Chapter 183 Lyrian Versus Spade

The two chasers stopped, both of them panting slightly. Spade scanned the room, searching for any exits.

'He can't leave...'

He assured, allowing himself to calm down as he took in a deep breath.

'But why. Why is he sleeping? Why is he smiling? It all makes no sense. He was running, afraid of failing this exam, just like a coward--only moments ago. Now, he looks like he's having the time of his life...'

Spade couldn't grasp his mind around this randomness.

'What a fucking odd human being. He seems stupid, but he's either a genius, or the luckiest fool I have ever seen... maybe he's sleeping because he accepted his fate. This room is a dead end after all. Yes, that makes sense. Kind of... well it's the only thing that makes even a little bit of sense here, so I will go with that. If that's the case, then good.'

A grin appeared on his face. Glis stared at Lyrian as soon as he entered the room, also checking on Spade here and there.

'Wow... what a boy. I've never even heard of him, but he stole the core so easily. He must have planned it from the start, with that odd ability of his. I imagined him to be a cocky fool, but he seems to have a foundation of intelligence and power behind that wall of arrogance.'

She began walking towards him, as Spade grabbed her hand. Feeling a hint of threatening energy, she dashed back, furrowing her brows at Spade. He looked back at her with a cheeky smile.

"Glis..."

He said, closing the door behind them.

"It's just us three in here. Even if you get the core before me, you will have to fight me or Theageld to escape. Not just fight, but defeat."

Glis heard these retorts and firmed her ground. Ever since young, she believed in equal strength of both men and women. She wasn't going to back down so easily.

"Humph."

She raised her head in confidence.

"Be quiet, Agustus. Do you think those measly remarks are enough to scare me? I will defeat you if need be. You aren't a threat to me."

She stared directly into his eyes as she spoke. Spade paused for a moment after hearing these words. He couldn't help but let out a giggle, putting his palm in front of his face.

"I know when you're bluffing. Listen up. Right now, Theageld's sleeping because he knows it's all over for him. Even if he had the strength to continue, his plans would be to escape, rather than fight. I know the type of person he is, the type of people who run instead of fighting."

Glis heard his words, not impressed, nor convinced. However, he did make a little bit of sense. Although Lyrian was courageous at times, he seemed timid now that he had run away from them like a scared cat.

"Let me have a crack at him first. In the end, all that will happen is one of us get weaker from fighting. Either him or me. Then, you get to fight that weaker version. Of course, the winner is going to be me, since this wuss has already given up... but you get the idea."

He proposed with the cheeky smile on his face persisting. Glis analyzed the room, also realizing that apart from the semi-broken entrance, there was no escape.

'A weakened version of him? That would be better than nothing... Spade... always beat me in sparring. He knew that I was bluffing and that he would beat me in a fight. But why is he giving me this option? What is he plotting? He knows that there are no escapes but this one...'

Glis squinted her eyes, trying to discern his reasoning.

"Fine."

She took a step back, crossing her arms.

"Thank you! I owe you one."

Spade smiled through his teeth, his grin widening as he slowly began walking towards the sleeping Lyrian.

"Hahaha, it's over for you now, Theageld! Where are you gonna run off to? I suggest you better wake up!"

He yelled, loud enough for his voice to ricochet around the stone rooms. Lyrian, who appeared to be sleeping, suddenly began to talk as he continued smiling.

"Oh, I'm not asleep man... I'm just enjoying this warm feeling. Those were some hefty elixirs. I have to let them marinate in my core, you know?"

He patted his belly, as it seemed to shrink down to normal size. His core absorbed fully absorbed what was left of the mana elixir he drank, rejuvenating his body even more.

[MP 130/200 (+50)]

His mana became fully regenerated to its maximum capacity, which he had set from cultivating.

"Oh? You were awake? Too afraid to speak up huh? Well... not that it matters anyway."

Spade continued walking as Lyrian sprung up to his feet--his eyes still closed--cracking his knuckles, and then his neck.

"I know you didn't want to fight, but even when a mere cat is cornered, it has to fight back."

Spade remarked, as Lyrian finally opened his eyes. Spade was met with a bright smile, along with a pair of brilliant azure eyes that brimmed with energy. Lyrian was... exhilarated. He was in an elevated mood, feeling like he was going to break out into a peal of laughter at any second.

"Didn't want to fight? Haha... it looks like you got something wrong about this situation here, Spade."

"Oh? Is that so?"

"I see... I must have given the impression that I was going to try and pass this exam without many fights, huh? Without fighting you?"

Spade didn't reply, his answer was obvious.

"That's where you're wrong. I want to fight--no, in fact, I'm going to eliminate you right here and now. That's what I've wanted from the start."

His eyes widened, as Spade scoffed. historical

"You really don't know the difference between you and me, do you? I've already assessed your maximum skill, boy. When we had our little duel. At best, you would win 1 out of 20 matches with me."