The weight of silence bore down on the crowd like a storm waiting to erupt. My gaze locked onto Braun as he reached for his axe, his massive body dripping with sweat. The arena, moments ago alive with cheers for Seraphine''s impossible comeback, now froze in collective disbelief. His fingers curled around the axe''s handle, the dark weapon glinting ominously in the sunlight as he heaved it over his shoulder.

    Whispers rippled through the stands.

    "What''s he doing?"

    "Why is he going back?"

    The announcer''s voice cracked with disbelief as he said through the microphone.

    "Braun! Your fight is over! This is a direct violation of the rules! If you proceed, you will be permanently banished from any of the future events!"

    Braun didn''t stop. His eyes burned with fury, bloodlust simmering in the air around him as he descended the steps, back toward the stage. The crowd''s unease began to spiral into panic.

    "What is he doing?" someone muttered in horror.

    "He can''t!" screamed another.

    On the stage, Seraphine was barely conscious, her battered body slumped against the cracked stone floor. Her breaths were labored, and blood covered her cute face. Her trembling hands tried to push herself upright, but her strength was nearly gone. She raised her head weakly, her half-lidded eyes catching the glint of the axe Braun now carried.

    "No... someone stop him!" a spectator cried out.

    Braun ignored it all, his heavy boots thudding ominously as he stepped closer to Seraphine.@@@@

    "Braun, stop!" the announcer''s voice was frantic now. "This is not only dishonorable but illegal! Do not cross this line!"

    He didn''t flinch.

    I clenched my jaw, gripping the hilt of my sword tightly. My pulse quickened as I stepped forward, placing myself between Braun and Seraphine.

    "Enough!" I barked, my voice slicing through the chaos.

    Braun halted for a fraction of a second, his burning eyes flickering toward me before narrowing. He took another step, his axe dragging slightly along the ground, the screech of metal grating against stone making the crowd shudder.

    "Leave her alone," I warned, leveling my sword. "This isn''t going to end well for you if you take one more step."

    Before I could finish, Braun roared and swung his axe with all his might. The blade burned with his red aura, carving the air as it descended toward Seraphine. The crowd gasped in unison, some shielding their eyes from the inevitable carnage.

    A sharp, almost mechanical sound cut through the air, and Braun''s body seized mid-step. A figure in a white robe appeared behind him, the royal guard''s elite unit gleaming on his chest.

    The body placed a glowing seal on Braun''s back, the shockwave of energy surging through his body making him unconscious. He collaped to the ground with a heavy thud, his aura vanishing like a flame.

    The crowd exhaled in relief, the tension in the air finally breaking.

    The royal knight turned to me, their expression unreadable beneath their hood. "We''ll take it from here."

    I nodded, lowering my sword. "About time."

    As the knights restrained Braun''s unconscious body and carried him away, I turned my attention back to Seraphine. She was barely holding on, her bloodied face pale as her head tilted weakly to the side.

    "Seraphine," I called softly, kneeling beside her.

    Her eyes fluttered open, and she managed a faint smile. "Cutiepie... you''re such a... show-off."

    I chuckled despite myself. "You''re one to talk. How do you feel?"

    She groaned. "Like I got hit by a mountain."

    Darius, her guardian, pushed through the crowd and fell to his knees beside her, his face etched with worry. "My child! My poor child! Are you alright?"

    Seraphine''s lips twitched in a weak smile. "I''m fine, Darius... just tired."

    I met Darius''s gaze, the concern in his eyes matching my own. Without a word, I carefully lifted Seraphine into my arms. She was light, far too light, and the sight of her battered body stirred something protective deep within me.

    "Take care of her," I said, my voice firm as I handed her over to Darius.

    "I will," he replied, his voice thick with emotion.

    The medics arrived moments later, swarming around Seraphine as they prepared to take her to the infirmary. I watched as they carried her away. Discover hidden stories at My Virtual Library Empire

    The crowd was still buzzing with disbelief, their eyes darting between me, Braun''s unconscious body, and the trail of blood leading off the stage.

    As the announcer regained his composure and began to address the crowd, I turned away, sheathing my sword.

    Under my breath, I muttered, "I knew she would win anyway."

    And with that, I walked off the stage, popping my bubble gum and leaving the chaos behind.