Aizel's gaze shifted towards Alecra, whose countenance was adorned with a wide, self-assured smile that seemed to stretch from ear to ear.

It was a grin of triumph as if he already knew he would come out on top in the upcoming bout.

As Aizel's gaze swept the surroundings, his attention was drawn to a mage standing beside him, his presence almost going unnoticed at first.

The magician seemed somewhat shorter than Aizel, with untidy hair that fell in random directions.

Scars and wounds covered his weathered skin like a tapestry, showing that he had been in war and had been through hard times. Despite the damage to his body, the mage smiled like Alecra, baring his two missing teeth.

Suddenly, Aizel's face changed into one of disgust.

You gotta be fucking kidding me."

[Master, it seems no one still takes you seriously, and everyone considers you a kid.]

Veins started to pop on his forehead.

ARE YOU BOTH READYYYY....

"STEP FORWARD AND DISCUSS THE BET IN FRONT OF THE KING."

The air was thick with Aizel and Alecra's determination as they strode purposefully toward the announcer mage.

It was as if Alecra and Aizel were involved in a silent struggle of minds and wills; Alecra's grin remained glued to his face, and the glimmer in his eyes betrayed a mix of exhilaration and cunning.

"So, Young War God, what are you going to ask from Eudora's family head if you win?"

"I want your family to get dismissed for their noble status."

The tent full of nobles erupted in gasps and murmurs of shock, their expressions a tableau of bewilderment and surprise.

Even the king, seated atop his grand throne, could not hide a flicker of amusement dancing across his features as he absorbed Aizel's unexpected request.

The nobles glanced at one another, their brains racing at the potential consequences of such a daring idea, and the air crackled with a mixture of fascination, curiosity, and expectation.

"Fine, I agree. But I ponder a lot last night, and taking your place in the tournament doesn't bring me much benefit.

"So here is my request: your both women will be mine after I win the battle," Alecra said while grinning more.

Some of the nobles intentionally looked at Shelly and Daisy as their eyes moved and darted around the group.

A hint of unease began to creep into Daisy's heart as she sensed the glimmers of curiosity and scrutiny directed her way.

"Now who is betting with me? I say my pretty boy will win this easily," Suddenly Vespara announced with a heavy voice.

"It seems you really dote on your disciple, war goddess. But that love has made you blind." Raigun commented.

One by one, bets started to be placed among the nobles.

Those who placed the bet on Aizel to win - Vespara, Aquarian, and Soren.historical

Those who placed the bet on Alecra and Geralt - Raigun, Yongiri, Madam Evergreen, Princess, Raven, Edumont, Xavier, and Anthony.

Elric, Sword Emperor, Damian, and one of the members who were present from the Kingsley Family didn't place their bet on the match.

Even Leah's uncle was missing, as he hadn't come to witness the battle.

"Hahaha, it seems we are going to earn quite well today, Vespara," Aquarian commented.

"Ahaha, even though that kid is strong, he isn't winning this one, water saint," Yongiri replied.

"Can you both please just shut your mouth? The battle is starting," Xavier said.

[Master, what should we do?]

Aizel didn't reply as he stood silently waiting for Alecra and Geralt to make their moves first.

"Look at you, what happened? Are you scared now facing two mages at the same time?" Alecra taunted.

Geralt began his measured approach slowly, his posture and movement conveying an air of stealthy might.

A ghostly axe appeared in his hand and sat on his broad shoulder with ease. The weight of his gaze bore down upon Aizel as if challenging him to a formidable encounter.

"I have finally been out after so long, and I have the opportunity to savor a pretty face like yours," He said, licking his lick seductively as he walked closer to him.

[Fuck fuck fuck, Master]

"I hope you won't mind Alecra if I enjoy this kid for a while."

"Hehe, you can do whatever you want, Geralt," Alecra replied.

As Geralt got closer, he could feel the strain between him and Aizel in the air.

Within a breath's distance away, he took a powerful swing with his axe, which cut through the air with a fierce force.

But Aizel easily dodged the strike by quickly moving away.

Geralt's shape flickered and vanished, only to reappear a split second later behind Aizel as if powered by the very essence of lightning itself.

His axe came down in a quick, deadly arc, poised to strike his mark.

Yet, in the corner of his eye, a glimpse of a black sphere caught his attention. In an explosive burst, the sphere erupted, casting a shadowy veil around Aizel just as Geralt's axe was about to connect.

*COUGH*

"What the fuck is this, it's fucking burn," Geralt yelled inside from the cloud of red smoke.

A small storm stirred up in the direction of Alecra, swirling and twisting with a force that couldn't be seen.

As if by will, the whirlwind blew through the red haze, slowly blowing it away and showing the scene that had been hidden.

In a swift and seamless motion, a shadowy figure materialized with a gleaming dagger poised to strike Alecra from the shadows.

But Alecra's sharp senses warned him that trouble was coming. Using the power of the wind, he rose elegantly into the air and out of the way of the deadly strike.

In a sudden and unexpected change of events, a piercing arrow hit its target and quickly went through Alecra's shoulder.

The attack was executed with such speed and stealth that Alecra had no time to react or even detect its approach.

To his surprise, the arrow had a chain connected to it, which pulled him down with a strong pull, forcing him to fall and land on the ground against his will.

"GERALTTTTTT" Alecra yelled in fear.