An unspoken benefit that wasn't guaranteed. Every few years, there would be an unexpected visitor for the winner of the tournament. Of course, I wasn't aware of this.
Just as Fez had left the infirmary, a minute later my body was healed enough to walk properly. *Click brr* The infirmary door opened to my surprise, there was a strange figure standing there. No it was only strange in my eyes because I could not believe it at that time. Something this beneficial. Was I having a dream? No, I was just a little fatiqued from lying in the bed for so long.
For information, everyone was okay due to the barrier numbing the pain. Aided by will power and healing spells, everyone else easily recovered in 10 minutes, while I had slept in the bed for a couple hours. It was strange for Fez to be worried about me, so it was normal for her to leave right after we discussed about my victory of the bet. Anyway, as for why my fights were so close to my defeat, these students were also talented as well to have defeated their seniors and making it into the top 5. It wasn't as if I could use 'wrath' during the match, for one thing I don't actually know how to use [Time manipulation]. What if I did something by accident and end the world? Well, it wasn't that dramatic or exaggerated, but I don't want to mess with it too much.
This person had a strangely familiar atmosphere. His aura gave a sense of comfort, as if he was one of the strongest beings in the world. Sporting a gold crown that was attached to his head with magic, his eyes were sharpened with a strange determination and resolve. It felt like he was ready to battle at any moment. A wind blows through the infirmary from the window, shaking the old figure's small grey beard. In his hand held an extraordinary gold staff that had a large silver orb at the top along with other smaller bronze orbs floating around.
He wore a formal black business suit, except there were gold buttons all over his sleeves, his frame didn't exactly seem like it belonged to someone of old age as his muscles were barely kept in. Using [mana detection], the room blacked out. For a few seconds, I wasn't struck by a pressure but rather pressed down by an existing pressure. What the hell! This guy's mana is so dense that I can't find the boundary. It cover's the whole school!!
Turning off my skill, I recover my breath as I salvage a smile for this unexpected visitor. Unbeknownst to me, I had subconsiously put on a ferocious grin that anticipated battle. Surprised, the supposedly old man got shocked for a second as well before starting the conversation.
"I am the one and only great king, Bavner. Among all these years of tournaments, your fighting prowess has intrugued me the most. Rising out of nowhere and defeating the 7 great families, you definitely earned recognition." (Bavner)
*Snap*, with a click of the finger, a strange blonde old man appeared. In an instant, the surroundings changed into another familiar sight and I was already on my feet. Grey marble pillars connect from the ceiling to the ground supporting a giant inverted glass dome that acted as a roof. Light was concentrated into the middle, giving a visible shine on the large throne that Bavner sat on.
The throne was strangely futuristic instead of fantasy-like, with glowing lines that ran through the surface , seperating it into sections all over the throne as if hiding weapons underneath. Off to the side of the tall throne was Bavner's attendant, the old blonde guy at the side that probably teleported us here. He had a loose jacket that was folded back and exposed his shoulders, as if he was some kind of Yakuza. His chest was covered by bandages and he wore an expensive looking jean that covered a little of his black boots.
Before I noticed, Bavner had also changed into a casual grey hoodie and black sweatpants, giving the opposite impression of the one he gave in public. "You... You want to take over the 7 great families and challenge my rule?" (Bavner)
"Tch, you can read people's mind from such a far distance?! Ugh, so much for privacy and plan formulating. How are people suppose to challenge you? It's impossible!"
"It's not impossible. All you have to do is to grow stronger than me, so if you fight, it will inevitably be your win. Of course, a mere S-rank can never hope to defeat me. With Houzo here, we can even obliterate Hero parties." (Bavner)
The king is on the same rank as the demon lord?! Guess these 2 somehow got their hands on SS-rank classes. Tch, just my luck.
" [Abyssal dome-tier 1] This is the time to use it, or I won't stand even a slight chance.'wrath'! [Time manipulation(increase speed by 1000 times) ]." This shortens my lifespan as long as I use it. Every 3.6 seconds, an hour of my life is gone. Immediately going at my maximum speed, I shot a kick towards Bavner's neck.
Not even bothering to dodge, a smile slips out of Bavner's lips. My leg was abruptly stopped, sending all the momentum into my leg and severely breaking my bones. "Argh!! Tch!". Dispelling 'wrath', I dropped ontu the ground clutching my leg. Looking at the King, I realised his attendant was missing. Blood shot out of my throat as if something was pushing it out. Looking down, there was a fist impaled in my torso. Guh, so he can use his teleportation this way. Good thing he didn't finish me off.
"FINISH HER OFF HOUZO!" (Bavner)
Giving a vehement smile, I activated 'wrath' in time. [Time manipulation(Rewind)]. Yes, this was what it meant when I avoided using it. Artificial omnipotence, if I kept rewinding.
I'll never die.
Back at the start where king Bavner reveals that he knows my plan, I simultaneously activated 'wrath' and sent a kick flying at the king. *Bang! *, smoke flies out from the heat and force produced. Looking closer, my leg was exactly an inch away, blocked by a strange barrier again. Bavner changed to a blank expression as he signals to Houzo to stop his attack.
If I had to guess, since the king was able to read my mind and hold up this magical barrier, his class was a magic type while Houzo's was a physical oriented class. How are these guys able to conpletely block 'wrath'?!
From king Bavner's point of view, a different set of thoughts suddenly filled Emily's mind. It was different than [Future sight] as a whole entire set of thoughts instantly formed instead of just predictions of enemy moves.
"You have 'wrath' huh~ From what I observed is that it controls time. I changed my mind. If you can control the 7 great families, go ahead but I won't give you the throne. If you try anything funny on me, I will personally hunt you down before you can activate 'wrath'. In exchange for this, ally with me and the kingdom. "(Bavner)