"That's enough." Diego stopped Theo together with the battle.
Theo quickly turned to Laust and Phyrill, who somehow stopped Lavinia with two swords pointed at her neck.
"…"
The people were confused at the moment as they never expected their country to lose to a low-level nation like Thersland.
But this was also the proof that Thersland needed to show they were different this year.
Theo quickly raised his right hand while clutching his fist. His expression was cool and aloof as if telling them that the win was the result of their power, not luck.
"This… This is a big scoop!" Sheira drew a gasp as she looked at the arena in disbelief. "We have just witnessed the birth of the greatest dark horse in this competition's history! Theodore Griffith and Alea Eilric have led their team to the victory."
While Sheira focused on Theo's deeds, all other people actually discussed what Theo had done earlier.
"Theodore Griffith, it seems we have underestimated him. His coordination with his clone is already at this level…"
"That's right. Every movement of his would be followed by his clone, resulting in the clone sending Enrica back to the real body. This movement repeated continuously, preventing Enrica from counterattack."
"No, no. It was due to him focusing on Enrica's blindspot. The pope knew the problem with special eyes is blindspot, so he compensated it with powerful Awareness. Unfortunately, Theo's strength was too strong for Enrica to handle."
"You should also mention his Teleportation Skill that made such a thing possible."
"No, no. It should be his Illusion. Enrica sent a punch before Theodore even released his power. She must have been under his Illusion this whole time, making her unable to see which one was real and which one wasn't."
"It doesn't change the fact that his clone is extremely dangerous. It seems Theodore can share his vision with his clone together with his thinking ability. This way, their coordination is close to perfect. With some experience and personal training, he may surpass the worth of two top-talent individuals easily."
"We need to get a good tutor for him. Mythical Rank Expert is the lowest standard."
"That's right. We need to make a move before the Griffith Family tries to stop everything."
"I am going to make a call right now."
Many people were discussing Theo's ability. Even though Laust had shown them his blessing, it was not enough to overcome Theo's Clone.
Enrica could also feel it coming as she walked to Theo, extending her hand. "Congratulations."
"Thank you." Theo nodded with a smile.
"You are going to become a hot commodity among the countries after this."
"I know. I have prepared for it."
"In that case, I will retreat first and make you an offer later." Enrica smiled as she just told him she was among those who wanted to invite him. "Anyway, I have one question. How well is this result in your scenarios? I'm sure you have made several of them, right?"
"In the middle, I guess." Theo smiled. "Ignazio's plan made all the good ones disappear…"
"Haha, I'm going to tell Ignazio about it." Enrica smiled before releasing his hand and walking to Laust and Phyrill to congratulate them.
Marco and Lavinia also came to him, showing good sportsmanship.
Theo walked back to their waiting room with Phyrill and Laust.
During their walk, Theo couldn't help but say, "Congratulations for receiving your blessing."
Laust's body shook as he looked at Theo while gritting his teeth. Instead of sneering, he took a deep breath and muttered, "Thanks."
Phyrill heard it and hopped on his back, teasing him. "What is this? I seem to have heard something interesting. Say it again."
"You're annoying. And get off me!" Laust's body shook, but Phyrill kept clinging to him like what he did to Theo in their first meeting.
Theo only smiled and returned to the waiting room before he got the "second" Phyrill, attacking him right after he opened the door.
"Theo!" Ellen leaped to him and hugged him to express her joy and gratitude to Theo, who made all this possible. "You have worked hard, Theo. Thank you so much!"
Theo nodded and let her do whatever she wanted for the time being. Just like her, he was also in the mood for celebration after all.
"It's because of everyone's effort and cooperation."
"Alright, alright. I don't need that cliche line. We all know that without your commands, we won't even pass the first round, let alone get this kind of result. I wonder what will happen when you return to Thersland."
"It's going to be tiring." Theo shrugged and glanced at Laust. "Though I believe the Lange Family will try to kill me."
Laust closed his eyes and said with a calm expression. "I won't take part in it. But if you're standing in my way, I will kill you."
Theo was amused by the different responses from Laust. That answer seemed to carry the change in Laust's heart as well.
Ellen's eyebrows twitched as she felt awkward having this kind of conversation. She released Theo and said with a smile. "Let's not talk about it during the celebration. We should celebrate!"
While they were talking about their win, Alea just stood still in the corner, looking at Theo. She closed her eyes as the scene of their meeting flashed in her mind.
…
It was inside the woods back then. She said, "Ah, you were the guy who defeated Laust Lange. So, you are still alive."
His reply was like a timid but polite junior. "Nice to meet you? How can I help you?"
After "forcefully" dragging him into her team, Theo gradually showed his power to her. However, she felt Theo had been holding back the whole time as if he was trying to protect some sort of secret that couldn't be seen by other people yet.
Then, their rivalry came into the picture. She also helped him from time to time, mostly with monetary support, but Alea soon realized every decision Theo made would always come to help him in the future.
And the same Theo finally showed the world everything he had in this competition, just like he always wished.
That gesture right after they won gave her a goosebump. The memory of Theo's timidness just made the impact even more powerful.
This impact might bring him good and bad in his life, but Alea couldn't help but smile as she recalled the scene and muttered, "Still, it's the first time I see you expressing yourself to the fullest."