Chapter 4: The Duel

The day comes when the two finally fight, the whole kingdom is gathered and in the VIP area, we see the emperor, excitedly waiting for the match between his protégé and his grandson. Aria is in the prepping room with Maximus.

Aria: Max, have you seen Azra?

Max: No, your majesty

Aria: I'm worried, I haven't seen him since yesterday.

Max: He's probably fine.

Aria: sighs… Fine, good luck. 

Max: Thanks.

Maximus

Something was off, where the hell was Adrein, I used my enhanced vision to try and find him but to no avail, something was blocking my vision. I then entered the stadium as I brushed off all these thoughts.

Zachariah (smug): Hah, I'm surprised you showed up

Maximus (smiles): Let me just tell you one thing, you're lightyears away from even thinking of defeating me.

Zachariah: BIG TALK FROM A DEAD MAN.

Saying this Zachariah charges at Max with his sword at a very high speed, Maximus dodges and attacks, this way both of them launch a series of attacks at each other; the ground begins to shatter as Maximus launches the powerful fire vortex spell at Zachariah, he dodges and launches his lighting blade attack, the melee combat suddenly turned even more dangerous through a series of magic attacks, this last for about an hour and completely demolishes the entire ground, the emperor seems to enjoy this match a lot, but to the other audience, it's just downright frighting.

Max (smiles): What's the matter, getting tired?

Zach (smiles): Ha you wish, I'm just getting started; I haven't had this much in years Maximus (saying this Zach launches another barrage of attacks).

Max (smiles): Nice, keep it coming (Max unleashes his barrier and deflects all his attacks in every other direction.)

This frightened the audience to the extent were the whole first row had to be evacuated due to the heavy amount of damage done. Seeing this, Zach drops his swords and raises his fists at Maximus, Max smiles and charges at him with his fists; the two engage in hand-to-hand combat. Maximus finally gains the upper hand and pummels Zachariah to the ground; Zachariah tries not to lose consciousness but his body finally gives in and he faints. The match was finally over in a blood bath; Maximus emerged out of the huge crater formed by their fight and dragged Zachariah out; the emperor got up and applauded followed by the whole crowd applauding and praising the winner; the medics soon arrived and took Zachariah in a stretcher, Maximus seems unharmed, the battle was finally over.

After the battle, the royal guards arrived to restrain Maximus, seeing this, Aria retaliated by ordering the guards to stand down but behind her, we see a blonde girl with blue eyes; it was Ai, the princess of Conmoditas, she accused Max of bringing a demon into the holy empire and the demon was none other than Adrien who pretended to be Azra; hearing this the emperor order the guards lock them in the dungeons.

Inside the dungeons, we see a beaten-up Adrien chained to a wall with Maximus.

Maximus: What the hell happened to you?

Adrien: Nn-nothing, just lost my way.

Maximus: You did well.

Adrien tries to put up a smile but only succeeds halfway there, Maximus then closes his eyes for a moment before Ai arrives in the dungeons.

Ai (smiling): Do you know why this place was made, Maximus?

Maximus: Enlighten me.

Ai: It was made just for demons, usually they were just thrown to the bottom and left to die, my favorite part about this place is that it is dug so deep that it's impossible to escape for two normal kids.

Maximus (smiles): Perhaps you forget, I'm not some normal kid; I am a vampire straight from the depths of hell.

Ai (smiles): Is that supposed to scare me?

Maximus: Ha, no, not at all, but this is.

Maximus suddenly released his immense bloodlust; the murderous intent was enough to even get the emperor who was in his throne room alerted; Ai almost fainted as she tried to catch her breath. The royal guards soon broke free from his aura and rushed to the scene they carried a barely conscious Ai as she looked at Maximus in horror, all she saw was the sinister smile plastered onto his face.