Chapter 254 - Maiden Versus Sage (2)

Chapter 254 - Maiden Versus Sage (2)

And so, as the battlefield raged on, Willow found himself engaged not only in the present clash of powers but also in a deeper duel of intentions. [The Sage]'s closed eyes hid a knowledge, a history between them that shaped their roles in this unfolding narrative.

He seemed calm, even though he should be anything but. Just like how Willow was agitated just being near the Sage and his ‘inferior’ power system, the Sage should be absolutely agitated or at least he should have shown some signs of annoyance just from seeing Willow. 

And, Willow knew that the Sage saw him. There was nothing on this battlefield that the blind Sage didn’t see. Oh, that was ironic. 

“I can’t let him know about my constitution,” Willow looked at the Sage, then at the other promising prospects in this tournament. “Neither can any of these bloodthirsty perverts.”

Oh yeah, he remembered exactly how it went in the game if Willow chose to reveal his constitution in this Tournament, and to keep it short, it was definitely a bad ending, or a wank of an ending, depends on what you’re into. 

Willow took a step forward, and immediately the Sage’s attention was on him. How could he tell? Because of how every hair on Willow’s flesh was standing. Oh, his chi was boiling, telling him to fight that poser. 

But, he didn’t. The Sage was wearing a blindfold, but their gazes seemed to lock for a fleeting moment, a silent acknowledgment that they were each players in a game where every move held meaning beyond the surface clash.

Even his 'chi', the vital energy that coursed through his being, seemed agitated, its currents sensing something unusual. It was aware of the Sage's presence, the user of 'Sei', a derivation of the very energy that constituted his 'chi'. In a way, it was a meeting of ancestor and offspring, an original essence and its evolution.

Willow's decision was made in the midst of that silent exchange. He would bide his time, keep his emblem skills shrouded, and remain vigilant for the twists that this Tournament, and his past actions, might yet bring. 

Amidst the uproar of the chaotic colosseum, Willow's curiosity beckoned him toward a being of immense power. Ever since his fight against the Hydra, he felt as if he’d been stagnant in his pursuit for power. He wasn’t as sharp as Raegis, nor was he as versatile of a mage as Amelia. Sure, he had his chi, and his ultra rare items but those didn’t quench his soul because in the end, he wasn’t strong. His borrowed powers were. 

And, the only way he could think of getting out of this stagnant, murky phase was to try something new. 

In this case, to fight against someone obviously many realms of power stronger than he was, but, with a plan.

Within the turmoil, the Sage appeared almost ethereal, an island of calm amidst the storm. His smile was a knowing curve, as if the currents of energy spoke their own language to him. Then, like a whisper that sliced through the tumult, his voice reached Willow's ears. "You bring something unique to this arena, maiden. What name do you claim?"

And, just like that, his constitution was already found out. Shit. 

But, of course, he didn’t show his surprise - and panic - and instead, acted completely calm and graceful. “M-M-My name is Willow.” Fuck. Willow coughed to recompose himself. “Willow. I hope we can learn from each other, Sage.”

A nod passed between them, a gesture of mutual respect that transcended the chaos around themIn response, the Sage offered a nod of his own, a gesture of respect exchanged between two individuals aware of the extraordinary stakes hidden beneath their simple words.

The Sage's next words, uttered with a blend of curiosity and wisdom, echoed in the air. "Your 'chi' is a force to be reckoned with. An energy that has roots in the very fabric of existence. But 'Sei' is a focused refinement, a self-essence forged in the crucible of experience."

Willow harrumphed at that. “Very, very arrogant words.”

“You do not agree?” The Sage tilted his head, ever so slightly. The arrogant prick. 

Willow understood the Sage's implications. 'Chi' was like a river, vast and unyielding, while 'Sei' was a distilled essence, refined through the prism of one's journey. 

But, the Sage said it as if Sei was the better, modernized version of chi, and he simply couldn’t take that standing. 

“Take your stance,” Willow said, as he enhanced his vision with chi. First thing first, when fighting with someone who’s known for their perception, always try to match them in sight. You don’t want to die from a severed head, after all.

The Sage shook his head. “I do not wish to fight you, Maiden.”

In Willow's heart, a whisper of unease lingered, a thought he dared not fully acknowledge. Out of all the formidable contenders, the Sage posed the greatest challenge, a threat that even his determined resolve might not overcome. Their abilities were a paradoxical match—one that could turn even the most hard-fought victory into a hollow triumph.

What lingered unspoken was the Maiden's emblem skills, a manifestation of her unique connection to the world's energies. These were powers he wasn't keen on unveiling in front of a multitude, powers that could paint a target on him far more dangerous than any opponent in the arena.

“Oh, really?” Willow said, nearly finished with boosting himself with his chi.

The Sage's stance held an air of tranquil confidence, his closed eyes suggesting a serene mastery over his 'Sei', while Willow's posture exuded determination, a resolve to explore the depths of his 'chi'. 

“Oh, I am quite sure.” The Sage said. “There’s no point in battling someone who’s destined to lose.”

That ticked Willow off. He took a deep breath, and then exhaled slowly, preparing his breathing technique.

As the world held its breath, the Maiden and the Sage prepared to engage. 

In that fleeting, timeless moment before the imminent clash, Willow could feel his heart pounding in his chest, each beat echoing like a drumroll in his ears. He stood, eyes closed, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions amidst the storm of chaos surrounding him.

Around him, the colosseum quaked with the fervor of the spectators, their anticipation creating an electrifying atmosphere. The ground beneath his feet seemed to pulse with the very energy of the crowd, mirroring the turbulence within his soul.

Before the impending clash, Willow's heart pounded like a battle drum, drowning out the raucous chaos that swirled around him. He knew that the time had come to face the enigmatic Sage, a formidable opponent who seemed to cradle mastery within his very being.

Taking a steadying breath, he closed his eyes, deliberately shutting out the cacophony of the arena. For an instant, all that remained was his consciousness and the ethereal presence of the Sage. It was a mental sanctum, a space where the impending clash would take on a different, almost surreal dimension.

His closed eyes shielded him from the visual cacophony, allowing him to retreat into his inner sanctuary. In this realm of his own making, he faced an enigma – the Sage, a master of 'Sei,' whose eyes remained closed yet brimming with an inexplicable confidence.