"Winner, Damien Infernos!" the referee's booming voice finally cut through the stunned silence, formally declaring Vahn the victor.
The cheers from the White Lotus Sanctuary's disciples were deafening, like a tidal wave of relief and pride washing away their earlier humiliation. The other Holy Lands, however, remained strangely muted. Their representatives stared at the young man with fear and suspicion.
Vahn, standing amidst the rubble and the lingering heat of the Infernal Spirit, accepted the verdict with a broad, confident smile.
But only his most intimate associates would recognize it as a perfectly fake smile. He felt no true joy in fighting for his enemies, but for the sake of his goals he acted.
He retrieved the Nuclear Dragon Greatsword from the formidable figure of Vermilion.
While giving it back to Vahn, it pressed its head on the shattered stone platform.
