195 ANXIOUS FOR A FIGHT
From the raised platform at the far end of the hall, a member of the Eoloth family stepped forward. He was a tall man with an air of arrogance that matched his confident stride.
"I extend my greetings to all who have joined us tonight," he began, his voice resonant and commanding. "I am Sabana of the Eoloth family, and as tradition demands, I offer you entertainment worthy of our fortress."
He gestured toward a chest carried in by two servants, its contents clinking faintly. "This chest is filled with silver. It shall belong to any guard who can defeat me in combat."
Murmurs rippled through the hall, a mix of intrigue and apprehension.
"This is more silver than any of you could earn in your entire lives," he began, his voice sharp and commanding.
"Yeah, I'd risk my life for that much money," one guard muttered, his eyes glued to the chest.
Sabana's thin smile hinted at something darker. "Good. But let me be clear—every fight in Eoloth is to the death. If you fall to my blade, it will be your own incompetence. I shall not be blamed."
The room fell silent, unease creeping into the air due to the warning.
Finally, a broad-shouldered guard with a deep scar across his cheek rose to his feet.
"I'll take your challenge," he declared, stepping forward.
Sabana's anticipation was palpable as he unsheathed his blade. Its edge shimmered ominously in the dim light.
The challenger lunged at Sabana, his movements fueled by greed. Yet, before he could land a strike, Sabana moved like lightning. The guard staggered, clutching his back where a sudden pain radiated. He barely had time to react before Sabana vaulted over him, bringing his sword down in a deadly arc.
The guard collapsed, dead.
Gasps rippled through the hall.
"He killed one of us," someone whispered in disbelief.
Another guard stepped forward, determined to claim the silver. He fared no better. Sabana dispatched him with equal efficiency, his movements a blend of speed, strength, and precision.
Leo observed the scene, his brow furrowing. "Something's not right," he murmured.
"What do you mean?" Siphonia whispered beside him.
Leo's voice cut through the growing unease. "What's your purpose, Sabana? Are you trying to kill all the escorts who come into Eoloth?"
The remaining guards froze, his words striking a nerve.
"It's obvious," one guard said grimly. "They don't want outsiders—especially men—learning their secrets. They'll make sure none of us leave alive."
"This is a trap."
Murmurs of agreement spread, and no one else dared to step forward to take Sabana's challenge.
Frustrated, Sabana began pointing at random guards. "You! Fight me, and the silver is yours."
One guard trembled before shaking his head. "No… I surrender."
Suddenly, an arrow shot from the shadows, striking the man dead.
"What are you doing?" Siphonia shouted, her voice trembling with anger. "You can't just kill our guards without cause!"
Sabana smirked. "Enough with the pretense. This is our fortress. We do as we please. As for you brides," he sneered, "sit down and wait your turn. My cousin will come to claim you soon enough."
The brides cowered, but Siphonia remained defiant, her gaze burning with fury.
"You dare defy me?" Sabana taunted. "Where's your brave little guard now?"
Leo stepped forward, his movements deliberate. "Looking for me, or looking for death?"
The room fell silent as Leo approached Siphonia and kissed her boldly in front of everyone. Gasps echoed through the hall.
"What are you doing?" Hanna, the selection overseer, screeched. "You're disgracing the brides!"
Leo pulled back, his voice calm yet commanding. "This woman is my responsibility. None of you will touch her but me. Hahaha." Then he laughed.
Siphonia's cheeks flushed with both embarrassment and surprise. "You're fucking insane," she murmured, though a smile tugged at her lips.
Sabana's fury erupted. He signaled his men, and a volley of arrows flew toward Leo. Leo didn't move. To everyone's shock, the arrows shattered upon impact, unable to harm him at all.
Sabana's eyes narrowed. "Who are you?"
Leo's voice was steady, almost mocking. "Are we fighting or not?"
Sabana roared, charging at him with murderous intent. Yet Leo moved like a shadow, effortlessly sidestepping the attack and pinning Sabana beneath a crushing boot.
"Do you yield?" Leo asked, his voice cold.
"Never!" Sabana spat, signaling hidden archers.
Arrows were fired on Leo.
But in a blur of movement, Leo twisted Sabana into the line of fire, using him as a shield. Arrows pierced Sabana's body, leaving him bloodied and gasping on the floor.
The crowd stared, stunned.
"Did he just use Sabana as a human shield?" someone whispered.
Sabana groaned, trying to rise. "Kill him!" he roared.
The guards hesitated, their courage faltering under Leo's oppressive aura.
"You are fucking wasting time," Leo growled, his voice laced with deadly intent. "Get Rabama out here for a fight. I'm done playing with noobs."
With a final, crushing stomp, Leo shattered Sabana's back and destroyed his Cakra Core. The room fell into stunned silence.
Lord Kabana suddenly entered the Hall expecting a festive mood, but his expression soon turned dark at the unfolded events. "What the hell happened here?"
"Sabana challenged the guards and… lost," Hanna explained hesitantly.
Lord Kabana's gaze fixed on Leo, who casually collected the box of silver and placed it into his storage space, drawing murmurs of awe.
"He even has a storage space," someone whispered. "Only high-tier Svad mages can afford that."
"He's a high-tier Svad," Kabana said, his voice grim. "Why did that Zeru send a high-tier mage to escort his niece?"
The hall's attention shifted entirely to Leo, who stood unbothered, his dominance undeniable.
Ignoring their stares, he took Siphonia's trembling hand in his own and, grabbing a plate of food, strolled confidently to the host's seat at the head of the hall, like he was the Boss of the event.
Without asking permission, he sat down, leaving the party guests shocked and speechless.
"What the fuck are you doing?" Siphonia whispered.