Respect

Chapter:23 Respect

Galen stood, battered and bruised, their bodies bearing the scars of their epic clash. Both fighters were on the brink of collapse, their breaths ragged, their clothes in tatters, and their faces streaked with dirt and sweat.

Aulus, the "Lava Lord," was on his knees, his body trembling from the immense effort he had exerted. His skin was marred with burns, and he struggled to maintain his human form. He knew that he had given everything he had in that final, devastating attack.

Galen, atop the remnants of his once-mighty ice tower, swayed on unsteady legs. His hands, still encased in frozen gauntlets, throbbed with pain. Every fiber of his being ached, but he refused to yield. His determination burned brighter than ever, and he knew that he had pushed himself to his very limits.

The arena was silent, the audience and nobles watching in awe and disbelief at the aftermath of the battle. Team 3 and Team 5 could only stare in astonishment, their earlier confidence replaced with a newfound respect for the two warriors who had pushed themselves beyond the brink.

Dante, from the sidelines, felt a swell of pride for Galen's unwavering resolve. He knew that this battle would be remembered for generations to come, a testament to the indomitable spirit of these young fighters.

But the time had come for the verdict. The nobles, after a moment of deliberation, announced the victor of the match. The crowd held its collective breath as the declaration was made, and the tension in the arena was palpable.

The nobles announced, "The victor of this match is... Aulus, the 'Lava Lord'!" Aulus, though barely able to stand, managed a triumphant smile as his victory was declared.

The audience erupted into thunderous applause, their admiration for the young fighter evident in their cheers. Team 5 celebrated their victory, knowing that Aulus had secured their team's lead.

Galen, despite his defeat, received a standing ovation from the crowd. His bravery and determination had won him the respect and admiration of all who had witnessed the battle. Team 3 rushed to his side, supporting their fallen comrade as the workers from the arena tended to his injuries.

Dante, his voice filled with pride, shouted to his team, "Galen, you fought valiantly! You've made us all proud!" The words of encouragement were met with a chorus of cheers from Team 3.

As Aulus struggled to maintain his human form, he offered a weak nod of respect to Galen. Despite the fierce battle they had just endured, there was an unspoken understanding between them—a recognition of the incredible strength and determination each had displayed.

The arena workers carefully helped Galen exit the battleground, his injuries severe but not life-threatening. Team 3 knew that their comrade would need time to heal, but his spirit remained unbroken.

Beru, a member of Team 3, stepped forward and declared, "I will go next. I'll avenge Galen's defeat." The determination in her eyes mirrored the same fire that had burned in Galen's during the battle.

However, the nobles had a different announcement to make. They explained that due to the extensive damage inflicted upon the arena during the battle, the next match would be delayed by three hours. The workers needed time to repair the arena and ensure its safety for the next bout.

The news was met with mixed reactions from the teams and the audience. Team 5, having secured a lead, seemed unfazed by the delay. Team 3, on the other hand, used the time to tend to Galen's injuries and regroup for the challenges that lay ahead.

The audience dispersed, conversations filled with excitement and wonder about the incredible battle they had witnessed. The nobles retreated to their chambers to discuss the implications of such extraordinary powers displayed by the young fighters.

As the arena workers began the arduous task of repairing the battleground, Dante approached Galen, who was now receiving medical attention. He spoke with a reassuring smile, "Rest up, Galen. We'll be ready for the next match, and we'll come back stronger."

Galen, his eyes filled with determination, nodded in agreement. The battle may have ended in defeat, but the spirit of Team 3 remained unbroken. They were warriors, and they were ready to face whatever challenges awaited them in the arena.

And so, in the wake of the epic clash between Galen and Aulus, the arena stood divided, marked by the remnants of their incredible battle. The spectators and fighters alike were left with a sense of awe and anticipation, knowing that the next match would be just as thrilling, if not more so.