The arena was still buzzing with excitement from the previous match when Shinji and Gorthak returned. Shinji was feeling a new kind of exhaustion, a deep fatigue that settled in his bones. It was different from the physical weariness he had experienced before; this was a mental and different kind of exhaustion, a result of using his powers so suddenly.

Gorthak, on the other hand, seemed relatively unscathed. His injuries had been treated, and he was eager to face his next opponent. As they prepared for the match, Shinji couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. Something about this opponent felt different.

When the match began, the opponent stepped forward, his eyes glinting with a strange intensity. "I've been watching you," he said, his voice low and menacing. "I've seen what you can do. And let me tell you, I can do it too."

Gorthak raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Oh really?" he replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "And what exactly can you do? I'm just a normal guy, you know. No powers, no nothing."

The opponent scoffed. "Don't be fooled by his act," he warned the crowd. "He's hiding something. And I'm going to expose him. As you will see I can copy my foe's powers"

As the match progressed, it became clear that the opponent was no ordinary fighter. He possessed incredible strength and agility, and he seemed to be able to mimic Gorthak's fighting style. But despite his abilities, he couldn't match Gorthak's raw power and experience.

Gorthak fought with a ferocity that left the crowd breathless. He dodged the opponent's attacks with ease, his movements fluid and graceful. When he counterattacked, it was with devastating force. The opponent was no match for Gorthak's sheer physical prowess.

Finally, with a single, powerful blow, Gorthak sent the opponent crashing to the ground. The crowd erupted in cheers as Gorthak was declared the winner.

As the opponent lay defeated on the mat, he looked up at Gorthak with a mixture of disbelief and anger. "No way," he muttered. "You can't be that strong with no powers. Just how can you do it?"

Gorthak approached the defeated opponent, his expression calm and serene. "It's not about powers," he said, his voice soft. "It's about will power. It's about determination. And it's about never giving up, no matter what the odds."

The opponent listened to Gorthak's words, his anger slowly fading. He realized that he had underestimated his opponent, and that his own arrogance had been his downfall.

As Gorthak walked away from the arena, Shinji approached him, his eyes filled with admiration. "You were incredible," he said, his voice filled with awe. "I don't know how you do it."

Gorthak smiled. "It's simple," he replied. "I just fight with everything I've got."

As the dust settled on Gorthak's victory, a shocking revelation emerged. It was discovered that the sword he had wielded throughout the tournament was not a genuine weapon, but rather a carefully crafted replica made from a highly durable, yet lightweight material. The revelation sent shockwaves through the crowd and left many wondering how Gorthak had managed to deceive everyone for so long.

Shinji was among those who were stunned by the news. He had witnessed Gorthak's prowess firsthand, and it was difficult for him to believe that his friend had been using a fake weapon. But as he thought about it, he realized that Gorthak's victory was even more impressive.

Shinji's eyes widened in surprise as he turned to Gorthak, seeking answers. "Gorthak, what's going on? Why did you use a fake sword?"

Gorthak smirked mischievously, clearly pleased with himself. "I've been experimenting with alternative materials, Shinji. This 'sword' is made from a rare, lightweight metal that's almost indestructible. I wanted to test its capabilities in battle."

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The crowd erupted into a mix of cheers and gasps, some impressed by Gorthak's ingenuity, others outraged by the perceived deception. The tournament officials scrambled to address the situation, debating whether Gorthak's use of a fake sword constituted a rules violation.

As the commotion died down, Shinji turned to Gorthak with a sly grin. "Well, I suppose that's one way to get an edge in battle. But next time, let's stick to the real thing, shall we?"

Gorthak chuckled, clapping Shinji on the back. "Agreed, my friend. But for now, let's enjoy the surprise on our opponents' faces!"

However, the surprises were far from over. As Shinji examined the sword more closely, he noticed something strange. The metal seemed too light and too flexible to be a real sword. He reached out and tapped it gently, and to his astonishment, it made a hollow sound.

With a gasp, Shinji turned to Gorthak. "Gorthak, this isn't metal. It's... it's plastic!"

The crowd went wild, with some people laughing and others gasping in shock. Shinji facepalmed, chuckling. "Gorthak, you sneaky thing! I should have known better than to trust your 'experimental' ways!"

Gorthak grinned, unrepentant. "Hey, it worked, didn't it? And it's not like I hurt anyone... much."

The tournament officials were left scrambling to address this new revelation. "Um, well, I suppose plastic swords are... unconventional, but not strictly against the rules?"

As the crowd continued to buzz with excitement and amusement, Shinji turned to Gorthak with a mock-stern expression. "You know, we're going to have to work on your material choices. Plastic? Really?"

Gorthak shrugged, still grinning. "Hey, don't knock it till you try it, Shinji! Plastic is the future!"

The host's voice booms through the arena, clarifying the situation. "Ladies and gentlemen, a reminder that in this tournament, any weapon is allowed. Gorthak's... creative choice of a plastic sword does not violate any rules. Let us continue with the competition!"

The crowd erupts into cheers and applause, thrilled by the unexpected twist. Shinji shakes his head, laughing. "Well, I suppose that's one way to make a statement, Gorthak."

Gorthak bows, his plastic sword held aloft in triumph. "Hey, when in doubt, go with what works, right?"

The next opponent steps forward, eyeing Gorthak's plastic sword warily. "You know, I'm not sure what's more intimidating - the sword or the fact that you're willing to use it."

Gorthak grins. "Hey, don't underestimate the power of plastic! It's flexible, durable, and... well, it's not like I'm going to run out of ammo anytime soon."

The crowd roared with laughter as the battle began, eager to see what other surprises Gorthak had in store. As the fight progressed, Gorthak's plastic sword proved to be more than just a novelty. Its flexibility allowed him to dodge attacks with ease, while its durability ensured that it could withstand even the most powerful blows.

However, Gorthak's opponent was no slouch. He was a skilled warrior with a deep knowledge of combat, and he quickly adapted to Gorthak's unconventional fighting style. The opponent's strikes were precise and powerful, and he managed to land several solid hits on Gorthak.

As the battle wore on, Gorthak began to tire. The strain of fighting with a plastic sword, combined with the relentless attacks of his opponent, was taking a toll on him. His movements became slower and less precise, and he began to make mistakes.

Finally, with a powerful blow, the opponent disarmed Gorthak, sending his plastic sword flying across the arena. Also breaking it into two pieces. Gorthak found himself at the mercy of his opponent, who delivered a final, devastating strike.

The crowd gasped in shock as Gorthak fell to the ground, defeated. The unexpected loss sent a ripple of disbelief through the arena. No one had expected Gorthak to lose, especially not to such a seemingly unconventional opponent.

As Gorthak was helped to his feet, he looked up at his opponent with a mixture of respect and disappointment. "You fought well," he said, offering a grudging nod.

The opponent returned the nod, his expression a mix of relief and satisfaction. "Thank you," he replied. "It was an honor to fight you."

The crowd applauded both fighters, acknowledging the skill and determination they had displayed. Gorthak, despite his defeat, had earned the respect of the audience. His unconventional approach to combat had made him a fan favorite, and his loss only served to increase his popularity.

Gorthak was immediately taken to the arena's medical tent after his defeat. The medics worked quickly to assess his injuries and provide treatment. Shinji watched with concern as they tended to his friend's wounds.

Shinji slowly mutters "How is he doing?" Shinji asked one of the medics.

"He's stable, but he'll need some time to recover, he should be recovered by tomorrow." the medic replied. "The injuries are not serious, but he's exhausted."

The next day, the 2v2 matches will begin once again.