That was all I needed.

As the heat reached my eyes, they became twin stars, shining with a fury and determination that promised retribution.

The next moments would decide it all.

* * *

I had always known I possessed an untapped potential, an energy lying dormant within me.

But its full extent, its sheer force and magnitude?

That I had not expected.

As the heat reached its pinnacle, I could no longer hold it in.

My scream echoed, a raw, guttural release of agony and determination.

It was as if every fiber of my being was unleashing the pent-up emotions and energy of a lifetime.

Then it came — two brilliant beams of plasma erupted from my eyes, shooting forth with such velocity and intensity that it took even me by surprise.

The arena, so loud and chaotic moments before, seemed to go eerily silent, save for the sizzling of the twin lasers.

The Crystal Titan, so confident and imposing a mere moment ago, could only muster a look of shock.

He hadn’t seen it coming — no one had.

The beams pierced his crystalline form, creating gaping holes through his once impregnable body.

Molten streaks carved through him as the lasers bore on, rendering him more glass than solid crystal.

Beyond the Titan, the power of the beams was evident as they scorched the sand, leaving it glassy and melted in their wake.

The walls of the pit took the brunt of the beams next, superheating them and causing them to crack, releasing plumes of steam and smoke.

When the onslaught ceased, a hushed silence descended upon the arena.

My lasers dimmed, and I fell to my knees, the outpouring of energy leaving me drained.

The once icy encasement around my limbs had been vaporized, and steam rose from my body in wisps.

The Titan lay in shattered fragments across the pit.

The once formidable being reduced to shards of its former glory.

The audience was stunned into disbelief.

In all the history of the Ikmal pits, never had such a display of raw power been witnessed.

Whispers began to circulate. “Who is he?” “What is he?” “Did you see that?”

They morphed into louder conversations, gasps of awe, and murmurs of fear.

This crowd, which had once cheered for my defeat, now looked upon me with a mix of reverence and apprehension.

The leader board blinked and my name was highlighted once more.

The crowd’s response was mixed.