'' Here we are, standing before one another again. ''
Friegen exclaimed to Seiya with a tone that made it clear to Seiya that there was more to this confrontation.
Seiya couldn't completely understand what he was insinuating but he had a sneaking suspicion that due to those powers that he was the person from the other day but it was difficult to know.
Friegen's face was covered in bandages but his voice despite being muffled felt familiar.
'' You must be eager to battle if you chose not to run but you hesitate to strike me. Are you trying to recall me from your memory right now? Or are you contemplating what's the best strategy of attack? You didn't get enough information out of my match to know what's the best decision to make when approaching me so surely you must be happy I'm not taking the initiative at least for the time being. ''
Friegen took a step forward which made Seiya flinch as the white haired prince took a step back, he held out his hands as he weighed his options.
Should he attack first and decide what to do from there?
Or should he continue observing the male?
He learned quite a bit from Hieki and he couldn't afford to make a mistake in the ring where he couldn't get any assistance if he messed up.
Friegen was clearly older than him and more experienced so Seiya couldn't make mistakes that could be exploited.
'' You regal folk always seem to only ever focus on yourselves, you have no right ever leading this country. If only you remained in the palace, if only you just stayed where you were. If only you continued reading your scrolls. ''
Seiya's cautiousness completely was washed over by the words he spoke. Seiya's voice came out monotonous as he spoke in a tone that sounded like he would scream at any second.
'' What are you talking about..? Who are you? ''
Friegen's silence that followed Seiya's inquiry made it clear. Seiya had known deep down who he was but he couldn't believe it.
'' We guards had our faces veiled so you didn't really notice nor paid much mind to my identity so I'm not surprised you don't recall me. It doesn't matter though since I've forsaken my identity a long time ago and sided with the Yomi Empire and since then I've committed myself in furthering their cause that will unite the entire world under one flag, I've built up a reputation as the Mad Bomber by feasting on the remains of my victims in this city but they don't know any better. Anyone who knows of my actions firsthand are dead and those who've witnessed my actions from afar fear the idea of me. These civilians fuel me with their collective fear of me and that was what gave me the right to join the Dark Hand in the first place. They've accepted me and gave me the responsibility of infiltrating the Tenkyoku Empire and to set up the Castle for immediate spatial transport but you left right when the process was underway. So I merely waited for you in this village where I was born and raised many many years ago, I've always held such fond memories of this community but I don't mind grinding it into dust underneath my feet. Whatever it takes to advance in life, whatever it takes for a nobody like me to become a somebody. Many people strive for creating their own destiny and I am the same, this isn't anything personal. ''
Friegen spoke with words that held much hostility, Seiya could only try to hold back his anger as he could see now why his older sister instructed him to leave the palace. They must've found out moments before it occurred and since there was too many people within the palace it'd be difficult to get them all out in time so they made the choice that threw Seiya out into the world.
'' Don't you want to join your Sister? I can wrap this up and be done with it with a single attack. I get my promotion and you get to be with her again, it's a win-win situation. You've lived a life of privilege, it's about time you let others get a taste of the sweet life. It's the least you can do, don't you agree? ''
'' Don't talk to me like you're on my side. You are just a filthy traitor! ''
Seiya quickly responded to the man who caused the prince to be misdirected. He couldn't decide what he'd do now considering everything that's been said but he knew he had to find out where his Sister was.
The only thing is, he knew this man would not easily give him that information.
Seiya chose to run towards Friegen now, intent on finally battling the male since there was no reason to drag this out further.
As the white haired male reduced the distance between the two, Friegen let off projectile explosions where Seiya had been however the prince wielded the Iron Skin technique to mitigate the damage coming from the impact of the explosions so that he can continue moving closer to him.
'' You'll only tread closer to your own demise down the path you are taking but there's no reason for me to warn you, you are a dead man walking. ''
Friegen claimed whilst producing further explosive blasts upon Seiya but the boy still pushed on through.
'' Azure Legend! ''
Seiya held out his hand as a surge of blue energy rolled through his entire being and focused onto his left arm, shooting out a focused beam of blue energy onto Friegen who created several explosions in between the two of them to stop the beam from reaching him.
'' So my ears didn't deceive me earlier, you actually claim to wield that Exalted Technique that belonged to that person from generations long past. How futile of you to think you can stand on the same ground. ''
Friegen ran at great speeds to grab Seiya by the face, his hands glowing before inevitably exploding point-blank.
Seiya had fallen backwards, onto the arena ground as Friegen stood over him.
The announcer was preparing to call the match over as Friegen prepared another blast to hit Seiya with but the young boy jumped up and used his head to collide with Friegens, jumping up from being on his back.
The speed and the inability to perceive this action from occurring had gotten Friegen by complete surprise.
'' You still have some fight left in you? ''
Friegen spoke with great curiosity on the state of the boy. He was certain it was over but alas, it was not.
Seiya was smiling as his face was covered in a layer of frost that was beginning to melt. He had applied a defensive coating on his face when he was grabbed to help protect against the blast , using it in conjunction with the Iron Skin technique to ensure the damage dealt was minimal.
'' I can't lose to you, not after everything you've done. ''
Seiya brought his palms out to prepare battling this male once more, his eyes focused on the opponent before him.
Friegen did not feel any caution from Seiya, he merely wanted this battle to be over so he prepared to continue as well.
Friegen looked at Seiya's stance and noticed how heavy the boy's chest was breathing. Surely he doesn't have much left in him. Friegen spoke in an antagonistic voice, doing so deliberately to break Seiya's morale.
'' If I must break you down, so be it. It's not like you can run at this point, before this tournament started.. I've rigged the entirety of the tournament grounds with my explosive power. If anyone who entered the vicinity tries to leave, they'll be blown to smithereens. You aren't the only one who will die here today if you continue down this path. Unless of course you stand down and I'll disarm the explosives, your life for theirs. What is your choice, Seiya? ''