The Duel's Aftermath
"I'm not hoping for End to lose, but… isn't he just toying with his opponent like this?"
The words drifted through the crowd, echoing the thoughts of many. End had finished the duel in less than five seconds. A single hit from the back of his sword was all it had taken to render Jeffrey unconscious.
"What is this?"
"He lost… just like that?"
"What a disgrace."
The students who had gathered to watch began to murmur among themselves, their excitement quickly turning into disbelief. Some laughed at the anticlimax, others whispered in awe at End's casual dominance.
"Well, that guy has won, right?" one student said, still uncertain.
"At first it looked like End was going to allow himself to lose, but suddenly… it was like he changed his mind," another commented.
"To be able to control the sword with just movement his skills aren't normal."
Ray watched quietly from the sidelines as the discussions spread. Melin, carrying something in his hands, walked up to him.
"Hey, Ray… did End win?" Melin asked, his eyes still fixed on the stage.
"What are you holding?" Ray raised a brow.
"It's a med kit. Just in case End got injured."
"Oh. Well, it won't be needed." Ray allowed himself a small chuckle.
But before he could say more, Ray turned to Melin with a grin. "Hey, let's have a duel. You didn't enjoy that battle just now, did you?"
Melin immediately smacked the back of Ray's head. "Don't make things more difficult for the boy. He just finished his match."
---
On the stage, End had lowered his sword, his expression calm as he turned away. The fight was over or so he thought.
"I can't lose like this!" Jeffrey's hoarse voice suddenly rang out. His pride burned hotter than his reason. He staggered back onto his feet, his face twisted with humiliation and rage.
Before anyone could react, he charged forward recklessly, his sword gripped tightly in trembling hands.
"Hey, End, watch out!" Ray shouted.
But it was too late. Jeffrey's blade slashed across End's hand just as he was sheathing his weapon.
"Ugh!" End hissed in pain, staggering back.
Gasps erupted from the audience.
"Did he just attack after losing?!"
"Isn't that against the rules?!"
"Someone stop him!"
---
"Ah! End-ssi, what do we do?" Melin panicked, rushing forward. His face paled at the sight of crimson dripping from End's hand.
"Ray! Bandages!" End demanded sharply, clutching his wound.
Ray reacted instantly. "Melin, give me the med kit now!"
Melin fumbled but quickly tore it open. Together, they wrapped the bandages tightly around End's hand, but the blood continued to seep through, staining the white cloth scarlet.
"It's not stopping," Melin muttered, his hands trembling as he pressed harder.
End gritted his teeth, his breathing uneven. The thing I wanted to avoid the most… that guy will try to come out again, he thought grimly.
Ray's sharp eyes narrowed. He could tell End wasn't just in pain he was struggling with something else, something hidden.
"Oh, okay please, get out of the way!" Ray shouted, trying to push the curious crowd back. Students were leaning in, their whispers feeding the tension in the air.
Meanwhile, Jeffrey stood frozen for a moment, realizing what he had done. His arrogance dissolved into fear.
"I-I don't know anything!" he stammered, his face pale. Without waiting for judgment, he bolted out of the hall, desperate to escape the punishment that would surely follow.
"He tried to kill End because he lost," one student whispered in disbelief.
"Coward! He's running away!" another shouted.
But End wasn't paying attention to Jeffrey anymore. His thoughts were consumed by something far more dangerous. No… not here. Not in this place. I can't let that guy come out here.
---
"Use this!" Ray tore off his own jacket and wrapped it tightly around End's hand, applying extra pressure. The cloth darkened quickly with blood, but the flow began to slow.
"Hey, End, do you need to go to the refinery?" Ray asked, his voice low but urgent.
End shook his head, forcing himself to stay composed despite the sweat beading on his forehead. "No… let's just go to the room." His voice was strained, but determined.
"Alright." Ray didn't argue. He could see the seriousness in End's eyes.
Together, with Melin supporting from the other side, they began leading End away from the stage. The crowd parted reluctantly, whispers following them like shadows.
"Is he okay?"
"Why isn't he going to the infirmary?"
"His hand looked bad…"
End ignored them all. His gaze was fixed straight ahead, his jaw clenched.
When they finally reached a quieter corridor, away from the noise of the arena, End let out a shaky breath. "Thanks… for helping me," he said softly. His words were simple, but sincere.
Ray gave him a reassuring smile. "Don't mention it. Just focus on staying conscious. We'll figure out the rest later."
Melin, still pale, nodded. "Yeah… just don't scare us like that again, okay?"
But End didn't respond. His mind was already drifting inward, battling the presence he feared was clawing its way to the surface.
And though the duel had ended, the real fight for control was only beginning.
---