Chapter 25

The World Watches – China vs. Russia Aftermath

The world stood still.

The fight between Wei Zhen and Dimitri Volkov had been nothing short of a war. Two titans, neither willing to fall, neither willing to accept defeat. But in the end, only one could remain.

And China had lost.

The moment the Voice declared Dimitri the victor, Wei Zhen collapsed to his knees. The raw power that had surged through his body—the ability that had made him unstoppable the longer a fight lasted—vanished.

Titan's Fortitude was gone.

The strength. The durability. The endless potential for growth. All of it stripped away.

And with it—China was eliminated from the tournament.

The rules were absolute.

Lose—and your nation is out.

There were no second chances. No redemption. No consolation matches.

One moment, Wei Zhen had been one of the strongest warriors alive.

The next? He was just another man.

Across the world, shockwaves rippled.

Global Reactions

@TournamentInsider: "CHINA IS OUT. WEI ZHEN HAS BEEN STRIPPED OF HIS POWER. Dimitri Volkov moves forward, and Russia remains in the fight. This changes everything."

@WorldNewsLive: "BREAKING: China eliminated from the tournament. One of Earth's strongest champions, defeated. Only one will remain in the end."

@GlobalFightClub: "Holy sht. Wei Zhen was getting stronger the longer the fight went on, but Dimitri lasted just long enough. Imagine if he'd fought for another few minutes—could've been a different outcome."*

@CNOfficialNews: "We fought with honor. Our warrior stood among the best. But the tournament does not offer second chances. China is eliminated. The world now watches."

The reactions were divided. Some mourned the loss of one of Earth's strongest fighters. Others celebrated Russia's dominance.

But some?

Some were already looking forward to the next battle.

Because the real question wasn't about who had lost.

It was about who would win.

Fort Eisenhower – Monroe's POV

Monroe sat in the private viewing chamber, her arms crossed, her expression unreadable.

She had seen Wei Zhen collapse. She had seen the moment his ability vanished.

And she had seen the way Dimitri had walked away, still growing stronger.

"…One more nation gone," someone muttered behind her.

She didn't respond.

Her eyes were locked on the next matchup.

The room was filled with analysts, strategists, government officials—all watching. All waiting.

Because now?

Now, Orion was up.

Monroe exhaled slowly.

She tapped on her tablet, bringing up Santiago Velásquez's profile.

Colombia's champion.

Power: Apex Predator.

"He evolves mid-fight," Monroe had explained earlier. "The longer a battle lasts, the more he adapts. Strength, speed, reflexes—he learns and counters everything in real-time."

She had briefed Orion before the fight, giving him the full breakdown.

Orion had barely listened.

"Doesn't matter," he'd said. "I'll figure it out when I'm there."

Monroe clenched her jaw.

She didn't doubt Orion's power.

But Santiago wasn't an idiot.

He had been hiding his strength this whole time. He had survived this long for a reason.

She tapped her fingers against the tablet, watching as the arena shifted into place.

The fight was starting.

Monroe closed her eyes.

And just like everyone else on the planet—

She let the battle stream directly into her mind.

— Unknown Arena —

The world blinked.

Orion was no longer at Fort Eisenhower.

He stood in an endless expanse of land, cracked and scorched under a darkened sky. The air was dry, heavy with tension. A battlefield designed for pure combat.

No cover. No obstacles.

Nowhere to run.

Across from him, Santiago Velásquez stood, arms relaxed, a faint smirk on his face.

He looked calm.

Too calm.

Orion exhaled, rolling his shoulders.

He could feel it.

The weight of expectation.

Millions were watching.

And he was going to give them a show.

The Voice spoke.

"Begin."

Santiago moved first.

Orion's eyes narrowed.

No hesitation. No testing the waters. Santiago was already at full speed, closing the distance in a blur.

Orion sidestepped.

Santiago's fist cut through the air where his head had been.

The second attack came instantly—a roundhouse kick aimed at Orion's ribs.

Orion blocked with one hand.

The force sent a shockwave through the battlefield, kicking up dust and debris.

Orion's brow lifted. He's fast.

But Santiago was already adapting.

His next punch came even faster.

Orion caught it.

Santiago smirked.

Orion felt the shift—his muscles tightening, his grip locking down harder than before.

He's already learning my strength.

Orion let go, stepping back.

Santiago didn't chase.

His smirk widened. "I see it now."

Orion tilted his head. "See what?"

Santiago rolled his shoulders. "Why they fear you."

He clenched his fists—and his body changed.

Muscles coiled tighter. His stance shifted subtly. His breathing became more efficient.

Orion's eyes flickered.

Apex Predator.

Santiago was evolving in real-time.

He had memorized Orion's speed, his power, his reaction time—and adjusted accordingly.

Orion exhaled.

"Alright."

"Let's see how far that gets you."

The World Watches – Orion's Challenge

@FightAnalysis: "Santiago just adapted MID-FIGHT. He's already moving faster, hitting harder. Apex Predator is no joke."

@TournamentInsider: "Orion looks unfazed, but let's be real—if Santiago keeps evolving, how long before he finds a way to win?"

@GravesFanClub: "Everyone's acting like Orion hasn't even STARTED yet. Just wait."

The tension grew.

Because Santiago wasn't just fast.

He was getting faster.

He wasn't just strong.

He was getting stronger.

And Orion?

Orion was just waiting.

Back in the Arena –

Santiago's movements blurred.

He rushed Orion again—this time, three times faster than before.

Orion blocked—

And Santiago's knee slammed into his ribs.

Boom.

Orion skidded back, exhaling sharply.

Santiago grinned. "Got you that time."

Orion touched his ribs.

Not bad.

His eyes met Santiago's.

Then—he smiled.

"You're getting better."

"Too bad it won't matter."

Santiago's grin faltered. "…What?"

Orion took a step forward.

And suddenly—

Santiago couldn't move.

His body locked up.

The battlefield twisted—not physically, but conceptually.

Because Orion had just decided that Santiago wouldn't evolve anymore.

Imperium had rewritten the rules.

Orion exhaled.

"Now, it's my turn."

TO BE CONTINUED…