Chapter 211: Absurd Ability (1/2)

Arthur had seen the zeal of passing this test in Jonah's eyes firsthand. He knew how much he wanted to pass and knew how tempting the new surge of power was. After all, he had experienced it countless times with his Release rune.

Jonah looked at his palm with a stoic expression, clenching his hand into a fist as he enjoyed the surge in power. He then glanced upward and looked at the crystal hovering mid-air.

”This is a test, right?” He turned to Arthur and asked. Arthur simply shrugged as he answered.

”It might be, but the stakes are the same.”

”I'll probably get accepted into Jerano if I become the first to pass the second test,” Jonah told Arthur and the latter nodded.

”You would.” Arthur smiled. ”So, what's your choice?”

”Well, I don't know you much. I don't know you at all. It has been literal hours since we met.”

”True.” Arthur nodded his head, disappointment pooling into his heart.

”But I know myself for as long as I can remember,” Jonah said and Arthur didn't understand what he meant. ”If I betray my principles here, I'll forever live as a hypocrite. I can never choose the side of morals again without being a hypocrite.”

”I'm the same.” Arthur grinned. ”So? What is it going to be?”

”Do you trust me, Boss?”

”At this point, I barely trust myself. People change.”

”Ah, that's so mean.” Jonah laughed helplessly. ”Nonetheless, I implore you to trust me. Let me have the crystal.”

Arthur looked at him silently, trying to see through him. If Jonah had asked any other way, he would have struck him down here and now. Yet, the straightforward approach of Jonah made him doubt his motives.

”No,” Arthur shook his head. ”I hate being fooled.”

”Boss,” Jonah looked torn as he seemed to think of ways to make Arthur trust him. After a certain time, his face brightened as he took a step forward. ”You can restrain me!”

”What?” Arthur was stunned before he grinned and shook his head. ”I doubt I can restrain you with how much power you've gained.”

”Oh,” Jonah seemed to remember the surge of his power only then. ”Mr. Haught Voice, can you take away this power?” He asked the empty air.

”Are you sure you want to give it away? It's your only chance to pass this test. We know fairly well that with your strength alone, you won't be able to pass.”

”Why are you so adamant about this?” Jonah asked the voice. ”Is it because I'm handsome?”

A moment of silence followed as Arthur waited for Jonah to laugh. However, his serious face seemed to be anything but joking. The voice seemed stunned as well before replying angrily.

”I seek justice!” The voice replied righteously. Jonah, however, seemed not that convinced as he adjusted his hair.

”Uh-huh, sure. Now, take away this strength.” Jonah said in a tone that would have killed the voice's owner. With a powerful snort, the light around Jonah disappeared.

”Now, boss!” Jonah turned to Arthur with a grin. ”You can restrain me!”

Arthur didn't know what to do anymore and simply restrained him. Jonah's arms folded together behind his back as a pained expression overtook his face.

”This is Boss's true powers…”

”Don't say weird things,” Arthur walked toward the place beneath the crystal. ”I want to see what you have to offer.” Arthur raised his hand toward the crystal and it landed in his hand. ”Here you go.”

Arthur placed the crystal in front of Jonah. However, the conceited fool simply slumped to the ground and sat. He then gestured to Arthur with his chin.

”Place the crystal on the ground, Boss.”

Arthur did as Jonah said and retreated backward. He watched with interest as Jonah closed his eyes and began meditating.

'I bet he's watching this, that psychopath.' Arthur thought to himself. 'However, I doubt he knows what Jonah is trying to do as well.'

Arthur didn't want the crystal, to begin with. He had no plans on ranking first and miss the chance to increase his strength in this place. However, he wanted to see the true colors of Jonah.

Jonah had two choices. To give Arthur the crystal or to fight for it. However, he had surprised Arthur by a different choice. As he looked at the young man meditating, Arthur wondered what he wanted to do.

Mana began to gather around Jonah as his hair rose upward. Jonah's mana gathered around the crystal as the world buzzed. Arthur felt that weird sensation he felt when Jonah used his ability earlier.