Chapter 49: An Omen in Victory

It was a bright, vivid day; the sky stretched endlessly blue over the bustling city of Moscow. Not far from its busy streets, in an open field, Xavier was happily absorbed in a game with his closest friends—no, his brothers—Jupiter and Jason. They laughed, challenged each other, and reveled in the thrill of competition, yet all of this was just a memory drifting through Xavier's mind. He was remembering that simple joy, reliving a moment he’d shared with his brothers not too long ago.

The game they played wasn’t one you’d find in any rulebook; they’d invented it to test each other’s limits and settle disputes. Simple yet intense, it had a straightforward setup. One of them would hold a ball, another would take up a tool—anything that could strike the ball—and the third would act as the referee.

The game’s rhythm began with the ball tossed to the striker, who would channel every ounce of their strength to hit it as far as they could. The tosser would then have to sprint after the ball, hoping to catch it before it hit the ground. If they missed, the referee would mark the exact spot where it landed. They’d switch roles for the second round, and the winner would be whoever sent the ball the farthest. In this way, the game wasn’t just about brute strength but a blend of power, control, and precision.

Today, Xavier was the striker. As he prepared to hit the ball, he took a steadying breath, feeling the familiar surge of energy that came with activating his vector powers. Invisible forces hummed around him, drawing in and amplifying the surrounding momentum. His hands tightened around the bat as he focused, willing the vectors to align with his body’s movements.

In that brief moment, before he swung, he visualized the path he wanted the ball to take—high and fast, cutting through the air like a comet. He knew that using his powers wasn’t just about raw strength; it was about control and precision. The vectors around him began to flow in perfect sync, transferring energy from his stance, his grip, and even the ground beneath his feet.

When he finally swung, the vectors unleashed a torrent of speed and force, magnifying his strike. The bat connected with the ball with a resounding crack and a visible ripple of energy shot through the air. The ball rocketed forward, almost leaving a trail behind it as it soared upward and outward, far beyond the reach of an ordinary hit. It was as if the air itself parted, propelling the ball with unstoppable momentum.

Xavier watched it disappear into the sky with a satisfied grin. He knew his powers had added a relentless push, turning his swing into something beyond natural limits.

As the ball soared, Jupiter bolted after it, running with all his might. When he finally reached the spot where the ball landed, Jason, acting as the referee, stuck a branch into the ground to mark the distance.

"Not bad," Jason grinned, dusting his hands off. “That’s a serious mark, Xavier.”

Jupiter stared at the marker, a nervous smile creeping onto his face. “There’s no way I’m beating that,” he joked.

Xavier laughed and clapped Jupiter on the back. “Come on, man! Don’t psych yourself out. Just because we’re not all as crazy strong as Jason doesn’t mean you can’t try. Give it your best shot!”

Jupiter hesitated, fidgeting with the bat. “Yeah, but… you know how hard it is for me to control my powers. It’s tough enough without worrying about combat stuff. And let’s face it, my powers aren’t as flashy as yours.”

Jason put a reassuring hand on Jupiter’s shoulder. “My mom always says, ‘Comparison is the thief of joy.’ She’s right. Your powers are unique to you. Own it, use them your way—that’s what makes them cool.”

“Exactly!” Xavier chimed in with a grin. “Besides, if you lose control, Jason and I will be right here to back you up. You’ve got us.”

Jason added, “And if you lose your way, brother, we’ll be there to bring you back.”

Jupiter took a deep breath, letting their words sink in. Trust filled his gaze as he looked at them, knowing that no matter what, his brothers would be there to save him if things went wrong. With renewed confidence, he gripped the bat, squared his stance, and nodded to Xavier to throw the ball.

Xavier counted down from three, then tossed the ball with a powerful spin. In that instant, a dark aura pulsed around Jupiter, startling both Jason and Xavier. His powers surged uncontrollably as he swung, and the air seemed to crackle with raw energy. The moment his bat connected, the ground trembled, and the ball vanished into the atmosphere, disappearing from view as if swallowed by the sky itself.

As Xavier and Jason steadied themselves, they stared at each other in awe, the sheer power of Jupiter's strike still buzzing in the air. Jason’s thoughts raced as he watched the aftermath. Such power! he marveled. I could never imagine reaching such strength in my lifetime!

Xavier, too, was captivated. I can’t believe he hit the ball with that much force! Has he always been this strong?

Amidst their shock, Jupiter noticed the ball hadn’t landed—it had vanished into the sky, well beyond Xavier’s mark. Realizing he’d won, Jupiter dropped the bat and threw his fists into the air. “I won!” he shouted in excitement, his voice breaking the stunned silence.

Xavier and Jason exchanged bewildered glances, then looked back at Jupiter, dumbfounded by his newfound strength. But just as quickly as this victorious moment unfolded, Xavier’s vision blurred, and he abruptly awoke from the dream.

Blinking, Xavier found himself lying in a hospital bed, surrounded by rows of other beds filled with injured fighters who’d participated in the Gladiator Grand Festival. As his eyes adjusted, a familiar black-haired man stood beside his bed, a warm expression on his face.

“Oh, you’re finally awake, Your Highness,” the man said, his voice calm and filled with respect.

Xavier blinked, disoriented. “Uh… who are you? And where am I?”

The man chuckled kindly. “You’re in the Colosseum’s infirmary, being treated for your injuries after that fierce battle with the Imperator of Arrogance, Miraxis.”

Xavier tried to recall the events but could only remember the moment he’d unleashed Quantum Blackhole, the devastating attack that was part of his Black Star Authority powers. Everything after that was a blur.

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The black-haired man cleared his throat and continued, “Forgive me for the lack of introductions. My name is Adam Durandal. Like you, I’m a fellow participant in the Gladiator Grand Festival. It’s an honor to meet a warrior of your caliber, young Klay Worthmore.”

Xavier blushed a little at the compliment and stammered, “Thank you very much, Sir Durandal.”

Adam smiled. “Just ‘Adam’ is fine. We’re both warriors here, Klay.”

Reaching beside him, Adam held out a lovely basket overflowing with fresh, vibrant fruits. “This is a small gift, a token to congratulate you on your victory over Miraxis. You fought valiantly.”

Xavier accepted the basket, his face flushing with embarrassment as he thanked Adam sincerely. But as he held the basket, a sharp pain stabbed through his head. He winced, pressing a hand to his temple as the ache intensified.

Noticing his discomfort, Adam gave him a sympathetic look. “Rest is what you need most right now, Klay. Gather your strength. We can talk more when you’re feeling better.”

“Uh…okay,” Xavier managed, nodding slightly.

As Adam turned to leave, he murmured quietly over his shoulder, “See you later, Xavier.” The words stopped Xavier in his tracks, his mind whirling. How does he know my real name?

But before he could question it, Anastasia and Alcmena entered the room, Anastasia with her ever-watchful eyes and Alcmena perched on her shoulder. The moment they laid eyes on Adam, an intense, otherworldly aura emanated from him, one they both instinctively recognized as dangerous.

I must protect the Young Master, Anastasia thought, her instincts kicking in. In a flash, she drew a concealed dagger from her clothing, pointing it at Adam’s throat. Alcmena, sensing the threat, shifted his stance, ready to transform into his dragon form at a moment’s notice if Adam made any sudden moves.

“Stop it!” Xavier called out, shocked at the sudden aggression. “Anastasia, Alcmena—he’s only here to congratulate me!”

Adam raised his hands calmly, a bemused smile on his face. “Now, now,” he joked. “You shouldn’t go around pointing your weapons at strangers. You might end up regretting who you show your blade to.”

After a tense pause, Anastasia and Alcmena reluctantly stepped back, though they kept their eyes trained on Adam, who, to them, radiated an unsettling power.

Anastasia slowly lowered her dagger, and Adam gave Xavier a nod of thanks. “I’ll take my leave for now,” he said, finally stepping away. As he disappeared down the hallway, Xavier remained frozen in place, the question still lingering in his mind: How did he know my real name?

Once Adam was gone, Xavier turned back to Anastasia and Alcmena, confusion etched on his face. “Why did you react like that? Adam didn’t pose any threat.”

Anastasia bowed her head in apology, her voice soft with regret. “Forgive me, Young Master. I don’t know what came over me. Something about him…just felt wrong. I am ashamed of my actions.”

Xavier studied her face, feeling a mix of understanding and bewilderment. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Adam was more than he appeared. And as he looked back at the door where Adam had disappeared, he knew this wasn’t the last he’d see of him.

Alcmena, a bit annoyed, turned to Xavier. "Listen, kid, that man isn’t some defenseless stranger. Did you even feel the overwhelming power coming off him just now?"

Confused, Xavier replied, “What are you talking about? I didn’t feel any power coming from him.”

Alcmena scoffed. “You must be too weak, then.”

Xavier puffed his cheeks, feeling hurt. “You don’t have to be so mean about it, you ugly cat.”

“What did you just call me, brat!?” Alcmena retorted, flustered.

“You heard me, Master.” Xavier shot back with a smirk. “And just because someone’s strong doesn’t mean you can treat them harshly for no reason.”

Anastasia, still visibly ashamed, bowed her head. “You’re right, Young Master. It was wrong of us to act so aggressively toward someone who hadn’t shown any hostility.”

Xavier laughed, easing the tension. “It’s okay! As long as we learn from our mistakes, there’s no harm done.”

A faint smile softened Alcmena’s face. “Congratulations on your debut, Xavier. Looks like you weren’t just all talk.”

Anastasia chimed in with a smile. “Yes, congratulations, Young Master! I always believed you’d win!”

Xavier blushed, rubbing the back of his neck shyly. “Thank you both. To be honest, I thought I was going to lose too—Miraxis was way more powerful than I expected.”

Suddenly, a voice from the next bed muttered, “This is unbearable to listen to.”

Startled, Xavier pulled back the curtain dividing the beds and was shocked to see none other than Miraxis himself, the Imperator of Arrogance, bandaged and lying in the next bed.

“Sir Miraxis?” Xavier blinked. “What are you doing here?”

Miraxis rolled his eyes. “What does it look like, moron? I’m here recovering, just like you.” He pointed to his heavily bandaged body, the left side of his face being the only part left uncovered.

Xavier chuckled, scratching his head. “Oh, right… my bad.”

Grinning, he added, “By the way, I wanted to say you’re the most powerful opponent I’ve ever faced—well, besides my older siblings.”

Miraxis was taken aback by the genuine friendliness in Xavier’s praise. His brow furrowed in confusion. “Why are you being so kind to me? Didn’t I put you through enough pain?”

Xavier shrugged, smiling. “Why wouldn’t I be kind? You’re my rival, not my enemy.”

Miraxis sat there, dumbfounded, stunned by the sheer sincerity of Xavier’s words.

“It was an honor to fight against you, Imperator of Arrogance,” Xavier continued, grinning. “I hope to grow as strong as you someday.”

Miraxis, his expression now more serious, leaned in. “Since you’ve shown me kindness, I’ll return the favor. Here’s my advice: stay away from the Grim Reaper of the Abyss.”

Xavier’s smile faded, his face etched with confusion. “What do you mean? Who is the Grim Reaper of the Abyss?”

“That man you were talking to earlier,” Miraxis explained, his tone heavy with warning. “He’s the Grim Reaper of the Abyss.”

Xavier’s eyes widened. “Are you talking about Sir Adam Durandal?”

“Yes.” Miraxis’s gaze darkened. “Keep your distance from that monster, Adam.”

He then turned to Anastasia, his eyes narrowing. “You felt it too, didn’t you? That monstrous aura?”

Anastasia nodded slowly, her expression guarded. “Yes, I sensed it the moment I entered. He felt like a threat that needed to be dealt with immediately.”

Alcmena, speaking telepathically to Xavier and Anastasia, added, It’s been ages since I’ve sensed such a monstrous presence from a single human. I’m genuinely surprised.

Miraxis continued, nodding in agreement. “Glad to know I’m not the only one who sees him as a serious threat. That ‘black-haired demon’ has defeated countless powerful fighters on his own, earning him the title ‘Grim Reaper of the Abyss’ for the indescribable, ominous powers he wields.”

Miraxis’s voice dropped as he added, “For your information, Xavier, your victory against me was only the second defeat I’ve ever had. My first was against that very same man.”

Xavier’s eyes widened in surprise. “Wait, really?”

Miraxis nodded, his tone somber. “Yes. He defeated me in under a minute, toying with me the entire time. I’d never felt so powerless.”

Meeting Xavier’s gaze, Miraxis’s expression turned deadly serious. “If you’re ever matched against him, my advice is to forfeit immediately.”

But Xavier’s face radiated confidence. “Don’t worry, Sir Miraxis. I don’t back down easily, no matter who I’m facing.”

Miraxis chuckled at Xavier’s stubbornness and turned his gaze away. “Suit yourself, kid. Just remember, I warned you.”

Xavier smirked, replying, “I won’t regret it. I’m the vessel and student of the most powerful Master in the world.”

Alcmena's expression softened, a rare warmth brightening his usual stern demeanor. Pride and happiness filled his gaze as he looked at Xavier, realizing how much the boy valued him. He never thought he’d hear Xavier think so highly of him.

This kid, Alcmena thought with a fond grin. He never ceases to amaze me.

For a moment, Alcmena let down his guard, allowing himself to bask in the simple joy of being respected and admired by his student. It was moments like these that reminded him why he’d taken on the role of Xavier’s mentor, guiding the boy toward the greatness he saw budding within him.