Conquering The Novel

United States of America, California~

As the sun went down, colorful skies lit up the streets of Fulton Avenue in sunny California. Ares walked confidently along the familiar sidewalks, blending into the bustling city sounds. Memories of his past flooded back, guiding his journey forward.

With each step, Ares neared his old home on Fulton Avenue. Memories flooded back, overwhelming him like a wave crashing against a shore.

The house stood strong, a reminder of the challenges he faced and conquered over the years.

As twilight descended, Ares stumbled upon a group gathered under a nearby streetlamp. Recognition lit up their faces as they spotted him, a glimmer of familiarity mingled with unease. Among them stood Jake, his weathered features betraying both respect and apprehension.

"B-Boss! Heard you're getting back in the ring. We believe in ya," Jake's words were hesitant, tinged with fear.

Ares nodded in acknowledgment, his mind racing to recall the reason for their concern.

Martha, another figure from the group, trembled slightly as she spoke, her voice quivering with anxiety. "S-Stay strong, Ares. We've seen you battle on the streets and in life. Y-You've got this," she said, avoiding his gaze.

Their words struck a chord within Ares, serving as a poignant reminder of the challenges he had faced and overcome during this phase of his life.

Ignoring them, he stepped into his former house. The door creaked softly, a sound echoing the passage of time. Memories flooded Ares' mind, mingling with newfound clarity.

Inside, the quiet interior awaited his return, bearing witness to his presence. Nostalgia filled the air, mingling with the determination that fueled him for the challenges ahead.

Taking a deep breath, Ares steeled himself, unwavering in his resolve. An unspoken vow echoed within him: "These illusions won't shake me."

In the midst of his contemplation, he detected approaching footsteps, accompanied by the familiar voice of a woman his age. "Hey, Ares! Back already? How was your training today?" she asked, her curiosity evident as she descended the stairs.

The woman's appearance radiated casual comfort and understated grace. She stood with confident poise, her lithe frame adorned in a simple, fitted white T-shirt that accentuated her natural beauty. The fabric hugged her curves gently, offering a glimpse of her toned physique beneath.

Paired with the shirt, she wore well-worn blue jeans that seemed to mold to her form with ease, embodying a relaxed yet stylish aura.

Her brown hair cascaded in loose waves, framing her heart-shaped face with effortless elegance. A few strands fell delicately around her face, adding a touch of softness to her features. Pulled back into a carefree ponytail, her hair swayed with each movement, a testament to her casual charm.

Around her neck, she wore a delicate silver star necklace, a gift from Ares on a past occasion, that now shimmered under the soft illumination of the room.

!?

The woman's gaze darted around as if searching for someone. "Hmm, where's Cynthia? Wasn't she with you?" Confusion tinged her tone.

"...."

"...Cynthia had some business to attend to, so she sent me alone. She mentioned she'll be back soon after a visit to the Hunter Association," Ares replied, regaining his composure as he met her gaze. With a nod of acknowledgment, he continued on his way.

"I see," the woman whispered, still focused on Ares as he moved past her. "...Ares, we need to talk." She suddenly called him, her voice trembled with a mix of anxiety and seriousness, causing him to pause and acknowledge the gravity of their impending conversation.

***

Around the dining table, Ares spoke with a casual tone as he took a bite of his sandwich. "So, Fiona, what's on your mind?" he inquired, his attention divided between his meal and the impending discussion, as he already knew what she wanted to say.

Fiona, hesitated briefly, taking a deep breath to steady herself. "Ares, I... I want you to reconsider participating in tomorrow's fight!" Her plea was evident in her voice.

Unfazed by her request, Ares continued eating his sandwich. "...You know I can't do that, Fiona," he responded casually, as though the matter had been settled long before.

Fiona's frustration was palpable; she wore it like a mask. "For fuck's sake, can't you just listen to me for once!" Rising abruptly from her seat, her anger rang out in her raised voice.

Noticing her reaction, Ares finally put down his sandwich, his gaze meeting Fiona's. "I understand you're concerned about that Bastard, Joshua. But trust me, I can handle him this time," he replied, trying to reassure her.

"Argh! I've had enough of your delusions!" Fiona's frustration boiled over, her hands clutching at her hair in exasperation. "Sometimes you have to face reality. Everyone knows your potential only reaches B-rank, while Joshua is already an A-rank hunter! In what universe do you think you can defeat him?

He's going to wipe the floor with you in that ring!" Her words were a blend of worry and exasperation.

"...."

"...I just need you to trust me this once, Fiona," Ares responded calmly, his gaze unwavering. Yet, Fiona shook her head as if she had heard enough.

"You know what? Do whatever you want, and go to hell for all I care," Fiona retorted, tears shimmering in her eyes. "I'm done with you, Ares. Let's... let's break up."

Ares maintained a neutral expression as if these words were not new to him—uttered by his ex-girlfriend, his only childhood friend.

"I...I can't take it anymore, Ares. I think we should take a break," Fiona's voice quivered, her eyes welling with tears.

"...Alright, if that's what you want, then so be it," Ares replied with a faint smile, rising from his chair and stepping away from the dining hall.

!?

Fiona was stunned by Ares's unexpected reaction. The Ares she knew, her boyfriend and lifelong companion, had always been possessive and reluctant to let go. That's precisely why she chose to play this card, hoping to convince him to opt out of tomorrow's fight by showing him how much it meant to her.

But never in her wildest dreams did she expect Ares to accept the break-up so readily. It left her in a state of shock, sitting on the floor, tears continuing to flow, overwhelmed by the emotional weight of their exchange. It was as if a crucial piece of their shared history had shattered, and she was left grappling with the aftermath.

***

Ares stood before a mirror in his room, his own reflection gazing back at him. He didn't harbor any anger toward Fiona for ending their relationship at this particular juncture in his past life; he recognized that her intentions were rooted in concern.

"...I wasn't strong enough for her to believe in me," Ares murmured, his gaze fixed on the reflection that met his eyes.

The upcoming battle, scheduled for tomorrow, would bring together rising stars from across the globe. However, Ares found himself among the lesser-known contenders. He was designated by the Hunter Association as a decoy, tasked with protecting their more promising hunters.

Their primary concern wasn't about winning the fight; their reputation was already solid. The prize—a recently discovered Treasure Dungeon—was enticing for other nations, but held little appeal for the United States. With their abundance of hidden dungeons, the singular treasure didn't hold the same allure.

Despite the valuable artifacts and elixirs found in these dungeons, the United States had its own means of acquiring riches, thanks to advanced technology and discreet transportation methods.

Their main objective was to safeguard their top hunters, prioritizing their safety over claiming the prize. In a world where dungeons no longer posed a significant threat, they had become symbols of wealth and fame, sparking competitions and turning battles into spectator sports.

"I remember that battle," Ares reminisced with a shake of his head. "I lost in a less-than-dignified manner right at the beginning of the event. It's one of my life's regrets that I couldn't give that bastard Joshua a much-needed lesson on live television for showing interest in my woman," he muttered softly to himself, briefly revisiting that pivotal moment.

'...But of course, I eventually gave him a pathetic death using my own methods,' Ares smirked to himself, a shadow of triumph gleaming in his eyes.

To be continued...