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1.69% Damn, I Have to Marry the Strongest Antagonist at the Start? / Chapter 9: Chapter9-Challenge of the Genius Swordsman

Bab 9: Chapter9-Challenge of the Genius Swordsman

"Is it true? The Godslayer Staff has reappeared and is in Owen's possession?"

"I think it must be true; otherwise, how could he have defeated Miss Madelyn?"

"The Godslayer Staff is the ancient artifact of the dark god king. Even a master-tier mage couldn't tame it. What qualifications does he have to wield it?"

News about Owen, especially regarding the Godslayer Staff, spread like wildfire across various kingdoms.

Nearly every mage was discussing the matter.

Most mages believed the news to be false.

They had heard about the ancient artifact Godslayer Staff since childhood, and its impression was deeply ingrained in their minds.

They were convinced that the shape-shifting staff Owen possessed was a counterfeit, and he could not truly wield it.

However, many other mages believed it could be true. Owen, who had been so ordinary before, had suddenly become so dazzling, overshadowing the once peerless Miss Madelyn.

Something as legendary as the Godslayer Staff could be the only thing capable of causing such a dramatic change!

As a result, many mages curious about Owen and the Godslayer Staff began heading towards where Owen was.

While the mages of various kingdoms were already in an uproar, a change in the Academy City's Genius Leaderboard further ignited the atmosphere!

In the top position, coveted by countless genius mages, a name that had been vacant was now filled with golden letters.

Owen!

Number one on the Genius Leaderboard!

Everyone who saw the leaderboard ranking was shocked and astonished.

Whether it was the kingdoms of the black mage faction or the white mage faction, both were full of outstanding prodigies.

Each individual was young and ambitious, making the top ten positions on the Genius Leaderboard highly contested.

Especially the top three spots, which often remained unfilled.

This leaderboard was curated by the highly rigorous Academy City, the only truly neutral city-state on the continent, and the headquarters of the continent's eight great academies.

Academy City was formed by numerous academies and primarily focused on the study of magic, historical documentation, evaluating distinguished individuals and geniuses, and recording history.

Academy City was renowned across the continent, and many of the continent's current leading figures had studied there.

Regarding the Academy City's leaderboard, the credibility is extremely high, making the rankings highly prestigious.

"Owen, nineteen years old, bronze-tier level 9, defeated silver-tier level 10 Madelyn, suspected of possessing the Godslayer Staff, limitless potential, ranked first!"

The records about Owen on the leaderboard were brief. After reading, everyone was shocked.

Although they had heard rumors of Owen defeating Madelyn, it seemed unbelievable, and they were unsure if it was just a myth.

Now, with Academy City's acknowledgment, it was certain to be true!

"Undeniably, Owen's ability to cross such a significant tier and defeat Madelyn shows immense potential. But ranking him first? I refuse to accept this!"

"This leaderboard was crafted by Master Neill of Academy City. If he says Owen is ranked first, it is absolutely fair!"

"Master Neill is highly respected in Academy City and cannot be bribed or influenced by anyone. It looks like it's necessary to meet this Owen and see how capable he truly is!"

...

In Gowato Sanctuary, Alfonso, who practiced both black and white magic, placed the Genius Leaderboard on the ground and twisted his neck, causing his bones to crackle.

His fiery red eyes began to blaze with flames.

As the first heir of the sanctuary, his strength and reputation were already well-known across the continent, making him increasingly indifferent to others.

However, this Owen had undoubtedly caught his attention.

"I hope you don't disappoint me..."

The flames in Alfonso's eyes roared, and a faint illusion of a fire dragon flickered behind him, sometimes appearing and sometimes disappearing.

The Genius Leaderboard was not a ranking of combat strength; being ranked first only indicated great talent.

The true measure of strength could only be revealed through battle!

...

Meanwhile, in the Moonspring Kingdom, before the cold and majestic Holy Spring, mist swirled.

A young girl with meticulously groomed sky-blue hair, standing barefoot with pristine, delicate feet, hovered above the gushing Holy Spring.

Facing the six-winged angel at the center of the spring, she bowed slightly and spoke with determination in her rosy lips,

"With the angel's blessing, Saint Annie will bring the Godslayer Staff back to the kingdom!"

As she finished speaking, the mist swirled around her and then gathered on her smooth back, forming a pair of wings made of vapor.

The wings flickered between solid and ethereal, and with a powerful flap, her figure disappeared from the Holy Spring.

...

Far from the Azure Kingdom, the Sahano Church was also in turmoil due to the changes in the Genius Leaderboard.

Andre, struggling to lift a massive dark stone the size of a house while climbing a steep staircase, suddenly received some news.

The patterns on his bronze skin began to glow, and his already robust, towering frame swelled with even more muscle.

"First on the Genius Leaderboard, and the Godslayer Staff—interesting!" he laughed heartily and then slowly placed the massive stone on the ground.

The earth shook as if a mountain had fallen.

After setting down the stone, his figure disappeared, leaving only deep footprints to show where he had been training.

...

In the Nether Kingdom, Prince Carlos crushed the letter in his hand into powder.

After a moment of hesitation, he decided to take action personally.

"First on the Genius Leaderboard—it's been many years since anyone held that position." Even with the bloodline of the Dark Emperor, he had been left far behind in such talent rankings.

"Is it the Godslayer Staff's influence? If it is, then this ancient weapon will only reach its true potential in my hands!"

With this thought, mana surged around Prince Carlos, and he transformed into a hawk, soaring into the sky and leaving the palace behind.

...

On his way straight to Pharaoh's Tower, Owen originally intended to ignore the trivial matters along the way.

However, as time passed, he gradually noticed that more and more presences were gathering around him, mostly young mages.

Their gazes were complicated, filled with provocation, curiosity, and a keen desire to challenge him.

If not for Benedict and the others firmly protecting him in the center, he had no doubt that these people would immediately challenge him.

"Master Owen, things seem to be getting worse. You've been listed as number one on the Genius Leaderboard by Academy City, and it mentions that you are suspected of wielding the Godslayer Staff..." Benedict's magical artifact lit up, and after receiving some information, he spoke to Owen with a serious expression.

Hearing this, Owen frowned slightly.

He had anticipated that Leslie might spread his information to muddy the waters, but he hadn't expected to catch the attention of Academy City, or to be placed at the top of the Genius Leaderboard!

If he didn't know the old folks at Academy City so well and wasn't aware of his own talent, he might have thought they were setting him up for failure.

Being in this position seemed to bring fame and recognition, but it also brought endless challenges and troubles.

"Master Owen, perhaps we should return to the Duke's mansion to lay low for a while?" Benedict suggested when Owen remained silent.

Most of the young mages gathering around them were at bronze-tier or silver-tier levels, not posing a significant threat.

However, he knew this was only the beginning.

The news spread quickly, and soon it would attract more powerful forces, leading to a situation beyond his control.

Returning to the Duke's mansion before the truly formidable characters arrived would be the best course of action.

Once inside the Duke's mansion, no force would dare to challenge Duke Charles' authority, ensuring Owen's temporary safety.

The other Wolf Guards around Benedict nodded slightly in agreement.

Just then, a blue-haired woman blocked their path ahead.

Her slanted phoenix eyes stared at Owen, who was protected by Benedict and the others, and a smile slowly curled at the corners of her lips.

"You must be Owen. I challenge you to a duel!"


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Bab 10: Chapter10-Obsidify

As she spoke, she drew her sapphire-blue longsword from her waist, pointing its tip at Owen with a provocative air.

"Wind-Chasing Swordsman, Emily! It's actually her!"

As the woman spoke, the numerous mages gathered around Owen turned their attention to her, instantly recognizing her.

"I've heard her sword energy is so sharp it can cut through metal!"

"Not only that, but she's also the sister of Moonspring Kingdom's saint, Annie! A genius swordsman from Moonspring Kingdom!"

Many mages looked excited.

Previously, with Benedict and the Wolf Guard around, they hadn't dared to provoke House Ravenwood without any backing.

But now, with the notable Emily challenging Owen, Benedict surely wouldn't dare to touch her!

This gave them the chance to muddy the waters and attempt to challenge Owen themselves.

If they lost, it wouldn't be much of a loss.

But if they won, they could not only claim Owen's staff but also make a name for themselves as a prominent genius on the continent!

Most importantly, they felt they had a good chance of winning!

After all, Owen was only bronze-tier level 9. Many among them surpassed him in tier!

"Miss Emily, this challenge would be better postponed. Master Owen needs to return to the Duke's mansion immediately," Benedict said, recognizing Emily and not daring to be neglectful.

He bowed slightly and protected Owen behind him.

Owen squinted at the renowned genius swordsman, shaking his head slightly.

It was clear he had become a stepping stone in the eyes of many, a means to achieve fame.

According to the continent's rules, if a challenger won, they could claim the opponent's weapon, which in this case was the Godslayer Staff.

Their plans were well-made, but their strength was too ordinary.

Seeing Owen calmly hiding behind Benedict, Emily's face flushed with anger. She said,

"You've just become the Duke's prospective son-in-law, and you're already planning to hide behind the Duke's protection and live off others?!"

"I despise men who live off others. Do you have the courage to come out, or are you too scared to accept the challenge? If so, you'd better grow a tail and stay indoors from now on!"

Benedict furrowed his thick brows, worried that Owen might act impulsively.

He quickly tried to calm him, speaking in a low voice, "Master Owen, you are currently in the spotlight. It's best to stay low-key. Don't take this to heart; let us handle these matters."

Although Owen had defeated Miss Madelyn and demonstrated great strength, his tier was only bronze-tier level 9, which made them lack confidence in him.

Emily, on the other hand, was no ordinary opponent; her swordsmanship was exceptional.

If Owen were to lose, it would be a great embarrassment for House Ravenwood.

Moreover, the Godslayer Staff in Owen's possession was of utmost importance and must not be lost.

While Benedict watched, Owen's eyes suddenly brightened as if he had thought of something.

During their journey, he had been studying the body technique he had acquired—Obsidify.

This was an extremely powerful body technique, but also incredibly difficult to master.

It was divided into nine levels, and Owen had not even reached the beginner level yet.

The entry threshold was very high; Owen had not yet figured it out.

It required repeatedly pushing his magic to the limit, recovering, and then pushing it again to continually expand the meridians in his body.

In this state of physical extremity, he needed to combine mana with every cell in his body.

With so many challengers, Owen realized he could use them as stepping stones to practice Obsidify.

As Owen formed his plan, Benedict noticed his unflinching and composed demeanor, feeling a touch of admiration.

For someone so young to have such a mature and calm disposition was truly extraordinary.

Just as Benedict had this thought, he saw Owen step forward, gradually walking towards Emily.

"Genius swordsman? Very well, since you sincerely challenge me, let's do this!"

Owen's voice rang out.

Those who thought he would continue hiding behind Benedict and the others were initially stunned, unable to react. Then the crowd erupted into a buzz of conversation.

"He's accepted the challenge!"

"Once a challenge is accepted, there must be a decisive outcome. No one else can interfere, or it would be an insult to the challenge!"

"This Owen is still too young. Miss Emily's sword is renowned for its speed. Even mages of higher tiers often struggle against her swift sword, ultimately being found with a flaw and defeated."

The murmurs and discussions reached Benedict and the others, their expressions changing slightly as they prepared to persuade Owen against accepting the challenge.

"Master Owen…"

But just as they began to speak, Owen interrupted them with a shake of his head, "Don't worry, she's not my match."

Avoiding the challenge, leaving quietly, and heading straight to the dungeon for leveling up was indeed an option. However, he was long tired of laying low.

Transmigrating to this world was all about living a grand and unrestrained life, righting wrongs with boldness.

Why else would he train so hard?

Currently, he had no fear of challenges from his peers.

Moreover, being in the spotlight could also help him stay alert against any assassination attempts Leslie might arrange.

As Owen stopped a short distance in front of Emily, everyone could feel that his aura had become as steady and imposing as a mountain, giving them a suffocating sense of pressure.

"Master Owen may be a bit high-profile, but there's no denying he's a true genius!" Benedict and the others looked at Owen, whose demeanor seemed to have matured, with expressions of shock.

After all, enhancing one's temperament was far more difficult than simply improving one's strength.

That Owen could achieve such a transformation through a single challenge was truly incredible!

Across from Owen, Emily's expression grew slightly more serious after her initial surprise. "You're showing some manliness now. I won't bully you; I'll give you three chances to strike first. Draw your sword."

For Emily, Owen's swordsmanship in defeating Madelyn was the key reason she had come to challenge him.

While her words seemed gracious, she was actually probing Owen's abilities.

"You are not worthy of me drawing my sword," Owen said calmly.

With these words, a moment of silence fell over the crowd.

Owen then saw the veins on Emily's forehead bulge as she lunged forward with her sword.

"Arrogant!"

With a shout, her sapphire-blue longsword sliced through the air silently, giving a sense of fluid grace. It moved at incredible speed, reaching Owen in an instant.

Owen didn't use any skills or the Godslayer Staff.

Instead, at the moment of Emily's provocation, he employed the Obsidify technique, compressing and concentrating the mana within and around him onto the surface of his body.

The first level of Obsidify: Obsidian Skin!

Clang!

Emily's sword struck Owen's chest with lightning speed.

The sharp water magic tore through his clothes instantly, but when it touched his skin, it made a dull, metallic sound, with sparks flying off.

Owen staggered back, feeling intense pain in his chest as if he had been stabbed by a steel needle.

"What's going on? That strike was fast, but it should have been avoidable. Even if he didn't dodge, why didn't he use a magic skill?"

The crowd was bewildered, especially the seasoned mages who found Owen's actions incomprehensible.

"I have a feeling that Owen intentionally took that hit with his body, and he succeeded!"

Some mages who practiced dark magic were particularly astonished.

The human body is far weaker than a weapon, especially one enhanced with mana.

Yet Owen had done it!

Emily was equally surprised.

Though that strike was a probe fueled by her anger, it was delivered with eighty percent of her strength.

But it hadn't wounded Owen; it felt like hitting indestructible metal.

Does he have a defensive artifact on him?

Emily's sword aura surged around her. If that were the case, Owen's strength was far less impressive than rumored.

"Maybe his talent is strong, but his actual strength leaves much to be desired."

"I actually think he's impressive. Emily is silver-tier level 6, and her magic sword energy is quite formidable."


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