Chapter 58: The Winner's Return

Kael's eyes fluttered open, the harsh, sterile white of the infirmary lights blinding him at first. His body felt like it had been through a war—every muscle screamed in protest, and every inch of his skin throbbed with pain. He blinked a few times, trying to clear the fog from his head, but the room around him still swirled in a disorienting haze.

Kael (groaning):What happened... did I win?

The familiar sounds of beeping machines and soft footsteps filled the air. He turned his head slightly to see a nurse standing beside his bed, taking notes on a tablet. When she noticed his movement, she smiled warmly.

Nurse:"You're awake, Kael. Don't try to move just yet, okay? You've been through a lot. You were out for a while after the match."

Kael's mind was racing, but the overwhelming exhaustion made it hard to focus. His chest rose and fell with shallow breaths, and every time he tried to sit up, the world tilted dangerously. He winced, feeling his muscles protest against any movement. But something inside him refused to rest, a nagging need to know what had happened.

Kael (weakly):"Did I... win?"

The nurse chuckled softly and gave a reassuring nod.

Nurse:"Yes, you did. First place. You're the winner of the tournament."

The words took a moment to register. Kael's eyes widened slightly, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips, but the smile was short-lived as the pain in his body reminded him of the price he'd paid to earn it. First place... He had done it. Against all odds, he had won. But the price of victory was heavier than he could've imagined.

Kael (whispering):"How long was I out?"

Nurse:"About fifteen minutes. You passed out right after the fight ended. The medical team was quick to get to you. But now you're stable."

Before Kael could respond, the door to the infirmary opened, and Kaede stepped inside, followed by the rest of the team—Hana, Tetsu, and Ryuu. They looked tired but relieved, with smiles on their faces as they approached his bed.

Kaede:"You did it, Kael. We knew you had it in you."

Kael attempted to sit up, his head still spinning, but Hana was quick to step in and gently push him back down.

Hana (smiling softly):"Rest. You've earned it."

Kael couldn't help but laugh softly, though it was more of a wince than a real chuckle.

Kael (smiling weakly):"Yeah, I've earned it, huh?"

The rest of the team gathered around him, all of them offering their congratulations in their own way. Tetsu gave him a teasing grin, his usual cocky demeanor intact despite the exhaustion.

Tetsu (with a smirk):"Well, I knew you had it in you. Not bad for a guy who can barely stand, huh?"

Kael grinned back, but it was clear he was still recovering. Ryuu stepped forward, offering a rare smile.

Ryuu:"Nice work, Kael. That was a hell of a fight."

Hana (softly):"You did your best. That's all that matters."

Before Kael could say anything further, the nurse stepped forward with a clipboard in hand.

Nurse:"Alright, Kael, you're free to go. You've earned a bit of rest, but they're asking for you in the arena now to collect your prize."

Kael blinked, surprised.

Kael (confused):"The arena? What prize?"

Nurse (smiling):"You've won 500,000 USD and first place. They want to present it to you in front of everyone."

The weight of the words hit him all at once. Five hundred thousand dollars. First place. His victory wasn't just a personal triumph; it was a tangible reward. But even as the nurse spoke, Kael felt the exhaustion clawing at him, and he wasn't sure if he had the strength to get up.

But his team was there, encouraging him.

Kaede (with a light chuckle):"Come on, Kael. You can do it. Let's go collect your winnings."

The trip back to the arena was a blur for Kael. He was barely able to keep his eyes open as his team guided him through the hallways. As they reached the large arena entrance, Kael saw the familiar faces of the crowd, still roaring in excitement. The atmosphere was electric, and the announcer's voice rang out, calling Kael to the center of the arena.

As he stepped into the spotlight, Kael was met with applause and cheers from the audience. The whole place was alive with excitement.

Announcer (booming):"Kael Renji, the winner of the tournament! Let's give him a round of applause!"

Kael stood there for a moment, dazed, as the announcer continued with the grand presentation.

Announcer (with a smile):"Kael, you've fought with honor and determination, and today, you stand victorious. Here's your reward!"

A large podium was wheeled out, and a representative from the tournament committee stepped forward with a ceremonial check for 500,000 USD. The crowd erupted in cheers as Kael was handed the oversized check. He blinked, still in disbelief that it had all come to this.

But as he stood there, with his team beside him, he noticed something. The Darkshade team—Veyron, Raven, and the others—were leaving the arena. Their faces were grim, but none of them had spoken a word to Kael. They were leaving quietly, and it didn't sit right with him. Kael watched them go, feeling an unfamiliar weight settle in his chest.

Before he could dwell on it any longer, Hana and the others caught up to him. They were grinning from ear to ear.

Hana:"Congratulations, Kael. You earned it."

Tetsu (teasing):"Not bad, huh? I guess we'll have to split the prize money now!"

Ryuu (nodding):"Well deserved. Now, let's get you back to the locker room."

As they all headed back, Kael couldn't help but smile, though his mind kept returning to the sight of Darkshade's team leaving. He had a feeling that this wasn't the end of the story—that their journey was far from over.

But for now, he could relax, enjoy the victory, and share in the moment with his friends.