In the sombre ambience of Dalma mansion, Fray and Richard faced each other, their expressions carrying the weight of a serious conversation. Untouched coffee cups sat on the table between them.

"So, that's the situation," Richard observed, his eyes thoughtful. "I can't entirely disagree with your decisions, but I still can't fathom why you didn't inform Aslin. She was your responsibility; you needed to ensure she didn't get led mislead."

"I attempted to before everything unfolded. After the events, there was no need to revisit it," Fray replied with sincerity.

Richard, perceptive to the underlying tension in Fray's stoic demeanour and calm words, sensed the gravity of the situation, as although he anticipated that something must have happened to make Fray leave Aslin and the Guardians, this was beyond his expectations.

During the buildup to the Succession competition, Richard was one of the few who supported and assisted Fray in amassing his power. Their close collaboration revealed to Richard Fray's true personality, so he can see that what happened left an indelible mark on Fray. Acquainted with Fray's personality, Richard foresaw that this unresolved matter would lead to only one inevitable conclusion.

Reflecting on the younger Fray he once knew, Richard acknowledged, (When Fray was younger, I always endeavoured to keep Aslin on his good side. I recognized the potential danger of making an adversary out of him. Now, he appears even more formidable even I feel small in his presence. Unfortunately, it seems that Aslin has made a misstep.)

"Don't worry, Sir Richard. You don't need to be concerned. While I can't trust Aslin anymore, I don't view her as an enemy. I won't seek revenge against her," Fray reassured, his expression maintaining its characteristic calm.

Feeling a sense of relief, Richard commented, "Thank you, young master." While thinking ( It appears he sees through my attempt to safeguard her. It's reassuring to know. I just hope she doesn't take actions that would land her on his list of enemies.)

"So, was this your sole reason for visiting Iskar City?" Fray inquired, finally lifting the coffee cup in front of him.

"Well, that and to witness your duel with Suezel," Richard replied.

"Well, you've just wasted your time. The fight won't last long enough to deserve a watch," Fray stated stoically, taking a sip from his coffee.

. . .

As the days passed, anticipation thickened in the air leading up to the highly anticipated duel. The Dalma Knights headquarters, boasting one of the largest training platforms in Iskar City, had been selected for the spectacle. Its expansive space could accommodate a sizable audience, making it an ideal venue for such an event.

The day of the duel arrived, and the training platform was transformed into a battleground, surrounded by rows of citizens and followers of Iskar City. The duel, open to the public, drew in a diverse crowd, guided by knights to their designated places.

As the time for the confrontation approached, the crowd, a mosaic of citizens, leaders, and warriors from various Iskar cities and beyond, streamed into the arena.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

Superpowers greatly influenced the human continent, making duel fights a popular spectacle. Numerous competitions emerged to determine the continent's strongest. However, the Dalma family's internal duels stood out for their notorious ruthlessness and lethality. These events, though infrequent, captivated a vast audience.

On a platform distinct from the crowd, the core members of the Dalma family gathered. Among them, the children and wives of the family formed a close-knit group, with Oliver, his brothers, and their mother also present in one group.

And on another group Erma stood with a complicated look on her face, her eyes fixed on the arena. As the anticipation built, Rafael, standing by her side, noticed her unease.

Also, Elisa and Richard James and other members and important guests stood on the platform as well.

"Erma, you seem off. Are you worried about Fray?" Rafael inquired, a concerned expression on his face.

Erma, as if awakening from a trance, shifted her expression to one of resentment. "No, why should I worry about a monster like him? It would be for the greater good if he just died here," she replied coldly, her words laced with a hint of animosity.

..

On the building's roof, Adam and Montaser had gathered to watch the impending duel. Adam, sporting his usual nonchalant expression, mumbled in a bored voice, "Why are they taking so long? When is this fight going to start?"

Montaser, who stood behind Adam, was taken aback by his casual demeanour. "Why are you so relaxed!? Aren't you worried that Fray will get hurt, especially since you've decided to support him?"

Adam, puzzled by Montaser's concern, asked, "Huh! Why should I be worried?"

"Suezel is very strong. Except for Jared and Liam, he might be the strongest in Oliver's ranks," Montaser explained with a serious tone, his eyes fixed on Oliver and his ranks standing on the family platform.

Upon hearing Montaser's words, instead of expressing concern, Adam's demeanour shifted unexpectedly to anger. "What? This person isn't even the strongest in one of the children's ranks. Ugh! This will be boring. If I knew the competitor would be this weak, I would not have come."

Montaser, taken aback by Adam's sudden outburst, was left confused. ( What is he talking about?) he wondered to himself, trying to make sense of Adam's unexpected reaction.

Amidst the murmurs of the crowd, a man in humble servant attire entered the arena, capturing everyone's attention. With a commanding presence, he raised his hand, signalling the imminent entrance of the two successors of the Dalma family.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Stand witness as we prepare for a clash between two formidable heirs! Presenting the last master of the Storm Fist, Suezel Dalma!" The crowd hushed, directing their attention to Suezel, who ascended the arena clad in heavy armour, his head exposed, exuding an air of strength.

"And in the other corner, returning after two years of anticipation, let's welcome back the Ruthless Monster himself, Fray Dalma!" The mere mention of Fray's name sparked a renewed wave of excitement among the spectators.

As the announcer stepped back, the energy in the arena heightened. Fray, in light training attire and a hatchet on his back, and Suezel, donned in formidable armour with a heavy long sword, ascended the platform, the collective gaze of the crowd fixated on the upcoming duel between the heirs of the Dalma family.

As the announcer retreated from the arena, he turned his attention to the two fighters, allowing them to speak before the imminent clash.

Sezuel stepped forward, a solemn expression on his face. "Fray, we've duelled countless times before, and I've always respected your strength. It's time to settle the score. I'll do my best not to kill you," he declared with a sense of honour in his voice.

The attention then shifted to Fray, the bouncer turning to him and inquiring, "Anything you'd like to say?"

Fray, his eyes cold and unreadable, remained silent, offering no words or gestures.

The announcer cleared his throat, sensing the tension in the air. "Very well, let the fight commence!"

With that, the arena erupted in anticipation as the duel between Sezuel and Fray officially began.

As the fight commenced, the announcer exited the arena, leaving Suezel and Fray to face each other. Suddenly, Suezel activated his skill. The air around him compressed and twisted, forming several swirling air tornadoes around his arms and sword with a deafening roar.

"I will use my skill from the start. I hope you're ready," Suezel mumbled, preparing for the battle.

Fray, maintaining a calm demeanour, calmly reached for and drew a hatchet from his back. This hatchet, acquired from the old continent, now sported a strange red gem pierced through it, with red veins running throughout the weapon.

"Is that the gem Fray obtained in the old continent?" Elisa questioned from the family platform, her eyes fixed on Fray's unique weapon.

Amidst the curiosity about the weapons, Fray, with a stoic expression, raised the hatchet. Suddenly, his form expanded, and he brought the axe down onto the arena floor. A spectacle unfolded that left everyone in awe.

The entire arena floor cracked, and from it emerged surges of lava walls that soared to three meters in height. The molten walls encircled the arena, causing the ground to crumble beneath them. The crowd and family members gazed in astonishment at the unexpected transformation of the battlefield.