Closer to the prize

The arena still crackled with residual energy from Mortis's victory. He barely acknowledged the cheers as he stepped off the dueling platform. But the tournament was far from over.

His sharp gaze flicked toward Daniel Asomndes. Their brief eye contact carried a silent understanding—this was no longer a mere tournament for recognition. Both of them wanted the ancient potion, and neither would back down.

The announcer's voice rang out once more, calling the next duel. Mortis leaned against the cold stone wall at the edge of the Colosseum, watching as the matches played out. Most of them ended quickly—many participants had already exhausted their mana reserves in earlier battles, and those who had made it this far were either exceptionally skilled or barely holding on.

He made note of each remaining opponent, his mind a constant storm of calculations. The next phase would be even more intense, and he needed to be ready for anything.

A break was announced before the next round, allowing the competitors to recover. Mortis turned to leave the main arena, but a voice stopped him.

"Impressive as always, Mortis Nacht."

Selene Graves.

She had recovered from their duel, though her expression betrayed the bitterness of defeat. Her arms were crossed, her piercing gaze fixed on him.

"I see why they talk about you," she admitted. "But don't think for a second that you're untouchable. You only won because I underestimated you."

Mortis regarded her impassively. "Then learn from your mistake."

Selene's eyes narrowed, but before she could respond, another voice cut in.

"Mortis," Daniel Asomndes called, stepping closer. "Let's walk."

Mortis exchanged one last glance with Selene before turning away, following Daniel down one of the side corridors of the Colosseum. The noise of the crowd faded behind them as they entered a more secluded section of the arena.

"I assume you're not here for idle conversation," Mortis said.

Daniel smirked. "You assume correctly."

They stopped in a dimly lit hallway lined with stone pillars. Daniel crossed his arms. "You and I both know how this tournament will end."

Mortis remained silent, waiting.

"It'll be you and me in the final match," Daniel continued. "The others—they're strong, sure, but they lack what we have." His eyes darkened. "A real reason to win."

Mortis tilted his head slightly. "And what's your reason?"

Daniel's smirk didn't fade. "Let's just say I need that potion as much as you do."

The air between them was thick with tension. Two apex predators acknowledging each other as rivals.

Finally, Daniel exhaled and stepped back. "I'll see you in the finals, Mortis. Try not to lose before then."

He turned and walked away, leaving Mortis alone in the corridor.

Mortis stayed there for a moment, thoughts swirling in his mind. He had no intention of losing, but he couldn't underestimate Daniel. After all, their battle would be the true test of his power.

The chime of a magical bell echoed through the Colosseum, signaling the next round. Mortis made his way back to the arena, stepping onto the stone floor once again.

The announcer's voice boomed. "The semi-finals begin now! First match: Mortis Nacht of Myriad Demons Academy versus Rael Valen of the Ying-Yang Paradise!"

Rael Valen. A battle-mage specializing in dual elemental magic.

Mortis stepped onto the platform as Rael emerged from the opposite side, his robes, a blend of black and white silk flowing behind him. His aura was thick with malice, and his fingers twitched with anticipation.

"I've been waiting for this," Rael said, a hungry grin stretching across his face.

Mortis remained silent, his focus absolute.

The gong sounded.

Rael lunged forward, closing the distance between them. In one smooth motion, he formed Twin Yin-Yang Blades, each pulsating with opposing energies. One blade gleamed with radiant light, the other shimmered with void-like darkness. He struck with a fluid grace, alternating between the two forces.

Mortis, unarmed but far from defenseless, conjured Shadow Tendrils from beneath his feet. They lashed out like serpents, seeking to ensnare Rael's limbs. Rael twisted mid-strike, dodging the first set of tendrils while slicing through the second with his light-infused blade.

Their battle shifted into a deadly dance—Rael's blades moving in seamless arcs while Mortis countered with a mixture of fire, lightning, and shadow magic. Sparks flew as their attacks collided, neither gaining the upper hand.

Then, Mortis saw his opening.

As Rael moved to strike with his light blade, Mortis activated Darkness Veil, fastly repositioning behind him. In the same breath, he unleashed Lightning Bolt, the electric arc crackling with raw power.

Rael barely managed to spin around, but he was too late. The lightning struck him square in the chest. His body convulsed, and he staggered backward.

Mortis capitalized on the moment. He cast Shadow Bind, dark chains bursting from the ground to ensnare Rael. The Yin-Yang disciple struggled, his dual-element magic flaring as he attempted to break free. But Mortis didn't let him. With a flick of his wrist, he launched Inferno Spark directly at Rael's trapped form.

The explosion sent a wave of heat across the platform.

As the smoke cleared, Rael lay motionless, his robes scorched and his breathing ragged. He had reached his limit.

Silence.

Then—

The announcer's voice rang out. "The winner is Mortis Nacht!"

The crowd roared, but Mortis barely registered it. He withdrew his magic, turning away as Rael was carried off the platform.

There was only one match left before the finals.

And he already knew who his opponent would be.

The announcer's voice echoed through the arena.

"Final match of the semi-finals: Daniel Asomndes versus Lucian Voss!"

Mortis watched as Daniel stepped forward, his dark flames flickering ominously.

This battle would determine everything.

And soon, it would be his turn to face Daniel at last.