Chains of Vengeance

Chapter 150: Ascension Part 5

The dawn enveloped Silk Cradle in a blanket of silence broken only by the sound of metallic blows and the sparks that flew with each clash of weapons. The full moon cast its pale glow on the stage, illuminating the figures of Aym and Goliath, who had been measuring their strength for hours in a fight that seemed to have no end.

Aym panted, his breathing heavy and his body on the verge of collapse. Although his resistance was admirable, it could not compare to that of the goat, whose imposing figure was still charged with energy. Goliath, with only a few minor scratches, maintained an ecstatic smile, his eyes burning with a mixture of defiance and excitement.

"Come on!" the goat roared, showing his sharp teeth in a fierce smile. "Prove that you will be a god who will not surrender to anyone."

Aym gritted his teeth, tiredness weighing on his every move. Yet, despite his exhaustion, his resolve did not waver. He had shifted from defending himself to finding gaps to attack, though Goliath blocked each attempt with ease. Still, the young cat did not give up.

Finally, with a nimble move, Aym made a low dodge, evading an attack from Goliath's sword. Taking advantage of the opening, he spun and launched a direct kick at one of the goat's sturdy hooves, causing it to stagger and fall to the ground with a resounding impact.

Without missing a beat, Aym aimed the sharp tip of his moon spear directly at Goliath's chest. With his breath ragged and sweat covering his face, he managed to say,

"I... won."

For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Then, Goliath burst into maniacal laughter, his voice echoing in the stillness of the night like thunder.

"So the score is 534 to 1!" —he exclaimed enthusiastically, still laughing.

Aym, still panting, pushed the spear away and extended a hand to Goliath to help him up. The goat accepted the gesture with a smile, firmly holding the cat's hand and standing up with an agile movement.

Aym was a mess. His black and red clothing was covered in dirt and debris, torn in several places. Although physically in pain, he had no serious or fatal injuries; Goliath, despite his ferocity, had made sure not to cause him significant or permanent damage... other than psychological.

For his part, Goliath shook off his purple tunic, also stained with dirt, and walked to a canteen he had left nearby. After taking a long sip of fresh water, he tossed another to Aym, who caught it and drank gratefully.

The cat, relieved by the refreshing liquid, broke the silence.

—So... I won? Did I pass the test?

Goliath, distracted as he chewed on a piece of cheese he had taken from his bag, barely paid attention to him.

"Oh? What are you talking about?" he replied naturally. "Of course you will be a god. You will just be a much better one now that I know you won't be so rigid. I think I left that well engraved in your mind."

Aym nodded with a mixture of relief and discomfort. He knew he would never forget this test. More than 500 defeats had shaped him, taught him to adapt, to get up and fight fiercely, even in the most adverse conditions.

As the two rested under the moonlight, Goliath devouring his cheese and Aym still recovering, the young cat reflected. He had learned much more than combat techniques that night: he had found a spark of what it meant to be a god.

But the cold air of dawn enveloped Aym, who was barely standing. His exhausted body trembled slightly, but his eyes still showed the spark of determination that had brought him to this point. Goliath, after finishing his snack, approached the young cat with an expression that mixed pride and hardness.