A plain, unadorned spear was carving through the air with a rugged form.
The audience let out quiet gasps as its appearance resembled a legendary sentient weapon—an ego-infused spear.
“Is it magic?”
“It’s not magic. As far as I know, the Thousand Gale Palace doesn’t use magic. Besides, they’re not even mages, right?”
“Then how do we explain this spectacle…”
Most of the spectators could only gawk in silence as Gliese’s spear flew toward Gamifer.
It was beyond their comprehension.
However, among the gathered crowd, someone recognized Gliese’s technique.
An intellectual-looking man with large glasses swallowed nervously before speaking up.
“This is a skill called ‘Ego Spear.'”
“Ego Spear? What kind of skill is that?”
“A technique that uses aura to remotely control one’s weapon. It’s commonly referred to as part of the mysterious world of the Eastern Continent. I don’t fully understand the principles behind it, but I’ve heard it’s an extremely high-level technique that only a few can master there.”
Still, he added that such techniques are usually performed with lighter weapons like swords rather than heavy spears.
“There aren’t many who can levitate something as heavy as a spear.”
“Ho ho, what an incredible skill… But how do you know so much about it?”
“Haha, because I’m involved in trade. I picked it up along the way.”
“Ah, you’re a rare individual indeed. Here, have a mug of beer! You’ve answered my curiosity, so I must repay you.”
“I’ll gladly accept!”
As the scholarly-looking man carefully took the offered beer, a more cheerful drinking party ensued.
A middle-aged man with a slightly flushed face nodded and spoke.
“I heard the Thousand Gale Palace mainly operates in the eastern region. Are they learning techniques from other continents?”
“To be able to witness skills from another continent without leaving our seats—this tournament truly is the best!”
“Indeed, it is.”
To them, the outcome of the match no longer mattered.
Their understanding couldn’t grasp the depth of meaning within each powerful technique displayed by these heroes.
They were content simply witnessing what would become lifelong boasting material.
“Ho ho, those who missed today’s match lost half their lives.”
Already drunk, the middle-aged man muttered while gulping down his now lukewarm beer.
Tonight, the alcohol tasted particularly sweet.
***
“This is exhausting.”
Gamifer wiped cold sweat off his brow as he deflected the spear that kept diving into blind spots.
Every time he focused on the spear, Gliese’s fist would come flying at him.
He had already taken several hits.
At least she wasn’t hitting with full force since she was allocating most of her aura to controlling the spear—thankfully.
It felt like fighting two opponents simultaneously.
Normally, the strategy would be to target the person controlling the weapon—but…
There was no angle to approach Gliese.
“What’s wrong? Tired already? That’d be disappointing.”
Gliese taunted with a mischievous grin.
“I’m still holding back. Is this all you’ve got?”
“Haha, you’re really pushing it.”
Gamifer couldn’t counter.
If Gliese had another spear in hand, he wouldn’t have been able to hold on—especially not in his current state.
‘Should I do it? Once should be fine…’
His fingertips twitched.
Gamifer’s Divine Power, Sahyeong Gohwi (Lonely Radiance of the Sand Star), burned life energy to amplify power.
The amount of life energy consumed determined the exponential increase in strength.
Currently, he was suppressing it to avoid revealing his use of Divine Power, so there was practically no life force depletion—just a bit more fatigue accumulating.
While contemplating, Gliese’s spear continued to aim for Gamifer’s vital points.
“Kuh!”
“What are you doing?! Pay attention!”
Simultaneously deflecting the spear, Gliese’s fist struck Gamifer’s side.
“At this point, maybe I should just give up… Hmm?”
Just as she tried to pull back her fist, Gamifer grabbed her wrist.
He discarded his scimitar to seize the opportunity.
“Can’t take it anymore.”
“You know grabbing me means it’s over, right?”
Even though her wrist was caught, Gliese remained confident.
Her spear would pierce his neck before he could incapacitate her.
All she had to do was endure until then.
“We’ll see if you can endure.”
At that moment, Gliese felt a heavy sensation.
The grip on her wrist had tightened significantly.
“…You wouldn’t dare?”
“I need to do what has to be done—even if it means disqualification. I can’t afford to lose.”
A glint of madness entered Gamifer’s eyes.
The faint crimson aura surrounding his body intensified, glowing like a sunset over a desert.
“What a lunatic…!”
Realizing his transformation, Gliese’s face paled.
This guy was pouring everything into defeating her, ready to die in the process.
“Don’t worry. I’ll control myself enough not to kill you.”
Just before the spear reached her, the mad-eyed Gamifer swung his scimitar.
The terrifying aura-laden attack, which made the blade tremble, flew toward Gliese at a speed incomparable to anything seen before.
She too had to unleash her Divine Power to survive.
!!!
Right as the two Masters were about to go berserk…
“That’s enough.”
A delicate voice froze time itself.
[Divine Power: Cutting Flow, Stopping Motion]
The golden armor emblazoned with the Royal Crest.
It was the ability of the Royal Guard Captain, who had silently ascended onto the arena.
“…Captain of the Royal Guard.”
The scimitar poised at Gliese’s throat stopped moving.
As Gamifer’s madness subsided, he looked at the youth with a bitter expression.
Though he could break free if he pushed, he knew it would cause bigger problems.
The emotionless youth quietly said,
“You’re aware this would be a breach of contract, correct?”
“I adjusted it so the arena wouldn’t be destroyed.”
“Stay on topic.”
The cold tone made Gamifer’s gaze falter.
The ability that froze both Masters in an instant.
Had this young man chosen to intervene earlier, Gamifer would’ve already been subdued and rolling on the ground.
“If I hadn’t intervened, the Thousand Gale Palace might’ve suffered serious injuries.”
“Are you underestimating me, kid? I could’ve laughed this off.”
Gliese smiled, forgiving Gamifer’s mistake.
After all, if she hadn’t let her guard down, such a dangerous situation wouldn’t have arisen.
“I’m not doubting your abilities, Thousand Gale Palace. However, we must consider the possibility of accidents. And remember, this is supposed to be a ‘friendly sparring match,’ isn’t it?”
“…Fine, you win.”
“Anyway…”
With the audience watching, the youth quickly moved to the main point.
“Do you wish to continue or end here? The decision lies with Opposite Palace.”
Refusing the offer would result in penalties, though he didn’t explicitly say so.
His meaning was clear enough without stating it.
“I’ll stop. Please overlook this once.”
Acknowledging Gamifer’s agreement, the youth nodded.
“In that case, I’ll conclude the match here.”
The overwhelming ability that had restrained the two had already vanished.
Gliese and Gamifer returned their weapons to their proper places.
Judging the situation resolved, the youth picked up the microphone and addressed the confused audience.
“I am the Captain of the Royal Guard. First, I apologize to the audience for any confusion caused. The match was halted under the judgment of the Royal Family. Your understanding is appreciated.”
At the mention of the Royal Family, the murmuring audience fell silent.
No one dared challenge the authority of the Royals.
The youth continued,
“This match will be declared a draw. That concludes my announcement.”
Without further explanation, the youth walked off the arena.
Though abrupt, the audience could do nothing.
The authority of the Royals was too immense—and everyone was overwhelmed by the presence of the youth who single-handedly stopped the battle between two Golden Way Zodiacs.
No one understood how such a small figure managed to halt two powerhouse combatants.
Grumbling under her breath, Gliese adjusted her spear on her back.
“So you should’ve known better. Getting carried away alone ruins everything. A sure win turned into a draw.”
“Uh, what can I do? It’s disappointing.”
Gamifer awkwardly chuckled as he resheathed his scimitar.
“There’ll be another chance next time. Maybe.”
“Pfft, sure thing.”
Thus, the two left the arena together.
It was a lukewarm ending without much applause.
***
Feeling uneasy about the conclusion, I absentmindedly stroked Black Wolf’s ears.
“That must’ve been Divine Power, right? Nothing else makes sense.”
Nothing else could stop two people without lifting a finger.
What kind of Divine Power could suppress the power of Golden Way Zodiacs?
Possessing such overwhelming Divine Power must be why this young man became the Captain of the Royal Guard at such a tender age.
Though, his real age remains unknown.
“Never thought it’d end in a draw. Such an anticlimactic finish.”
Ariana grumbled.
Considering the fiery battle beforehand, the ending was indeed lackluster.
“But the finals are coming up next, right? Aren’t you curious who’ll win?”
Senna changed the subject.
The long-awaited Olympia was finally reaching its climax.
Amy, the fire mage.
Lux, the starlight mage.
Both were incredibly powerful mages, perhaps only a few steps away from achieving Archmage status.
Knowing each other well, they’d likely need to reveal hidden techniques to determine a winner.
“I’m excited to see how amazing their match will be.”
Just as we waited anxiously for the host to proceed…
“Afterward, there’s Allen’s match too, right? Honestly, I’m more curious about that.”
“Yeah, we’ve never seen Professor fight properly!”
Their comments weighed heavily on my mind.
Why did they have to bring that up now…
