Chapter 2199 Standoff

Chapter 2199 Standoff

The following day, the anticipated duel took place 100 miles outside the Golden Mansion. The setting was stark and imposing: half a dozen warships loyal to Xavier Karat hovered ominously in orbit, though only 300 of his men were permitted to descend into the burning desert. Among these, ten were grand magus level, showcasing their formidable strength.

Emery, now released from captivity, stood among a similar number of forces loyal to Hassa Karat. Both groups faced each other, an imposing display of power with none below the magus realm, underlining the strength of a grade 4 faction.

The standoff grew tense as Xavier Karat made his entrance. His dominating presence, clad in battle gear, radiated authority. He stepped forward, his voice booming with confidence and determination.

"Brother Hassa, you are the rightful heir to the Karat faction, but you are no leader, especially during these troubled times. I am here to take the mantle until our great father returns!" Xavier's thunderous proclamation resonated across the desert, his words carrying a palpable weight that could be felt by every magus present.

On the opposite side, Hassa Karat sat comfortably on a makeshift throne, exuding a calm and composed demeanor. With a serene smile, he addressed his brother, "Brother Xavier, I praise your good intention and unrivaled loyalty to the family. I indeed lack in many ways, but I cannot break the mandate given by our father. Let this duel be the best way to settle our disagreement. May the Karat stay true and prosper."

"May the Karat stay true and prosper!!" replied Xavier, mirroring the gesture by placing his hand on his chest in a traditional faction salute. Updated chapters at novelhall.com

The standoff and interaction were inspiring for Emery, showcasing a veneer of mutual respect and shared goals for the faction's prosperity. However, as an outsider, Emery could discern the underlying tension and potential deceit behind the brotherly facade. Each faction had its own dominion and planets to rule, making it seem more practical for them to remain as two smaller rulers of the Karat factions. Xavier's insistence on being the sole patriarch and ruling over both factions was suspicious to Emery. He believed there was more behind Xavier's ambition than just the title. Such rushed demand while their supreme leader's demise was still unconfirmed added to Emery's doubts.

As the duel began, the combatants revealed the true extent of their mastery over the magus realm. Their movements were swift and precise, each attack and counter-attack executed with deadly efficiency. The air crackled with energy as spells and techniques of the highest caliber were unleashed, showcasing the pinnacle of magus combat.

Emery watched intently and couldn't help but be impressed by the display before him. The last five years had convinced him that no one under the grand magus realm could surprise him anymore, but Ravi and Scarpa were proving him wrong. The duel unfolding before Emery was a spectacle of elite magus combat. These two were leagues above the young magus he had encountered at the celestial expedition. Ravi's powerful broadsword swings were impressively reminiscent of the dark elf Ezekiel, who had been granted the formidable Khaos Guardian power of Tarrasque. Each of Ravi's strikes carried an immense force, a testament to his training and the resources invested in him by the Karat family.

Opposite him, Scarpa fought with a blend of raw battle power and seasoned experience. Every move of his spear was precise and calculated, honed over centuries of combat. His prowess was reminiscent of the late Lord Izta, a combat magus of unparalleled skill and strength. Both combatants fought with strength comparable to a grand magus realm, their clashes producing powerful booms that reverberated through the air, shaking the sands and sending gusts of wind across the battlefield. The ground beneath them seemed to tremble with each collision, showcasing the sheer force behind their attacks.

The duel was a vivid demonstration of why these two were considered elite warriors of a grade 4 faction. Their abilities were a stark reminder of the formidable forces that existed within the magus realm, pushing the boundaries of what he believed was possible.

Emery noticed the intense hope placed on Ravi by the Karat elders, especially Tessa, whose expression remained stiff and anxious throughout the battle. Initially, Ravi had the upper hand, his powerful strikes keeping Scarpa on the defensive. However, as the duel progressed, a shift began to occur. After a hundred clashes, Emery started to see the critical differences between the two combatants.

Ravi, despite his immense strength and impressive technique, lacked the hardened battle experience that Scarpa possessed. The veteran commander's extensive experience in countless battles became evident as he gradually adapted to Ravi's fighting style. Scarpa's understanding of Ravi's techniques grew with each clash, allowing him to anticipate and counter the champion's moves more effectively.

Moreover, Scarpa fought with a ferocity and determination that suggested he was prepared to give his life for victory. In contrast, Ravi, who had been nurtured and protected within the faction's facilities, seemed less willing to push himself to the same extreme. This difference in mentality became a crucial factor in the battle.

After over 300 clashes, the magus on Hassa's side watched in dismay as their strongest champion faltered. The initial hope that Ravi would secure an easy victory faded into disappointment. Scarpa's relentless assault and strategic acumen eventually overwhelmed Ravi, leading to his defeat.

With Ravi's loss, all hope turned to Emery. The pressure was now on him to win the next fight and keep Hassa Karat's chances alive. As he prepared for his turn in the arena, Emery could feel the weight of their expectations, knowing that the outcome of this duel could significantly impact the future of the Karat faction.