He glanced to his waist where the marbles were. The champions inside were strong. If he could make use of them to fight off this one... He needed a plan to make sure he would become the oriole though since it was quite likely that they would team up to end him first. He wasn't stupid. Of course he knew that it was unlikely that they would ally with him. He needed to turn the situation in such a way that they would not have a choice if he was to go with it.

He didn't have much of a choice. He would never win against that man who could use space.

He took out four more talismans and set up a second similar barrier next to the first one to give himself some more time.

If he added a few variables, things would change. Whether in his favor or not didn't matter, it couldn't get worst since he was on his way to death! What he needed was to find a way to turn it in his favor... Could he seal himself right after freeing them? After all, the seal was unbreakable and as long as he held the gourd, he would be able to exit. Though it had a cost, it wasn't too bad. Better than death at least.

But then, wouldn't the fuckers just throw him out of the arena? He would fall into the void if they did... Damn. This was not a good idea. He had to think of something else.

!CRACK!

The first barrier broke. He took out four more talismans and sent them out. His spiritual energy had been depleted by a lot with only half remaining. This couldn't go on any further. He could only take a gamble. He put his hand within the gourd and fed it. For a total of 20 years...no, 30. Just in case.

Then, he decided to wait until this barrier crumbled first. It would at least exhaust some of the energy from the bastard outside.

!CRACK!

It broke! He hurried away as he threw the two marbles in front of him and activated the gourd. Two bright lights flew from it.

...

Min-Su saw that his enemy within the barrier aged at a rapid pace as soon as he placed his hand within the gourd. Was this artifact using lifespan as a cost? Likely. It did not matter though. This thing would never be able to trap him. This seemed no more like a desperate act of final struggle. This guy probably knew he would die. Still, Min-Su didn't let his guard down and remained focused. Then, the barrier broke. He planned to rush forward but ended up phasing out and jumping to a different dagger some distance away. He did so because he saw his opponent threw out two marbles.

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It was a new pattern. He did not want to try his luck and gamble his life. It was better to dodge and observe.

As he reappeared, he saw the two beams of light hit the gems while that man began to put up a new barrier. Then, the crystal broke and eye-blinding blue light was emitted from it.

An instant later, two figures jumped on different sides of the lights as they gradually disappeared. He recognized them both though they had slightly changed since the last time he saw them. The first one was a sentient dragon and a champion he saw back in the hall. As for the second one, it was Jin. He had a tough time believing his eyes. So, Jin was killed by this weakling? This didn't make much sense... Jin was strong...

Before he continued thinking of this, his train of thought changed. He began to wonder whether this was 'Jin' or not. Was it some kind of puppet made from a dead body? Or something similar? Like mind control? He did not want to fight Jin but it seemed like fate was quite twisted as usual...

However, he received a spiritual message at that time. It was from Jin. He told him: "Make it seem as if we don't know each other until we deal with them"

Min-Su didn't bother answering but in his heart and mind, he was agreeing. He smiled slightly unconsciously. He was, in a way, glad to see Jin alive...

...

As the marble was sent out, Jin opened his eyes. He had yet to completely heal himself and stabilize his situation but this was better than nothing. Half of his injuries were healed and what remained wouldn't impede him too much. He wouldn't be able to fight at his top but he wouldn't be at a loss when facing those guys.

As the crystal broke, he felt the shackle disappear and his body grow back. He hurriedly jumped out to the side, not wanting to end up in a bad situation and opting for a pre-emptive dodge. No attacks were sent his way though. As he steadied himself, he saw Min-Su. That guy had changed. He looked stronger. A lot stronger. His aura was different.

He quickly sent him a spiritual message, hoping that they could cooperate for the moment. Turning this into a 2v1v1 would be better than a giant brawl.

Min-Su did not answer but he saw him smile slightly. He believed Min-Su understood and would play along if he did. That being said, he would have to remain on guard from him. That guy was still believing that only the last one standing would survive. Well, unless someone told him the truth but it did not seem likely considering how fiercely he fought the gourd holder.

He then gazed at the fourth being here. It was a sentient beast. A blue dragon that had some red stain-like marks all over the skin he showed through his battle robe. He seemed powerful from a glance. It wouldn't be easy to take this one down... Then, he saw the dragon take a glimpse towards the gourd and frowned. It seemed like he would need to take care of the dragon or get the gourd first.

Before any of them made a move though, a sound resounded from a distance. It seemed both far and close and disturbed their concentration slightly.

Clank, clank, clank....