Chapter 261 - 259: The Finals Begin

Chapter 261: Chapter 259: The Finals Begin

Count Kudro’s sudden attack once again proved his brutish nature, while Duke Kelvin stood like a century-old pine—aged, but still unyielding.

"Kudro!"

King Eric rose to his feet. Before his subjects, he had to be fair and just.

"To so flagrantly break the tournament rules and even attack Duane... Do you even recognize me as your King?"

Count Kudro’s expression was dark and uncertain.

Of course, he didn’t dare defy the King’s authority, but with his daughter’s life hanging in the balance, how could he possibly remain calm?

Just then, the powerful Mage approached Tara’s side where she lay in a pool of blood.

He took out a Spell Scroll and used it in front of the crowd, and a warm light instantly enveloped Tara’s body.

Bathed in the golden light, the wounds on Tara’s body began to heal at a rate visible to the naked eye, and the bleeding stopped.

This immediately drew gasps of amazement from the audience. They had never imagined such miraculous Magic existed in the world, capable of healing such severe injuries in an instant!

In the stands, Marquis Sean frowned slightly. He didn’t recognize this Mage. ’Don’t tell me he has some special ability that can restore Tara’s combat strength?’

As everyone watched with a mixture of doubt and anticipation, the Magic’s effect ended.

The Mage bowed to the King. "The Count was merely desperate to save his daughter. I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness on his behalf."

Then, he turned to Count Kudro and said, "Rest assured, Lady Tara’s life is not in danger. However, her injuries are quite severe, and she will need a period of rest before she can move freely again."

Although the blow Duane had dealt was powerful, he hadn’t intended to kill. Otherwise, the Sword Auras that pierced her body could have easily pierced her heart.

"Baron, a tournament is a place for sparring. Your attack was a bit too vicious."

Duane’s brow furrowed, and he fixed the man with a sharp gaze.

’It’s one thing for this guy to save her, but now he’s blaming me? Isn’t he overstepping his bounds?’

’Besides, from the moment the match began, wasn’t Tara the one whose every move was aimed to kill?’

"I’ve had a taste of your sophistry."

Duane asked coldly, "And who might you be?"

The Mage gave a slight smile, though it was unclear if it was out of contempt for Duane or just a habitual expression.

"Mitchell Iverson, Saint Hall Grand Commander of the Holy Radiance Church Court."

Duane nodded. "Mitchell. I’ll remember your little admonition."

Their exchange was subtly laced with the smell of gunpowder.

"Alright, this farce has gone on long enough!"

King Eric intervened. "Duane won this match. He broke no rules. On the contrary, Kudro, I can forgive your transgression in light of your desperation to save your daughter, but you must apologize to Duane!"

Marquis Sean suddenly spoke up as well. "Kudro, just apologize. Everyone is watching!"

Although rage was boiling inside him, Kudro knew this was not the time to erupt. He could only give Duane a slight bow and mutter in a low, rumbling voice, "My apologies!"

He then strode to Tara’s side and lifted his daughter into his arms.

"Your Majesty, Tara is severely injured. I’m taking her back to recover. We forfeit the match for third place."

"Go."

Kudro nodded, shot Duane a cold snort, and quickly departed.

And with that, the sudden incident was resolved.

The mood of the audience, however, remained unsettled for a long time.

Some were worried for Duane, others were in awe of the Holy Radiance Church Court’s incredible healing abilities, and still others—envoys and citizens from other nations—wondered if they could use this incident to their advantage.

"Father, Duane..." Natalia said, her voice filled with worry.

Count Kais shook his head. "Duane is very strong now. He should be fine."

Meanwhile, on the tournament stage, Duke Kelvin turned back to Duane and praised him, "You’re quite impressive. Keep it up!"

"Thank you for your help just now," Duane replied politely.

The Duke gave a friendly smile and left the stage, with Mitchell following close behind.

However, neither of them returned to their seats. Instead, they stood at the foot of the stage.

At the same time, many other powerful Warriors took up positions around the arena.

They all knew that an ordinary Warrior would be unable to withstand the aftershocks from the final match.

The tournament continued.

Baron Basil stood once more upon the battered stage. "Ladies and gentlemen, please turn your attention back to the stage!"

"Because our championship match is about to begin!"

The announcement pulled all the spectators back to the present. ’That’s right, there’s still one final match to go!’

Thinking of Orisien’s power, they couldn’t help but feel the urge to cheer.

Between these two great young powerhouses, who was stronger?

Amidst the roar of the crowd, Orisien walked onto the stage, his eyes on the rubble underfoot.

He hadn’t been satisfied watching the last fight; he could clearly sense that Duane hadn’t used his full strength.

He, who had originally thought he would easily take the championship, now felt the pressure.

’I can’t believe that on this continent, where the Power of Elements revived so late, someone has appeared who can rival the top geniuses of the Sunset and Star Continents.’

And so, his usual smiling demeanor vanished, replaced by a solemn expression.

’I am the Crown Prince’s friend, and more importantly, the Holy Son of the Holy Radiance Church Court. If I were to lose on this stage, it would be a disgrace.’

Just then, Basil raised his hand and announced loudly, "The final match..."

From the King down to the commoners, everyone held their breath. This battle had already surpassed the scope of a conventional duel; it was a rare battle between Shooting Star Level powerhouses.

An eerie silence fell over the vast Central Plaza.

"Begin!"

Basil’s voice echoed, but neither man moved.

"Duane, you are strong. Stronger than I anticipated!"

Orisien held his longsword and spoke with casual confidence, "But ever since I became a Shooting Star Warrior, I have challenged twelve opponents of the same level, and I have never been defeated!"

The crowd gasped. They never knew Orisien possessed such a brilliant combat record.

Duane couldn’t help but become more vigilant.

Just then, a light pulsed around Orisien’s body. With each pulse, another figure appeared in his place.

In the blink of an eye, there were six Orisiens standing on the stage.

The audience gasped in shock once again.

No one had expected a scene like this.

Duane was also a bit stunned. ’What kind of Combat Technique is this? The Clone Technique?’

Just then, Orisien’s voice rang out again.

"To this day, not a single opponent has been able to withstand my ’Radiant Mirror Image.’"

All six figures opened their mouths and spoke in unison, creating the disorienting feeling of being trapped in an Illusion Realm.

This sight made Duane frown.

Although he had locked onto what he thought was the real body, he couldn’t be sure it was truly him.

’I wonder if the Starlight Eye will work?’

Duane activated his Starlight Eye, and his eyes instantly resembled a brilliant galaxy.

In an instant, he saw through the Combat Technique.

Although the six figures were identical in appearance, aura, and movement, the clones had a smaller amount of Fighting Qi, while the real body had more.

’Since I can distinguish between the real body and the fakes, the rest should be easy to handle.’

"It’s the opposite for me. You’re the first Shooting Star Warrior I’ve ever fought."

Duane replied calmly, "Come on. Let’s have a good fight!"

Orisien smiled faintly. "As you wish!"

A wave of Fighting Qi erupted from all six figures simultaneously. They all blurred into afterimages, arriving in front of Duane in the blink of an eye and surrounding him.

SWOOSH!

Six longswords pierced through the air, aiming to run through the encircled Duane all at once.