The King Of War Returns (Jaden Rift) novel Chapter 158

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The announcer’s voice cut through the silence, the electric tension thick in the air. “And now... the final round of the Bloodborne Trial! The two most feared fighters in Ravenmoor—Lucian of the Thornfell family, and Jaden Rift. Who will rise? Who will fall?”

A deafening cheer erupted from the crowd, but the atmosphere was different this time. The anticipation was heavy. It wasn’t just any fight. This was the battle for supremacy, the collision of two titans. Jaden and Lucian locked eyes, each man standing still, sizing the other up, both with a quiet yet overwhelming confidence. They knew the stakes.

The crowd shifted uneasily, murmurs spreading like wildfire. Why weren't they moving? Someone from the stands yelled, "They’re just waiting, they’re both too proud to make the first move!"

A nearby voice joined in. “They're trying to read each other, figure out the other’s weaknesses. The first one to make a mistake is done for."

It felt like time itself was holding its breath, the tension almost unbearable. Then, the moment arrived.

With a savage growl, both men lunged forward in a blur of motion, their fists colliding with an explosive crash that shook the entire arena. The shockwave from the impact reverberated through the air, sending dust flying and the ground beneath them shaking. Both were thrown back, but neither stumbled.

Lucian wiped a bead of sweat from his brow and smirked, “Nice. You've really grown stronger than I expected.”

Jaden didn’t flinch. “Of course. In order to take revenge for my mother... I owe it to myself to become the strongest.”

Lucian’s eyes darkened, his smile turning cold. “Haha, however... your arrogance will be your end.”

With that, the two collided again, this time Lucian’s speed flashing as he disappeared in a blur, reappearing behind Jaden. His fist shot out, aimed at Jaden’s back.

But Jaden wasn’t caught off guard. In one fluid motion, he spun, bringing his fist up to meet Lucian’s. The sound of bone against bone cracked through the air, and to Lucian’s shock, he felt blood trickle from his own hand as their fists connected.