1 Last Stand

"Accept defeat Dante, stop trying to resist!

You've done well to get to this stage of the tournament with your physique but you are simply not my match. If you continue to resist I'll be forced to seriously hurt you."

…..

Dante was wearing a tattered black robe that had been torn to pieces. His dishevelled ink-black hair made him look like he had just been through a storm, while splotches of blood and bruising dotted his skin visible through tattered clothes

Despite his condition, Dante didn't relent as he stared at the young man opposite him with a firm, unwavering will, ignoring the actions onlooking crowd.

Opposite him stood a shirtless giant over two meters tall, his skin a healthy tanned bronze, and he was packed muscles that seemed like they were about to explode. He had short brown hair and a stone-cold expression and a steady posture that seemed to radiate confidence around him

"Stop with pep talk Brian, I'm not asking for your pity. I'm here to fight, not for your opinion" Dante spat out coldly

In response to Dante's words, Brian let out a light chuckle

"I'm only giving you face as the son of the First elder yet you …"

While Brian was still monologuing, Dante sensed an opportunity and instantly knew what to do.

launching a preemptive strike, Dante quickly surged the blood around his body.

Directing all this excess energy into his legs, Dante bent his knees and abruptly dashed forward as his body flickered leaving an afterimage.

instantly, Dante appeared to the side of Brian, striking the side of his temple with a fierce palm

"Bang!"

Brian shrieked horribly as his whole body flew out, rolling on the ground and gathering the dust and dirt as he moved.

Eventually, Brian's body came to a stop, yet the after-effects of Dante's attack were still seen as his body continued to spasm on the floor of the martial compound.

Silence!

The onlookers and audience become stunned from the unexpected outburst of strength from Dante, someone known to be quite weak in strength, especially while he was still seriously injured!

"Blaargh!"

Before the crowd could adapt to the situation they were thrown off by seeing the champion vomit a litre of blood!

Looking at the puddle of blood at his feet Dante lightly chuckled.

'Well, what else should I have expected using a forbidden technique given to me by father for life and death situations.'

'Even now I still think it's worth it, it feels great to finally win,' thought Dante as a bloody grin appeared on his face 

Those were the last thoughts he had before his consciousness was overtaken by a black wave causing him to pass out in his own blood