44 What Is Your Offer?

'So it's the Metal and Wind Path one, he is not the eldest, looks around 20 years old.'

Lucien and Sigurd walked on stage.

'No matter how much I worry, I should be completely confident in my abilities once I need to battle, being a coward is not going to do me any good. If so I should get the best of it.'

Sigurd was lanky compared to his family members, he was still larger than the princes from the Scarlet Empire, and had a different than the noble handsome face, it had a certain wild touch to it. He was walking a different Path than his ancestors, Metal and Wind was a good mix, but there was nothing exact to derive from it, his plan for the future was not really in the open like Maria.

When they were both in position, they nodded to show they are ready.

"Begin."

Both of them didn't move from their positions.

"So youngest of the Scarlet Empire, you are not going to beg and ask for a fight where 'we' spare each other."

"If you get on your knees, I might consider."

"It doesn't matter, stupid boor, your life is not going to be in your hands in a moment. I just wanna ask one question."

Turning towards the stands, Lucien located the Barbarian Emperor.

"Soo... What is your offer?"

"What do you mean, little brat?"

"I see, I'll clarify myself, what are you going to give me to spare his life?"

"YOUU!!!"

Both the Emperor and Sigurd exploded in anger.

"How can you be so sure you can beat me, I'll kill you."

"I guess I asked a bit early."

Lucien thrust his spear blocking the sword that was swung at him.

'His Agility is in the middle Rank 1, so it's a little above mine. Once I get to Rank 2 I should focus on the spear for a while, my technical side is getting slack, with the increase of lifespan I can afford to use a bit of time to improve it.'

'His Strength on the other hand is in the high Rank 1, just like mine.'

'I guess he would have been shunned in the Barbarian society if he wasn't strong.'

'Everything else seems lower than mine, I guess All Existence is to thank for that, he really is a genius.'

Lucien started utilizing his advantages, he didn't mind trading blows that would injure them both.

"Is this all you have, little scum?"

Saying so, there was a metallic flash on the blade of the sword. Sigurd swung down, not towards Lucien, but towards the spear.

'He is barely in the peak of Rank 1 with his Soul, I could even Interrupt him, but where is the fun in that.'

'Destroying the weapon is it? I just was having some inspiration from Vlad. I can't poison you, but my Darkness is stronger.'

Lucien didn't avoid the slash but his spear originally gray spear, turned shinny black.

[Dark Armament]

Both the weapons clashed and there were no sparks, just a bright flash of Darkness mingled with silvery light, during that instant of the flash, the silvery light was completely swallowed in the Darkness.

After the light cleared away, there was only Lucien standing with his spear on the throat of Sigurd, and Sigurd watching dumbfounded at the handle of his sword, since that was all that was left of it.

"So how about now?"

Lucien didn't turn away from his opponent, as that would be a stupid move in such proximity.

He was completely sure, the person who this question was for, was aware of what that question meant.

"The Scarlet Empire has produced a monster it seems, atleast 2 Paths but even I didn't see any usage of a second Path, just your stats are enough of a proof."

"I'm willing to give you a Rank 2 Darkness Herb, it will be of help when you reach Rank 2."

Nobody counted this as interference in the battle, not even a sound was heard from the stands. Anyone on stage could ask questions, and of course answering was a normal course of action, and if a promise was made, the party would keep it, nobody wants to shame their Empire over a Rank 2 Herb.

'Is it a coincidence?'

"See, stupid kid, this is what your life is worth to your father, a Rank 2 Herb, and you know what, I'm going to take it, since I don't think I can get anything more for your pathetic life."

"And it doesn't even matter if you hate me later on, you will never surpass me, so you are destined to live your life with my image in your heart."

Saying so, Lucien slashed, cutting off the sword wielding arm of Sigurd.

"What have you done, what about the promise?"

"He is alive, isn't he?"

"Don't forget your promise, Your Highness."

Lucien walked off the stage, leaving a handicapped Sigurd, who had lost consciousness. He was in the eyes of everybody, Maria was gasping at the methods Lucien adopted, while Vlad looked like he had saw a whole other side of his brother. The only one that was not impressed much was Dorian, the eldest prince of the Scarlet Empire, he just snorted.

Even the Emperors were a bit shocked, it was not that they have never seen this happen, but those who though of this in the first round, normally got far, some of them even becoming the Crown Prince and then the Emperor.

The Ancestors, didn't pay much attention even now, they just memorized the name of this young genius, which was not even an effort on their side.

The Emperor of the Barbarians waved his hand, and wind rose up carrying Sigurd from the Arena back to his side. At the same time in the air before him, a beautiful flower that appeared to be sucking in the surrounding light appeared, it gently flew towards Lucien, who grabbed it with utmost care.

"Winner Lucien BloodMoon."

The Rank 5 seemed a bit more awake after this fight, but still nothing much attracting his attention.

"Next and this is the final fight of the elimination round."

"Dorian BloodMoon vs Sturr RedWind."