All eyes widened in shock as Broken released his Spear. The crowd held their breath, bracing for the sheer scale of destruction they knew this attack could unleash. They’d witnessed his power before, but seeing it firsthand in the arena filled them with both awe and dread.
Orion stood helpless, still ensnared by the vines as the spear barreled toward him. But just as it was about to strike, a dome-shaped energy shield materialized, surrounding and protecting him.
The spear collided with the shield, setting off a massive chain of explosions that rippled outward in shockwaves. Pillars collapsed, people were thrown from their seats, and knights struggled to brace themselves against the force, bodies pushed back by the violent energy
waves.
The arena erupted into chaos as spectators screamed, scrambling for safety.
But the assault wasn’t over. Another colossal spear plummeted from the sky, striking the arena with earth-shattering force. At that moment, Viscount Sean appeared in a blur, charging into the arena. Shield raised, he stood firmly between Orion and the descending spear, shielding them both.
The impact triggered an even greater explosion, obliterating the entire arena as gusts of wind, rocks, and debris blasted outwards. Everyone squeezed their eyes shut, their bodies slammed backward by the force of the detonation.
The blast lingered for a few moments, debris and smoke clouding everyone’s vision as the remnants of the arena settled.
When the dust finally cleared, Viscount Sean stood in the center of the wreckage, shield raised, while Orion sat slumped on the ground, eyes blank and defeated. Broken, meanwhile, remained in his original position, unscathed.
“I didn’t realize that outside interference was permitted in a duel, Lord Sean,” Broken said calmly.
“Lord Broken, I must sincerely apologize to you,” Viscount Sean replied. “Without undermining your honor, I must acknowledge that my son has been defeated. You are the undisputed victor of this duel.”
Sean took a deep breath, visibly steadying himself as he addressed Broken. From his vantage outside the arena, Sean had carefully analyzed the entire battle, noting how Broken had precisely calculated Orion’s strengths and deliberately avoided engaging him up close.
Orion’s close-combat abilities were formidable, boasting an impressive Strength stat that could have easily inflicted severe physical damage and, under different circumstances, overwhelmed Broken.
However, Broken had wisely chosen a long-range strategy, wearing Orion down while denying him any opportunity for a counterattack. And though Sean suspected Broken was more than capable of facing Orion in close quarters, he also recognized that Broken had exercised restraint, refusing to unleash his full potential in this duel. In his own way, Broken had shown mercy to Orion.
Viscount Sean recognized Broken’s remarkable strength and intelligence. He knew that his son, Orion, could gain much from learning under Broken’s guidance-it would help ground Orion’s ego and cultivate the humility and discipline needed to lead Deadbay City effectively one day.
Turning to Orion, Viscount Sean spoke firmly, “Orion, accept your defeat and fulfill your promise.”
“Father… you’re the one who made that promise, not me. I won’t accept this defeat,” Orion protested.
In response, Viscount Sean delivered a swift, powerful punch to Orion’s face, sending him crashing to the ground.
“Don’t return to this city until you’ve grown into someone worthy of leading it. Serve Lord Broken and fulfill your obligations.”
“Father, you never told me how long I have to serve him. Is this for eternity? This is too much! I’ll fight for my freedom,” Orion argued.
“Serve him, earn his trust, and learn from him. Allow him to guide you,” Viscount Sean replied, then turned to Broken.
“Lord Broken, thank you for this invaluable lesson. May you continue to grow stronger,” Sean said with a respectful bow. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I shall take my leave.”
With that, he turned and strode out of the arena, leaving Orion in stunned silence.
[Congratulations, Broken! You have won the duel against Orion, and he will now serve as one of your Knights!]
[Orion’s affinity for you may be low at 12%, but you’ve still managed to secure his loyalty through this duel. Now, you can show him who’s truly in charge! Keep guiding and challenging him to improve his skills and character as he serves under you.]
“Orion,” Broken said firmly.
Orion remained still, his head lowered, refusing to meet Broken’s gaze.
“Prepare yourself. I may need your assistance on my next expedition,” Broken said casually.
“Yes… Broken,” Orion replied hesitantly.
“Lord Broken,” Broken corrected him.
“Yes, my Lord,” Orion quickly amended.
“And apologize to Ivana for what you said about her.”
Obediently, Orion rose and made his way toward Ivana, who was standing nearby with Elincia. Stopping before her, he bowed his head in shame, his fists clenched.
“I apologize for my inappropriate words, Ms. Ivana.”
Ivana nodded gracefully. “Lord Orion, you have great potential for the future. You’ve proven that with your contributions to this city. And I’m certain you’ll redeem yourself through your service to Broken. Thank you for expressing your remorse; I hold no anger or grudges against you.”
Orion bowed once more. “Thank you for your kindness, Ms. Ivana.”
Broken walked away from the arena, followed closely by Ivana, Elincia, and the other members of the Ass Guild. The crowd was still reeling from the shocking outcome of the duel, but a collective sigh of relief swept over them as they absorbed the final result.
“I’d say you’ve been handsomely rewarded for everything you’ve done for this city, Broken,” Elincia said cheerfully.
“And don’t forget-you promised me an extra reward.”
“Oh, come on! So greedy! What did I promise you again?”
“You said you’d invite me on your private jet and let me use the Capsule Device while we’re in
the air.”
“Ah, that’s easy! Consider it done; just tell me when and where you’d like to go,” she responded, adding, “Actually, no-I’ll let Freya know and have her arrange everything.”
“Could Booba come along too?”
“No way! That jerk is not getting on my private jet.”
Melliandra let out a frustrated huff. “If I were dueling that idiot Orion,” she said, “I’d have shot him in the head until his skull emptied its contents all over the place.” Kingsley shook his head. “Mel… you know that’s not how this game works, right?” Meanwhile, Broken had ended the night with an impressive reward: a level 208 subordinate, and best of all, he didn’t have to pay him a single coin. Not bad at all.
As the son of a Viscount, Orion came fully equipped with quality armor and weapons, meaning Broken didn’t even need to spend on upgrades. It was an absolute bonus. Now, his main task would be guiding Orion into accepting his defeat-and who knew what that might unlock in
him.
A few days later, Broken logged back into Immortal Legacy. All of Deadbay City was alive with excitement, eagerly awaiting the arrival of representatives from the Dissidia Kingdom.
In the distance, royal carriages appeared, making their way toward the city. The citizens gathered eagerly, lining the streets.
From the lead carriage stepped a figure dressed in a striking blue-and-red gown. Her red hair and snow-white complexion were unmistakable. It was Princess Alora Rogwyn, the crowned princess of the Dissidia Kingdom.