The Final Matchup

The coliseum was still buzzing after Ren’s victory over Giga. The image of the giant falling like a mountain stuck in everyone’s minds. But the tournament didn’t stop—rounds continued, and fighters were being called one after another.

Ren’s name came up again.

This time his opponent was a lean swordsman in light armor, probably fast and skilled by normal standards. The man tried circling Ren, striking quick with steel that shimmered in the sun. The crowd leaned forward, thinking maybe speed could topple strength.

It lasted less than ten seconds.

Ren simply stepped in, caught the blade in his bare hand, and with a push sent the man flying into the sand. The referees rushed in before it got worse, announcing Ren’s victory.

“Too strong…” someone muttered in the crowd.

The next challenger didn’t fare much better—a spear user who had confidence written all over his face, until Ren broke the spear shaft with his forearm and ended it with a simple throw.

One by one, the fighters came. Some used tricks, some used magic, some tried brute force. But after facing the giant, none of them felt like a threat to Ren. The crowd could sense it too. The cheers weren’t mocking anymore—they were excited, hungry to see how far he’d go.

From the royal stands, whispers carried on like snakes.

“That boy… too dangerous.”

“He’ll upset the balance.”

And then, the crimson-robed noble leaned forward, eyes narrowed. The same one who had sent Giga. His fingers tapped against his wine cup as he spoke quietly to another man at his side. “Unacceptable. If strength alone is enough, then anyone can steal the throne. We’ll… arrange something.”

Ren caught sight of the noble again, but this time the man wasn’t smiling. His expression was cold, calculating. Ren couldn’t hear the words, but the look was enough to tell him something was being plotted.

Meanwhile, the tournament itself was thinning out. The weaker fighters had either lost or dropped out after seeing Ren fight. The number of competitors dwindled rapidly—from dozens, to twenty, then down to barely ten. Some matches were still ongoing, but everyone knew who the crowd was waiting for.

“REN! REN! REN!”

The chant rose again when he won his third fight of the day, this time against a dual-blade fighter who couldn’t even land a cut. Ren stood calm, dusting the sand off his hands, as if the battle hadn’t even been worth the effort.

By evening, only a handful of contenders remained. The finals were drawing near. Stronger names still lingered—warriors with reputations, some foreigners with exotic weapons, even a mage draped in silver robes who had blown away his opponents with storms of fire.

But everyone’s eyes kept drifting back to one man. The man who felled the giant with one punch.

Ren.

The stage for the final battles was being set. And in the shadows of the noble stands, the crimson-robed man’s gaze lingered on him like a dagger.

---

Ren leaned on the railing, watching the remaining matches play out after his own. The sun dipped lower, painting the coliseum in streaks of gold. Sand kicked up with every strike, every clash.

Then he froze.

One of the contenders stepping into the arena… was someone he knew.

The massive frame. The thick arms that looked like stone. That cold, predator’s glare.

Ren’s eyes widened. No way…

It was Skull Crusher.

The very same man he had fought in the underground fight club—the monster who had tossed him around like a ragdoll and left him staring at the ceiling, helpless. The undefeated beast whose body was said to be indestructible.

The memory of that night slammed into him. The roar of the basement crowd. The way his own fists had bounced off that body. The way Skull Crusher had bled—just a little—but still stood tall while Ren lay on the ground unable to rise.

Back then, Ren had lost. No excuses.

And now, here he was again.

Ren’s lips curved into a faint smile. For the first time since entering the tournament, his chest tightened with something other than boredom.

Excitement.

I never thought I’d see you here. Guess fate’s giving me another chance.

He watched intently as Skull Crusher fought his opponent. The poor man didn’t last long. Each blow from Skull Crusher was like a hammer smashing through stone. His footwork was steady, his patience cold. Even against seasoned warriors, his dominance was absolute.

The crowd gasped with every hit, some shrinking back as the sheer violence of his power cracked through the air.

Ren’s heart pounded. Compared to the fighters he had faced so far—quick swordsmen, confident spear users, even mages—Skull Crusher was in a league of his own.

Stronger than all of them. Just like before.

But this time, Ren wasn’t the same helpless rookie who didn’t even know how to fight. His body had endured battle after battle, his instincts sharpened, and Kazuma’s training had given him footing.

His fists clenched at his sides.

Skull Crusher won his match with brutal finality, standing tall in the center of the arena as the announcer shouted his name. The crowd cheered wildly for him, just as they had for Ren.

For a moment, their chants mingled in the air—two names, two forces barreling toward an inevitable collision.

Ren’s smile didn’t fade.

“Looks like it’s gonna be you and me again,” he muttered under his breath.

This time… he wasn’t planning on losing.

The sun was almost gone when the final match of the day ended. The coliseum stood loud as ever, voices echoing through the stone like thunder. People had stayed long past the heat, long past their patience, just to see who would be standing by the end.

The announcer’s voice boomed across the arena, words carried by magic to every corner.

“And now… the finalists for tomorrow’s grand battle!”

The crowd hushed for a heartbeat before erupting into cheers.

“First! The man who felled the giant! The one who tore through every challenger! The name the whole kingdom shouts now—REN!”

Ren stepped out onto the arena floor once more. The sound was deafening. His name bounced off the walls, the chant rising like a storm. He kept his expression calm, though his chest thudded with the weight of it all.

“And his opponent…” the announcer paused for effect, letting the tension build. “The undefeated beast, the breaker of bones, the man they call SKULL CRUSHER!”

The roar doubled.

From the opposite gate, Skull Crusher stepped out, massive frame casting a shadow across the sand. His presence alone made the air feel heavier.

Ren’s eyes locked on him.

Skull Crusher’s gaze swept the arena, then fixed on Ren. For a moment, the noise of the crowd faded. The two of them just stood there, staring, like the rest of the world had vanished. Recognition sparked in those cold eyes.

A grin tugged at the corner of Skull Crusher’s mouth. He gave the faintest nod, as if to say: I remember you. And this time, you won’t walk away so easily.

The crowd didn’t understand the history between them, but Ren did. His fists curled at his sides, steady. Tomorrow, it’s you and me again.

Later that evening, the group returned to the castle with the rest of the tournament’s honored guests. The energy was still high, like everyone had been drinking on the excitement alone.

Ariel walked close to Ren, eyes still wide with amazement. “You… you were incredible today. I’ve never seen anyone fight like that. Even Father couldn’t believe it.”

Ren scratched the back of his head, a little embarrassed. “I just did what I had to.”

Rachel, walking behind them, clicked her tongue softly. “Hmph. Don’t let it get to your head. Strength isn’t everything.” Her voice carried a faint edge of jealousy, though she tried to mask it.

Melissa, Kazuma and Alex were already chatting with Lisa, laughing about the fights, re-enacting moments with exaggerated gestures. They looked carefree for once, enjoying the night instead of worrying about what came next.

The king himself welcomed them back with a proud grin, raising his cup high. “You’ve brought honor to this kingdom today, Ren. Tomorrow, the world will watch as you fight in the grand final!”

Cheers rose again in the hall as food and drink were brought in. The tension of the tournament melted into a warm celebration.

But Ren’s mind wasn’t entirely on the feast.

Even as he sat with his friends, listening to Kazuma’s jokes and Ariel’s admiration, he could still feel that heavy stare on him—the way Skull Crusher had looked at him in the arena.

Tomorrow, it wouldn’t just be another fight.

It would be the rematch fate had promised.

To be continued...