John leaped forward and a low demonic growl left his transformed mouth filled with rows of needle-like, sharp teeth as he thrust his weapon at Sung-Jin. The prince screamed, throwing one hand back, to twist his torso in a desperate attempt to avoid the attack, but he also didn't resign from the offense.

He screamed, casting as pell with the one still extended hand. His fingers curled up, as the ice ray was released, hitting John straight in the face.

The halberd missed by a hair, while the spell landed, quickly spreading around the demonic body, which rammed into the magician, releasing the weapon which landed on the sand still present at the further parts of the arena.

They both fell to the ground.

It awfully looked like people in the audience were going to pass out because they were still holding their breaths. Just like Tihana, whom I carefully observed with one of my eyes.

The ice shattered. Water was still hissing and boiling on the skin of the demon when he picked himself up, but Sung-Jin couldn't.

The audience erupted, but only partially. Clearly, the fans of the prince didn't have anything to celebrate for.

- And like this, we found our winner! - Bruce erupted. - After an unbelievable clash, and the last attack which was supposed to overturn the tide of the battle, the prince falls and John Wu stands!

- What an unbelievable fight! - Matthew added. - To the very last moment we didn't know who will emerge victorious, but now we do!

- Yes! In your face, motherfucker! - Tihana yelled and jumped.

I just chuckled, not expecting such a reaction from her.

- Language! - celestine scolded her, but she still was smiling.

The medical teams rushed to the center of the arena to pick up Sung-Jin. They quickly put him on a stretch where a dedicated healer was already working on his minor, but still, wounds. Meanwhile, John started to leave the arena barely standing on his feet. He had to stay focused to not fall over his own feet.

The demonic transformation was very strong, but hard to control. Without the adrenaline in his bloodstream, guided with the precise goal, he had to turn himself back into a human. The problem was that he would fall on his face without that additional power, and that's why he wanted to leave the arena first.

I noticed it, since we both, in secret, tested the power before the fight. With a quick couple of shadow walks I appeared on the other side of the gate he was heading towards. As soon as he stepped there, I gave him a hand.

- You did good - I told him.

He transformed back, almost falling to his face, but I was there to support him. I dumped one heck of a heal into him, so the cameras focused on the two of us didn't even show anything anybody could pick up on. It looked like I was just waiting for him to pat him on the back.

- Thanks - he said all better thanks to my magic. - I left the halberd.

- I'll take care of it, you go to my daughter and give her a good word before it's her turn. She won't admit it, but she was worried out of her mind.

John chuckled.

- Sometimes she can be so damn cute - he said, smiling widely, and then he looked at me.

The moment our eyes met the station turned awkward as hell. His smile quickly vanished, as he realized that's not really something you should discuss with the father of the daughter you are, hopefully not, but let's face it, probably banging.

- I-i'll g-go - he mumbled shortly after.

- Yeah. That's a good idea - I confirmed.

I watched him leave, then turned to go and pick the weapon, but somebody was already on it, running with the halberd towards me, while a bunch of people worked on removing the glass from the center of the arena.

I didn't know the guy, but he presented me with the weapon.

- He left it - he said.

- Thanks - I responded, taking it from his hands, before stuffing it into my vault and leaving to go back to the waiting room dedicated to my family.

Since walking wasn't really my thing, I just shadow walked back, at the same moment John entered the room. I witnessed a terrible moment of Tihana throwing herself around his neck, and kissing him passionately.

A grimace twisted my face. Second, later Celestine punched me in the shoulder. I peeked at her, and her face was showing more than a thousand words. I rolled my eyes, snorted, and moved away.

It was not worth making her annoyed.

The reunion lasted for a moment. I did my best to focus on something else, so I watched the TV for a minute or two, listening to Bruce and Matthew rumbling about the fight while observing the team fixing up the arena. They shattered the glass, then psionics removed it, and refilled the missing sand with the new one.

A moment later somebody knocked on our door.

- The next fight is about to start, and Tihana should prepare. I'll wait outside to escort you - said somebody from the other side. - Your gear is already waiting for you.

- I'm coming - she responded.historical

Then she exchanged a few hushed words with John. I bought her smiling as she bit her lower lip before leaving. Is it normal that I wanted to punch him in the face for that? I guess it is.

- And like that, we are to witness another clash of titans. Are you excited, Bruce?

- After witnessing the first one? Are you kidding me? I can't wait! I bet the viewers also can't wait! This is the last moment to grab a during and a snack, because in a couple of minutes the action will start, and you won't be able to look away from the screen. So go for it while you still can!

- I couldn't say it better! Let's say a few words about the upcoming fighters, while we still can!