Chapter 798 “WHAT”
The minutes passed quickly for the viewers, their eyes glued to Aron as he sat unmoving in the same meditative position for over fifteen minutes. Speculation ran rampant on both sides, fueled by curiosity and tension.
For those in the Empire, the consensus was that Aron was in VR, likely meeting with family or key figures. Many debated who he might be speaking with, guessing that he was either calming worried loved ones or strategizing for the next fight.
On the other hand, viewers from the Astral Conclave harbored a mix of anxiety and intrigue. They questioned whether Aron was recuperating in preparation for the upcoming battle, enhancing his focus and mental clarity, or if his recovery from the previous fight was incomplete and he was still in the process of healing.
But their speculations ceased to matter as Aron opened his eyes with five minutes remaining in the waiting period. Calm and deliberate, he removed the glasses from his head, placing them back into their container. His next move drew gasps from the audience as he approached a massive golden cylinder, distinct in both size and color from the previous containers he had used.
This new cylinder, large enough to hold what seemed to be over a ton of liquid, exuded an almost regal presence with its shimmering golden hue. It was clear to everyone watching—the Empire's citizens and the Astral Conclave alike—that this container was special.
With practiced ease, Aron detached the cylinder from its carrier, which promptly left the arena. The viewers were mesmerized. They knew by now that the liquid inside was nanomachines, yet the sheer volume and the ceremonious presentation of this container hinted at something extraordinary. Speculations once again flared as the countdown to his next fight continued.
With just ten minutes (including five minutes for final preparations) remaining before the final showdown, anticipation reached its peak. This wasn’t just another fight—it was the ultimate test, the battle that would offer a clearer measure of the Emperor's true power.
If Aron emerged victorious, his strength would be deemed comparable to the highest tiers, even among the legendary Xor’Vaks—a civilization known for their unmatched might. A loss, on the other hand, would still place him at the level of the Xor’Vak royal elites, a remarkable feat in its own right.
She lowered her head slightly, her gaze unwavering as her tail lashed the ground, sending faint vibrations through the arena floor. A silent but clear message radiated from her presence: she was here to dominate, and Aron was about to face the ultimate challenge.
Aron stood firm, his demeanor calm and resolute, as if the taunt carried no weight against his unshakable resolve. His decision to continue the fight was not made lightly. Surrendering without testing the true might of the Xor’Vaks would not only tarnish his image but also compromise his empire's standing. Worse still, it would mean relinquishing black hole technology—an invaluable asset of immeasurable significance.
The stakes were too high to yield without a fight. Aron knew the technology was a game-changer, not just in terms of power but also as a strategic tool. If the Xor’Vaks were to advance this technology further, it could tip the scales in ways that were difficult to predict or counter. The empire had yet to develop future-proof countermeasures to contain such advancements.
The silent tension between them was shattered as the Xor’Vak fighter princess, Seraphina, finally spoke, her deep, resonant voice carrying across the arena.
"Emperor Aron, you have proven yourself worthy of the arrogance you displayed during the negotiations," she began, her tone formal and neutral. Yet, despite her measured words, an undercurrent of frustration and anger seeped through, betraying her true emotions. "As a price for us underestimating you, I have been ordered by the Grand Xor’Vak, the leader of our race, to surrender."
Her declaration sent shockwaves through the audience on both sides. It was an unimaginable turn of events. Seraphina—the pride of the Xor’Vaks, a warrior princess of unparalleled might—had been ordered to concede without so much as a fight.
The viewers fell silent for a brief moment as the weight of her words settled over them, only to erupt in gasps, murmurs, and disbelief.
But it was Aron’s reaction that captured everyone's attention. His calm and calculated demeanor shattered as his voice rang out in incredulous shock: “WHAT?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
The sheer disbelief in his voice mirrored the sentiment of every spectator. No one could have anticipated this outcome—not after the build-up, the tension, and the stakes that had defined this contest. For the first time, the unflappable emperor seemed genuinely blindsided.