( The day of the fight )
The fight between Max and Eden was scheduled to take place in the human federation capital.
A large arena capable of seating over 200,000 individuals was to be used for the fight, with the arena having a clear demarcation zone between the two sections of audience just like in the arena of the god's.
The only difference was that while the arena of god's was demarcated by an impenetrable barrier demarcating the light and dark factions, here it was a mithril iron chainmail that physically divided the two sides with a 50 metre passageway left in between where neutral organisers patrolled to stop any riots.
Such a set-up was necessary because when fights got heated, the audience had a tendency to get involved in the fighting which would ultimately be detrimental to getting a fair outcome.
The fighting arena itself was mostly solid concrete with about an inch of sand layered on top and a few boulders placed randomly to generate cover if needed.
There were no trenches, ridges, trees or any other special structures in the fight arena prepared, giving no unfair advantage to either side.
A jam-packed audience of 100,000 Earthlings occupied the East side of the arena with one in every three of them carrying a flare or a banner they made back home.
If one glanced at the Earth stand from a distance, they would see countless colourful chart papers being held by thousands, while a special group in the middle held a long banner spanning several metres which read
" Max's gonna smash your boy "
In stark contrast, the humans from planet #H2050 came to sit in the audience in full battle gear and had intimidating paint done all over their bodies.
The culture they had on their planet was different to that of Earth, and their way of showing support to their fighter was by banging their swords against their shields and making a rhythmic sound like the Vikings of the old.
Even before the fighters walked down to the arena, the atmosphere was electric as chants and insults were flying on both sides.
While only 100,000 humans had came all the way to the human federation capital to watch this match, about 1.1 billion earthlings were watching the fight broadcast live and about 900 million humans from #H2050 were doing the same.
Neatwit had decided to not monetize this event, but if he wished to do that he could have easily covered the 100 million in betting money and much more just by the sponsorship deals on this fight.
But today, it was not about making money, today it was about Earth's pride and Earth's pride only.
Finally, the atmosphere only quietened down when the overwhelming shout of the match's announcer drowned the voices of the crowd.
[ Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, ARE YOU READY? ]
( *Cheers from the audience* )
[ Wow, It is electric in here today! I have not seen such an atmosphere in my 20+ years as a commentator.
Anyways, it's time to meet the champions.
Introducing first, From planet #H2050 , the newbie, the upstart, the white haired marvel, the inheritor of shakuni the terrifying and the main character of his iteration of Omega, EDEN NEWRY ]
Thunderous cheers erupted from the crowd as the humans of 2050 went ballistic banging their swords against their shields and stomping their feet as Eden jogged into the arena with his dual-swords while being plated in full armour as he greeted his own part of the crowd.
The earthlings tried to bury him with Boos, but Eden did not turn to spare them a glance as he began stretching his muscles as he stared down the tunnel on the opposite end, waiting for his opponent.
[ Introducing next, from planet #H2047, the GOD SLAYER, Max Rajput ]
Unlike Eden who had a perfunctory introduction with made up titles, Max only needed a single line of an actual accomplishment to be introduced.
He walked slowly up the stairs into the arena, as he had his arms spread wide and a big smile on his face as he walked.
The entire east stand opened their flares a at once during his entrance as the Earth side of the stands looked like a flaming fireball at the moment with only the large banner of ' Max is gonna smash your boy ' highlighted through the middle.
To say that his reception was thunderous was an understatement, Max had walked onto the arena as if he owned it and the support he received from his home planet helped deal the first psychological blow to the opponents who were intimidated by this show of Pyro + confidence.
Max walked leisurely around the arena as he did not shy away from the west end fans either, making eye contact with each and every one of them who was glaring at him with eyes full of hate.
Eventually, his eyes landed on the VIP stand, where Sir Jhonny, Amelia, Guildmaster Neatwit, and sisters-in -law Ruby and Naomi were standing, with both his sisters in law waving enthusiastically at him.
Max waved back at them with a gleeful smile, this was a very pleasant surprise for him as he had not expected them to be here today.
Finally, after 5 minutes of making his opponent wait at the centre Max took his position across him as he leisurely drew his sword out of its scabbard and looked his opponent in the eye.
" Only one sword? I would have thought that master Shakuni's brother would be a dual-wielder like him, what a pity " Eden said trying to play mind games before the start of the match.
" Oh, I forgot to consider the possibility that you might be illiterate. My bad, it's kinda a given at my planet that all children must have access to free and compulsory education till the age of 14, so I automatically assumed that must be the case for your planet too.
But no worries, let me spell it out for you.
The banner over there says I'm gonna smash you.
Now if I wield two swords, I can cut you, I can stab you but I can't smash you.
So my one sword here is to cut you, while my free fist here is to knock your teeth out" Max replied with a smile as his witty comeback left Eden fuming.
The east wing celebrated this remark as if it was the end of the fight, as they jeered and jibed at Eden calling him illiterate from the stands.
" Ha- you're funny, just what I expected from master Shakuni's brother.
I was already looking forward to fighting you here today, but your words have given me some extra motivation.
Just you wait till the end of this fight for I'm gonna make you eat those words at the end " Eden said as he assumed his fighting stance.
Max did not reply as he just shook his head and assumed a very loose fighting stance himself.
[ This next fight is scheduled for death or submission. There is no time limit and the use of external potions or items is prohibited.
Prepare to begin fighting in 5…4….3…. ]
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/// A/N - Chapter 22/30, a new day ///