Ethan, Prince of the Angels
Reyan leapt from the balcony, landing before Prince Ethan. A shockwave rippled through the arena floor as dirt and dust billowed upward.
Ethan smiled calmly. Without even pulling his hands from his pockets, he flicked his foot, sending a gust of wind that blew the dust aside.
The stadium went silent as the announcer's voice echoed:
"Now begins the most awaited match of the tournament—the champion of three Theoms, Prince Ethan of the Angel Kingdom!"
Ethan strolled forward, unhurried, until he stood a few feet from Reyan. His voice was calm but carried the weight of command.
"I didn't expect them to pit me against one of my own civilians in my opening match. Reyan, I watched your first fight. You have talent… and frightening strength. I'm impressed."
He stopped, meeting Reyan's eyes. "So don't hold back. Forget I'm your prince—right now, we're competitors. Show me everything."
Reyan's expression hardened. "As you wish, my prince. But I hope you don't hold back either. Everyone knows you've got a soft spot for angels."
Ethan chuckled, finally slipping his hands free from his pockets. "Don't worry. I'll give you a fight worth remembering. Try not to disappoint me."
Reyan smirked, sliding into his stance. "I won't."
---
Up on the balcony, Atta leaned over the railing, frowning. "Why's Ethan acting all kind and noble right now? He's never nice to me."
Princess Isha sighed. "Atta, you killed an angel. Don't forget—your father may have erased the memories of the common people, but not of the royal families."
Atta's shoulders stiffened. The memory of Azeon's possession and the brutal death of the guard flashed in his mind. He clenched the railing. "It wasn't me. It was Azeon. I didn't have control."
Isha softened, laying a hand on his shoulder. "I know. That's why I forgive you. But Ethan… he's different. He takes his duties as prince very seriously. In his eyes, every angel is his responsibility. You killed one before him. He can't forgive you so easily."
Her gaze grew heavier. "That's why he snapped at you in the garden. Why he broke your face."
Atta looked at her, ready to answer—
But the clash below cut him off.
---
Reyan lunged at Ethan, fist cocked for a devastating blow. His knuckles streaked toward Ethan's face—
Caught.
Ethan snared his fist effortlessly and slammed him into the ground. The arena floor cracked from the impact.
"Ghh—!" Reyan grunted, glaring up—only to see Ethan's foot already descending, aimed to crush his skull.
He rolled just in time. BOOM! The ground shattered where his head had been.
Reyan planted a hand, springing upward in a full-bodied kick aimed at Ethan's face. Ethan leaned back, dodging by inches, his expression unreadable.
Reyan landed in a crouch, and the two launched forward simultaneously. Their fists collided mid-air, a thunderous shockwave rattling the arena.
Ethan staggered back a few steps from the impact—while Reyan was sent flying into the wall with bone-crunching force.
The crowd roared.
The battle of raw might versus the prince's unshakable composure had begun.
To be continued…