"How shall we duel?" Malin glanced at the guards and noticed they all seemed to be followers of the Winter Wolf Lady. With this realization, Malin asked with a smile, "Here?"
"Yes, let’s give it our all." Karin declared with what seemed to be full confidence. As he drew his longsword, Malin began to understand—this was no ordinary blade, and the guy obviously came prepared.
What does the Winter Wolf Church mean by this, do they truly believe that their demi-legendary figure can defeat Malin just because he wields an artifact?
While thinking this, Malin saw the fellow named Karin pull out a bottle of potion and drank it down, then he saw this guy’s body undergoing visible changes, becoming more powerful... A divine potion, no wonder he was confident to engage in such a fight with him.
Hmm, Lady Winter Wolf, I wonder what relationship you have with the Noble God and the Master of Wisdom, such a curious conjecture indeed.
Thinking this, Malin felt puzzled, but despite his confusion, he still raised his hand, "I’d like to ask, is this a fight to the death?"
"To the death?" At this moment, old Hagelberry seemed to finally understand the situation. As he spoke up, the atmosphere immediately heated up, and everyone turned their gaze toward Karin.
Well, Malin previously thought this was a little secret that everyone was aware of, but it seems not even King Manheim had been informed.
That said, this guy really did come prepared.
In Malin’s view, Karin nodded, "Though I may be somewhat weaker in comparison to Lord Malin, I have confidence in my combat skills and will not lose to anyone. Let it be a fight to the death; there is no room for the weak in this world."
Malin turned to his obedient apprentice, "Soren, what do you think?"
"Can you not make the hall too dirty, Teacher? It’ll be quite the hassle for the servants." Soren pleaded, looking at Malin.
"I agree, if you’re to become a king, you ought to at least show a merciful side to your servants," Malin nodded, then extended his hand.
Soren placed his hand into Malin’s.
"Hey! Why are you taking Prince Soren with you! Are you planning to desecrate this duel by running away?!" Karin’s roar erupted from behind Malin.
"Karin Doma, you really are a brainless fool, just go kill yourself," Malin commanded, then led Soren out.
Malin’s little apprentice turned his head and looked at the burly figure struggling. It seemed he was fighting against himself, but his will could not command his body. His hands twisted the longsword, gradually placing the weapon against his own neck.
"Why?! What sorcery is this?!" Doma’s second son wailed.
"There are many forms of power, and I can’t explain each to someone as foolish as you, but I can tell you this: power lies with me and it is called justice."
As Soren’s mentor, Malin Gaiate said this, smiling towards Soren.
"Child, tonight, I will take you to eat Thanan-style pan-fried buns."
Soren shifted his attention from the large man who had slit his own throat to his mentor.
"How did you kill him, I know it wasn’t justice," the young child said, looking at the figure before him, full of fear, full of doubt, and full of anticipation for the answer in pursuit of knowledge.
"Spiritual Energy, his heart was only protected by a door that wasn’t locked. I simply knocked, and allowed his own pride and complacency to destroy himself. That’s all; now my child, shall we go eat pan-fried buns?"
"Yes!" Soren nodded with joy.
A child with the talent for Spiritual Energy had never before today truly faced his own potential.