"Is he… dead?"

"It was obvious Commander Bismarck was going to win. He's too strong."

The murmurs spread through the audience like wildfire.

The entire arena was covered in a thick cloud of dust, obscuring the view.

Within the haze, a faint silhouette could be seen… unmoving, still. Then, a much larger shadow emerged from within, tearing through the dust with a single mighty step.

Bismarck instinctively shuddered.

His muscles tensed as he took a step back, every instinct screaming for him to prepare for whatever was coming next.

From the smoke, the Great Bear appeared.

Its massive frame towered over the commander, eyes glowing faintly.

The earth beneath its paws trembled with each step. And right there, lying motionless behind it, was Axton.

Bismarck froze, unsure what to make of what he was seeing. The Great Bear had materialized out of nowhere, like a phantom summoned from thin air.

"What the hell…?" he muttered.

He tried to move… to retreat and gain some distance but his body refused to obey.

His eyes widened in disbelief.

He glanced down and saw nothing restraining him, yet his legs wouldn't budge.

'What's this…? Why can't I move?!'

Then it hit him. 'It must be a technique of his…'

[Ultra Stun]

The Great Bear had activated one of its most devastating abilities.

[Ultra Stun]

Axton's aura had subtly radiated through the arena, locking Bismarck completely in place.

His limbs felt like lead, heavy and unbudging.

His heartbeat quickened as the Great Bear closed the distance with terrifying speed.

Before Bismarck could even blink, the beast's enormous arms wrapped around him and yanked him into a crushing embrace.

[Bear Hug]

"Gah—!"

The air burst out of his lungs. The Great Bear slammed its massive body forward, crushing him against its chest before smashing its weight down onto the arena floor.

*Boom*

The impact shook the entire arena.

A deafening crack split the ground as shockwaves spread in all directions, forming a crater beneath them.

Dust and debris shot into the air.

Bismarck's eyes rolled back.

Blood spilled from his mouth as the recoil of the hit rippled through his body.

He was completely dazed.

And just then, Axton made his move.

…The real Axton.

He had fooled everyone.

The version that was defeated moments earlier had been nothing but a doppelganger — a perfect illusion to bait Bismarck into lowering his guard.

While the entire crowd was focused on that decoy, the real Axton had been above, preparing for the final blow.

He descended from the sky like a meteor, both hands gripping the Hammer of Chaos — its head glistening with a swirling, chaotic light.

[Chaotic Hammering] + [Pierce]

He didn't hesitate.

There was no room for hesitation.

*Boom*

The hammer crashed down on Bismarck's body, shaking the ground once more. The shockwave rippled through the cracked arena floor, forcing the spectators to cover their faces.

*Boom* *Boom* *Boom*

Axton didn't stop. He struck again. And again. Each swing heavier and more merciless than the last.

Just like he had done to Quiala, Axton showed no mercy. He continued until he was absolutely certain that Bismarck's HP had hit zero.

By the time the dust settled, the once-proud Commander Bismarck lay lifeless, his body covered in bruises and cracks of mana burns. His sword had slipped from his hand and lay beside him.

The crowd was dead silent.

Not a single voice spoke.

Seconds ago, it had looked as though Commander Bismarck had secured victory. His technique had been flawless, his power unmatched. Yet now, the mighty commander lay defeated, motionless on the cold ground.

Everyone stared in disbelief.

"How… how did this happen…?"

"What did he even do?"

Even the mayor's guards exchanged confused looks. No one had seen through the plan. To them, it looked like a miracle happened — a complete reversal in the blink of an eye.

Axton stood amidst the dust and rubble, panting softly.

His chest rose and fell as he took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving the fallen commander.

The tension in his shoulders eased.

He had won.

After a brief pause, the familiar system chime echoed across the arena.

[Commander Bismarck Defeated!]

[Winner: Khan]

[Rewards Granted]

The message floated above the battlefield in bright golden letters, visible to everyone watching.

The notification of his rewards followed for him to see and in the end, with his critical hit, Axton ended up with millions of Exp, a sizable amount of gold coins and Bismarck's Lunar Sword, which was a Grade 5 item, in his possession.

The audience gasped in awe as the notification appeared. They had just witnessed history.

Bismarck, one of the most powerful figures in Atlas City, had been taken down by a newcomer.

Up on the balcony, Mayor Duncan stood frozen. He had expected a good duel, yes, but not this. Not the death of his old ally.

He let out a long, weary sigh, his expression unreadable.

As pompous and headstrong as Bismarck had been, Duncan had known him for a long time.

And now, he was gone.

He hadn't wanted this.

He had only hoped to humble Bismarck, not see him destroyed.

He simply wanted to balance the pride of one with the potential of the other.

"Rest in peace," Duncan whispered under his breath, his eyes dim.

Then he turned toward Axton, who stood tall in the center of the battlefield, his hammer resting against the ground. Despite the chaos, there was something composed about him, like a warrior who had already accepted the cost of victory.

Duncan's lips curled into a faint smile.

He was relieved.

For a brief moment during the fight, when Bismarck unleashed his Lunar Slash, Duncan had truly thought Axton was gone but the boy had survived through strategy, timing, and sheer willpower.

The crowd erupted in applause, chants echoing throughout the arena.

"Khan! Khan! Khan!"

His soldiers were the first to move, rushing toward the center of the battlefield. They stopped midway as the mayor descended from the viewing platform and met Axton halfway.

The two men faced each other — commander and mayor, victor and leader — both aware that this duel had just changed everything.

Axton dropped to one knee, his expression calm yet proud.

Mayor Duncan placed a firm hand on his shoulder, his voice ringing with authority.

"I now give you full authority over all military affairs in Atlas City," the mayor declared solemnly. "From this day forth, you are its Commander of the City Watch."

A brilliant chime rang once more.

*Ding*

[Congratulations!]

[You are now the sole Commander of the Atlas City Watch]

[You have gained full control over all City Watch forces]

[Command Privileges: Maximum]

Axton's system interface flared with new menus and options, all linked to the city's defense network, soldier deployment, and strategic command.

He couldn't help but smile.

It wasn't just victory. It was power.

The rank of Commander of Atlas City wasn't just a title.

It was influence, prestige, and authority.

It meant he could mobilize troops, access the city's resources, and reshape its defenses however he pleased.

He had gone from being an outsider to holding the highest military rank in the city.

"I humbly accept," he said, his tone respectful but filled with quiet pride.

The soldiers roared in celebration, their cheers shaking the air once more.

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