The VIP room at the very top of the Colosseum.
In a quiet place out of sight from others, two men were watching Allen and Leo’s match.
“That’s… the Lion Palace’s…”
A boy clad in golden armor murmured quietly.
At the head of the Royal Guard Knights’ words, Crown Prince Theron Stella Sirius turned to him and asked.
“Is that even possible? To replicate someone’s technique just by watching. And not ordinary swordsmanship, but the Lion Palace’s style?”
It was an impossibility by common sense.
The Lion Palace’s swordplay was something he had developed uniquely on his own.
Though it might seem simple at first glance, the depth contained within was far beyond mere imitation.
In other words, it was akin to making someone else’s life instantly your own.
“Normally impossible. Perhaps with Divine Power. The Master’s power is special after all.”
The boy narrowed his eyes as he continued speaking.
“The problem is, I can’t see any activation of Divine Power, even with my ‘eyes.'”
“So you’re saying he copied the Lion Palace’s swordplay without using any Divine Power?”
Theron looked toward the arena with an expression of wonder.
The ‘eyes’ of the Royal Guard Captain were extraordinary.
Even though he wasn’t part of the Golden Way Zodiacs or even nobility, the reason this boy became captain was thanks to those ‘eyes.’
Of course, there was a slightly “special reason” why he wasn’t nobility…
But that wasn’t important right now.
“Or perhaps his manipulation of Divine Power is so advanced it can deceive even my eyes.”
“Hmph. Don’t joke about things you don’t believe yourself.”
Theron waved his hand dismissively while smiling.
Out of everyone he’d ever seen, the boy’s senses were the most acute.
Especially his vision was unparalleled.
The flow of mana when a mage cast magic.
The movement of muscles when a swordsman wielded their blade.
Even the weak points of structures could be seen.
His perception applied to everything in the world.
Observer.
That was the nickname given to the boy by the royal family.
“If Colonel Allen truly has the skill to deceive the Observer’s eyes, then this match should be his victory, yes?”
At Theron’s words, the Observer shook his head.
“I cannot say for sure. An imitation is still just that—an imitation. While the Lion Palace style may currently have the upper hand due to unforeseen circumstances, it won’t be enough to win.”
“Hmm, that’s true, but…”
Even though Theron was a magician, he wasn’t unskilled in swordsmanship and understood what the Observer meant.
Even if Allen had mastered the Lion Sword, there would still be a significant gap in proficiency compared to Leo who had honed it for years.
“While we can’t predict how the match will go, let’s observe further. It seems this young man still has much hidden away.”
“Hidden abilities… Perhaps.”
Theron looked at Allen, who was earnestly swinging his spear with interest.
If this was the person who resolved his brother’s previously incurable curse, surely he must still have many secrets left.
***
“Hahaha! What’s wrong? Are you staggering?”
Leo unleashed a frenzied barrage of attacks.
I calmly defended against them.
Hmm, maybe imitating sword techniques with a spear was too much?
Though I managed to instinctively replicate Leo’s swordplay, it only gave me a temporary advantage.
After all, a sword would naturally be faster than a spear.
I should’ve switched earlier, but there was no time with Leo’s relentless assault.
‘Then here goes…’
Quickly deciding, I altered the flow of aura.
Hadn’t I seen the greatest manual recently?
[Antares Spear Technique: Sandstorm Fury]
The empire’s premier spear expert, Thousand Gale Palace’s spear technique.
Seeing the multi-pronged spear strikes, Leo raised his sword in confusion.
“The Thousand Gale Palace technique too?!”
Even Leo seemed surprised by this counterattack, allowing me to strike his shoulder.
As he tried to create distance, I charged forward.
‘Let’s go!’
– Whoosh!
Understanding my intent, Opheucus changed form.
This time into twin swords.
[Altarpiece Swordsmanship: Tsuvaht Anaquit]
The empire’s strongest dual-sword technique, Opposite Palace’s swordsmanship.
Unlike Gamifer, the form Opheucus took in my hands were two short swords.
The shockwave generated by crossing the short swords sent Leo flying.
“The Opposite Palace too…! It feels like fighting multiple enemies.”
A thin trail of blood trickled from the corner of Leo’s mouth.
Clearly, the impact wasn’t small.
“This is the end!”
Once again, Opheucus changed form.
I chose heavy gauntlets covering my fists.
To execute the technique I had once watched endlessly from the Sage.
[Robert Boxing: Iron Fist]
The strongest fist that turned battlefields into pools of blood was certainly fitting to conclude this fight.
“Isn’t it too early to declare the end?”
Leo assumed his stance with a faint smile.
“Now it’s getting interesting. Can’t end it here…”
[Lion Sword: Regulus]
A crimson aura surged from his sword.
It resembled containing the sun itself.
“…!”
My sharpened instincts warned me.
But it was too late to stop the attack now.
The best I could do was push forward with unwavering determination.
…!!!
An explosion rocked the arena.
***
For a moment, consciousness faded.
– Whoosh!
The vibration felt in my hands woke my heavy eyelids.
“… Still alive?”
The damage was severe enough to make me think absentmindedly.
The half-destroyed arena came into view.
Meaning I had fallen to the ground.
“Guh…”
Though I managed to rise somehow, continuing the battle in this state was impossible.
My body screamed in protest from the interrupted flow.
I instinctively understood the cost of imitating the Golden Way Zodiacs’ techniques.
“You alright?”
Through the thick smoke, Leo appeared.
Fortunately, his condition wasn’t perfect either.
His body was covered in wounds.
“Shouldn’t I be asking that? Are you okay?”
“This degree of injury is familiar to me. Isn’t it the same for you?”
“That’s true.”
It was fortunate that none of our limbs were lost.
At least we could still maintain our stances.
“How about we continue?”
“Can you handle it?”
Slaughterous ki erupted from Leo’s entire body.
Like a wounded beast roaring.
“I can manage.”
I calmly lifted Opheucus.
He had transformed into a sword according to my will.
Though Leo’s ki was undoubtedly formidable, I wasn’t one to be broken by just that.
Having decided to win, at least losing an arm would be necessary to break my resolve.
Gathering my spirit and emitting ki, Leo smirked and said,
“That’s enough. Continuing would risk seriously injuring one of us.”
“Your leniency isn’t welcome.”
“Then consider this me letting you off with a bruised tail. You’re planning to use your Divine Power, aren’t you?”
My heart skipped a beat.
Indeed, I was preparing to activate Hunyuan Yiqigong through my Divine Power at any moment.
Staring directly at my face, Leo retracted his ki and shook his head.
“This is sufficient. I’ve clearly assessed your skills. My purpose is achieved.”
Hearing that, I questioned doubtfully.
“Did Lord Leo plan this event?”
“Yes. I wanted to evaluate the skills of the man my younger sister would entrust herself to.”
“So the others…”
“Ahh, I merely provided a topic for the bureaucrats. The rest participated out of boredom, so don’t worry about them. Though Gold Eagle Palace did want to fight you.”
A wise elder would indeed do such a thing.
With the tension released, I exhaled and retracted my ki.
“Haa, really… If you intended this, you could’ve just approached me personally.”
“Hohoho, isn’t it better to fight on a proper stage?”
Though I couldn’t understand his way of thinking, I simply shook my head.
Smiling and looking at me, Leo shouted towards the audience.
“I’ve lost. If you’re dissatisfied with the result, file a formal complaint with the royal palace.”
Caught off guard by the unexpected situation, the audience began murmuring confusedly.
“Is it alright to end it like this?”
“Well, what of it? There’s no one bold enough to challenge the authority of the royal palace, right?”
He’s right, so there’s nothing to say…
“Come on, our business is done. Let’s go grab some drinks. The sun has already set, hasn’t it?”
Looking around, several illumination magics floated around the arena.
Focusing on the battle, night had already fallen.
“Do you need treatment?”
Approaching naturally, Leo placed his arm around my shoulder and spoke.
Though my body screamed in pain, I couldn’t withdraw here.
After all, my nominal victory was due to Leo’s consideration.
“I’m fine. Actually, I have prior commitments.”
“Students? Perfect timing. Come along. I’ll treat you.”
“Eamy probably won’t like that…”
“Hohoho, it’s fine. That kind of attitude is cute too.”
There’s no reasoning with this guy.
I chuckled and nodded slightly.
Thus, I left the arena together with Leo.
When we reached the VIP room through the corridors, Leo quietly whispered.
“Enjoy the present moment.”
Confused by the cryptic statement, I blinked and asked.
“What do you mean?”
“This is the best time. Youth, isn’t it? Enjoy it well before choosing someone. Things won’t be as good once you’ve made your choice.”
“…”
Only then did I understand what Leo was talking about.
Even though he wasn’t married, what was he saying?
“I won’t force you to choose, but try not to make Amy cry if you can.”
“…Understood. I’ll do my best.”
Lacking a proper response, I simply agreed.
Satisfied, Leo patted my shoulder with a smile.
“Good. Looking forward to working with you in the future. Allen.”
“Likewise. Lord of the Lion Palace… no, Leo.”
And so, the curtain fell on the long and arduous Olympia.
