chapter 11: Xavier’s Strength

The arena was a masterpiece of ancient architecture infused with spiritual energy. Colossal stone pillars rose high into the sky, their surfaces etched with glowing runes that pulsed faintly, feeding the protective barrier surrounding the ring. Thousands of spectators filled the stands, their voices creating a cacophony of cheers, taunts, and bets. Nobles in gilded robes sat in their reserved section, while warriors of all ranks jostled for a good view of the matches.

The tension in the arena was palpable as Darius, the leader of the Mozzie Clan trio, stood confidently in the center, his booming voice echoing through the courtyard.

"I challenge Xavier York!" he declared, his smirk widening as whispers rippled through the gathered crowd. "He's a level 8 noble spiritual fighter. Why is he challenging a fifth level noble?"

Xavier's heart thudded in his chest as the crowd parted, revealing him standing with Jessica, Eddie, Felix, and Mara. The silent shock on his friends' faces mirrored the weight of the moment. Jessica's gaze immediately hardened, her grip tightening around Xavier's arm.

Jessica stood close to Xavier before he entered the ring, her expression both worried and fierce. "You don't have to do this," she said, her voice a mix of concern and frustration. "Darius and his brothers thrive on humiliation. They want to see you break."

Xavier shook his head, determination hardening his features. "If I back down now, they'll never stop. They'll come after you, after us, after everything I care about. I have to stand my ground."

Her fingers brushed his, her voice softening. "Just promise me you'll come out of this in one piece. You're stronger than you think, but they're dangerous, Xavier."

He offered her a small smile. "I'll be fine, Jessica. I've got something they don't."

"And what's that?" Jessica asked nervously.

"A reason to fight." Xavier said with a cold glint in his eyes as he stared at Dauris

Nearby, Eddie clapped Xavier on the shoulder, his usual boisterous grin absent. "Look, man, just keep your head on straight. Darius is brutal, but he's arrogant. Use that. Don't let him dictate the pace."

Mara smirked, crossing her arms. "And if you need me to trip him with a stray wind, just give me the signal."

Felix adjusted his glasses, his tone measured. "Stay focused. Remember, Darius isn't just fighting to win; he's fighting to crush you. Don't let him dictate your emotions."

Xavier nodded, taking a deep breath. He stepped into the arena, the cheers and jeers of the crowd washing over him like a wave.

Xavier stepped forward, his voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through him. "I accept your challenge, Darius ."

The elder overseeing the proceedings raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Very well. Xavier York and Alaric Mozzie will face each other in the first bout. Step into the arena."

The crowd roared to life as Xavier and Dauris entered the ring, their contrasting figures stark against the backdrop of the grand arena. Dauris, with his towering, muscular frame and aura of confidence, exuded power. Xavier, a bit smaller than Darius but resolute, stood with a quiet determination that seemed to radiate strength beyond his physical appearance.

As they faced each other, Daruis's smirk grew. "You should've stayed in the shadows, York. Now, I'll make sure you regret ever stepping into the light."

Xavier remained silent, his eyes locked on his opponent. He knew Darius was trying to provoke him, but he wasn't about to give him the satisfaction.

The elder raised his hand, his voice commanding. "Let this battle be a test of strength, skill, and honor. Begin!"

Darius wasted no time, lunging at Xavier with a feral grin. His first punch, imbued with a fiery spiritual aura, came at blinding speed, the ground cracking beneath his feet.

Xavier narrowly dodged, the air from Darius's strike brushing his cheek like a razor. The force shattered the ground behind him, sending shards of stone flying. Xavier countered with a quick slash, aiming for Darius's exposed side, but his opponent deflected it with ease, laughing.

"You're quicker than I thought," Darius sneered, his voice echoing in the arena. "But speed won't save you."

Darius's aura flared, surrounding him in a fiery glow as he unleashed a barrage of heavy strikes. Each punch and kick forced Xavier back, the air vibrating with the sheer power behind them. The crowd roared with approval at Darius's dominance.

Jessica clenched her fists in the stands, her nails digging into her palms. "Come on, Xavier. Don't let him overwhelm you."

Eddie leaned forward, his face tense. "He's testing Xavier. The real fight hasn't started yet."

Xavier felt the weight of Darius's attacks, each blow chipping away at his stamina. But as he dodged and deflected, a realization struck him: Darius was strong but predictable.

He sidestepped another punch, planting his feet firmly as he slashed upward with precision. The strike grazed Darius's shoulder, leaving a shallow cut.

The crowd gasped, and Darius's grin faltered. His eyes narrowed, and his aura flared brighter. "So, the little commoner has teeth. Let's see how sharp they really are."

Darius slammed his palms together, summoning a massive wave of fire that surged toward Xavier. The heat was intense, searing the air around them.

Xavier didn't hesitate. Summoning his internal spiritual soul energy, he whispered, "Infernal Blade of Enlightenment—Second Form."

A vortex of flames erupted from his blade, colliding with Darius's fire in a blinding explosion of light and heat. The ground beneath them cracked and crumbled, the arena trembling under the force of their clash.

From the stands, Jessica shielded her eyes, her heart pounding. "He's matching Darius… He's really doing it."

Felix muttered under his breath, his analytical mind racing. "That technique… It's unlike anything I've seen before. He's created something I've never quite seen before. This energy is something I can't quite put my finger on."

As the dust settled, Darius emerged, his face twisted in rage. His aura flickered, weakened but still potent. "You'll pay for that!"

He charged again, his attacks more erratic but just as powerful. Xavier, however, remained calm, his training with Elior guiding him. With each clash, he began to see through Darius's movements, his confidence growing.

Finally, Xavier saw his opening. Channeling every ounce of his internal spiritual soul energy, he infused it into his blade, knowing how dangerous this could be he ensured to control the amount of soul energy he infused. The flames roaring to life. With a cry of determination, he unleashed his ultimate technique:

"Infernal Soul Blade—First Form!"

The vortex of flames surged forward, engulfing Darius in a whirlwind of heat and light. When the flames subsided, Darius was on one knee, his body scorched and trembling. "Brother!" Aleric yelled! Know his brother was clinging on for dear life. 

The elder raised his hand, his voice cutting through the stunned silence. "The winner is Xavier York! Though killing is permitted I cannot sit back and watch a talent from the mozzie family get killed." 

The arena erupted into cheers and gasps. Some jeered, unwilling to believe a fifth ranked Nobel had bested a 8th ranked Noble, while others shouted Xavier's name in admiration.

Jessica ran to him, her relief evident as she embraced him. "You did it, Xavier. I knew you could."

Eddie and Mara joined them, their faces alight with pride. "You're a damn legend, Xavier!" Eddie bellowed.

Felix adjusted his glasses, a rare smile on his lips. "That was… extraordinary."

Xavier looked at his friends, his chest heaving with exhaustion but his heart filled with gratitude. "This is only the first step," he said. "We have more battles ahead."

From the sidelines, Darius's brothers watched, their expressions dark with fury. One of them stepped forward, his voice cutting through the noise. "This isn't over, Xavier. You've made enemies today."

Xavier met their gaze, unflinching. "Let them come," he said quietly. "I'll be ready."