NOVEL NEXT Chapter 356: Winner!!
Deuce Baffer stood in the center of the octagon, his voice booming through the arena with practiced precision, electrifying the air.
"Ladies and gentlemen, referee Hank Binn has called a stop to this contest at three minutes and fifty-four seconds of the very first round! Declaring the winner… by knockout… and Still Undefeated… Daaamon Cross!"
The crowd let out cheers, their initial unease turning into respect for Damon's skill and strength.
At the edge of the octagon, medics helped Landon Ellan get up.
He looked better now, more awake and alive, though his movements were slow.
He waved to the crowd, earning a sympathetic cheer, his resilience garnering respect despite the brutal outcome.
Damon, standing tall in the center of the octagon, raised his hands, fingers spread wide to signify his ten-fight win streak.
He glanced at Landon briefly, acknowledging him with a slight nod.
It felt appropriate to celebrate now, though he kept his emotions contained.
Victor and the team made their way into the octagon, smiles on their faces but tempered with an awareness of the gravity of the moment.
Victor was the first to reach Damon, pulling him into a firm embrace.
"Well done, kid..." Victor's voice was steady. He paused briefly before adding, "Don't worry about Landon. I'm sure he'll be fine."
Releasing the hug, Victor stepped back, showing a reassuring smile.
But beneath the surface, he couldn't shake a gnawing concern.
He'd seen what moments like this could do to fighters, the lingering doubt, the hesitation to unleash their full potential in fear of what might happen next.
Victor knew the sport demanded a level of brutality that could clash with a fighter's humanity.
Mercy had its place, but hesitation, being too cautious for fear of causing serious harm, could end a career as surely as any knockout.
He studied Damon for a moment, looking for cracks in the young fighter's resolve.
Damon stood stoic, his emotions carefully concealed, as always.
But Victor could guess at what might be going on beneath the surface.
Fear.
Not of losing, but of what his power was capable of doing.
Enjoy new chapters from empire
It wasn't uncommon after moments like this.
Victor clapped him on the shoulder, his smile widening just slightly. "Shake it off, kid. You did what you had to do. Now let's enjoy this win."
Damon nodded silently, his expression as unreadable as ever.
Landon was being escorted out of the cage by his team, his steps improving as they neared the tunnel.
The medics stayed close, ensuring he was stable for transport to the hospital.
Demien Korvier entered the cage, microphone in hand, ready to conduct the post-fight interview.
However, it was clear Landon wouldn't be speaking tonight.
With the nature of his head injury, it was standard protocol to prioritize his health over post-fight commentary.
Before Demien could start, referee Hank Binn approached Damon and his team.
His demeanor was professional but calm, an attempt to ease any concerns.
He addressed Damon directly, his voice low enough to keep the conversation between them.
"Just so you know, Landon's going to be taken to the hospital for precautionary scans. The medics don't think it's as bad as it looked , he's awake and responsive, which is a great sign. But we're being cautious."
Damon listened intently, his jaw tightening slightly but not responding immediately.
Hank continued, "It's a serious sport, but this is part of it. You did your job, and you did it clean. Just wanted to reassure you before we go on with the post-fight."
Victor placed a reassuring hand on Damon's shoulder, nodding at Hank.
Damon gave a small, almost imperceptible nod in return, acknowledging the information.
Damon nodded at Hank as the referee stepped back.
Before he could gather his thoughts, the booming voice of Demien Korvier filled the cage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, what a stunning and powerful finish to this match! I have Damon Cross here with me," Demien announced, his voice carrying over the still-buzzing crowd.
He turned to Damon, microphone in hand. "Damon, incredible performance, a first-round finish. How are you feeling?"
Damon paused for a moment.
Then, he spoke, his voice steady and composed. "I'm feeling good, Demien. Another win, another one added to the numbers."
The crowd roared, clearly electrified by Damon's calm confidence.
Demien continued, his tone shifting to a more serious note. "In that match, the ending knee was devastating. We're hearing reports that Landon's skull may have been fractured slightly. I know this is a tough topic for everyone, but what are your thoughts on the injury?"
Damon's face tightened momentarily, but he remained calm. Inside, he wrestled with the truth of his emotions, he didn't feel bad, but he also couldn't admit that on live TV.
He wasn't naïve enough to paint himself as a villain, nor did he want to fake a façade of remorse.
"Yeah," Damon began after a brief pause, his voice measured. "It's a heavy injury, one you wouldn't wish on your enemy. You know, this sport is dangerous. Even if I didn't intend to fracture or cause that much damage, I threw the knee, and it landed exactly where I wanted it to. Hopefully, he gets better soon."
The crowd's reaction was mixed, some cheered his honesty and pragmatism, while others murmured uneasily at the starkness of his statement.
It was a real answer, not sugar-coated, and it resonated differently with everyone.
Demien nodded, his expression neutral but understanding. "Well, moving on to a lighter topic, last question, Damon. We ask this every time. What's next for you? Ten wins in a row, undefeated, and climbing the ranks fast. Do you think you're ready for a title shot now, or do you feel you need a few more fights before stepping in with the champion?"
Damon's lips curled into a faint smile. "It doesn't matter. I believe I can take on the entire middleweight roster, so maybe two more fights before I call out the champion."
The crowd erupted in cheers, their earlier unease forgotten as they rallied behind Damon's confidence.
Demien grinned, raising the microphone once more. "There you have it, ladies and gentlemen, Damon Cross, still undefeated and aiming for the top! Congratulations, Damon, and good luck moving forward."