CHAPTER 88: THREE MOVES

A few nearby elves exchanged wicked grins.

Everyone knew Micha’el wasn’t just any warrior.

Leon’do frowned from the sidelines, adjusting his glasses with two fingers.

’Auren’s at a clear disadvantage. I can’t even track Micha’el’s movements properly—and I’m using every ounce of my observation skill.’

Anast’cia watched in tense silence, thoughts racing.

’Micha’el... the first Goldhair to earn the rare Sword Savant class through real battle experience. He lived through the nightmare three years ago and came out stronger. No doubt he’s a frontrunner to succeed Mathes as the next tribe leader. That Auren kid... he’ll end up like the last fool who challenged him.’

Jaira’s face went pale. She stepped forward, her voice sharp with panic.

"Auren, don’t do this," she pleaded.

"You don’t get it- Micha’el isn’t just strong, he has long reached the level of an elite warrior!" Her eyes were filled with panic as she continued,

"I’ve faced him before when I was at my absolute best... and I couldn’t even block two of his moves! How about you? You can barely summon your mana in your current condition!"

Micha’el cut in with a mocking tone. "What’s the matter? Don’t tell me the brave little human who faced Vulkris is scared of one elf with a sword?"

Auren took a deep breath, weighing his options.

’What am I doing? I can’t be reckless with my decision. Chill down, Auren... Chill...’

He calmed himself down.

’This is textbook bait... I’m not even at full strength. Without Bigbird’s abilities and my limited mana consumption, this could go bad fast.’

And after a deep thought, Auren decided.

"You know what?" he finally said. "You’re right. You are stronger. I’ll give you that. I’m not ready to fight right now, so maybe next-"

"Next time?" Micha’el interrupted, his voice taking on a sour, venomous tone.

"Is it because your dear Daddy Robert isn’t here to protect you? Is it because you’re alone now?"

His words made Auren silent, eyes narrowing.

Noticing the flicker of pain in Auren’s eyes, Mathes pressed on, his tone casual but cutting.

"I heard your mother was the real traitor- the one who triggered the chaos in Runewood three years ago. A hidden agent of the Dark Fate. Word is, she abandoned both you and your father the moment she finished selling us out to those terrorists. And yet, here you are, still shameless enough to set foot on our sacred grounds."

Micha’el stepped forward, his grin sharpening into something venomous.

"No wonder your dad left you behind too. Unconscious. Forgotten. Maybe he was a spy too. Maybe the both of them-"

Alright. That’s enough."

Rhiki’s voice crashed into the tension like a warhammer- sharp and final.

All heads turned as the domineering figure of Rhiki, Chief of the Velka Dar, stepped forward, each footfall like thunder on the stone.

His presence loomed over Micha’el, eyes locked in a steely glare, his mana-charged aura pressing down like the weight of a mountain on the younger elf.

The cocky grin on Micha’el’s face vanished instantly. His back stiffened, hands clenched at his sides as the air around him grew cold and heavy.

’There goes the storm,’

From the sidelines, Leon’do winced, adjusting his glasses with a quiet sigh.

’He’s dead. He doesn’t even realize how badly he screwed up. Insulting Auren like that—it’s the same as spitting on the Queen’s judgment.’

He thought grimly.

Micha’el stammered, his earlier bravado crumbling fast. "C-Chief Rhiki, I... I was just-"

"It’s fine," Auren said, cutting in before Rhiki could teach the cocky goldhair a lesson.

Auren stepped forward, forcing a small smile even as his eyes betrayed a flicker of pain. A subtle twitch in his expression, like a bruise trying to hide beneath a grin.

"He was just challenging me to a friendly match," Auren added, voice steady. "No big deal."

But the silence that followed said otherwise.

Rhiki’s cold gaze lingered on Micha’el before shifting to Auren. "The Queen sent you here to observe and learn. Not to brawl with every loudmouth you meet."

His tone made Micha’el shrink further.

But Auren’s fists tightened at his sides, knuckles paling.

’He insulted Robert... and Marissa... He crossed the line. I didn’t come here to fight, but right now? I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to knock that smug look off his face.’

He turned his gaze toward the ring, eyes sharp with quiet resolve.

"Honestly?" he muttered under his breath. "I kind of want to see how I stack up."

Then, without hesitation, Auren stepped closer to the center - this time, his decision to fight is final.

"Auren, what are you doing!?" Jaira nearly shrieked. "Have you lost your mind!? You’re still recovering, Remember?!"

Rhiki watched silently, arms folded. Though he didn’t intervene, a flicker of curiosity crossed his face.

’Will we see it again? That power...?’

But he shook his head.

’No. Power like that always comes with a price. I doubt he could casually use such overpowered skill that easily.’

His gaze shifted toward the velzar tree nearby, where he sensed a quiet presence watching.

’If there had been no message from the Queen, it meant she was allowing this—for now.’

Rhiki took a deep breath. It seems like its settled.

’Very well, ’ he thought. ’This may be a lesson for all of us.’

On the platform, Auren gave Jaira a casual wave, silently telling her he had it under control.

She lingered a moment, worry etched on her face, but eventually raised one hand in mock surrender and stepped back.

"You never really learn, do you?" she muttered, half scolding, half resigned.

"I warned you. So you better not come crying to me later, Auren."

Auren didn’t respond. His focus had already shifted.

He turned to face Micha’el head-on, his expression cold. His movement were controlled, yet unreadable.

No fear in his eyes. No hesitation in his breathing. Just calm before the storm.

"Three moves, right?"

Micha’el smirked, cracking his knuckles and rolling his shoulders.

"Three moves."

"Can I hit back?"

Micha’el snorted.

"You can try,"

Micha’el replied confidently.

"That is if you’re still conscious."