My body was battered from the repeated lightning strikes, and my internal organs felt like they were being twisted in agony.
Despite the pain, I forced myself to stand, not wanting to kneel in front of Klang.
"This is unbelievable...," Klang muttered.
"I will win," I declared.
"You think I'd waste my time teaching an Arahan brat? If I'm going to do something like that, I'd rather die."
"I won't give up. Absolutely not."
Klang's expression turned serious, his eyes heavy with intent.
"Enough of this game. I've warned you. If you approach again, you'll disappear without a trace."
"I'm not going to back down. This is my chance to make your name known."
"You're not my mentor. And I don't need fame. Chasing after such illusions will only lead to a miserable death."
"If I win, you'll have to accept it."
"Do you really think you can win? You're just a 5% chance at best."
Klang sneered, his white mana enveloping him as he unleashed a powerful gust of wind.
I gathered every last bit of my mana, determined to make this my final move.
-Whirr!
This was it. If I failed, I could die. But the thrill of fighting a strong opponent was exhilarating.
"You'll really try to attack again? If you do, I'll kill you without hesitation."
"I want you to do just that. Please, kill me if you can."
Klang's energy became even more ferocious, like a beast unleashed.
The wind was so strong that it was hard to stand.
Suddenly, a massive white spear formed above Klang's head.
It was about 10 meters long and shone with an intense light.
I recognized the spell: "Judgment's Spear," an 8-circle magic.
It was a spell known for its impressive visuals and high damage, often making players choose to be mages.
"Did you warn me? You're going to disappear if you approach again."
"I know what it is. Judgment's Spear. How did you hide this?"
Klang's eyes turned feral, his aura becoming even more deadly.
"I'm sorry, but it seems you have to die here."
"I won't give up. I'll take your final blow."
Klang's spear was aimed at my heart.
But just as it pierced me, a miraculous thing happened.
[The trait 'Immortal Gambler (S)' activates.]
This trait prevented me from being instantly killed.
I had five seconds before it could be used again.
That five seconds was my last chance.
I grabbed Klang's collar and lifted him off the ground.
The fabric of his clothes felt substantial, neither light nor airy.
I smiled triumphantly as I saw the cracks on his face.
"Now it's my turn."
I slammed Klang to the ground.
-Boom!
It was a perfect victory.
Aftermath
The night sky was filled with stars, and Klang gazed at them, seemingly lost in thought.
The open area was scarred, with a massive crater where the Judgment's Spear had struck.
Klang muttered, "How did this happen...?"
I had survived the spear without a scratch. Klang had seen a mysterious light emanate from my body at the moment of impact.
"Ah, I've lived long enough to see such a thing..."
Klang looked at me, still unconscious from exhaustion.
He gently released my grip on his collar.
"Ugh... what a mess I've gotten myself into."
The starlight seemed like the gaze of ancestors, and Klang couldn't help but laugh.
"Why did you have to be so stubborn?"
He realized that his life had found new purpose.
Seven years had passed since he retired from being a mercenary, and he had enough wealth and fame.
But now, he had a reason to live again.
"Looks like I've found a worthy student."
Klang's eyes sparkled with excitement.
He checked my mana circuit and was astonished.
It was barely formed, with only half a ring visible.
"Is he a genius or a weakling? I have no idea."
Despite my impressive mana quality, my circuit was underdeveloped.
Klang chuckled, intrigued by the contradiction.
Just then, he sensed a presence.
"Ah?"
This was a secret location, and no one should have been able to find it.
As the presence drew closer, Klang realized that the magic he used earlier had attracted unwanted attention.
"Lord?"
The Kinzer brothers arrived first, but Klang's gaze was fixed on something behind them.
"Tsk...!"
He sensed numerous powerful auras.
"Ah, you meddling fool! What have you done to my lord?"
A group emerged from the shadows, wearing cloaks with black flames on a red background.
Klang's eyes gleamed with intensity.
"Black Knights, always causing trouble wherever they go."
The leader, Robin, stepped forward.
"Ah, Klang Guttera. It seems you're quite well-known."
"Ha! You must be a high-ranking officer to recognize me."
Robin bowed.
"We were ordered to protect Zed Young Master. May we check his condition?"
Klang's tone turned cold.
"Take him if you can. But I won't let you."
Robin hesitated, aware that confronting Klang would be unwise.
"Currently, he's just unconscious. Don't worry."
"Is he... your student?"
Klang's expression remained unyielding.
The Black Knights were not equipped to handle someone like Klang, a hero of the Great War.
Robin decided to retreat, choosing not to escalate the situation.
"We'll just check his condition and leave. Please cooperate."
"If not?"
Robin gritted his teeth.
"Even you, Klang, can't afford to antagonize the Arahan family. You know that, don't you?"
Klang chuckled.
"At my age, I'm not afraid of death. You should be the one worrying."
The tension between them was palpable, with neither willing to back down.