CONVERSATION

Siren: So the tournament is finally over, huh?

Ace: Not to sound discontent... but FINALLY.

Link: After watching the finals, I think it's fair to say I'm happy not to be strong.

Trent: Yes. That truly was something else.

Quinn: The ability to spawn weapons, the ability to manipulate natural elements, and the strongest among us is just a regular guy with guns.

Link: I fail to believe you just called X a REGULAR guy.

The Divine Tournament had concluded, and the demigods gathered to discuss each other's performances. They acknowledged the dedication they had put into their training and matches, finding contentment in their achievements. However, the vast disparity that X held over them was impossible to overlook.

"The difference in strength between him and the rest of us is unsettling," Shade expressed to Klaus and Rose.

"Yeah," Rose agreed. "It feels unfair, honestly."

Klaus remained quiet when it came to the subject of X. He recognized that dwelling on the situation would only lead to frustration, so he chose to withhold his opinions.

After a few more minutes of conversation among the demigods, Lance and X re-entered the Arena of Valor. The lack of interaction between X and the rest of the demigods remained as he walked into the arena and returned in silence to his seat.

Lance's expression had also dimmed compared to his usual demeanor. He had temporarily set aside his convictions to secure victory, but it remained elusive. When a few of the demigods turned to congratulate him on his performance, he managed to force out a smile, assuring them that he was fine. Aware of the emotional turmoil his brother was facing, Arthur made sure to console Lance once the other demigods had moved away.

Before a minute had passed, XVII stood up and walked to the forefront of the demigods.

"Hello again, demigods," XVII began. "Congratulations on successfully concluding the tournament. Before we adjourn, I would like to announce a certain presence."

As XVII finished his statement, the demigods suddenly knelt before a beam of light illuminated a portion of the battlefield. Before they could fully comprehend the situation, a God appeared within the light. With wings unfurled, the God stood upright and stepped out of the light's embrace.

"Dad," Quinn whispered as the demigods gradually regained control of their bodies and rose to their feet.

"Greetings, demigods," the God began. "I am Sage, the God of Mind, and I have come to conclude the tournament."

All eyes were fixed on the divine figure as he continued.

"Allow me to begin by extending my felicitations for your outstanding performances throughout the tournament. You have all demonstrated remarkable growth from your training period, and we, the Pantheon, are more than satisfied with your progress."

The demigods couldn't help but feel elated at surpassing the set expectations. While some might have not been content about their current capabilities, this affirmation was enough to bolster their spirits.

However, before Sage could continue, he abruptly raised his right hand into the air. In response to his gesture, the entire arena began to shift and morph according to his will.

The demigods watched in bewilderment as the arena transformed, with Sage returning the Arena of Valor to its original state, just as it was before the tournament. While this action was anticipated, there was an unexpected alteration in the barrier that covered the battlefield. Instead of disappearing entirely, it had undergone a change, indicating that Sage's intentions were more complex than initially apparent.

"What's happening?" Tyler questioned, scanning the surroundings in confusion.

After the reconstruction was complete, Sage lowered his hand and addressed the demigods.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"I would like the attention of Klaus Walker and Arthur Knight," he announced.

Rose and Shade both turned their gaze toward Klaus upon hearing this proclamation, causing Klaus to take a moment to realize he was being summoned. Once he grasped the situation, Klaus rose to his feet, joined by Arthur, who was seated elsewhere. Sage's smile broadened as he proceeded to explain his rationale.

"Among the deities, I have deemed it fitting for the concluded tournament to feature a third-place outcome," Sage declared. "As both of you reached the semifinals, I have chosen you to compete for this position."

Klaus felt a twinge of irritation at the idea of having to battle again after the tournament had seemingly reached its end. Yet, he understood he had little choice in the matter. Moreover, the fact that the God of Mind was proposing this indicated there was likely a significant purpose behind it.

Before Klaus could advance toward the battlefield, Sage continued to provide more details about the forthcoming duel.

"I acknowledge the potential frustration of battling despite the tournament's closure, which is why the rules for this match will diverge from the prior ones," Sage clarified. "You will both engage in combat without employing any of your abilities, allowing for a fair confrontation. Additionally, the individual whose back touches the floor will be declared the loser, while the one remaining upright shall be declared the victor."

Klaus found solace in this information. The prospect of facing Arthur to the point of death and the accompanying stress was not something he desired. The new rules provided a more straightforward path. Yet, as Sage's words settled, Klaus recollected a potential obstacle that might hinder the rules' implementation.

"Um, excuse me?" Klaus addressed Sage tentatively.

"Yes, Walker," Sage responded, his smile unwavering.

"You mentioned that we're expected to engage in combat without using our abilities, right?" Klaus continued.

"Indeed, that's correct," Sage affirmed.

"Well, the thing is, some of my abilities trigger automatically, and I don't have the means to deactivate them at this point," Klaus explained further. "Wouldn't that violate the rules?"

Sage's smile remained as he answered Klaus once again.

"Precisely, which is why I've already modified the battlefield," Sage replied before adding, "Once you both step onto the field, your demigod powers will be temporarily suspended, rendering you completely mortal."

This revelation sent a shiver down Klaus' spine. He realized that when Sage referred to fighting on equal terms, he meant it quite literally. After Klaus acknowledged his understanding with a nod, Sage proceeded to provide more details about the impending duel.

"As mentioned earlier, causing fatal harm or attempting to kill your opponent is prohibited, as there won't be any transport to a medical facility. The duel will only conclude when one of you has their back against the floor."

With Sage's explanation concluded, Klaus and Arthur stepped into the transformed arena.

The two combatants stood face to face in silence, anticipating further instructions from the deity. Sage then teleported from the battlefield to the spectator's area, positioning himself ahead of the other demigods before signaling the commencement of the duel.

Arthur and Klaus exchanged brief strategizing glances as they extended their hands and inched closer to each other, eventually plunging into the fight. Their strikes flowed rapidly, showcasing a remarkable performance despite the temporary absence of their godly abilities. However, as the clash unfolded, it became evident that Arthur held the upper hand, a logical outcome given their respective combat knowledge and experience.

Klaus understood that prevailing under these circumstances was nearly impossible against Arthur. The blows he endured were tremendously powerful, despite Arthur's lack of divine strength. Klaus acknowledged the physical discrepancy between them, yet recognized that it wasn't the sole determinant of the battle's outcome.

Arthur maintained an offensive onslaught while Klaus assumed a predominantly defensive posture. It was apparent that Arthur aimed to conclude the bout swiftly. Nevertheless, Klaus found no chink in his opponent's guard, indicating that despite Arthur's rapid maneuvers, an exploitable gap remained elusive.

As the duel persisted, Klaus's footing started to waver. He managed to evade a handful of incoming strikes, but evading them all proved unattainable. The cumulative damage caused Klaus to feel disoriented, his balance and consciousness eroding with each inflicted blow.

Recognizing the situation, Arthur summoned his remaining strength, launching his right hand in a decisive blow aimed at ending the match. Yet, before the strike could land, Klaus swiftly transitioned his expression, revealing heightened concentration. In an instant, he sidestepped Arthur's attack with deft swiftness. Seizing the opportunity, Klaus clamped onto Arthur's outstretched arm with both hands, employing the momentum of Arthur's attack to hoist him upward.

Klaus utilized his back's leverage to raise Arthur off the ground, his body arching in mid-air. The crowd gasped as Klaus executed his unexpected maneuver, before slamming Arthur forcefully onto the ground. Arthur's eyes widened in astonishment at Klaus' resolute recovery from his earlier state of vulnerability.

"And with that, the battle has concluded," Sage's voice resonated from the spectator's area.

The turn of events was stunning, yet the demigods understood the match's uncertainty. It was within the realm of possibility that Klaus could emerge victorious.

As Arthur gradually regained his composure on the ground, he comprehended Klaus' strategy. Klaus had deliberately absorbed his attacks, creating the illusion of impending defeat. In reality, Klaus had preserved his strength, leveraging his natural extraordinary endurance.

Arthur possessed physical dominance, but Klaus' tactical adaptability set him apart.

With Sage's pronouncement, Klaus approached Arthur, extending his left hand in a gesture of sportsmanship. After a moment of hesitation, Arthur reciprocated, intertwining their hands. Klaus assisted Arthur to his feet, signifying mutual respect.

Sage's smile conveyed his approval of their conduct before he proceeded to announce the final verdict.

"And with that, the third place of the Divine Tournament is Klaus Walker."