Chapter 14 (Farewell)

The two fighters circle each other warily, their eyes locked in a fierce battle of wills. With each passing moment, the tension in the arena grows thicker, the anticipation reaching a fever pitch.

"I need to find a way to turn this around... There has to be a way to tap into my shadow power..." Blackthorn pondered.

As the fight continued, Blackthorn felt a flicker of his shadow power, a glimmer of the same feeling that had caused it to flicker before. He seized upon it, focusing all his energy on trying to harness that power once again.

"Come on, come on... I need to tap into that power..."

But as he focused on his shadow power, his concentration wavered, leaving him vulnerable to X's relentless assault. Blow after blow rained down on Blackthorn, each strike leaving dark plum ripples in its wake.

"(Smirking) You're slipping, Damien. Looks like I've finally got you on the ropes." X grinned.

Blackthorn gritting his teeth spoke:

"Not... yet..."

With each strike, Blackthorn felt his resolve wavering, his body battered and bruised. But then, something inside him stirred. A thirst for revenge, burning hotter than ever before.

"(Eyes narrowing with determination) I now know why I need to win so badly..." He said under his breath.

The realization hit him like a thunderbolt, igniting a fire within him. With newfound determination, he squared his shoulders and met X's gaze with unwavering resolve.

"(Taken aback by the sudden change in Blackthorn's demeanor) What... what's gotten into you?" X stuttered.

"(Voice filled with killing intent) I made my findings and found out that you were Razen's master, the one who has been oppressing the weak and stagnating this academy's progress. I could have cared less, however, you battered Valeria, who is on my side... Whatever you encounter next is nothing but your fault."

With those words hanging in the air, Blackthorn's eyes blazed with fury as he unleashed a torrent of blows upon X. Each strike was fueled by his thirst for revenge, his anger propelling him forward with unstoppable force.

The crowd gasps in awe as the intensity of the fight reaches new heights

The arena trembles with the force of their clash, the ground beneath them cracking and splintering under the sheer power of their blows. With each strike, the stage begins to split apart, the very foundations of the arena shaking with the ferocity of their battle.

"(Roaring with fury) You won't get away with what you've done, X! I'll make you pay for every sin you've committed!" Blackthorn shouted.

With every ounce of his being, Blackthorn pours his anger and frustration into his attacks, his blows landing with bone-crushing force. The arena's stage becomes a battlefield, the air thick with the sound of metal meeting flesh.

"(Struggling to keep up with Blackthorn's onslaught) This... this can't be happening! I am blessed by the gods!" X shrieked.

But Blackthorn showed no mercy, his blows raining down on X with relentless fury. With each strike, he draws closer to victory, his determination unwavering.

"This ends now!" Blackthorn uttered.

With a final, decisive blow, Blackthorn sends X crashing to the ground, defeated and broken. The crowd erupts into cheers as Blackthorn stands victorious, his thirst for revenge finally sated.

"(Watching from the sidelines, her eyes shining with pride) That is it, Blackthorn! You did it!" Valeria muttered

As the dust settles and the echoes of their battle fade, Blackthorn stands triumphant, his victory absolute. And though the fight may be over, the memory of his triumph will live on forever.

"(Breathing heavily, his voice filled with a mixture of exhaustion and satisfaction) I had almost forgotten how it feels to be a winner in a battle." Blackthorn mused.

He gazes upon X, who lies battered and defeated on the floor, a small smile playing at the corners of Blackthorn's lips.

"(Extending his hand towards X) Even though I dislike you, you put up a good fight, so I'll call a truce for now." He spoke.

The crowd watches in anticipation as Blackthorn offers his hand to his fallen opponent. For a moment, there is silence, before X slowly reaches out and grasps Blackthorn's hand.

(Cheering loudly was the crowd, who were impressed by their sportsmanship)

"(Barely able to stand, his voice filled with defiance) There is no way I could accept your truce, Damien. I hate you and your useless partner. And I'd rather be your worst enemy than be your friend." X replied with a whisper that only Blackthorn could hear.

Blackthorn's smile falters slightly at X's words, but he quickly regains his composure.

"(Nodding) Ok then... soothe yourself." The former replied.

With that, Blackthorn releases X's hand and walks away, leaving his defeated opponent standing alone in the center of the arena.

As he makes his way off the stage, Blackthorn feels a surge of conflicting emotions. Part of him wanted to lash out at X, to show him the full extent of his power. But another part knows that such actions would only perpetuate the cycle of violence.

And so, with a heavy heart, Blackthorn pushes aside his anger and focuses on the path ahead. He may have emerged victorious in this battle, but the war is far from over.

"And now, let's give a round of applause to our champion, Damien!" The announcer spoke.

The crowd erupts into cheers and applause as Blackthorn steps forward to receive his medal. He stands tall, a mix of pride and humility in his expression as he accepts the award.

"Thank you." He mumbled.

After the award ceremony, the program begins to wind down. People started to disperse, chatting excitedly about the thrilling matches they witnessed. As the arena empties, Blackthorn finds himself surrounded by well-wishers and admirers.

"(Approaching Blackthorn with a smile) Congratulations, Blackthorn. You fought amazingly out there." Valeria showered the former with praises.

"(Returning her smile) Thanks, Valeria. Couldn't have done it without your support." He replied.

A few days later, Blackthorn, Valeria, and X receive offers to enroll in a higher academy. Valeria accepts hers eagerly, eager to further her training and hone her skills. However, when it comes time for Blackthorn to make a decision, he hesitates.

"(Frowning) I appreciate the offer, but I won't enroll unless they allow someone to follow me." He uttered.

"(Curious) Someone to follow you? Who?" Valeria inquired, a little confused.

"(Gazing at Owen Wyatt) Owen Wyatt." He answered.

Valeria's eyes widen in surprise at Blackthorn's choice. Owen Wyatt, the weak-looking teenager whose family had little to no influence, was an unexpected candidate.

"(Uncertain) Owen Wyatt? Why him?"

"(Seriously) Because he deserves a chance." He replied.

Valeria nods slowly, understanding dawning on her face.

"(Resolute) Alright then. I'll support you in this decision. Although, that means he would eventually know our true identity." She spoke.

Blackthorn smiled at Valeria's unwavering support. Together, they approach the academy officials and make their request.

Academy Official: "(Surprised) Owen Wyatt? Are you sure?"

"(Blackthorn, nodding firmly) Yes. He is coming with us."

After some deliberation, the officials agree to Blackthorn's request, albeit reluctantly.

Academy Official: "(Sighing) Fine. But I want you to know that this is highly irregular. You are now responsible for whatever happens to the kid."

In the following weeks, preparations are made for their transfer to the higher academy. Blackthorn, Valeria, and Owen Wyatt eagerly anticipate the new opportunities and challenges that await them.

As they bid farewell to their old academy and set off on their journey to the new one, Blackthorn can't help but feel a sense of excitement and determination. Whatever lies ahead, he knows that he will face it head-on, with Valeria and Owen by his side.