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The sharp sound of steel clashing with each other echoed in the air as a figure completely clad in black armor fought against a silvery half-blood wolf. Their figures flickered here and there, delivering powerful blows that shook the air, as they competed to see who would prevail over the other.

CLANGGG!!

Emery's Savage Sword let out a loud metallic sharp sound as it clashed with Thrax's mysterious-looking glaive before the two of them simultaneously took several steps backwards, fueled by the momentum of their clash.

'I am impressed!" Emery said, a smile hanging on his face before he dashed in again for another exchange of techniques.

It was a surprise for Emery, who possessed over 400 battle power, having quite a hard time against someone who had not yet become a magus.

Thrax did not have the Magus' Immortal Body nor a bloodline that gave him powerful transformation, yet he managed to possess such an extraordinary battle power that went beyond those of magus level.

One of the secrets for such prowess had to be the artifact he was using, which to his surprise was apparently a Tier 6 glaive artifact, [Gae Bulg]. It was a powerful artifact that had been enhanced with a legendary soul who had completely accepted Thrax as his master.

Another reason that made Emery couldn't beat the Immortal Gladiator as quickly as he expected was his new fighting technique, which made him move in such a way that enabled Thrax to make up for his lack of speed, and even turn it to an advantage.

But still, those two would still not be enough to make Thrax this powerful. After racking his brains, the only explanation Emery could come up with was the strength that the latter had shown during the Magus Tournament 4 years ago.

The Law of Slaughter,

[Blood Rage]

Recalling the method for nurturing and deeper understanding of that particular law, Emery could only imagine how many battles Thrax had gone through, how many times he had danced on the side of death, to be able to comprehend the law and temper his body to such an extent.

CLANKKK!!

Emery could not help but groan as he traded attacks and once again received a heavy blow from the Immortal Gladiator. The two of them were knocked away from each other again but this time, it was him who took a few more steps back.

"Amazing, Thrax!!"

There was a snort as Thrax said, "Hah! Don't joke with me. I know you are not serious yet. You haven't even used your Immortal Gate skill yet!"

A chuckle escaped Emery's mouth hearing that. "Are you sure you want me to fight you at full strength?" He said while staring at his best friend, which earned him another snort from the latter.

"Geez, is this trash talk, all you've been learning for the past 4 years?."

Emery just chuckled at the jab Thrax threw at him, before he finally used the [Immortal Gate]. Not wanting to let down his friend's sincere request, he held nothing back and went straight for stage 7.

[Battle power increased by 128 points]

"That's more like it!" Thrax said as he saw the faint layer that was signature of the Immortal Gate technique begin to envelope Emery's entire body. In response, he quickly cast a spell that shrouded his body in layers of flames, enhancing his body even more.

With big smiles on their faces, their figures disappeared again and started their next round.

As Emery didn't hold back anymore, it was apparent that Thrax didn't have the advantage anymore, but even with the difference in battle power of over 100, the Immortal Gladiator managed to hold his ground and didn't lose so easily. In fact, their battle had become even more fierce.

Time continued to pass, and the sound of the result of the two's battle finally drew people to where they were fighting. Seeing what it was, those who came stayed to watch. Some of these people were Morgana, Aiko, Tessa Karat, and even Armand.

At this moment, Emery no longer used his [Shapeshift] ability, fighting Thrax in his true form. Hence, when he finally saw who Emery really was, Armand was completely speechless, seemingly unable to come up with a response.

Everyone held their breaths as they watched the battle appear to be reaching its climax. Then, however, Emery suddenly separated himself from Thrax. While everyone including Thrax was confused, he said, "Let's just stop here. If we go any further, one of us could be seriously injured and we don't want that, do we?"

At first, Thrax didn't agree, and it was only after Emery promised that they would have another match tomorrow that the Immortal Gladiator finally relented and dropped the matter.

His body was drenched in sweat and a bit of blood after such an intense fight, hence Emery went to grab a bucket of water to clean himself up. It was then that he noticed that Tessa was walking towards him.

"I finally remember who you are," She said.

Expecting such a response, Emery just said, "I hope you will keep my situation a secret."

Nodding her head, she said, "Of course. That's the least I can do for you. Not only are you my savior, you are also a hero to many people in Golden City for what you did during the Academy Bloody Incursion ."

"Thank you." When he realized she still hadn't left, he asked, "Is there anything else?"

The brown-haired woman added, "You are not only young and talented. Your true form is also pleasing to the eye…"

Emery was quite taken aback by the sudden and straightforward praise. He was also surprised by the recruitment offer to be her bodyguard that she gave afterward.

"My family can pay really well, you know…" She said, "Just give me a number."

Shaking his head, Emery said, "Thank you for the offer. Unfortunately, I can't accept it."

Even though he couldn't accept the offer for obvious reasons, it didn't mean that no one else could. Scanning his surroundings, Emery quickly went to Armand, who seemed still conflicted, and said, "However, this one is an excellent choice. What do you think about recruiting him? I'm sure he will become huge one day."

Since she obviously wouldn't be able to recruit Emery, Tessa didn't force her way and instead looked for the next best opportunity. Moreover, after what Armand had shown and done for her, she didn't really care about his past record.

"It's a deal then. You will accompany me back to Golden City," She said to the Nephilim.

Even though the portal still hasn't been repaired, Tessa has sent word home and a ship has arrived to collect her and all of the Raven captives. Before leaving she said, "Don't forget to find me when you are in Golden City."

As for Armand, he turned to Emery and said, "I'm not sure if I actually hate you or like you… But for all that happened I'm glad you're still alive" Next with a much harder tone, he said "thank you."

In return, Emery gave him a piece of information that he knew the Nephilim could use. "It's about Eeshoo."

The name of the Nephilim faction's prized descendant quickly caught Armand's utmost attention.

"I don't know how he is now, but four years ago I saw him still alive when he was captured by the elves."

Hearing those words, Armand surprisingly took a deep sigh and said, "It seems your friend Atlas was right. He's been obsessed with finding Eeshoo these past few years."

After promising not to reveal his identity, Armand boarded the ship and left with the Karat faction, leaving Emery in a reverie thinking of the name Atlas. On the other hand, at the mention of a friend, he was finally reminded of the one the enforcers had caught.

"Annara!"

To be continued