Varek Solin Vs Keiran Trizk — The Final Clash

The next day arrived, and with it, the third and final tournament round.

The air buzzed with excitement as students gathered around the grand arena. The last battle was set—Keiran Trizk vs. Varek Solin.

This was it.

Two warriors. One winner.

Keiran stretched his arms, feeling the lingering soreness from yesterday's match. His light mana pulsed faintly, but his confidence burned brighter. "I finally get my rematch… and this time, I won't lose."

On the other side, Varek stood calm, silent. His bronze mana had never felt stronger, flowing steadily through his body.

They locked eyes.

The announcer stepped forward.

"THE FINAL BATTLE… BEGINS NOW!"

The crowd roared—

And Keiran and Varek charged at each other.

As soon as the announcer's voice rang out, Varek dashed forward aggressively, his bronze mana flaring.

He aimed a powerful punch straight at Keiran's chest—but Keiran reacted instantly.

BAM!

Keiran's forearm glowed with light mana as he raised it just in time to block. The impact sent a shockwave through the arena, cracks forming beneath their feet.

The crowd gasped.

Keiran smirked. "You're fast—but I've been waiting for this."

Before Varek could pull back, Keiran twisted his body, countering with a high-speed kick aimed at Varek's side.

The clash between Varek and Keiran continued, their attacks relentless.

Fists met fists. Kicks collided midair. Every move was countered, every strike met with equal force. The battlefield trembled under their raw power.

Then—they both powered up.

Varek activated his second Mana Surge. His bronze aura erupted, wrapping his body in raw strength and durability.

Keiran clenched his fists, his light mana flaring like a golden flame. He could only activate one Mana Surge—his body wasn't trained for more. But even with just one, his power surged to its peak.

The crowd held its breath.

This was it. The climax.

But something was wrong.

Varek's legs trembled.

His breathing was ragged. His second Mana Surge, though powerful, was draining him faster than he expected. He hadn't trained enough for this—his body was reaching its limit.

Keiran noticed.

Instead of attacking, he waited.

Varek struggled to stand. His arms shook, his muscles burned. But his eyes… they were still burning with determination.

He clenched his fists, forcing himself to rise.

"I will not give up!"

Then—it happened.

A small shadowy wisp flickered in front of his hand.

Keiran's eyes widened. "What… is that?"

Varek froze. His heart pounded painfully.

The shadow mana pulsed, black tendrils latching onto his skin. He tried to suppress it—but it wouldn't disappear. Instead, it spread, tightening around his fingers, clawing at his chest like a parasite.

Varek gritted his teeth, trying to fight it back.

But his breathing became harder.

His vision blurred.

His mind screamed at him—DON'T USE IT!

Keiran watched in shock. "Varek! What's happening to you?!"

Varek clenched his jaw, stepping back. "Stay away!"

But Keiran refused. He reached out, trying to pull the dark energy off.

As soon as his hands touched it—

BOOM!

A shockwave sent Keiran flying back.

He skidded across the arena, looking up in shock. "That energy… it's rejecting me?"

Varek held his arm, struggling to contain the shadow mana.

Keiran narrowed his eyes. "You're so stubborn."

He had no choice.

Keiran gathered his light mana, shaping it into a blade of pure energy.

"Sorry, Varek. But I'm ending this now."

SLASH!

Keiran's light blade cut through the shadow mana—

But—it also cut through Varek's hand.

Blood dripped.

The shadow dispersed.

Varek fell to one knee, gasping for air.

Keiran's eyes widened as he realized what he had done.

The match… was over.