Kapitel 281: Chapter 281: Clark Takes Action, Ares, the God of War!
This really doesn't seem to fit the cunning and sly persona of the High Celestial!
It should be known that when Clark was in the Land of Void, he managed to annihilate an entire legion of Purple Sweet Potato Spirits with his "Pure Land of Bliss". This incident was not only witnessed by the Collector, and Clark did not take any action to silence the witnesses afterwards.
This incident was widely discussed in the universe, still a hot topic for many. Was the High Celestial unaware of this?
If anyone thinks that the High Celestial, living in isolation on Sakaar, is oblivious to the latest news in the universe, they would surely pay the price for their ignorance! Clark knew of the High Celestial's cunning not from past-life comics, but from what others had mentioned.
Among those Clark had met, three had given a direct assessment of the High Celestial's cunning: Odin, the Ancient One, and the Supreme Nova.
All three, the most unfathomable and well-informed people Clark knew, had the same evaluation of the High Celestial. How could Clark take this old fox lightly?
It was certain that the High Celestial knew there was something amiss with Clark's music.
Knowing this, yet still boldly letting Clark do as he pleased, the High Celestial's motives were intriguing.
He probably had the same initial thought as Clark, planning to use 10 billion credits to buy information about Clark's special abilities.
Just like Clark had planned to extract information from his opponents in the same way.
Indeed, an old fox!
Realizing the key to the situation, Clark immediately abandoned his plan to play the Wonder Woman theme song "Is She with You", snapping his fingers and switching to the "God of Gamblers" entrance music instead.
Could this "God of Gamblers" play its rightful role in a clash of masters?
In the arena, Daisy's battle with the Horse-Faced Thunder God had reached a fever pitch. After several bouts of shockwaves and thunderous powers, Daisy's left wristguard shattered into pieces during a fierce clash with the Horse-Faced Thunder God's Storm Hammer.
But Daisy countered with a backhand punch, sending her opponent flying backwards.
At first glance, Daisy seemed to have the upper hand, but in reality, she was at a slight disadvantage. Despite her opponent's robust physique, the damage he sustained was not severe. However, Daisy, having lost a wristguard, was more significantly affected in her fighting capability.
As expected, the Horse-Faced Thunder God, despite being momentarily repelled, shrugged off his injuries and lunged at Daisy again with his Storm Hammer.
Daisy, seeing this, readied herself for the incoming true thunderous strike.
At that moment, however, an unexpected incident occurred.
The Horse-Faced Thunder God, focused on attacking Daisy, failed to notice a shard from her shattered wristguard sticking up from the ground.
Attempting to deliver a powerful strike, he stepped firmly onto the sharp shard.
The alloy, a fusion of Vibranium and Uru metal, though not as renowned as adamantium for its hardness and sharpness, was nonetheless formidable.
The Horse-Faced Thunder God stepped firmly onto it, impaling his foot.
He screamed in pain, his body collapsing forward.
Seeing this dramatic scene unfold, Daisy didn't miss the rare opportunity for victory. Before he could fully fall, she dashed forward and delivered a direct, solid punch to his head.
With a crack, the Horse-Faced Thunder God was sent flying, tumbling in the air before crashing down, losing consciousness.
Clark, witnessing this gruesome scene, couldn't help but feel speechless. He wondered if the Horse-Faced Thunder God had been brain-damaged by that hit, but then considered that someone wielding Thor's power couldn't be so fragile.
Moreover, he noticed that Daisy had deliberately held back her strength in that final blow.
The victor was clear, and a deafening cheer erupted from the crowd.
"Daisy! Daisy! Daisy!"
The victor was king!
The arena was undoubtedly Daisy's stage at that moment, with countless people chanting her name, cheering, and going wild for her.
Of course, there were always some who preferred to go against the grain. Even after Daisy's overwhelming victory, some loyal fans of the Horse-Faced Thunder God shouted "I love the Horse-Faced Thunder God!", only to be tackled and scuffled by Daisy's fans around them.
The High Celestial, unconcerned about these fan violence incidents, simply pulled out a remote-like device from his pocket and pressed a button repeatedly. With each press, the unconscious Horse-Faced Thunder God's body twitched uncontrollably.
Seeing the High Celestial treat a warrior who had fought valiantly in such a manner, Clark couldn't help but feel disturbed. However, it wasn't his place to plead on behalf of the Horse-Faced Thunder God, as it might only worsen his situation.
But Clark had another way to force the High Celestial to momentarily stop his cruelty. He gave the High Celestial a nonchalant look and extended his hand, indicating it was time to settle the bet.
The High Celestial, albeit reluctantly, put down the remote. He didn't want to be seen as a sore loser.
After having a maid fetch a black universal currency, he handed it to Clark for verification. Clark noted the 11 billion credits, but reminded the High Celestial of a pending question he owed.
The High Celestial, aware that Clark was referring to the whereabouts of Surtur's crown, scoffed and disdainfully revealed, "In the universe, there's only one person particularly interested in such mysterious artifacts, willing to pay a hefty price. You're right, the cosmic thief who sold me Thor had sold the crown to that person."
Nodding in satisfaction, Clark was content knowing the artifact was in the Collector's hands. While it would be nearly impossible for others to retrieve anything from the Collector, Clark believed the Collector would be reasonable with him.
Pocketing the money, Clark abruptly changed the subject, addressing the High Celestial who was about to leave the box to deal with the Horse-Faced Thunder God, "Now that Daisy's match is over, let's make things more exciting and not wait until tomorrow. Bring out that strongest opponent you have prepared for me right now, and let's decide the winner today."
The High Celestial's eyes lit up at Clark's suggestion. His deep-seated love for gladiatorial combat made the proposal irresistible. He immediately agreed, "Since Prince Clark is eager for a challenge, let's not delay for another day. I'll arrange your opponent right away. But let me be clear, if you use music during your duel, I won't acknowledge my defeat."
Indeed, even the subtle "God of Gamblers" BGM had aroused his suspicion.
But no matter.
Standing up, Clark walked out of the box, "Since you're so worried my music will affect the match, I won't play it. But if you renege after losing..." he paused, a hint of menace in his tone, "Don't think I won't touch you just because you're one of the Universal Elders."
As Clark left the box, the High Celestial's face showed a hint of satisfaction. He then directed a maid to announce over the microphone to the lingering audience that another exciting match was coming up.
This announcement reignited the already settled emotions of the crowd, who erupted in excited cheers in anticipation of the upcoming battle.
It was clear that on Sakaar, the High Celestial's hobbies greatly influenced the public.
Walking through the competitors' tunnel to the center of the arena, Clark calmly awaited his opponent from the opposite side.
Soon, a tall man in golden armor emerged, each step he took was firm and powerful.
Unexpectedly, he brought along a war chariot laden with an array of weapons, resembling a ten-times magnified Iron Throne. Was he planning to overwhelm with sheer quantity, to crush his opponent under thousands of weapons?
Clark, though amused by the thought, didn't underestimate his opponent. He sensed a divine power from this Greek warrior-like figure, rivaling that of the current Thor.
This man was a Sub-Heavenly Father-level fighter!
And from his eager battle gaze, it was clear this Greek warrior wasn't an inexperienced newbie like Daisy, but a formidable opponent, capable of standing against even Thanos.
As Clark's gaze hardened, he took the initiative to introduce himself with a string of impressive titles: "I am Clark, Guardian of Midgard, Asgard, and the Nine Realms, Prince of Asgard, President of Nirvana Corp, Leader of the Avengers, Tactical Advisor to S.H.I.E.L.D., Stakeholder of Stark Industries, Chairman of the Superhero Council, Black Knight, Quantum Birthed..." (Thanks to book friend "Li Xiaoyao" for this chapter's idea, gladly borrowed.)
After his elaborate introduction, Clark looked at the Greek warrior, who seemed bewildered, and asked softly, "Who are you? State your name."
The Greek warrior, stunned by Clark's extensive introduction, finally recovered and calmly stated, "One of the Twelve Olympians, I am Ares, the God of War!"
Seemingly aware that he couldn't match Clark's eloquent self-introduction, Ares played to his strengths. After briefly stating his name and origin, he suddenly waved his hand, and the weapons from his chariot autonomously flew off, transforming into a steel dragon and attacking Clark.
Is he Ares or Magneto?
Facing the onslaught of steel, Clark raised his hand and unleashed a powerful repulsive force, deflecting the incoming blades.
Meanwhile, Ares picked up a short sword and shield, changing his attack and defense style, and launched a fierce new assault on Clark.
Caught off-guard, Clark responded swiftly, countering the Greek God of War.
True mastery is revealed in action, and just a few exchanges were enough to gauge each other's skills.
Clark realized Ares' sword skills matched his own, and neither could gain an upper hand.
Impressed, Clark's competitive spirit surged, and he began to use all his swordsmanship skills, engaging in a fierce battle with the Olympian God of War.
Unexpectedly, after several exchanges, Ares discarded his sword, opting for a machete and shield. The abrupt change in style caught Clark off guard, leading to an intense bout.
___________________
(Support with power stones, comments or reviews)
If you guys enjoy this story, In support me on Patreon and get access to +200 advance Chapters
Read Ahead
Patreon.com/INNIT
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein