Everyone around Meriel was stunned into silence after she snapped at Gydarra. After a moment, Gydarra sheathed his sword and stepped back. He covered his mouth with his wrist but couldn't stop himself from letting out a suppressed chuckle, which soon turned into loud laughter.

"Hey, what is this? Is this the young miss I know?" Gydarra said.

"Stop it, Gydarra, that's enough," Gaem interjected, turning to Meriel. "Meriel, are you okay?"

Meriel smiled and nodded at Gaem's question, and they embraced. "I've missed you so much," Gaem said. "We were really worried about you."

Meriel then released her embrace and she stepped back, "Can't you see I'm fine now?" she said.

Gaem nodded, her face relieved of tension. She smiled warmly at Meriel.

"Ah, sorry," Meriel said, walking over to Nathan's side. "This is Mr. Nathan. He's my party leader."

Nathan waved his hand at Gaem. "Hi," he said flatly.

"Hi," Gaem bowed. "My name is Gaem and I'm Meriel's childhood friend. And this," she said, pointing at Gydarra, "is our party leader."

"Humph!" Gydarra crossed his arms. "So boring... I really want a fight." He then turned to Nathan. "Hey, human! Let me fight you once, I'll squeeze and crush your face."

"Don't tell me you're jealous of Mr. Nathan because young miss shares stamina with him, Gydarra?" Gaem said teasingly.

"Ch! Lame!" Gydarra replied casually.

They then discussed the reason for Nathan and Meriel's arrival. They relayed what Robert had informed Nathan.

"We just wanted to let you know; ultimately, the decision is yours," Meriel finished her explanation.

"I think it would be fun to fight together with a large group," Gaem responded with a warm smile.

"Sure, that would be a waste of time fighting with so many people," Gydarra replied with a condescending smile. "The seven of us were quite effective against any monster attacks that came our way."

"Can't you ease up, Gydarra?" Gaem replied.

"Humph!" Gydarra frowned. "I think someone here forgot who is the leader of this party, Gaem?"

"Why don't we just vote and make a decision together?" Gaem suggested.

"What the heck is voting? As long as I'm the leader of this party, I don't want to hear any decisions that result from voting." He answered Gaem with an annoying smile.

Gydarra turned to Nathan. "I'm still interested in having physical combat with you, human," he said.

Nathan took a deep breath, then looked at Meriel. "Would it be alright if I enslaved a dark elf?" he asked.

Meriel stifled a laugh and covered her mouth with the back of her hand. "Sure, why not?" she said.

Gydarra exclaimed, "What? Are you serious?" and then started laughing.

Gaem glanced at Meriel and muttered, "Is this okay?"

Meriel gave her a slow nod.

"Gydarra!" Meriel shouted. "We don't have time to waste on meaningless things. What do you say if you two fight without weapons or skills and whoever lands the most hit in one minute wins?"

"Humph! So lame." he scoffed. "It won't take me that long to teach this jerk a lesson he'll never forget in his life."

Nathan was currently at level 58, while Gydarra, according to Meriel, was at level 70 plus. Yet Nathan's total stats were greater than someone at level 60. The difference between 10 levels profoundly affected the user's total stats. But, more than this, how a person could capitalize on their potential would be the deciding factor in who was the winner in a battle.

Nathan and Gydarra got ready to face each other, although it was unclear why Meriel had suggested this kind of battle. Yet, it seemed she had seen how Nathan had fought dozens of people that morning.

After gaining the Blessing of Sloth, Nathan could make any move just by imagining it; he was able to master a move or technique after seeing it once or just in his mind. On top of that, his anger had been growing since his encounter with the leader of that group.

"Call me Master," Nathan said, his voice breaking the silence. "Do whatever I order you, if I win this battle."

Gydarra scoffed. "You're too confident for a weak human. I'll be asking you to eat my shit after this!"

Gydarra got into his fighting stance while Nathan stood still, seemingly confident in his footing.

"CH! So lame!" Gydarra said.

Gaem stepped in, holding a rock in her hand. "Once this stone hits the ground, the one-minute timer starts. Are you both ready?"

The two men remained silent, focused on each other.

"Okay," Gaem said and tossed the rock into the air. She quickly stepped back.historical

Exactly when the rock hit the ground, Nathan was the first to act, throwing a lightning-fast punch. Gydarra managed to dodge it, but Nathan had already made his next move, a powerful kick that sent Gydarra flying backward.

Nathan had a composed expression, while Gydarra looked increasingly annoyed with Nathan's initial punch.

Gydarra quickly recovered and retaliated with a flurry of punches and kicks, but Nathan deftly dodged them all with swift and agile movements. He then quickly followed up with a series of finger jabs and knee strikes, leaving Gydarra reeling.

The contrast between Nathan and Gydarra was evident. Nathan moved quickly, accurately, and with agility, while Gydarra favored powerful strikes over speed.

Gydarra attempted to retaliate with a roundhouse kick. However, Nathan was able to snag it with his arm and transform it into a strong sweep. Gydarra was sent tumbling to the ground, and Nathan promptly followed with a forceful leg sweep.

Gydarra attempted to stand, but Nathan was too fast, launching a combination of punches and kicks that left Gydarra confused and fighting to protect himself. Nathan kept up his attack, sending strong kicks and punches that Gydarra could not block. Gydarra began to look exhausted, and Nathan took the chance, delivering a powerful flying kick that sent Gydarra crashing to the ground.

Gydarra attempted to stand up, but Nathan was already there, launching a succession of strong punches and kicks. Gydarra attempted to defend himself, but soon he was pushed against the wall. Nathan threw one final roundhouse kick that sent Gydarra across the arena. The match was over quickly, and it was evident who had won.

Meriel beamed with joy at the outcome of the match, and everyone around her, who had been anxious about what was unfolding, mirrored her expression.

"Gydarra is the type of fighter who relies on delivering heavy damage in combat." Gaem said, "He's not accustomed to fighting with his fists, particularly against someone as nimble as Mr. Nathan. It appears the result of this battle has been determined from the beginning. Poor Gydarra..." She added with a faint chuckle.

Meriel then nodded, affirming Gaem's words. "If they fight with all their might, Mr. Nathan might have a tough time. But he is not the type to give up easily. I'm sure he'll find a way to win," she said confidently.

Gaem paused and noticed something different about Meriel, which made her smile in relief.

Nathan approached Gydarra and extended his hand. The young elf accepted it and stood up, his face remaining still while he wiped the blood off his cheek. "Master..." he uttered softly.

"Good, Gojira. Now get me a drink; I'm thirsty," Nathan said.