Chapter 30- Interupted
The referee, a tall man with graying hair and a calm yet authoritative aura, raised his hand. His name was Darius Voss, a former police SWAT commander before the apocalypse. "This duel will proceed, but remember, go too far, and I’ll stop you," he warned in a booming voice.
He activated his skill, [Shield Force], casting a shimmering barrier around the arena to keep the audience safe.
As the translucent dome formed, Cris grinned, unable to hide his excitement. "This is where you’ll fall, Julian!" he shouted, eyes gleaming with murderous glee.
Julian’s expression remained calm, eyes half-lidded. "You talk too much."
Cris’ face twisted in rage. Darius raised his hand. "Begin!"
Cris lunged first, twin daggers flashing like fangs as he launched a flurry of strikes toward Julian. Each slash aimed for vital points, but Julian shifted, deflecting every blow with the graceful arcs of his katana. Steel clashed in a ringing symphony as Cris pressed forward, forcing Julian to backpedal.
Cheers erupted from the crowd as Cris dominated the opening exchange, each dodge and block by Julian looking almost desperate to the untrained eye. Cris smirked, flicking his wrist to send feints and rapid cuts. "What’s wrong? All you can do is defend?" he taunted.
Julian stayed silent, eyes cold, his katana a blur of precise parries.
In the stands, Brandon leaned forward, eyes gleaming. "It’s over, Cris has him cornered," he whispered, lips curling into a grin.
Randoff’s brows knitted with worry. "If Julian loses, Emma will never accept it..." He glanced at his daughter, but was shocked to see Emma watching Julian intently, a serene faith in her eyes.
Nearby, Albert turned to Randoff, voice hushed but urgent. "That girl. Aya, where is she?"