Chapter 188: Willow The Maiden (10)

Willow seized this opening, his voice carrying an air of righteous conviction. "Not at all," he replied, his tone holding the ring of sincerity. After all, Willow was basically betting on the Sage’s extremely warped sense of chivalry and honor, like how in the game, The Sage once refrained from using his [Eyes] and even [So] against Lilith's Fallen Knight since he deemed the fight unfair due to the knight being nothing more than a zombified demi-god, a mere husk of his former self.

Willow's gaze bore into the Sage's, challenging him. "All I’m saying is that I refuse to engage in a battle that feels anything less than honorable."

In the charged atmosphere of the coliseum, seconds stretched into moments as Willow and the Sage continued their silent confrontation. The crowd's clamor had dimmed to a distant murmur, as if the very arena itself held its breath in anticipation of their next move.

All Willow wanted was, at this very moment, was for The Sage to bite the bait that he had set for, because if the Sage didn't, that would mean Willow would have to use one of his three trump cards and that was something Willow really, really didn't want to do if he could help it. 

The Sage's closed 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.

Willow's response was swift and calculated. He allowed a veneer of haughtiness to creep into his words, masking his true intentions. "These skills are not meant for the vulgar eyes of the masses in this Tournament. They are beyond the comprehension of those unworthy."

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.