Chapter 118: Duels (Part-2)

Chapter 118: Duels (Part-2)Everyone’s eyes were on this battle, as both participants were extraordinary, but it was clear that Apollo was in another league. Angus tried his best, demonstrating great strength and versatility with runes, but all his efforts were effortlessly thwarted by Apollo, whose power and speed were unmatched.

Remarkable," whispered a senior member of the Sacred Light Empire, his eyes never leaving Apollo. "His control and power are exceptional."

From their seats, Ninth Prince Leon and Seraphina cheered, their voices ringing out above the din of the crowd.

Prince Michael, watching from a distance, noted the reactions of those around him. The senior members, the elite geniuses, and even the spectators were all captivated by Apollo. He exchanged a glance with the old man beside him, a silent acknowledgement of Apollo’s potential.

Speculations about Apollo’s origins, his training, and his future prospects filled the air.

"Who is he?" one observer asked, eyes wide with curiosity.

"I’ve never seen anyone fight like that," another added, shaking his head in disbelief.

No matter what, after today, Apollo would be truly famous, and his name would become known in every kingdom around.

Apollo, now back, felt the weight of the stares and whispers. But he remained composed, his focus unwavering. There were more battles ahead, and each one would be a step towards proving himself further.

As the arena prepared for the next set of battles, the crowd’s excitement showed no signs of waning. Today, the competition has revealed a slew of extraordinary talents, with Apollo standing out as a beacon of potential and strength. The anticipation for the upcoming matches grew, promising even more spectacular displays of skill and power.

The duels continued, but it seemed the battles weren’t random. The organizers had ensured that the top geniuses didn’t meet each other this early in the competition.

It could be said that the battle between Apollo and Angus was the most entertaining, as their destructive power reached the level of third-rank limit-breakers. Other battles were good, but they didn’t reach this level.

After the initial round of battles, only thirty geniuses remained, and every single one of them was exceptionally strong.

The remaining thirty geniuses stood ready, their eyes gleaming with determination and focus. Each had proven their mettle, but the path to the final victory was far from over. As the organizers adjusted the matchups, it was clear that the real tests were about to begin.

Apollo watched the other contestants closely, assessing their strengths and weaknesses. The arena, once a place of curiosity and spectacle, now felt like a cauldron of pressure and expectation. Every move and every decision would be scrutinized by thousands of eyes.

The battle of the top thirty began, and the first match announcement sent waves of excitement through the crowd. It was a clash between two dark horses, each eager to prove their mettle and seize victory.

The first contender was Alistor Crombelt, a young noble hailing from the small kingdom of Wavehaven, near the sea. The second was James, not even from a weak noble family, but a true commoner who had risen through sheer talent and determination.

The anticipation in the arena was palpable as the crowd buzzed with excitement. The match between Alistor Crombelt and James promised to be an intense clash, given their backgrounds and the stark contrast in their upbringings.

Alistor, with his ocean-blue armour and a trident in hand, carried the aura of the sea. His movements were fluid and graceful, reminiscent of the waves he had grown up with. The young warrior from Wavehaven had honed his skills against the harsh tides and dangerous sea creatures, making him a formidable opponent.

James, on the other hand, stood with a simple but well-crafted sword, his posture relaxed yet ready. He had no noble lineage to boast of, but his journey from a commoner to one of the top thirty geniuses was a testament to his relentless hard work and natural talent. His eyes burned with a quiet determination, knowing that he had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Apollo watched with keen interest, recognizing James as the embodiment of countless protagonists from the novels he had read—a commoner who, after facing humiliation and countless dangers, continued to grow stronger. Now, he was here, challenging nobles and princes without any backing.

The senior from the Sacred Light Empire raised his hand, signalling the start of the battle. "Begin!"

Alistor moved first, his trident spinning in his hands as he summoned a wave of blue life force, conjuring a massive tidal wave that surged towards James. The crowd gasped as the water crashed down with immense force.

James didn’t flinch. Instead, he grounded himself and waited for the opportune moment. Just as the wave was about to engulf him, he slashed his sword downward, splitting the wave in two and creating a clear path through the water. The spectators erupted in cheers at the display of skill.

But all the swordsmen, even Apollo, were stunned by what they saw—the simple slash.

"Sword Aura!"

James had seemingly grasped the elusive Sword Aura, the pinnacle every swordsman strives for in their lifetime, and he had done it at such a young age.

As James stood amidst the splitting tidal wave, the realization of what had just occurred rippled through the arena. The simple slash he had executed was no ordinary strike; it was imbued with the legendary Sword Aura. This level of mastery was something that swordsmen spent their entire lives striving to achieve, and yet here was James, a commoner, wielding it with a precision that left even the most seasoned warriors in awe.

Apollo’s eyes widened in surprise. He was also on the verge of understanding Sword Aura himself, despite encountering true swordsmanship relatively late. Witnessing James wield Sword Aura was still shocking.

Initially, Apollo believed that the only one who might understand Sword Aura here was the genius from the Thorne family. However, James defied expectations, fitting the archetype of a protagonist and demonstrating mastery beyond Apollo’s initial assumptions.

Alistor, regaining his composure, understood the gravity of the situation. He knew that defeating an opponent who wielded Sword Aura would require everything he had. Channelling his blue life force, he created a barrier of swirling water around him, enhancing his defences and preparing for the next assault.

James, sensing the shift in Alistor’s strategy, moved with confidence. His steps were measured, and his focus was unbroken. He could feel the Sword Aura coursing through him, a manifestation of his years of dedication and training.

With a swift motion, James lunged forward, his sword cutting through the air with a sharp, ethereal glow. Alistor met him head-on, using his trident to parry the attack and counter with a barrage of water spears. The arena was a blur of movement as the two combatants clashed, their life forces colliding in a dazzling display of power.

The crowd watched in stunned silence, captivated by the intensity of the duel. Each exchange was a testament to the skill and resilience of both fighters. Alistor’s control over water was formidable, but James’ Sword Aura allowed him to slice through the water-based attacks with ease, rendering them ineffective.

As the battle raged on, it became clear that James was gaining the upper hand. His movements were fluid and precise, with each strike calculated to exploit the smallest openings in Alistor’s defences. Despite Alistor’s best efforts, he found himself being pushed back, unable to mount a successful offence against James’ relentless onslaught.

In a final, decisive move, James unleashed a powerful horizontal slash, the Sword Aura extending from his blade like a crescent moon. The energy wave cut through Alistor’s water barrier and struck his armour squarely, sending him sprawling to the ground. Even his sturdy armour couldn’t mitigate the damage, leaving him senseless and defeated.

The old man from the Sacred Light Empire raised his hand, signalling the end of the match. "Victory goes to James!"

The arena erupted in applause, the crowd cheering for the underdog who had risen to the occasion.

Apollo was initially surprised but quickly reminded himself that a protagonist-like figure would undoubtedly possess unique qualities.

Both the geniuses and the seasoned warriors present remembered the name James. Despite being a commoner, he had transcended the ordinary warrior path, surpassing millions from prestigious families and powerful forces to become one of the top geniuses in the world.

The arena buzzed with excitement and admiration, and the name "James" lingered on everyone’s lips, marking him as a true prodigy who had risen above his humble origins.

As the next battle unfolded, the crowd’s anticipation only grew.

Apollo’s thoughts wandered to his upcoming battles. He knew that in this competition, the unexpected was the norm, and every contender had their hidden strengths. As the names of the next participants were called, he focused, ready to face whatever challenge came his way.

The battles continued with a mix of known prodigies and dark horses. Each clash brought its own surprises, from elemental masters to formidable skills, all demonstrating why they deserved a place among the final thirty.

The arena’s atmosphere was electric, with every fight adding to the mounting tension.