Right away, chaos broke out in the small arena. The noise of the crowd was getting louder and louder, with cheers, gasps, and shouts echoing off the walls.
Fans leaped from their seats, their excitement spilling into the air like an unstoppable wave.
Standing in the middle of the cage, Damon kept his cool, but his chest moved back and forth like a warrior who had just won a battle.
At the commentator's table, the energy was no less intense.
"Wow! Damon Cross! Are you kidding me?!" one of the commentators exclaimed, gripping his headset, trying to anchor himself in the moment. "That knee, perfectly timed, absolutely devastating. This kid is the real deal!"
Another commentator, still shaking his head in disbelief, added, "Unbelievable. To step in on short notice, face a heavier, ranked opponent, and finish him like that! Damon Cross just made a statement."
Replays of the final sequence flashed across screens throughout the venue.
The switch knee connected in slow motion, Cellan's head snapping back before his body crumpled to the mat.
Each replay drew gasps and cheers anew from the crowd, as if they couldn't believe what they had just witnessed.
In the cage, the referee checked on Cellan, who remained on the ground, unconscious.
Damon didn't look down at his defeated opponent; instead, his eyes scanned the crowd, soaking in the energy of the moment.
Damon stood tall in the center of the cage, his chest rising and falling as he steadied his breathing.
With his palms facing up, he slowly spread his arms out wide, as if he were welcoming the energy of the crowd.
Putting his head back, he closed his eyes and let the moment fill him up.
He felt weightless and floated for a split second amidst the loud cheers and flashing lights.
The fight's weight, the pressure, and the fact that the chances were against him all went away.
This was what victory felt like: pure, unfiltered euphoria.
He could feel how excited the crowd was; it was like his beating heart was in sync with theirs. He let himself enjoy it for a short time.
This serene moment was abruptly broken as someone gave him a light push.
Seeing the opportunity, visualizing it before it happened, and delivering it with the precision of a master painter's brushstroke.
Victor knew that for those who understood the craft, moments like this were what made martial arts more than just a fight. They were why people called it "The Art of War" or "The Sweet Science." Violence was the surface, but beneath it was a symphony of discipline and mastery.
Damon turned to Victor, his smirk fading into a small, genuine smile. "Art, huh?"
Victor nodded, his face serious now. "Yeah, kid. Not everyone gets it, but those who do... they saw something special tonight."
Damon let those words sink in, the chaos of the moment briefly fading into clarity.
Damon smiled, "Well, I guess that's why I'm a martial artist."
Victor laughed, "Sure."
The announcer walked into the cage, microphone in hand, ready to announce the result.
The referee called Damon to the center of the cage. Damon glanced toward Cellan, who was still lying down, not waking up.
Damon glanced nervously at Cellan, his chest tightening.
The medics surrounded his opponent, carefully checking him. Damon's mind raced, and a knot formed in his stomach.
Did I go too far?
The referee stepped closer, sensing Damon's unease. Placing a firm hand on Damon's wrist, he leaned in. "Relax, he's unconscious, but he's breathing. They'll take him for a checkup, but he's fine. Now focus, but depending on the check up the medics are doing, you might be announced alone."
Damon sighed deeply, the tension in his shoulders loosening slightly. "Thanks," he murmured, his voice barely audible over the crowd's noise.
He turned toward Victor, who was standing near the cage, watching everything unfold.
Damon's steps were slow, his body language still heavy with concern. Victor met him with a sharp gaze, catching the hesitation in Damon's eyes.
Victor rubbed the back of his neck and let out a low sigh. "Look, Damon," he said, his tone steady but firm, "he's gonna be fine. You didn't do anything wrong. This is the sport, and you did what you had to do. Now, get out there and own this. You earned it."
Damon stared at him for a moment, the weight in his chest easing just a little. He nodded once, swallowing hard. "Alright."
Victor clapped him on the back, giving him a small push toward the referee. "Go get announced."