavily, his face a mask of anger and frustration. Yukio knew he had to make this last move count. He feinted to the left, drawing Kota's guard, then spun and delivered a powerful blow to Kota's right side with the ice sword.

Kota staggered, clutching his side in pain, and Yukio seized the moment. He lunged forward, driving the hilt of the sword into Kota's stomach with all his strength. Kota fell to the ground, gasping for air as the horn sounded, declaring Yukio the winner of round two.

Yukio stood there, still catching his breath, his heart pounding in his chest. He couldn't believe it - he had actually managed to get Kota down. The adrenaline rush was intoxicating, but he felt a strange mix of excitement and disbelief.

"I... I did it," he whispered to himself, still trying to process the fact that he had landed those crucial hits.

From the shadows, the hooded figure approached, a hint of surprise in their voice. "You did it. Those were some solid hits, Yukio. Just make sure you're focused and steady with your precision, you'll be okay."

Yukio nodded, though a part of him still burned with curiosity. He glanced at the crowd, noticing Kota's friends watching with a mix of shock and disbelief. Clearly, they hadn't expected their friend to be beaten down like this.

Kota, now back on his feet, saw the expressions on his friends' faces. His eyes darkened with anger, his pride clearly wounded. He wasn't about to let this humiliation slide.