"What's going on? Isn't that man supposed to be an ascetic priest? What is he doing at a Combat Tournament?""They say ascetic priests aren't interested in power or wealth. Yet, here he is, stepping into the battle ring. It's really strange.""Wait! I know him. He's the renegade among the ascetic priests, Thaddeus Savier.""What? Father Savier? Are you talking about the same guy who slaughtered an entire family in a fit of rage eight years ago?"The mention of Thaddeus' name caused a stir in the crowd. There were only a few ascetic priests in the world, and he stood out distinctly among them.No one knew what had happened. But rumors circulated that he had allegedly slain 17 members of the guildmaster's family from the Sable Order in one night eight years ago. Since then, Thaddeus had forsaken his vows entirely. He indulged in all sorts of vices—drinking, women, and money.His temper was notoriously explosive. Plus, he was quick to resort to violence at the slightest provocatio
"Number 19?" Alicia looked at Dustin with a puzzled expression. "Dr. Rhys, why do you think he can win?"Aurora commented, "Number 5 is the ascetic priest. Even though they're evenly matched, he seems almost unbeatable. Number 19 may be the successor of Shadow Citadel, but he seems inexperienced. In every aspect, he's clearly no match for Number 5."Despite Dalen's handsome appearance, he paled in comparison to Thaddeus in strength. They couldn't understand why Dustin's opinion differed so much from theirs."I know Number 19. Despite his gentle appearance, he's quite skilled. He shouldn't have much trouble defeating that ascetic priest," Dustin replied casually."Really?" Alicia raised an eyebrow in surprise. She hadn't anticipated Dustin knowing Dalen, let alone being so confident in his assessment."In that case, let's bet on him," she decided without hesitation.Regardless of whether Dustin was truthful or accurate in his assessment, Alicia felt compelled to respect his opinio
After the referee signaled the start of the round, the crowd was cheering and rallying enthusiastically. Most were rooting for Thaddeus due to his formidable strength and put off by Dalen's appearance."Kid, you should just give up now," Thaddeus said while sipping his drink. "Otherwise, you're going to end up with broken limbs once the fight starts."He didn't take Dalen, a guy in his 20s, seriously at all. Thaddeus' goal was to defeat the top contenders in Group A. To him, the elites in Group B were just stepping stones."Father Savier, isn't it inappropriate for a priest to enter a battle ring against younger opponents?" Dalen smiled and lightly waved his folding fan."What's wrong with that?" Thaddeus countered. "Priests are human too, with the same emotions and desires as anyone else. Those you see claiming to be above it all are just hypocrites. "Sure, they act pious, but who knows what they're up to in private? At least I'm honest about my desires. Like they say, 'live lif
"Wow! He's so charming. He really embodies the saying, 'Like a gem among men, unmatched in the world.'""Not only is he handsome, but he's also a great fighter. I'm in love.""Go, Honey! You're the best."Every move Dalen made stirred waves of excitement among the crowd. Young women were completely captivated. Their eyes gleamed with admiration as they watched him in action.If Dalen were just a pretty face, it wouldn't matter much. But his effortless deflection of Thaddeus' attacks twice demonstrated his formidable skill.His striking good looks and exceptional talent naturally drew the attention of the women in the stands."Screw that! He just lucked out dodging a few moves. What's the big deal? He's just trying to show off.""He looks like a sissy but doesn't seem to have any real skills. Once Father Savier got serious, he'd crush him in seconds!""Go, Father Savier! Take down this boy toy."The male spectators grumbled discontentedly, unlike the female fans. They questione
Amid the crowd's intense anticipation, Thaddeus' Palm of Justice finally crashed upon Dalen's head with immense force.A loud roar echoed through the arena as a tidal wave of terrifying energy erupted outward. The spectacle was awe-inspiring, and the pressure was unfathomable.A sudden gust of wind hit the spectators. It caused their hair to stand on end and forced them to squint against the unexpected rush of air.As the tension settled and silence descended, all eyes turned to the battle ring, where a startling scene unfolded.They thought Thaddeus's strike had sealed Dalen's fate unless he dodged it. To their surprise, Dalen emerged from the attack unscathed, not a hair out of place nor a mark on his pristine clothes.The sight stunned everyone as they struggled to comprehend what had transpired in that crucial moment. Why was Dalen unharmed? Could Thaddeus have held back? Such thoughts raced through their minds, even as the lingering shockwave from their clash reverberated t
Thaddeus' blade moved with blinding speed. It was so fast that it was almost a blur of blue light. Unlike the previous techniques, the Zenith Skill and the Palm of Justice, this was pure physical power—extreme speed and explosive force. The blade sliced through the air and tore it apart without making a sound."What an incredible speed," Crystal said, her eyes widening in shock. The saying "experts recognize expertise" couldn't have been more apt. Though Thaddeus' strike seemed simple, it showcased terrifying speed and power.At that moment, she truly understood the formidable nature of the ascetic priest. Thaddeus' cultivation was profound. But even his physical body was honed to perfection. He was a rare martial artist who excelled both internally and externally. Such a person could easily challenge a grandmaster martial artist.Before anyone could react, Thaddeus' blade was already inches away from Dalen. However, just as Voidcleaver was about to land, a white light flash
"Oh? Dr. Rhys, are you that confident? Does Dalen have some secret moves?" Alicia raised an eyebrow. Her curiosity was piqued."Shadow Citadel's skills aren't limited to just the Evasio Incantation. If Dalen is brave enough to enter the tournament, he must have some tricks up his sleeve. I believe that with his strength, he won't stop here," Dustin said calmly. He could tell Dalen had yet to show his full potential. Despite his carefree demeanor, Dalen was hiding his true abilities. Therefore, advancing to Group A would be effortless for him."Since you think so highly of him, let's wait and see what surprises Dalen has in store." Alicia smiled faintly and didn't press further. She didn't doubt Dustin's assessment but wondered what made him think so highly of Dalen.Meanwhile, Thaddeus continued his relentless assault in the battle ring. He swung the Voidcleaver in a frenzy. Each swing left behind a mesmerizing trail of deadly blue arcs."Kid, surrender now! Your Evasio Incantati
Under the intense gaze of the spectators, Thaddeus' Voidcleaver clashed with Dalen's folding fan. To be precise, Dalen's fan struck Thaddeus' blade.A thunderous bang echoed as their weapons collided. It unleashed a powerful energy wave that radiated from the point of impact. The shockwave swept through the surroundings, sending dust and debris flying. Spectators near the battle ring had to shield their eyes from the whirlwind of grit.The two men were locked in a standoff on the battle ring. Dalen's folding fan, like a sword, tapped against Thaddeus's blade. One was striking downward, the other thrusting upward, creating a deadlock in midair.The spectators were stunned."Whoa! He actually blocked it? What’s going on?""Father Savier's attack had the power of a grandmaster. It was a devastating strike, yet that pretty boy managed to counter it with finesse. Impressive!""Damn! How is the boy toy still alive?"The spectators buzzed with mixed reactions. Some were shocked, some