76 I Just Want to Beat You Senseless (1/2)
The stadium once more fell to silence and stupor. However, unlike with Holger's case, it wasn't due to shock. Instead, confusion was to blame. Among the thousands of spectators, less than a tenth comprehended what had just occurred.
…
”Interesting. Each got knocked out with a single slap. However, it was so fast that most people could only register a single sound. As for the move, it was even more challenging to follow.
That boy's speed already reaches the mid-level Transcendent Knight Rank. Among those present, only the counts, marquis and dukes can follow him effortlessly.”
Heinrich analyzed.
In the Holy Flame Empire, high-level Transcendent Rank cultivators could receive the title of counts. Low-level Semi-Saints of marquis, and high-level Semi-Saints of dukes.
As for Saints, they were eligible for the sovereign prince title. Therefore, among the nobles below, only the counts or above flawlessly witnessed Konrad's move.
Seeing his performance, Heinrich couldn't help but reevaluate him. Although he'd received news of Konrad's previous results, he didn't place many hopes on him. After all, his cultivation level was by far insufficient.
But now it seemed like he'd severely underestimated him, and that this lack of foresight was about to cost him money.
”No wonders the von Jurgen resorted to the Saint-Origin Pill. His performance must have frightened them.”
Still, Heinrich wasn't optimistic. If speed was the strongest tool at Konrad's disposal, perhaps he could seize victory from Nils, but defeating Holger was impossible.
He shifted his attention to Verena and Else and saw pleasant surprise flash within their gaze. Clearly, they also didn't have a full grasp of his abilities.
Of the two, Verena's surprise was the highest. After all, she had no knowledge of Konrad's demonic lineage. The only thing she knew was that the last time she saw him, he was a mid-level Grand Knight. Now he had reached the Arch Rank in both the martial and spiritual path.
Better, his physique and battle power seemed even more outstanding. She couldn't believe that this was merely the result of hard work and suspected that some hidden expert was dedicated to training him.
Her suspicion fell on Else for an instant, but she soon rejected the thought.
”I'm curious of how much progress he actually made.”
…
The unknown often terrified the many. Konrad received no ovation. Instead, terror-stricken eyes observed him from afar.Of course, there were a few exceptions.
”WOOOHOOO! See this? This is my daddy! My big daddy! No one can compete with him!”
Daphne yelled from her seat. Iliana threw her a disapproving glance, but for once, she said nothing. Although she didn't agree with Daphne's ”unique” word choice, she was just as elated by Konrad's performance.
Of course, she also knew that the real challenge had yet to come.
Wulf who sat by Daphne's side almost spat blood, and seeing the odd gazes of the spectators in the vicinity, he didn't know where to hide his face.
”Unfilial daughter, shut up at once!”
…
”Good. Very good. The stronger, the better!”
Holger's heart overflowed with joy. No one could imagine that right now, the person who most desired Konrad's victory was him. The more outstanding his performance, the more relief Holger felt.
As for Nils, her eyes brimmed with fighting intent.
Held by important matters, Elmar wasn't among the spectators. However, he would appear during the next round.
”We will take a one-hour break, then carry on with the semi-finals.”
The battle royal had come to an end, with only four contestants remaining. Of the four, only one had shown the full extent of his skills and clearly didn't belong to the party.
As for the rest, they still held immense hidden strength. The spectators were full of excitement, and when the semi-finals' matchup appeared, they almost leaped from their seats.
”Nils von Jurgen vs. Anselm Kracht!”
Most believed that this would be the last match with suspense, a clash that would leave profound memories within their minds. Some, however, were more skeptical.
”Who do you think will be the victor?”
”Hard to say. My money would be on the ninth prince, but that Kracht boy looks like one hell of a freak.”
”Yeah, who knows what else he has up his sleeve?”
The hour passed by in a flash, it was time for the semi-finals' beginning!
”Nils von Jurgen, Anselm Kracht, on the stage!”
As the bishop's voice echoed, Konrad stood up. This time, he could no longer evade Nils' gaze. There was no point trying to do so. As the two walked toward the stage, their eyes met, and he could see the burning determination shining within hers.
Eyes interlocked, they stopped three paces away from one another. Tension was palpable between them. Tension most attributed to the upcoming clash. The most astute, however, felt something odd. As if there was old enmity among them.
Nils, especially, could hardly constrain her soaring emotions.
”You should concede.”
Konrad declared. His tone calm, and indifferent.
His words, however, sparked the outrage within Nils' heart.
”Oh? And why is that?”