Chapter 9: The Duel Against the Golden Warrior
Tension in the Arena
In the center of the celestial arena, Victor and Ben stood face to face. A tense silence filled the air as the spectators eagerly watched, anticipating an intense clash.
However, this time, the atmosphere was different.
Alina's face showed clear concern. Victor had already fought several powerful warriors, and his exhaustion was evident. But Ben? He was still full of energy, his golden wings gleaming in the air. Drawing his sword, he declared in a loud voice,
"I challenge you, Victor!"
Victor understood Ben's intent. He knew Ben wasn't just aiming to defeat him—he wanted to humiliate him. Yet, Victor remained calm. With a slight smile, he raised his hand and said,
"You're not going to fight me… you'll fight him."
All the spectators turned to look in the direction Victor pointed.
A warrior was walking towards the arena. His light blue robe flowed with the wind, and a magnificent sword was strapped to his back. His presence was commanding, and his confident stride captivated everyone.
Alina, recognizing him, muttered under her breath,
"Jon Carter…"
A wave of murmurs spread through the crowd. Ben's eyes widened in surprise before narrowing in anger. He wanted to fight Victor, but now he was being forced to face Jon instead.
"If this is your decision, Victor," Ben said, his voice dripping with irritation, "then I'll make this battle even more exciting!"
---
Victor and Alina's Reunion
Victor stepped away from the arena and joined Alina among the spectators. She was delighted by his performance, her eyes reflecting admiration. They exchanged greetings and shared a moment of lighthearted laughter.
Nearby, Promica, Monica, and Zenisha were singing Victor's praises, but Aniket remained silent, observing everything quietly.
"Victor, you've completely shaken this arena," Promica said enthusiastically.
However, Ben was growing increasingly agitated. Watching Victor and the others celebrate made his anger boil over. Unable to control himself, he suddenly lunged at Jon with a surprise attack!
---
Jon Carter vs. Ben - Clash of the Swords
Swords clashed in a blinding flash of steel, and the battle erupted instantly!
Ben attacked ferociously, but Jon was a master swordsman. His movements were precise, smooth, and effortless, as if he was performing a carefully choreographed dance.
Vignesh, watching the duel intently, commented in admiration,
"Wow! What an incredible swordsman. He's fighting Ben with such composure, as if he's completely unfazed."
Meanwhile, Alina and Victor, watching from the sidelines, cheered for Jon,
"Jon, you can defeat him!"
Victor noticed something unusual—Jon seemed stronger than before. His speed, precision, and power had increased significantly.
"How is this possible?" Victor wondered.
Jon, however, had already figured it out.
"This is the effect of Angel City's energy," he realized.
Angels possessed vast reserves of positive energy, and Sky City was overflowing with it. Just by being here, their strength had naturally increased—without any additional training or effort!
---
Jon's Mastery of the Sword - The Final Strike
Now aware of his enhanced abilities, Jon unleashed his full potential.
He executed masterful sword techniques, overwhelming Ben with ease.
The crowd was on the edge of their seats, completely mesmerized by the fight.
Ben, too, began to realize the gravity of the situation.
"He's no ordinary swordsman… he's on a whole new level!" someone in the audience murmured.
Jon's sword strikes carried an eerie effect.
With each slash, the silhouette of a powerful beast—lion, tiger, python, or bull—seemed to materialize, adding a terrifying force to his attacks.
Ben struggled to counter this strange phenomenon, growing increasingly desperate.
Then, suddenly—
Silence.
CRACK!
Ben's sword shattered into pieces! All that remained in his hand was the hilt.
Jon's blade was at his throat.
"You've lost," Jon said in a calm, commanding voice.
Humiliated and furious, Ben stomped his foot in frustration before storming out of the arena.
---
What Comes Next?
For a few moments, no angel dared to challenge Jon.
Finally, Jon left the arena and joined Alina and Victor.
Alina led them to Vignesh, who looked at them with an approving smile.
"You both performed brilliantly. I wish you a bright future ahead!" he said.
But Jon had something else on his mind.
"Vignesh, we need permission to leave Sky City. We must continue our journey to find the Gandharva Region."
Victor didn't seem pleased with this decision but remained silent. He knew this journey was necessary.
Vignesh thought for a moment before replying,
"Very well, you may leave whenever you're ready."
But what challenges await them in the Gandharva Region?
The Journey Back Home
Jon, Victor, Promica, Monica, and Zenisha walked together towards Alina's house. The golden glow of Sky City illuminated their path as they moved through the streets.
Victor had always dreamed of staying in Sky City, living peacefully in the land of angels. But today's battle had made one thing clear—staying here meant constantly facing new challenges.
As they walked, Alina suddenly stopped and turned back.
"Promica, you all go home. I'll be back soon."
Without waiting for a reply, she flapped her wings and soared into the sky.
Jon glanced at Victor and said,
"I've already made arrangements for food and supplies. We'll be leaving Sky City today."
Victor remained silent for a moment before nodding.
---
The Departure Preparations
A short while later, they reached Alina's house. Jon immediately started packing, while Zenisha helped him organize the supplies. Within minutes, they had everything ready.
Just then, Alina returned.
Before she could say anything, Victor rushed forward and grabbed her hand. His voice was filled with urgency as he asked,
"Alina, are you coming with us?"
For a moment, Alina hesitated. Then, with a deep sigh, she pulled her hand away and replied coldly,
"No, I can't go with you. You need to leave this place."
Victor was stunned. He searched her face for an answer, confusion clouding his eyes.
"What's wrong, Alina? Please, tell me."
Alina's expression grew serious.
"Nothing's wrong, Victor. It's just… I'm under a curse. I can't leave Sky City."
Victor's breath caught in his throat.
"A… curse?"
His voice wavered as he took a step closer.
"What kind of curse? What happened to you?"
Before he could ask more, Alina turned away. Her tone was firm as she instructed,
"Zenisha, Monica… take them down from here."
Victor's heart sank. His vision blurred with unshed tears.
"Alina… don't do this," he whispered.
Jon stepped forward, placing a firm hand on Victor's shoulder.
"We have to leave," he said quietly.
With heavy hearts, Zenisha and Monica took hold of Victor and Jon, spreading their wings. As they lifted off the ground, Victor turned back one last time.
Tears streamed down Alina's face as she watched them go.
"Victor, don't leave me… You promised. You said you'd never leave me alone…"
Her voice broke, but it was too late.
Victor had disappeared into the night sky.
But what was the real reason behind Alina's curse?
TO BE CONTINUED…