Watching Nella's excitement and Theo's real worth, Zara staggered and reached for Nella's shoulder with a pale face.
"Nella, you… you know something about this?" Zara stuttered as she simply couldn't believe what she had seen.
As Cheng Sui said, Theo's clone could become another Theo if used properly and the combination of one man that became two was far better than two different people. That was why getting and nurturing Theo would be beneficial to them as they could take two people worth with just one contract.
"Not at all." Nella calmly smiled as she truly had no idea of what he had hidden in his repertoire. What she knew was only one thing. "But please remember, he is my cousin."
"…" Zara gulped down as she understood perfectly what that meant. "We… We need to snatch him before anyone else can. Even if the Griffith Family wants to intervene, they have their own rule, right?"
"Haha, it's true. I am the younger one, so I guess you need to work harder. The time limit is his upcoming birthday." She chuckled.
"You… Why don't you help us?"
"Why should I help you?" Nella tilted her head as her expression turned cold. "Please remember, I am a normal participant from the United Kingdom. I side with you just for this competition. If you ask me who I choose… I will be on my cousin's side."
Zara took a step back as Nella's stare made her shudder. It felt scary as those stares told her if she hurt Theo, Nella would be coming for her life. Whether it was due to the fact they were blood-related or unknown reasons, Nella actually meant it.
"And you seem to be missing one thing." Nella licked her lips and continued, "His blessing. Do you think some random guys or beings can give you a skill this powerful? His blessing must come from at least a Mythical Rank being of the past… No, I believe it comes from a God! Who is that God? Even I don't know. Ah, Cousin, you're truly the best. I wonder what path you will choose… Griffith Family or another country?"
…
After what Sheira said, the entire stadium turned into an uproar. Everyone was talking about him and his potential.
However, Theo simply retracted his clone and resummoned it next to him while waiting for Ellen to catch up.
"You… This entire battle seems to be controlled by you. Ignazio told me earlier… And I have realized that you're indeed dangerous."
"Well, I should be the one thanking him." A smile appeared on Theo's face as he told her, "Thanks to Ignazio, we can win this round. That's right. Three people against two… This strategy is completely good if it's played right."
Enrica felt a chill down her spine. Theo implied that he used their own strategy against their own. Because of Theo, they couldn't do the same strategy and, in fact, Ignazio already recognized Theo's ability and knew Theo wouldn't be tricked again by the same strategy. That was why he created another plan.
However, for the same reason, Theo knew it was the best strategy to beat them. After all, no one would have thought they would be defeated by the same strategy they used previously.
And what made Theo successfully pull it off was his clone. No one would have expected a clone that could use a skill.
This was actually one of the biggest reasons Theo wanted to stay low when he first got this clone. It was something unprecedented and the potential was limitless.
With this skill, he could entice all those people in power. However, fame also came with resentment and danger. He had heard so many stories about missing rising stars in the country. All those people just became famous not long ago.
That was why he planned to finally open this skill for the world to see. He could get some contracts from other big countries and grow while getting some sort of protection. Some plans had been made even before participating in this competition.
Although Enrica didn't see how far he had planned, she still had a feeling that Theo had done something amazing. She couldn't help but say, "You're amazing. What do you think about coming to our country? That's right. Agata seems to be interested in you. How about you take her as your wife?"
"Wow, you're deciding someone's life on a whim…"
"Of course not. I and Agata are best friends, so I know her personality. Her blessing made her mature faster, but she is cute deep down, you know." Enrica smirked.
"Haha, please don't pressure me to make a decision in a battle. I can't make a good decision." Theo then raised his fists together with his clone. "And we're still fighting, I need to end this as soon as possible."
"Ahaha, you're not someone who plays by the rule, are you?"
"No, you are."
"Anyway, since you want to end this match, I will give up this round." Enrica raised her hand and looked at Diego with a smile. "I forfeit this match."
"Eh?" Theo widened his eyes, not expecting her to give up.
"Match ends! Thersland wins!" Diego announced after listening to Enrica.
"Why…" Theo frowned.
"I don't have any chance to beat you and your clone. And I still need to add your teammate who is coming here, I would rather save my energy instead of fighting you here." Enrica smiled and took a step back. "The banquet after the competition… I hope you can lend me some of your time."
"…" Theo was speechless as Enrica simply turned around and left with a smile on her face.
Theo closed his eyes for a second and smiled. Without a doubt, he had completed what he wanted in this competition. The rest of the competition was just him paying back to the country for giving him this chance and fulfilling the agreement he made to Nart.
However, the same couldn't be applied to his team. They had taken his clone for granted and never placed any importance on it. But when Sheira announced it and made them realize how important it was, they felt pressure in their heart, knowing whatever they did in this competition, nothing would outshine Theo.
Only Ellen had a smile on her face, remembering how Theo never wasted any second in his training and kept practicing even after returning home. She thought, 'Working that hard… You deserve it, Theo.'