Chapter 230 Alexander's Interference, Challenger's Identity
"You aren't the only one who has the ability of God Sight." The Challenger then raised his lowered head, showing the golden eye that has the mixed aura of godliness, royalty, authority, and cold sharpness.
The light of his eyes then pulsated, and as soon as it did so, a huge, petrifying pressure fell down on Han Jun. The ground where Han Jun was standing also sank ankle deep, which shocked even Matthias, because he was the one who created the arena to endure large and powerful battles, and he estimated that even the deities in Matheon wouldn't be able to dent it.
Seeing how easy it was for The Challenger to put pressure on the Third Prince and damage the platform, Matthias leaned forward, prepared to move at any moment's notice.
Unfortunately for him, his son Alexander beated him to it. As soon as The Challenger released his charged attack, Alexander disappeared from his seat and immediate reappeared in front of Han Jun.
He then manifested his Spear of Kelseus and slashed the incoming attack. As soon as the blade of the spear hit the sword beam, he became astounded as a great and resounding 'Boom' echoed throughout the hidden realm even with the barrier that Matthias placed.
Matthias' eyebrows lifted, speechless by the Challenger's power. Although he didn't reinforce the barrier he created with even just the half of his power, the barrier was still made by a god. It having almost shattered the barrier shows just how powerful that attack was.
Inside the dome barrier, the dust and debris casted a dense amount of dust cloud. When all of it dispersed, everyone was amazed when they saw the aftermath.
The entire arena caved in ten feet deep, and the only part of it that was left standing was the ground where The Challenger is standing with his sword already sheathed back and a V-shaped platform with Alexander in the middle and Han Jun behind him.
Alexander's eyes were narrowed as he looked at the man on the other aide of the ruined arena, "Your attack seemed to be a bit over the top."
Behind him, Han Jun had his mouth agape when he heard Alexander's remark, "What do you mean 'a bit'? That could've evaporated me into absorbable energy!" He thought.
In response to Alexander, The Challenger replied, "I had already held back my attack."
Alexander thought back to that sword beam. Suddenly, he remembered something familiar with the energy, "Father!" He called out, still facing the Challenger."
"What is it?" Matthias' voice sounded out. "The energy he used.." Alexander uttered, "..it's the combination of Wind Energy, Sword Energy, and the Energy of The Spirits from Aqiartha. I'm sure of it."
In the room where Matthias and the others were watching, Matthias' and Isabelle's eyes widened, alarmed by the mention of Aqiartha.
They hadn't had the time to go down when The Challenger's voice interrupted them, "Yes." He confirmed, "I am from the Realm of Aqiartha. Is there a problem with that?"
Alexander and his parents were dumbfounded with his admittance of their thoughts. The others who were with Matthias and Isabelle were puzzled by their reactions.
Alexander then spoke after a while of silence, "Aqiartha, how was it before you left?" He inquired.
He then heard a chuckle from the challenger, "I only know the same details as you." Without saying more, the challenger then unsheathed his sword once more.
"I want to know the power of my mother's younger brother." He said before slashing towards Alexander, sending a sword beam towards him.
"What?!" The three were taken aback by what the Challenger said, with Alexander becoming distracted and hit by his attack while Matthias and Isabelle flew up from their seats.
Isabelle turned to Matthias questioningly, while Matthias was even more confused. "I didn't do that sort of thing with any of the people of Aqiartha, not even Raya!" He cried loudly and confusedly while alternating his gazes at his wife and the challenger below.
"Then who?!" Isabelle squealed confusedly. Suddenly, her eyes widened as she remembered something, "Tell me something." Her voice abruptly turned serious.
"What?!" Still confused by the information that he had received today, he subconsciously yelled at Isabelle, which startled him.
"That day in Ichosterse, did she do something to you?" Isabelle asked with sharp, narrowed eyes. Suddenly, it occurred to Matthias.
"Guin.." Matthias muttered dumbfoundedly, and turned to scrutinize the Challenger, whose face he could see underneath the armor. Figuring it out, he immediately stepped forward, prepared to enter the arena.
With his God Sight, The Challenger noticed that Matthias had already figured it out, so he made sure that he wouldn't go out, "Emperor, I suggest you sit back down and not interfere. This is a matter between brothers of different mothers. I should at least know how powerful I am, who developed only with my mother, compared to the family who had you." He stated emotionlessly before turning his gaze back at his older brother.
Hearing that, Matthias suddenly went stiff, before regaining his control of his own body and standing stoically, looking down at the arena. Seeing both of his sons' power, he immediately reinforced the barrier enveloping the battlefield.
Inside the barrier, seeing The Challenger's look and knowing what his next move would be, Alexander, who was panting because of the attack he had suffered, waved his free hand forward at Han Jun, "Leave the arena, quick." He ordered seriously without leaving his sight at the man at the other side.
Knowing that he would only become a burden to his brother, Han Jun nodded reluctantly before standing up and rushing out of the ring. As soon as Han Jun left the battlefield, the two quickly dashed towards each other, with their weapons brandished and prepared.
In a span of a second, the two had already exchanged moves for almost a hundred times. Their surroundings blew up due to the sheer aftershocks from their attacks and parries.
Alexander's Kelseus flew to different directions and pierced thousands of times towards The Challenger. The Challenger's sword, on the other hand, waved his sword and redirected all of them behind him.
Even though the barrier has already been reinforced and no aftereffects could be felt from the outside, everyone still heard the deafening sounds of clashing and saw the blinding flames coming from Kelseus, a weapon forged especially by Matthias with a sun core that he had created and was given a name by its owner with Morningstar, who shines the calmest but the brightest to illuminate the land.
Every attack coming from Kelseus left burning marks and ashes at the places it hit. On the other hand, The Challenger's sword, containing the power of wind and sharpness, reduced the surroundings to piles of dust.
After a long exchange of moves, the two retreated by jumping back, with Alexander floating in the air while The Challenger stood on solidified wind.
"You really are worthy of being my brother." The Challenger suddenly stated loudly and with a pant.
"Heh." Alexander curled his lips up and chuckled pantingly, "I am happy that I have a brother like you, even just as a half-brother." He smiled.
"You are worthy to know me, brother." The Challenger replied, and started to remove the helm that covered his face. Now, everyone saw him, and was shocked. He was incredibly handsome.
His black and wavy hair reached to his nape, and his sharp and mesmerizing eyes had pupils that were dark brown with hints of golden specks. His face could be said to be perfection, with his aura as a Spirit and a God Descendant leaking out of his handsome demeanor.
He curled his lips and opened his mouth to say, "I am Ray, son of Guin, daughter of Raya." Different from his usual robotic voice, he spoke with a deep and enchanting voice.
Earliest, inside the room, Matthias watched the battle calmly, with anticipation as to who would win.
When he saw the prowess of his son Alexander and presumably his other son from Guin, he couldn't help but be proud as a father. "I could only thank Guin for raising him well."
When the two backed off to rest, he nodded in approval. They know their limits and respect each other, to the point that they do not take advantage of the weakened opponent. "Hmm, hmm." He hummed in satisfaction.
He then listened to their conversation with a hint of a smile on his face, "It's good that they are getting along. There would be no problems or tensions between the Imperial Descendants, I hope." He thought.
(A/N: While creating this chapter, I actually did a bit of contemplation, and realized something, so for those who forgot, I'll reiterate it for you all. In the Aqiartha Arc, to ensure that there would still be the royal line of spirits, Matthias was said to have a baby with Princess Raya. Unfortunately, the baby was kidnapped and led to Guin becoming the enemy's pawn. Two years after Guin being kidnapped, Isabelle had Alexander. Remember, Alexander was eight years old when the act between Guin and Matthias happened, and Alexander was born two years after Guin was kidnapped by the enemy. Just reminded you all.. If you want, contemplate with this information yourself.)