Hunter of Immortals - Chapter 25: Elite Clash

From Thief to ChampionJavier Restrepo thought the heist would change everything. 400 million in cash, rare boxing memorabilia, and finally enough money to escape the streets. Instead, his crew lies dead in a burning car while police sirens wail through Brooklyn.Then the impossible happens.The explosion that should have killed him sends Javier five years into the past—back to seventeen, back to the Marcus Garvey Group Home, back to every choice that led him down the wrong path. But this time, something else comes with him: the ghost of Vicente “El Martillo” Morales, heavyweight champion murdered thirty years ago.Vicente's spectral presence offers what no living trainer can: the knowledge to transform a street thief into a boxing legend. With supernatural guidance tracking his every improvement, Javier begins climbing from amateur tournaments toward professional glory.But the boxing world harbors its own dangers. Corrupt promoters control the sport's highest levels, and some secrets are worth killing for. As Javier rises through the ranks, he must navigate a system where talent alone isn't enough—and where his criminal past might be the key to surviving boxing's deadliest truths.Second chances don't come free. And champions are forged in blood and sacrifice.Content Disclaimer:This novel contains mature themes including violence, crime, death, and the brutal realities of professional boxing. The story features supernatural elements within a gritty urban setting and explores themes of redemption, corruption, and moral ambiguity. Reader discretion is advised for scenes depicting boxing violence, criminal activity, and intense emotional content.Fiction Notice:All characters, organizations, events, and locations in this work are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, actual events, or existing places is purely coincidental. This story is a work of imagination and should not be taken as factual representation of boxing, law enforcement, or any real-world institutions.

It’s been 11 years since I’ve lived for others and not for me.

The moment I cried out wanting to get away from my exhausting life, I opened my eyes in the body of some Count’s 20-year-old daughter.

Since this happened, I decided to live my life freely as a single woman.

But…

“I need a lady to act as my fake wife for a certain period of time.”

“A contract marriage?”

“The term is one year. When the time is up, I’ll give you divorce with no strings attached.”

The Duke of the Empire whom I had happened to meet at a ball was hitting on me.

Turns out he’s no other than the Emperor’s beloved brother, Duke Scade!

Hold on, it’s just going to end in a clean divorce with no strings attached?

“You should also give me alimony. Give me one of the best lands of the Ducal household with 10 years’ worth of profit.”

“…..What?”

“If you don’t want to do that, then we cannot get married.”

This time I’m going to live a life taking care of the things I need first!

***

“I’ll escort you since it’s late.”

Where to? My bedroom is just around the corner.

“Tonight, I’ll do my best.”

No, I don’t need you to do that.

“Did you just look at that man?”

Excuse me, Duke, you said it’s for a limited time only, so why do you keep obsessing over me?

Life from birth has been nothing but hell. I lost my parents to some stupid aristocrats whom they offended. Executed for no good reason.

My relatives abandoned me and pushed me aside. They feared for their lives and left me and my sister to starve and wander the streets alone!

No, this is worse than hell!

I watched my sister die of starvation. Her lips were dry and her feet bloody. Her nails were broken and her fingers riddled with cuts. She struggled in my hands and after a few seconds of struggle she passed away. She seemed joyful in death so I prayed mine will come just as swift and merciful as hers.

So I stayed in the alleyway, alone with her rotten corpse awaiting my fate for God knows how long. I could see it already. The darkness encroaching from all sides

Everyone said death is scary but I say it’s the end! Who needs life after death? What is the need for reincarnation?

Who would want to return to this crazy world?

“It’s not yet time for you to go… You have one more task to accomplish as my host” A voice called out to me.

I could barely see or speak but how can I miss such a beautiful face? It was an extremely handsome man who gazed at me with tender eyes.

.....

“Haven’t I suffered enough? Can’t I just rest?” I cried out. Why would I want to stay back in such a cruel world?

“Don’t you want to avenge the death of your parents? Don’t you want to become something greater? I can make that happen!” The beautiful man said with an alluring voice.

“You… Who are you?” I asked with an anxious heart.

My parents always said God is the only one who cares about me! Maybe in my final hours, he has come to save me.

“Call me Death…”