“BOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!”
A thunderous explosion rocked the night, accompanied by a shockwave that sent ripples of fear through the onlookers near the palace. A humongous mushroom cloud billowed into the dark sky, casting an eerie glow over the surroundings and plunging the area into a temporary state of chaos and panic.
“!!!” The Empress’s eyes widened in alarm as she immediately sprang into action, deploying another protective barrier around the battle arena with swift precision.
The entire battlefield was engulfed in swirling blue flames, their intense heat and crackling energy drawing gasps of astonishment and dread from the spectators. It was a display of power that surpassed expectations, leaving many questioning how a mere slave could wield such devastating force.
‘Crack, Crack’
The inner level of the protective barrier strained and cracked under the immense pressure of the attack, its magical defences faltering before the overwhelming might of the unleashed magic. It was a close call, and had the Empress not intervened swiftly with her reinforced barrier, the repercussions could have been catastrophic for the lower-ranked warriors and nobles in the vicinity.
“M-Mother….” The Princess watched the spectacle with a mixture of awe and trepidation, her grip on the armrest tightening in excitement and nervous anticipation.
“Do you understand now?” The Empress’s voice cut through the chaos, a mix of sternness and surprise evident in her tone. Even though she was taken aback by the magnitude of the attack which was almost similar to one who levels at least 15-20, she couldn’t help but smile.
Princess’s eyes sparkled with curiosity, her fascination evident as she witnessed the display of power before her.
[+10 Affection]
[Survival rate: 5.6%↑]
If she could take him under her, she would have no trouble facing the Arcane Queens of other Empires.
Velc and Alfred’s faces grew even more sombre as they witnessed the extent of Aether’s power. Their gazes turned accusatory as they glared at Delphine, who shared their shock and apprehension. She had known Aether’s strength, but this display was beyond what she had anticipated.
As the flames finally dissipated, revealing the aftermath of the devastating magic, everyone saw a solitary figure standing amidst the debris, his surroundings resembling a crater from the impact.
“O-OH MY GOD!”
“I didn’t sign up for this!”
“I’d rather live my life begging than die like this.”
“I’m leaving the tournament!”
The voices of panic and regret echoed through the area as those who had come for the tournament hastily retreated, followed by a cascade of others abandoning the scene.
“haha…” The Empress chuckled softly, shaking her head in amusement, ‘Those useless people. Aether has expended all his energy; he’s weakened now. This would be a perfect chance and yet….’
Glancing at the exhausted Aether whose head dancing in the air as if he would fall any moment, she muttered inwardly, ‘I suppose he’s a bit more capable than I initially thought’ and was just about to end this parade when….
“Timmy?” Alfred’s voice rang out with surprise as he spotted his son striding confidently toward Aether.
With a smirk, Timmy leapt into the crater-like depression and confronted Aether, who was still in a dazed and drained state, akin to a drunkard lost in his thoughts.
Though Timmy was shocked to see Aether’s newfound power, just like anyone after performing huge magic…. Aether must have drained his energy. So without wasting any time, Timmy decided to strike while the iron was hot.
“Hah…” Timmy’s laughter was tinged with a hint of triumph. It had been far too long since he had beaten Aether, and now, with Aether weakened and vulnerable, he intended to demonstrate his superiority, especially before Selene, whom he sought to impress and show who was great.
Empress and the others watched with furrowed brows, silently observing Timmy’s approach. The empress’s maid stood ready, awaiting her master’s command, her gaze fixated on Timmy.
“Timmy, come here!” Alfred’s voice carried a mix of worry and authority. He didn’t want his son near this monster anymore. As Alfred started to feel a sense of dread from Aether if his son died, there was no way in hell he would be able to forgive himself.
“It’s fine, Father!” Timmy’s voice held determination and a hint of mischief. Then he called, “Oi!! Ether!!”
Aether didn’t respond and instead rambled like a drunk with a hazy mind. Due to using every bit of energy, Aether, who was already in a state of drunkenness, was even worse, like he was daydreaming while muttering his ex-name and chattering…. though no one could understand his words.
Timmy shook his head with pity, and without hesitation, he landed a solid punch on Aether’s face.
“Thud”
“HMM!” Aether snapped out of his daze and rubbed his nose with a mix of pain and a frowning expression. Blood bled from his nose, staining the broken ground beneath him.
Aether’s gaze narrowed as he looked up at Timmy, who stood over him with a serious expression etched on his face.
“How dare you disrespect the princess and Empress!” Timmy exclaimed with a fiery determination, his voice echoing through the tense air before he strengthened his body and delivered another powerful punch to Aether’s already bruised face.
“Thud”
Aether staggered backwards, his balance wavering as he struggled to remain upright before finally collapsing to the ground.
“Drip, Drip”
Blood flowed from his face, Aether desperately trying to gather his consciousness that was slipping away with each passing moment.
Timmy immediately leapt onto Aether, overpowering him and forcing him down with a victorious grin,
“You dare to hurt the princess!”
“BOOM!”
“This is for the Empress!”
“BOOM!”
“And this for the Archpriestess!”
“BOOM!”
“You filthy slave should know your damn place!”
“BOOM!”
Aether’s face slowly started to disfigure as he lost consciousness under Timmy’s relentless assault. Despite Aether’s fading awareness, Timmy, with a haughty smile, continued to rain down punches on Aether’s face without hesitation, as if his pent-up frustration had finally snapped.
“Do you think you’re a big shot?!”
“BOOM!!”
“You Fucking Slave!!”
“BOOM!!”
“You are beneath me, yet you dare touch the Archpriestess!”
“BOOM!!”
“You’re pathetic!”
“BOOM!”
“Worthless!”
…..
…
Aether, who had lost consciousness, found himself standing near the seashore, disoriented yet drawn to a strange vision unfolding before him.
“Hmm? What is this?” Aether questioned, furrowing his brow as he observed a gang of people bullying someone in the distance.
“Hey! What are you doing?” Aether frowned as he approached them…. only to widen his eyes in surprise.
“Ether?”