Chapter 24: Putting A Bet on the Line
"You are still under a suspicion. But I do apologize for our rash actions. You must understand that we take the emperor's safety very seriously to the point that you could even say it is where our lives revolve."
Captain Gragan then slightly nodded. There was a hint of apology in his tone but it was still firm and crisp that it drowns the intention.
"Don't worry about it, Captain. In your eyes, I am a stranger. Only time will lessen your suspicions." Ayensi smiled.
"Indeed. With time, who you truly are will eventually come out."
"So then, will you test my strength?"
Shiena saw Ayensi's almost innocent face and thought it was funny. However, she then remembered a question that bugged her.
'Master Yensi just destroyed the entire reality just yesterday. I still remember it as clear as day. Master must've brought back time but why do this people act as if it did not happen?'
She had been too focused on Ayensi that she only encountered this question again. In her mind, if Ayensi can destroy everything, why can he not turn back time which none of the Celestials have the grasp on.
Of course, none knew the existence of THE God, the One who stood above Ayensi, since they were killed the moment Ayensi put much of his force in hitting the Immovable Shield.
Speaking of the Immovable Shield, it was in Ayensi's care. However, he refused to use it and returned it to Shiena. He wouldn't use it unless absolutely necessary which he thinks wouldn't come in forever.
There is only one who could harm him: the Creator. And the Immovable Shield is the Creator's creation. How can that be used against the one who created it?
Therefore, it was simply useless to Ayensi, and using it breaks his pride.
But he was still intrigued about what would happen if the Unstoppable Spear if it exists, hit the Immovable Shield. Even with vast experience, Ayensi could only think of a few outcomes.
Going back to the situation, Captain Gragan agreed, "Sure, however, we shall go easy on you. You seemed the person who doesn't know the strength of a Guardian."
'For him to actually believe the rumor and compare us to a Guardian, even though half... this man must've not seen a Guardian in the first place and their capabilities.'
"That's fine. However, if you do feel like going all out, I'm ready. Actually, my specialty is defense. Maybe that's why the Great Emperor is fearless towards me even though I'm basically a stranger."
Shiena was holding herself from laughter as the situation was too amusing for her. She looked down on these people called the Imperial Knights as if she's Ayensi.
They may be strong if compared to other people but in front of Ayensi, they were nothing but dust lying around. Actually, that was the same for Shiena.
In short, the gap was just too wide that there shouldn't be a comparison in the first place. So seeing Ayensi being humble and modest while these Imperial Knights being proud was just too amusing to Shiena.
Meanwhile, Spirit glared scorned at Captain Gragan with his condescending look.
"Oh, please tell me more about this defense of yours. I don't really see any armor or shield on you." the captain couldn't help but doubt.
Normally, those people who specialize in tanking hits were huge. They have focused on building their bodies, strengthening their stances, increasing their stamina and vitality, fortifying their skins, thickening their armors, and mastering the handling of shields.
That was not a stereotype, but instead, a necessity. If they don't build their bodies, how can they endure the weight of their armors? If they don't strengthen their stance, they would always be falling in every attack which basically makes them useless... and so on.
So with one look at Ayensi, one could already tell that he isn't the tank type.
"I will be responsible for my own injuries so to clear your doubt, you can attack me however you like."
After that, Ayensi looked at Shiena and gently gestured, "Shiena, can you please move to the side since this will get dangerous."
Shiena almost burst out her laughter but barely restrained it.
"Yes, Master." she then moved away.
Obviously, no matter what these Imperial Knights gives, it wouldn't be enough to scratch the Celestial of Highest. But for the sake of sticking to their story, Ayensi and she had to give a little attention to acting.
"Well, if you insist." Captain Gragan sighed, going along with this man.
"Justin, you go first and test Yensi's abilities." he then ordered.
"Yes, Captain." Justin, the youngest with hair of a playboy, solemnly nodded.
Almost everyone knew why Captain Gragan chose him. Among the four Imperial Knights, he is the weakest.
'I can't believe Captain is going along with this man's game.' he then stood in front of Ayensi. Justin couldn't help but look down on this white-haired man. He didn't even took a stance.
"I am Justin Bernie, the fourth Imperial Knight of the Mealma Empire. I am a Spirit Swordsman just like the rest. I shall use my most basic attack first if that is okay with you."
Ayensi ignored how Justin scoffed at the end, suggesting that whatever he said, Justin is still going to use his most basic attack.
"Whatever suits you. But to make it more interesting, do you want a bet?"
Justin raised an eyebrow and looked at his captain who had a similar expression.
'Is he offended by Justin's provocation?' Captain Gragan smirked and nodded back.
Justin received this gesture and also smirked. He turned to Ayensi and responded, "Sure, I'll let you decide the rule and its price. As long as it's not too ridiculous, I'll accept it."
Ayensi then calmly explained, "I'll let you attack me three times while I give my all in defense. If you failed to make me bleed even by a drop, I'll pluck one of your teeth, my choice which tooth. Then if you do made me bled, you do the same for me. Furthermore, since I made the rule, I'll give you an advantage. We can repeat this over and over until all teeth are gone. How about that?"
'What?'
All of the Imperial Knights had question marks popping out of their heads.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone