Chapter 256 - Maiden Versus Sage (4)

Chapter 256 - Maiden Versus Sage (4)

The Sage's eyes, which usually held a glimmer of enigmatic wisdom, now harbored a hint of contemplation. He was not one to be easily swayed by the words of others, but Willow's carefully constructed argument had struck a chord. Honor was a principle deeply ingrained in his being, and he recognized it in Willow's challenge.

Finally, the Sage's voice broke the silence, a measured cadence that matched his deliberate nature. "For what reason do you not use your emblem skills, Maiden?" he inquired, his tone carrying the weight of curiosity.

And, there it was. The question that he had hoped the Sage hadn’t asked. But of course, he was being too hopeful. This world would find one way or the other to fuck up his plans. 

But, he tried his best to remain calm. Think calm thoughts. Water flowing under a bridge. Willow told himself before giving a response that was as swift as his bad luck taking effect. 

He wore a mask of arrogance, as he shook his head. “My skills aren’t meant for the vulgar eyes of the masses.” He nodded his tiny, little head towards the Sage. “I’m sure you’d understand.”

The Sage's lips curled into a faint, knowing smile. "I see," he acknowledged, his voice a river of calm wisdom. "And what of your garb, or the steed. . .or the sleeping divinity stored inside you?"

Willow's eyes widened imperceptibly, and a shiver of surprise coursed through him. He hadn't expected the Sage to discern the presence of [Anger] within him, let alone acknowledge the existence of his garb and the celestial steed. It was a testament to the Sage's extraordinary perception, fueled by his [Eyes].

Carefully, Willow replied, "The garb and the steed share the same fate as my emblem skills. They remain concealed from the eyes of the unworthy. As for the sleeping divinity. . .it's something that is beyond my control, at least for now. I can activate it if you want however-"

The Sage's response was decisive, carrying a hint of command. "You will do no such thing."

Willow's brows furrowed in surprise. The Sage's words were more than a mere refusal; they were a statement of authority. It signaled to Willow that, despite the Sage's formidable skills and knowledge, he was still bound by certain limitations.

In that moment, a subtle shift occurred. The Sage's demeanor transformed from a detached observer to a participant. He had accepted Willow's challenge on equal terms, but the acknowledgment of [Anger] and the veiled allusions to Willow's hidden powers hinted at a deeper understanding.

The tension between them remained palpable, but it had evolved into a different kind of intensity—a shared understanding that beneath their martial prowess lay secrets, mysteries waiting to be unraveled. The battle that lay ahead was no longer a mere clash of blades and energy but a confrontation of principles, honor, and the untamed potential of the Maiden.

The Sage, a master of [So] and a wielder of [Eyes], had accepted Willow's challenge to a fairer fight, putting aside two of his formidable skills. Yet, within this decision lay an unspoken understanding—an acknowledgment that this battle was not merely about victory or defeat but about something deeper, something that transcended the boundaries of martial combat.

Willow's voice, laced with a challenge, cut through the charged air like a blade. "So, do you wish to forgo your eyes and your power, or do you wish to move on to these runts?"

Just as the tension between the Maiden and the Sage reached its zenith, an unexpected intrusion disrupted the impending battle. Without warning, a colossal figure, unnaturally bulky and towering, emerged behind Willow with the stealth of a silent storm.

In his palm, a fireball crackled and seethed with elemental fury, a blazing sphere of impending destruction. The intruder's intentions were clear as he snarled, "Die!"

But Willow, attuned to the ever-shifting chaos of the coliseum, had already sensed the impending danger. In a fluid motion, he sidestepped the deadly trajectory of the fireball, his body a sinuous dance of avoidance. The blazing orb, denied its mark, sputtered and fizzled into dissipating embers.

Capitalizing on the intruder's momentary distraction, Willow's hand moved with lightning speed. With a resounding crack, he slapped the would-be assailant's wrist, the force causing the man to cry out in pain. The jolt disrupted his focus, and the fiery menace he had conjured evaporated like morning mist under the sun's gaze.

Before the disoriented intruder could react, Willow's leg snapped up in a swift, precise motion. His foot connected with the man's abdomen, a forceful impact that sent shockwaves through the giant's colossal frame. The towering figure stumbled backward, a human boulder careening out of control.

The force of Willow's kick carried the half-giant across the coliseum, a chaotic trajectory that knocked two unfortunate bystanders off their feet. With a cacophonous crash, they tumbled out of the arena, their dreams of glory extinguished in an instant.

Willow stood, his posture a testament to his readiness and awareness. The coliseum buzzed with astonishment and disbelief as the crowd processed the sudden turn of events. In that fleeting moment, Willow had not only averted danger but demonstrated his prowess.

The unexpected interruption had, for now, thwarted the impending battle between the Maiden and the Sage, but it left no doubt in the minds of all who witnessed it—Willow was not to be underestimated.

The coliseum quivered with the collective gasp of spectators, a hushed awe that followed Willow's astonishing display of skill. On his floating rock, the [MC], still caught in the whirlwind of recent events, roared with excitement.

"What in the name of the realms just happened?!" the [MC] exclaimed, his voice carrying the disbelief that gripped the entire audience. "Ladies and gentlemen, we've gone from hundreds of contenders to just fifty in the span of an hour!"

The crowd, still reeling from the dramatic turn of events, erupted into a cacophony of cheers and applause. The coliseum seemed to vibrate with the electric energy of anticipation. If a mere thirty more competitors met disqualification, the [1 V 1] stage would be upon them, a threshold to fiercer battles and heightened drama.

Willow, unfazed by the tumultuous sea of emotions that roiled around him, fixed his gaze on the Sage. With unwavering determination, he pressed on, his voice a clarion call in the midst of the roaring tempest.

"Time is ticking, Sage," Willow declared, his tone resolute. "What do you choose?"

The coliseum quivered with the collective gasp of spectators, a hushed awe that followed Willow's astonishing display of skill. On his floating rock, the [MC], still caught in the whirlwind of recent events, roared with excitement.

"What in the name of the realms just happened?!" the [MC] exclaimed, his voice carrying the disbelief that gripped the entire audience. "Ladies and gentlemen, we've gone from hundreds of contenders to just fifty in the span of an hour!"

The crowd, still reeling from the dramatic turn of events, erupted into a cacophony of cheers and applause. The coliseum seemed to vibrate with the electric energy of anticipation. If a mere thirty more competitors met disqualification, the [1 V 1] stage would be upon them, a threshold to fiercer battles and heightened drama.

Willow, unfazed by the tumultuous sea of emotions that roiled around him, fixed his gaze on the Sage. With unwavering determination, he pressed on, his voice a clarion call in the midst of the roaring tempest.

"Time is ticking, Sage," Willow declared, his tone resolute. "What do you choose?"