After the principal announced the outcome of the first match, the referee stepped in to declare the upcoming tournament final between Cresser and Teeios. Yet, amidst the murmurs and whispers echoing through the crowd, it was clear that Arael’s appearance and his healing promotion stole the spotlight from the impending match. Sensing the charged atmosphere, the referee called for another brief recess until the fervor subsided, allowing the tension to dissipate further.
The Kaya clan trio made their way to the infirmary to check on Masaki’s condition, while the Deva inquisitors, led by the Dark Elf, retreated after their failed attempt to capture Sarya. They felt dejected and embarrassed, especially after Arael directly exposed their misdeeds to the crowds. Furthermore, their humiliation deepened knowing that one of their own inquisitors had sided with the enemy faction throughout the whole ordeal.
Meanwhile, inside the Royal Seating Booth, Clay broke his silence and finally spoke. With a sigh, he said: “Thankfully, Arael departed without causing any major incidents.”
Lydia concurred: “Indeed, Your Highness. It could have been far worse if he had taken action against the Deva inquisitors. It would have placed us in an awkward position as allies of the Heaven Alliance.”
As they conversed, Hikaru silently pondered his predicament: ‘I want to check on Masaki right away, but with the patriarch and Uncle Hideo already at her side, my sudden arrival would undoubtedly raise their eyebrows. Moreover, since I was wearing attire adorned with the royal insignia, they would undoubtedly ask my identity, potentially blowing my cover!’
Noticing that Hikaru seemed lost in thought, Clay asked: “Is something troubling you? You seem to be contemplating something.”
“Oooh, don’t worry about it, Your Highness,” Hikaru reassured with a soft smile. “I am a bit worried about Masaki’s condition, but knowing her family is with her right now, it eases my mind.”
“You know,” Clay offered, his concern evident in his voice, “if you want, I can accompany you to the infirmary…”
Hikaru shook his head gratefully. “No, no need, Your Highness. My relationship with the Kaya clan is a bit complicated to say the least.”
Clay nodded understandingly. “Okay, let me know if you change your mind.”
The tournament resumed after a half-hour recess, with the referee’s authoritative call echoing across the arena. Striding confidently from the east gate was unarmed Cresser, dressed in his casual attire, while Teeios marched in from the west gate, clad in a battle vest and wielding his formidable 2.5-meter-long spear. While Teeios possessed an imposing stature, Cresser's bulky 2-meter frame made him seem somewhat subdued by comparison.
As Cresser and Teeios squared off on the battle platform, all eyes in the crowd were fixated on them. With a solemn nod, the referee acknowledged each contestant before raising his hand to signal the impending start of the final match. Anticipation swelled as the referee’s hand fell, marking the beginning of the eagerly awaited showdown.
After the match began, Cresser activated his innate ability, morphing his hands into a pair of wolf-like appendages with elongated fingers and sharpened nails. Slowly advancing toward Teeios on the other side of the platform, he approached with caution. Meanwhile, Teeios held his spear in his right hand and aimed the palm of his left hand toward the approaching Cresser.
[Fireball: Shoot] x2 (L1 Fire Magic Skill)
As the fireballs hurtled towards him, Cresser instinctively raised both hands to shield himself. *Boom –Boom* the impact reverberated as the fireballs collided with his raised hands. After his fireballs struck Cresser, Teeios watched in astonishment as Cresser emerged unscathed, unaffected by the flames.
Inside the Royal Seating Booth, Hikaru's eyes widened in amazement as he observed the unfolding spectacle. “Incredible,” he murmured, his voice tinged with awe. “Teeios’s fireball could smash Runi's stone pillar to pieces, yet it didn’t even leave a scratch on Cresser.”
Lydia nodded in agreement, her expression thoughtful. “It seems the rumors were true,” she remarked, her tone tinged with intrigue. “The Firefang Wolfman’s fire resistance surpasses even that of a human Suncian.”
Clay leaned forward, his brow furrowed in contemplation. “Perhaps,” he mused, his voice measured. “But Teeios may have a chance with higher-level fire spells. Although, with this being a one-on-one duel, I doubt he will be able to finish casting his spell.”
This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
As his fireball spell proved ineffective, Teeios decided to engage in melee combat with Cresser. *Swoosh* Teeios gripped his spear with both hands as he ran toward the approaching Cresser, executing a horizontal sweep aimed at his opponent's head with his chi-covered spear.
*Thud* Cresser blocked the spear with his left hand, but the spear somehow curved at an almost 90-degree angle, cutting his left cheek. *Bam* Teeios then used the spear’s bounced-back momentum to execute a jumping spin back kick, pushing Cresser back.
“How can Teeios’s spear bend like that?” Hikaru exclaimed, his eyes widening in astonishment.
“Well, Teeios was likely employing a Lv2 weapon arts special skill to generate special chi that enabled his spear to bend,” Clay explained, his voice laced with intrigue.
After receiving Teeios’s kick, Cresser took a step back to regain his footing before pressing forward. However, as he closed in, Teeios wasted no time in launching a relentless onslaught of piercing attacks with his spear.
*Thunk –Stab –Thunk –Stab* Cresser managed to block two blows with his chi-covered hands, but the other two managed to penetrate his lower abdomen and his left chest area just below his collarbone. Cresser retaliated by pushing forward and unleashing a series of swiping strikes using his chi-covered claws.
*Thunk –Thunk –Swish* Teeios expertly parried two of Cresser’s diagonal swipes with the body of his chi-covered spear, and effortlessly sidestepping the last strike. With lightning fast agility, he maneuvered to Cresser’s side, seizing the perfect opportunity to unleash a devastating energy attack.
[Bolt Skewer] (L2 Weapon Arts Skill)
*Swish* He directed his energy attack toward Cresser’s leg, aiming to cripple him. He did so because he was aware of Cresser’s remarkable regenerative abilities, strategically avoiding striking vital areas to prevent disqualification due to accidental killing.
*Crack* the sickening sound of bone snapping reverberated throughout the battle platform as the lower part of Cresser’s left leg gave way. A sharp cry of pain tore from his lips, echoing amidst the stunned silence.
“Aaaaaaacccck!” Cresser screamed, his face contorted in agony, clutching his leg tightly as he crumpled to the ground.
*TWEEEET* the referee’s whistle pierced the air, signaling the end of the match. With a solemn tone, he declared Teeios as the final winner. Meanwhile, medics swiftly escorted Cresser to the healing formation for his treatment.
After the winner was announced, Clay remarked calmly: “Looks like the crowd’s favorites came through. The betting booth will be busy cashing out all those winning tickets.”
After the thrilling conclusion of the match, the principal walked onto the battle platform to crown Teeios as the undisputed champion of this year’s tournament. With a flourish, he presented Teeios with his well-deserved prize, sparking cheers from the crowd. As the excitement settled, the principal began his closing speech, reflecting on the remarkable displays of skill and determination witnessed throughout the competition.
Following the ending of the tournament, both Hikaru and Lydia bid Clay farewell. They both decided to head back to the Purple Walnut to have lunch with Loyd. But once he was outside the stadium, Hikaru saw the Kaya clan trio escorting Masaki, who seemed really depressed.
Hikaru felt a strong urge to offer comfort to Masaki, but the presence of the Kaya clan trio made him hesitate. He found himself grappling with the idea: ‘Even if I approach her, what could I possibly say or do to ease her pain? Forget it, I’ll find another chance later. Now is not the right time!’
Lydia noticed Hikaru’s gaze lingering on Masaki’s hand stump. “Do you need my assistance?” she asked gently, her voice carrying empathy. “I can deliver your message to her if you’d like,” she offered, her eyes reflecting understanding.
Hikaru hesitated, torn between wanting to offer solace and feeling helpless in the face of Masaki’s suffering. “Forget it, let’s head back,” he said, his voice tinged with frustration and concern, his gaze lingering on Masaki for a moment longer before turning away.
Inside the carriage on their way back to the Purple Walnut, Hikaru turned to Lydia with a thoughtful expression. “What do you think the Kaya clan patriarch asked Arael while he knelt on the battle platform? And why do you think Arael didn’t simply heal Masaki directly like with Goun?”
Lydia leaned back against the carriage seat, her expression thoughtful, eyes distant as she pondered Hikaru’s questions. “Although I’m uncertain,” she began slowly, “I bet my guess is probably the same as anybody. It’s likely the Kaya clan Patriarch requested him to heal Masaki, but maybe they haven’t reached an agreement.” Her voice held a hint of hesitation, her thoughts momentarily clouded by uncertainty. “From what I’ve heard,” she continued, her tone growing more solemn, “Celestials are known to make deals with mortals, and especially so with Asura Celestials.”
Hikaru nodded, absorbing Lydia’s words with a troubled expression. All these unanswered questions gnawed at his mind, mingling with a sense of unease about Masaki’s well-being.
As the carriage rattled along the road, he found himself lost in thought, pondering about celestials and their powers.
A thought suddenly crossed his mind: ‘Before, on the way to the Deva temple, Lydia and Loyd explained about Celestials and Deities. If deities are comparable to celestials, then maybe deities can also restore Masaki's amputated hand! Let’s ask Lydia.’
Hikaru turned to Lydia, the question burning in his mind. “Remember when we were heading to the temple days ago?” he began. “You mentioned how both celestials and deities use halorine as their energy source. If that’s the case, could they wield similar powers? I wonder if they also have the ability to restore Masaki’s amputated hand.”
“Hmmm, that’s certainly possible,” Lydia mused, her brow furrowing in thought, “but it might be even harder to find the right deity than to locate an Asura Celestial! Unlike celestials, who typically wield powers associated with their respective gods, deities lack such clear classifications. So, you’d need to find a deity with the specific power needed. Even if you do find one, there’s a chance they may not possess the same level of skill, as they tend to be on the weaker side. As far as I know, there are no deities with Asura’s restorative power in the area around Bailey.”
Lydia then added: “But you are partly wrong though. Their power has nothing to do with their halorine production. It comes from their divinities. Some mortals also possess divinities, though theirs may not be as potent as those possessed by celestials.”
Shortly after their return to the Purple Walnut, Loyd warmly welcomed them before they gathered for their customary lunch. As they settled in, Hikaru and Lydia shared the tournament’s highlights with Loyd, sparking a discussion as they delved into the events and tragedy of the day.