Chapter 87: Cold Murder

Chapter 87: Cold Murder

Vivi had lost, but she could not resign!

Through his pain, Alexander took that in with grim pleasure. Hed attacked her lung on purpose.

His tail reformed and snapped out like a lance, aiming to penetrate her head and kill her on the spot. He was sluggish, exhausted, and injured, but still moving faster than any pre-System human.

Vivi barely managed to dodge. Completely out of mana, she tilted her head to the side and fell on her back. The tail carved a deep wound on her left cheek, exposing the mouth and bone underneath. It then reared back for another strike. Vivi was on the ground now. She couldnt dodge, and she couldnt resign.

She gritted her teeth. An explosion went off inside her head. Her eyes instantly lost all light as she slumped down, losing consciousness. She had fried random things inside her head hoping the healers could save her, because she had no other choice.

Since she lost consciousness, the battle was over.

However, Alexanders tail pierced at her head again. He didnt care about the tournament. His goal was to murder her. The judges and healers were too far away to react in time.

Nobody could save her.

A man-shaped meteor suddenly tore through the protective energy wall and crashed into the stage, shattering Alexanders tail just before it pierced through Vivis eye. Jack Rust stood there, tall and proud. The air around him fluctuated with palpable violence. His eyes shone like fire as he glared down Alexander from right in front of his face.

She lost consciousness. Fuck off, he said with barely restrained fury.

Hmph. I didnt notice. What do you care, American?

I told you to fuck off.

Not only had they slept together last night, but Vivi was Jacks friend and a close ally. He would be damned if he just stood by and watched her get murdered like this.

In fact, he had already been flying over before Vivi lost consciousness. It was only the brief delay brought by her action that allowed him to reach in time. Three healers arrived just after him and were already pouring their power on Vivi.

Alexander snorted again but did not move back. His cold eyes met Jacks.

It was the first time Jack saw Alexander from up-close. He was a stout man, big and stocky. His clean-shaven face was wide with heavy features, and as his ice disappeared, it revealed a loose shirt underneath. He reminded Jack a bit of Hugo, the slavic man who had been keeping watch on his mother; the first person hed ever killed.

However, Alexanders most striking feature were his eyes. They were a cold, icy blue, and they stared in a way that Jack had never witnessed before. It was like he was staring down a machine; a cold-blooded, highly-trained killer. These eyes chilled him to the bone.

Of course, Jack had never lost a stare-off since the System arrived. His glare punched through Alexanders brain, promising violence. Jack, too, was a highly-skilled killer. Maybe he wasnt cold-blooded, but in this case, that made him even more dangerous.

Stop! a commanding voice came from above as the head judge swooped in between them. A gust of wind pushed them both back, making them turn to look at her. The fight is over. Retreat.

He interfered. That is against the rules, Alexander said. He should be disqualified.

What are you guys planning to do now? Jack asked. The fights are over.

I think Ill relax a bit, Edgar replied, leaning back in his seat. He seemed over his defeat already, and his eyes were already twinkling with new ideas. Now that I dont have to fight anymore, I dont have to train all the time Not to mention that my master is off-limits, like my house. Oh, I have to pack up, too. Where are you staying? he asked Sadaka.

The Jade Skin hotel, the man replied. We can get you a room.

Yeah, that would be great.

I will relax as well, the Sage said. Maybe go watch the waves until nightfall Yes, that would be nice.

You would watch the waves for hours? Edgar raised a brow. Theyre just waves.

They hide very interesting patterns, young wizard. Predicting them is difficult. Perhaps you would benefit from the practice, too.

Ah no; as I said, no training today.

Same for me, Vivi added, letting out a sigh. I must find a way to deal with the public relations mess of my defeat.

Its not that bad, Vivi, Sadaka told her. Everyone saw how hard you fought and how strong you are. Maybe you lost, but you honored the Flame Rivers reputation.

Hmm, true, she replied, already deep in thought. Maybe we could twist this into us being the underdogs? Everyone loves the underdogs.

Thats the spirit!

Jack raised a brow at her scheming, then glanced at Dorman, who was staring right back at him. They were two of the four remaining finalists. They had a one in three chance of fighting tomorrow.

I will go train, Jack said. You should do the same, Dorman. I dont want to kick your ass too easily.

You wouldnt even be able to touch me, the Asian teen shot back.

Heh. Well see about that. If you get matched against Rufus, I really wont have the opportunity to touch you.

I will win the tournament. It doesnt matter who my opponent is.

Jack smiled as he stood. Anyway, see you guys. I have to go now.

Oh, really? Vivi said, raising a brow. She was clearly still distraught, but she kept it for herself. Do you have a date?

Jack laughed. Little blue men are not my cup of tea.