Chapter 42: Riya and Raj’s Battles
The roar of the crowd was like a thunderous wave crashing against the walls of the arena, as Aamir, Raj, and Riya stood together, catching their breath after their respective matches. They had each earned their victories, but the intensity of the competition was far from over.
Riya and Raj exchanged looks, both knowing that the third round was far more than just a formality. The battles would only get tougher from here. The stakes were high—every fighter in this round was here for one reason: to secure their place in the World Tournament.
"I can feel the tension," Raj muttered, his eyes darting across the arena as the next set of fighters prepared to enter the stage.
Aamir nodded, his eyes focused on the current match unfolding. The fighter on the stage was a muscular third-year student named Arjun, whose build seemed to be a mix of brute strength and speed. He was facing off against an equally agile opponent, Kiran, whose small frame seemed deceptive compared to Arjun’s towering size.
The fight began with both fighters cautiously circling each other, trying to gauge the other’s strengths and weaknesses. Aamir couldn’t help but admire the way Kiran danced around the larger fighter, narrowly avoiding every strike that Arjun threw. But Arjun’s raw power was undeniable, and it was clear that Kiran would need to outsmart him in order to win.
"Let’s go, Riya!" Raj said suddenly, giving her a gentle push toward the arena. It was time for her battle.
Riya smiled at him, her usual calm demeanor settling over her like a shield. "It’s my turn now."
The crowd roared as Riya’s name was called. The announcer’s voice boomed across the arena, "Next up: Riya Kapoor versus Devansh Yadav!"
Riya stepped into the ring, her eyes never leaving her opponent. Devansh was a large, powerful fourth-year fighter, known for his brute strength and aggressive fighting style. His bulky frame, combined with the fierce look in his eyes, made it clear that this wasn’t going to be an easy match for her. But Riya was prepared. She wasn’t just fast—she was tactical, and she knew how to use her opponent’s strength against him.