Chapter 174

[Translator – Prøks]

[Proofreader – Prøks]

Chapter 174: Duel (2)

Han Siah looked at Lucas.

It was their first reunion in eight years.

Nevertheless, not a single word was exchanged between them.

‘He’s the same.’

He was like this when she was young.

And he’s still the same now.

Lucas’s eyes were still cold, almost icy.

‘Snake-like eyes.’

She had firmly resolved herself before the meeting, but the fear etched into her body was beyond her control.

Memories of the terrible pain she suffered in front of an unknown machine.

The watchful eyes of the countless members who surrounded her.

Over ten years of memories flooded out like an explosion.

Her surroundings turned pitch black.

Her hands trembled uncontrollably.

Thump. Thump.

Her heart pounded.

Her hands began to sweat.

Her breathing quickened and her vision blurred. It was a kind of trauma.

Han Siah gritted her teeth.

She felt like bowing her head in submission to his cold gaze.

That’s when it happened.

A large hand grabbed hers. It was a calloused hand, slightly soft.

She turned her head.

At some point, Kim Minwoo was staring at her with a grin.

As if to say she was doing very well.

Suddenly, warmth returned to her cold body. Her senses gradually became clearer.

With a clear gaze, she thought to herself as if making a vow.

‘...Yes, not anymore.’

She was not Griff’s tool.

She was not an ingredient to complete Lucas. Her affiliation was not with Griff, who had made her life miserable.

It was the Korean guild that had protected her, accepted her as a colleague, and awakened her.

The Korean guild was her true affiliation. It was her strongest shield.

Her world brightened.

Her gaze no longer wavered.

Lucas, who had been looking at her with interest, spoke.

“Your complexion has improved a lot. Have you been enjoying yourself?”

“Yes. And I will continue to enjoy myself. Today will be the last time I see your face.”

Lucas scoffed and replied.

“No. You will eventually return. My daughter.”

Daughter?

It was nonsense.

If he had ever thought of her as his daughter, as his own flesh and blood.

Lucas should not have done what he did.

She turned around.

Kim Minwoo’s face came into view.

In that moment, she realized.

Such worries were useless.

Such anxieties were meaningless.

That wasn’t the important thing.

The best thing she could show Kim Minwoo right now was.

“I believe you will win.”

It was unwavering faith.

Kim Minwoo nodded silently.

“I will. Just as I always have. Today too.”

The two got into the vehicle.

Griff’s vehicle began to follow the car as it started to move forward.

* * *

Lucas’ eyes gleamed at the scenery flowing past the window.

Han Siah.

The final piece of the puzzle that would complete him.

The brilliant memory of her first cry at birth was still vivid in the old man’s mind. A talent so radiant that he could hardly look directly at it.

He could say with confidence.

This child would be his most perfect masterpiece.

He felt love for the first time.

He couldn’t help but love her dearly.

Even the most beautiful jewel in the world could not compare to his daughter’s talent.

Such a precious treasure.

That’s why he wanted to possess it.

All of that beautiful talent, without leaving a single drop behind.

So he took it.

He coveted it like a beast that knew no satisfaction.

Until his belly burst and the contents spilled out.

‘Unfortunately...’

Even with the High Priest’s help, he could only snatch away eight-tenths of her talent.

That was Lucas’ limit.

Thus, Han Siah was left with less than half, not even a sliver of her original talent. Yet, her talent still shone. It was like a tree that gives unsparingly.

‘This is happening?’

It was too late to back out now, as Awakened individuals renowned as witnesses from all over the world were arriving. The combined power of the audience alone was enough to overturn a small nation.

This meant that the impact of the duel between Kim Minwoo and Lucas was immense.

If it had been just Korean and German officials, it might have been different, but with over twenty countries sending “witnesses,” the possibility of manipulation was almost non-existent.

“Ah! According to the latest news, the duel will begin in two minutes...”

The reporters began to parrot the news like parrots.

* * *

Sword Saint, Divine Spear, Fist King, Poison Demon.

Starting with the four grandmasters, not only Isabella who was in Korea, but also ambassadors from each country participated in this duel as witnesses.

The only unusual thing was that a NewTuber was also invited.

Kim Minwoo, who had been conversing with his acquaintances, approached Kkammuk with a smile.

“I’ll be counting on you for today’s filming. You know, right? Just until the line.”

“Yes, leave it to me!”

Kkammuk bowed his head as if he were honored and shook hands.

The duel couldn’t be broadcast live on public channels.

It was better for someone to film inside and leave evidence.

‘Otherwise, there will be all sorts of nonsense.’

Look at Sword Saint.

He’s very close to our side.

Even though he retired a long time ago, he’s a much higher-ranked Awakened than Lucas.

It wouldn’t be strange if people suspected that we secretly took care of things inside the training center.

Of course, with dignitaries from each country gathered, it would be absurd to say such things...

‘It’s better to leave clear evidence that we won the duel fairly.’

Kkammuk was chosen for that very role.

Once the duel begins, a white aura will spring up around them, and they will move to their respective positions.

He just needs to film until that point.

Then there won’t be any nonsense. Kkammuk was a NewTuber with the restraint to film only until then.

That’s why he was called.

‘I also personally like him.’

He had often watched his analysis videos.

In any case.

Inside the large martial arts arena, he met Lucas’ eyes. The place was already overflowing with B-rank or higher guarantors who had no vested interest.

No more words were needed between them.

“I, Kim Minwoo, hereby challenge Lucas to a duel.”

“I, Lucas, accept this duel.”

[‘Duel’ has been activated!]

[Please set the detailed conditions!]

“A promise is more precious than a thousand gold coins, they say.”

“We agree on that.”

Lucas replied calmly and stated the conditions.

“Defeat occurs when one of us loses our life. The duel will not end before then. Do you agree?”

“Of course.”

Kim Minwoo smiled and nodded.

[The condition is set to ‘Victory by taking the opponent’s life’!]

[The range of the duel is within this martial arts arena!]

[No one can enter or leave the duel arena before the victory condition is met.]

[There are five or more guarantors!]

[The duel is established!]

At that moment.

A white aura flowed out in the martial arts arena, and Kim Minwoo and Lucas were transported to opposite ends.

[The duel will begin in 10 seconds!]

Regardless of who they believed in or supported.

Everyone, regardless of nationality, gulped.

The die was cast.

“Old man, you know there’s no turning back now, right? You’re a world-ranked Awakened, you should know better.”

“If it were me, I’d be summoning my familiar instead of wasting time talking. Though it would be pointless.”

Lucas spoke coldly.

“What am I going to do?”

“...?”

Kim Minwoo, drawing his Command Sword, spun it around and said,

“It’s a waste to use a butcher’s knife to kill a chicken. I think this one sword will be enough for you.”

Lucas scoffed and began to gather mana.

There was no reason to respond to such nonsense.

“A pathetic last word.”

With just one second left, Lucas spoke coldly.

[The duel begins!]

Immediately, he reached out his hand.

[Heart Seizure (SS)...]

With the intention of bursting his opponent’s heart.

Kim Minwoo stared at him blankly.

Lucas inwardly sneered at his lack of reaction.

But then, the invisible magic that was surging towards him was cut in two.

Shwing!

An arm flew through the air, accompanied by a fountain of blood.

A wrinkled arm.

Sword Saint jumped to his feet at the sight.

‘...Heart Sword?’

His pupils were dilated as far as they could go.

[Translator – Prøks]

[Proofreader – Prøks]