The arena was filled with anticipation as the next battle was announced.
"Next match! Varek Solin, the relentless wielder of Bronze Mana, versus Nirvan Weis, the unshakable Metal Mana user! Let the battle begin!"
Varek stepped onto the battlefield, rolling his shoulders as he cracked his knuckles. His bronze-colored aura shimmered like hardened earth, a testament to his durability and raw strength. Opposite him, Nirvan stood tall, his silver-metallic aura reflecting the sunlight, making him look almost indestructible. His cold, unwavering gaze met Varek's fierce determination.
"You're tough," Varek said, smirking. "But let's see if you can withstand my power."
Nirvan crossed his arms. "We'll see who bends first."
Varek wasted no time, dashing forward with incredible speed, his fist glowing with bronze energy as he swung at Nirvan's chest.
CLANG!
The impact echoed across the arena. Nirvan didn't flinch—his skin had turned metallic, absorbing the blow with barely a step back.
"My turn," Nirvan muttered.
He raised his arm, and his fingers extended into sharp metallic claws, slashing toward Varek. Reacting quickly, Varek coated his arms with dense Bronze Mana, hardening them like stone as he blocked the attack. The sound of metal scraping against solid rock rang out.
They pushed against each other, neither willing to give ground.
Nirvan pressed his palm against the ground, and jagged metal spikes erupted from beneath Varek's feet. Varek leapt to the side, dodging just in time.
Varek clenched his fists, then slammed the ground with brute force, causing the earth to tremble. Chunks of bronze-colored energy shot up like an explosion, forcing Nirvan to retreat.
"Not bad," Nirvan admitted.
He threw his arm forward, and liquid metal shot from his fingertips, shaping into long spears mid-air. Varek ducked and weaved, avoiding most of them, but one scraped his shoulder, drawing blood.
Varek exhaled, wiping the cut. "Tch. That's gonna sting."
Nirvan smirked. "That's just the beginning."
Varek stomped the ground, his mana coating his entire body like armor. He dashed toward Nirvan, throwing a rapid series of brutal punches. Each strike sent shockwaves through the air, but Nirvan hardened his metal defenses, enduring the barrage.
Then, Nirvan shifted. His arms transformed into massive, steel gauntlets, and he swung with devastating force. Varek dodged left, but the sheer power of the swing sent him skidding across the battlefield.
Nirvan pursued, turning his legs into heavy steel, increasing his weight. He stomped, causing the ground to sink beneath him, shaking the battlefield as he closed in.
Varek planted his feet and met Nirvan's charge head-on, their fists colliding in a blast of energy.
BOOM!
The force sent both fighters flying backward.
Both warriors stood, breathing heavily. Their auras burned brighter than ever, the energy distorting the air around them.
Varek grinned. "Time to finish this."
He clenched his fists, his Bronze Mana surging. His body became denser, tougher, his strength reaching its peak.
Nirvan responded by fully encasing himself in metal, his body gleaming like a living statue.
They charged.
Varek delivered a massive uppercut, his fist glowing with pure power. Nirvan countered with a downward punch, his metal fist aiming to crush Varek's attack.
The moment their fists met—
CRACK!
The ground split apart beneath them, energy exploding outward. Dust and debris filled the air as the shockwave sent ripples through the stadium.
When the dust settled, both fighters stood… but only one remained on his feet.
Nirvan wobbled, then collapsed to one knee, his metal armor cracking under the force of Varek's punch. His defenses had finally reached their limit.
The announcer's voice rang out:
"Winner—Varek Solin!"
The crowd roared as Varek took a deep breath, rolling his shoulders. He walked over and extended his hand.
Nirvan looked up, then sighed. "Guess bronze doesn't break so easily."
Varek chuckled. "Nope. We bend, but we don't break."
Nirvan took his hand, standing up. "I'll make sure I win next time."
Varek smirked. "I'll be waiting."
As they left the battlefield, the audience cheered, knowing they had just witnessed an unforgettable clash of endurance and power.