CHAPTER 53: 53:BARON BRAGOT VS BARON BLANKS 2

BANGGG!

The sound thundered across the field. Bragot’s knees buckled, the ground cracking under him as he dropped, forced to kneel by sheer strength. His posture faltered, his body trembling under the weight of Ethan’s might.

The silence that followed was heavy until Ethan’s voice cut through, calm and sharp as a blade.

"Middle stage of Intermediate rank. Not bad. But that is not enough to defeat me."

Baron Bragot’s eyes went wide with disbelief. His chest rose and fell heavily as he tried to steady himself, but his mind refused to accept the reality before him.

He shook his head as if the sight would change. He could not believe it. No, he refused to believe it. His lips trembled, and he shouted with panic building in his throat.

"How? How are you so strong? Aren’t you a mere commoner, so how?" His voice cracked, louder this time, carrying across the arena.

The desperation in his tone revealed his fear as he shrieked, trying to make sense of it. His mind raced, envisioning the humiliation that was about to come.

He gripped tightly on his sword tightened until his knuckles turned white. "I can feel that you are at the early stage of Intermediate rank, but what is this power? How is this possible?"

Bragot had thought this would be an easy win. A simple battle to put a commoner in his place. Yet the truth before his eyes shattered that expectation.

Across from him, Ethan stood steady, his greatsword firm in his hands. His calm gaze never wavered.

A faint, amused expression flickered across his face as if Bragot’s panic was beneath his concern.

Inside, Ethan knew the truth of his bloodline ability. It allowed him to hide his true strength, lowering his level by two minor realms in the eyes of others. He could not disguise it completely, but it was enough to mislead opponents like Bragot.

Ethan lifted his greatsword, the metal gleaming in the sunlight. With a sharp twist of his wrist, he shook the blade, and then with one swift motion he kicked forward.

Bragot braced himself, crossing his arms to shield against the blow, but he was too slow. The shockwave that followed the impact tore through him like a raging tide.

BANG!

His boots scraped against the dirt, and his body was thrown backward. The ground tore beneath his heels as his feet dragged across the soil for several meters before he finally stopped.

The audience gasped, their eyes wide as dust scattered in the air. Bragot bent forward, his chest heaving, still unable to believe what had just happened.

Ethan stepped forward, his calm voice cutting through the silence. "Did you think I was chosen for nothing?"

His tone was steady, filled with certainty. He looked directly at Bragot, his words heavy with truth. "My father-in-law tested my potential. Sorry to say, but I have good potential. That is the reason I am here today."

The words carried across the arena, clearing the doubts that had lingered in many hearts. Those who had doubted him began to nod slowly. Their whispers turned into silence as they accepted the truth.

Ethan’s explanation had struck deep.

From his seat, Duke Philip rubbed his chin with interest. His voice was calm as he muttered, "No wonder..."

Beside him, Julia leaned closer, and her eyes became wide.

"Did you know?" she asked softly.

The Duke shook his head but kept his tone measured. "No, but I guessed. In fact, most of the crafty ones had guessed. No one would hand over power like this without reason, especially a noble." His eyes gleamed as he continued to assess Ethan from afar.

Duchess Emma unfolded her fan and spoke with grace, her voice carrying through the air. "No wonder Baron Fenwick stayed back."

On the field, Baron Bragot’s body trembled as he pushed himself up. His pride burned hotter than the pain in his chest. With clenched teeth, he grabbed his sword once more. His rage pushed away the fear in his heart.

SWISHH!

A strong current of air rose around him as his aura burst forth. Dust scattered, and his cloak flared behind him.

Stomping his foot hard against the ground, he launched himself forward. The earth cracked beneath him as his body shot ahead like a cannonball. His face twisted with fury, and his roar echoed, determined to crush the man before him.

Ethan did not move. He simply braced himself, his calm eyes locked on his opponent. His hands gripped the hilt of the greatsword tightly.

With a controlled breath, he spun his body, his massive blade sweeping with raw strength. The spin added force, turning the strike into a crushing blow.

The two forces collided.

BOOOOOOOM!

The impact was deafening. A shockwave burst out from the clash, stirring the dust into a storm. The ground trembled, and people shielded their eyes from the debris. When the dust parted, a figure came crashing out, tumbling helplessly across the ground.

It was Baron Bragot.

His body slammed hard onto the dirt, rolling forward for several meters before finally coming to a stop. His once-arrogant posture was gone. His cloak was torn, and his beard was coated in dust. He lay battered and broken, his limbs struggling to find strength.

Ethan stood tall, gripping his greatsword firmly. His calm expression had not changed. He prepared to move again, his body ready to end it. With steady steps, he raised his weapon and was about to leap forward when a piercing shriek split the air.

"I quitttt!"

The words rang with desperation.

Ethan’s eyes widened in shock,and his foot slipped slightly as he failed to control his momentum. He nearly stumbled, catching himself at the last moment. His head snapped toward Bragot, his disbelief clear.

"What!" Ethan’s voice echoed, heavy with surprise. He had been ready to strike again, but never expected those words.

The arena fell into silence. All eyes turned to Ethan and Bragot, the weight of the moment sinking deep.

In fact,like Ethan, none of them expected Baron Bragot to quit easily yet he did.