Kapitel 45: The Twist Of Fate VS. The Atlas' Rage

Following the Old Man's announcement, neither Daniel nor Aldry made a move. However, their eyes remained locked, creating an illusion for some in the audience— as if their auras were colliding. Of course, without adequate training and cultivation realms, such a phenomenon was impossible.

Daniel took a step forward, and Aldry mirrored his movement. The crowd fell into a deathly hush, every spectator holding their breath, gripped by the palpable tension. Amidst the deafening silence, the only companion was the gentle rustle of the soft breeze.

Aldry advanced with a swift step, unleashing a powerful punch. Daniel, having keenly observed Aldry's style, had devised a countermeasure. Recognizing the emphasis on robust, steady blows, Daniel adapted by adopting a strategy of speed and unpredictability.

<Never let them know your next move!> Daniel reiterated to himself.

Daniel surged forward, demonstrating remarkable speed and agility that widened everyone's eyes in astonishment. Just as Aldry's fist hovered mere centimeters from its target, Daniel deftly slipped underneath and retaliated with a swift upper hook.

Caught off guard, Aldry hadn't anticipated the counterattack, and the blow landed squarely on his chin. Instantly, he crumpled inward, losing the strength to maintain an upright stance.

Exploiting Aldry's momentary daze, Daniel unleashed a reverse kick. Aldry, though disoriented, managed to clumsily raise his arms in defense. Recognizing the likelihood of a blocked follow-up attack, Daniel strategically positioned himself to spin counterclockwise, executing a second kick that left no room for recovery.

Aldry absorbed the first kick through sheer strength, albeit feeling his core ache. However, the second kick propelled him, leaving marks on the stage floor as he skidded backward, his core strength depleted by the initial impact. Once the inertia subsided, Aldry had no choice but to take a knee, coughing up blood.

<Damn it, he's freakishly strong and quick. What a formidable opponent.> Aldry contemplated silently. Respect and fear mingled in his eyes at the prospect of engaging in a life-and-death battle against Daniel, sending shivers down his spine.<Especially with weapons, he'd be deadly.>

"I give in, I have lost the strength to continue," Aldry dejectedly uttered. <I thought I could have put up more of a fight, it turns out I'm only capable of this much.>

Following Aldry's concession, the former healers hurried to his side, attending to his wounds. Daniel observed the scene for a moment before deciding his next course of action.

"Sentinel Neophyte Daniel grasps Victory!" The announcer's voice echoed through the arena, igniting another round of cheers from the crowd. However, a collective grumble also emerged, resonating in unison among some disgruntled spectators. <Why does he end fights so quickly, I want more!>

As Daniel prepared to exit the stage, the announcer's voice intervened.

"Daniel, The Twist Of Fate, we have been given a rather intriguing proposition, would you be interested?" A sinister smirk adorned the announcer's lips.

"Hmm," Daniel pondered for a moment before breaking into a chuckle. "Nah, I'm good, thanks for the offer though!" Nonchalantly, Daniel waved as he approached the steps leading off-stage.

"Young Daniel," The Old Man spoke, prompting Daniel to chuckle. He turned around, gazing upward, and flashed his two teachers a wide grin.

"Why must you subvert our plans, hmm? Is it fun you little rascal? Because it'll be fun shoving a wide broom u-**," Once again, the old man found himself censoring his son's words.

The crowd chuckled at the Specter's antics, a side of him rarely witnessed. Given his reputation, many had envisioned a stoic, deadpan figure with a grim outlook on life, making this display a surprising revelation.

"Please listen to the proposition before saying no, Young Daniel." The old man offered a smile that fell into an ambiguous category, not quite reaching the traditional definition, sending a shiver down Daniel's spine.

"Hehehe, of course, of course, Teacher. I guess I'll give it a shot." Daniel turned gradually, offering a slight smile to the announcer while gesturing with the universal hand signal to continue.

"King Of The Hill." The announcer's words carried a hint of mystery, tinged with provocativeness. His eyes squinted, and his smile widened, emphasizing the intriguing atmosphere.

Daniel paused, contemplating the proposition. <Well, maybe it would be entertaining but all I'd do is exhaust myself. Maybe if they provide an incentive I'll feel more inclined to do it.>

"Sound's interesting, however, I don't know if there's enough reason for me to exert myself to such an extent." Daniel tilted his head, his expression adopting a lazy demeanor.

"Oh? You know of the game called King Of The Hill?" The announcer inquired, his voice ascending towards the end.

"Yeah, Yeah. Whoever can hold the Ring or Square, or whatever is the king. Everybody within the game can challenge the King consecutively. Whoever is the King by the time the game ends, wins!"

The crowd erupted in cheers at the explanation. The prospect of witnessing intense bouts and an extended display of Daniel's prowess promised a win-win situation for the enthusiastic spectators.

The Announcer laughed raucously. "Then let's talk about the prize." The Coliseum plunged into silence almost instantly, anticipation cloaking the entire crowd like a miasma, reminiscent of the breath of a dragon.