Chapter 22: Defeat the Giant!

Kyle had watched the way Nate disposed of his opponent with ease. The very first elemental battle he witnessed.

"I can't wait to use magic too!" he muttered silently.

"That was hot, am I right?" Nate's voice came to Kyle, his face brimming with a proud smile.

"No, it wasn't," Kyle replied. "Watch and learn how I'll handle mine."

"With pleasure. Don't lose after such strong words." Nate reminded.

"I won't," Kyle said as he held his katana in his left hand and walked towards the stage.

The arena thrummed with anticipation, the hum of whispers and murmurs filling the dank, dimly lit place. Kyle, standing in the dim light, adjusted his grip on his katana.

Kyle's opponent, a giant figure known simply as 'Crusher', was already in the ring, flexing his muscles and basking in the crowd's cheers.

He was a seasoned fighter; a third-year ranked 48th, known for his brutal strength and relentless aggression.

He wielded a massive war hammer, its head dulled but still capable of delivering devastating blows. As Kyle stepped into the arena, a hush fell over the spectators.

The system's quest notification blinked in Kyle's mind.

[New quest: Heroes come in all sizes, and you don't have to be a giant hero. Defeat the opponent before you! ]

[Reward: 5 SP]

Kyle took a deep breath, focusing on the task at hand. He planned on winning already and didn't need the system to remind him.

The announcer's voice boomed through the arena, echoing off the stone walls. "Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we have a special treat! In one corner, ranked 48th, the man with the hammer, Crusher!" The crowd roared, a cacophony of cheers and jeers. "And in the other corner, a newcomer, wielding the katana, Omni Lord!"

An applause mixed with curious murmurs greeted Kyle's introduction. He could feel their doubt. He was an unknown, a wildcard in this brutal game. But he relished the challenge, the chance to prove himself.

The match began, and Crusher wasted no time, charging forward with a roar. His war hammer swung in a wide arc, aiming to knock Kyle off his feet with a single blow.

Kyle sidestepped gracefully, his katana flicking out in a quick, precise strike. The blunt blade glanced off Crusher's arm, more a distraction than a wound.

Crusher bellowed in anger, swinging his hammer again with increased ferocity. But Kyle was fast, his movements a blur as he dodged and weaved, his katana a flash of silver in the dim light.

Each strike was measured, aiming to disorient and weaken rather than to cut. He was analyzing his opponent's movements, highlighting potential openings.

Crusher's frustration grew with each missed blow, his swings becoming wilder, more desperate. Kyle seized the opportunity, darting in with a series of quick thrusts.

His katana struck Crusher's thigh, his side, his shoulder. Each impact slowed the giant, sapping his strength and slowing his movements.

But Crusher was not to be underestimated. With a roar of rage, he managed to land a glancing blow, his hammer slamming into Kyle's side. Pain exploded through Kyle's ribs, but he gritted his teeth, refusing to falter.

[HP -1]

His eyes darted towards the system's notification, which had informed him of his health point loss.

He could not afford to show weakness, not now, not ever. Ignoring the pain, Kyle pressed his attack. He moved with the grace and precision of a dancer.

His strikes became more aggressive, more relentless, each one driving Crusher back, forcing him onto the defensive.

Crusher swung his hammer in a desperate arc, aiming for Kyle's head. Kyle ducked, feeling the rush of air as the heavy weapon missed him by inches.

With a swift counterstrike, he jabbed the blunt end of his katana into Crusher's ribs. The blow made Crusher stagger, a grunt of pain escaping his lips.

Realizing that brute force alone wouldn't be enough, Crusher changed tactics. He started using his size and reach to his advantage, forcing Kyle to stay on the move.

Every swing of the hammer was a deadly arc, every step a potential trap. Kyle had to stay light on his feet, weaving in and out, striking whenever he saw an opening.

The fight wore on, each combatant growing wearier but neither willing to yield. Sweat dripped down Kyle's face, his muscles aching from the sustained effort but he was far from tired as a result of the countless Stamina points.

Crusher's breathing was labored, each breath a ragged gasp. Yet the crowd remained enthralled, their cheers and shouts driving the fighters onward.

Kyle sensed that Crusher was reaching his limit, his energy waning and his attacks being sluggish.

With renewed determination, Kyle switched his strategy. He started aiming for Crusher's legs, trying to undermine his stability.

A well-placed strike to the back of Crusher's knee finally made the big man falter. As Crusher stumbled, Kyle took advantage of the moment.

With a burst of speed, he launched himself at Crusher, his katana aimed at the man's chest. The blunt blade struck true, knocking the wind out of Crusher and sending him sprawling to the ground.

The crowd erupted in a deafening roar, the spectators on their feet, cheering and shouting. Kyle stood over his fallen opponent, his chest heaving, the taste of victory sweet and exhilarating.

He had done it. He had defeated Crusher, completed the system's quest, and proven himself in the eyes of the crowd.

The system's notification blinked in his mind. The reward filled his eyes.

[Quest completed! ]

[You've gained 5 SP! ]

The announcer came and raised his hands. "The winner: Omni Lord."

As the crowd's cheers echoed in his ears, Kyle looked up, his eyes scanning the faces of the spectators. Among them, he spotted Nate, grinning broadly and giving him a thumbs-up.

Kyle smiled back, having proven himself. He had faced a formidable opponent and emerged victorious. S~eaʀᴄh the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Exiting the pit, Kyle was approached by Nate. "Impressive fight," Nate praised. "But don't let it get to your head. There are tougher opponents out there."

Kyle nodded with a calm smile. "I'm ready for whatever comes."

"Let's go get our money!" Nate exclaimed as they both headed to the gambling booth.