Most were still shocked by Garth's actions even after he had stepped out of the arena. The nobles gritted their teeth in anger, for once, they all agreed on one thing and that was to ensure that Garth paid for his actions.
They couldn't allow him to go Scot free no matter what. A few nobles had already sent out their guards to block the exits. There was no way they would allow him to escape.
Meanwhile, Max had his reservations. Garth was indeed stronger than he expected but his actions… were pretty extreme.
"I guess what happened at the market caused him to hold a deep grudge."
Lara noticed his expression and poked him, jolting him from his thoughts. "Is everything okay?... You looked lost."
Max smiled it off. "It's fine. I'm just impressed by how Garth managed to subdue his opponent."
Lara nodded. "He seems really strong."
Lloyd chipped in. "I hope Laura avoids him. Judging from Garth's actions, he should be close to an Advanced rank Magician in the eighth circle. That's not something she can handle."
Hearing Lloyd's comment, Max got a rough idea of just how strong Garth had become. "He leaped through two stages in a week. Is that even possible?"
***
Healers rushed into the arena to help carry the unconscious Dominic away with Peter remaining.
He watched his twin get carried away in a stretcher, His body a complete mess.
"I will avenge you brother. I swear I will."
The arena grounds were still messed up but Peter did not mind. Standing his ground, he issued his challenge. "Is there anyone that would like to challenge me?"
Peter's voice was domineering. He knew he couldn't fight Garth right now and he needed the means to channel his anger.
It was clear that whoever dared to step into the arena would suffer in place of the real target of his anger.
Of course, that would be if the challenger was weaker.
Just as Peter was about to reissue his challenge, a voice was heard from behind him.
"I will accept your challenge."
He turned to find Cedric standing with an expressionless look on his face.
Peter narrowed his eyes. "I don't want to fight you, Cedric. You are my friend, there is no need to burn our bridges."
Surprisingly the anger Peter held for Garth allowed him to mature, albeit slightly.
Cedric casually replied. "But I do not care for our bridges. I only wish to fight you."
"Step down, Cedric!" Peter roared in anger.
Puchi
"Ugh." Peter groaned as he felt a sudden pain in his chest. He looked down to find a knife pierced through him.
He coughed up blood as he looked up at Cedric. "Why?"
"I have my revenge to act on, I don't think I can wait for you to exert yours… and let's be honest, Peter, that sand guy… you could never defeat him with your mediocre strength." Cedric explained in a detached manner.
"But I just can't let him go!... He crippled my brother!" Peter tried to argue.
Cedric shook his head. "It doesn't matter. You are still too weak. It would be a waste of time to let you fight. You may think that what I'm doing right now is wrong, but in my eyes, it's mercy."
There were traces of unwillingness in Peter's eyes as he exchanged looks with Cedric.
He was about to say more when the knife that pierced his chest was removed.
He uttered another groan again as the injury on his chest began to bleed profusely. Taking one last look at Cedric, he collapsed on his stomach and passed out.
Cedric managed a sidelong glance before turning his attention to the jester. "Does this count as a win?"
The jester rubbed his chin while looking at Cedric. After a few moments of contemplation, he sighed. "… I guess I have no choice but to accept that this was a match. But attacking before I say so won't be tolerated in further matches. Do you understand?"
Cedric nodded. "Of course."
The jester sighed once again as he announced. "Cedric Rion has won his fifth match!"
This time, there was not much fanfare as most nobles present looked at Cedric unfavorably.
Not only did he not come out to help Dominic while he was getting bullied by a commoner. He was foolish enough to take down Peter just because he felt he was too weak.
Some of them doubted if he still saw himself as a noble.
Of course, they were unaware that for Cedric, their thoughts and feelings didn't matter.
Apart from proving his strength, Cedric had one more reason, in fact, one even more important than the first reason. He wanted to take everything from his brother and at this moment, he could hardly wait to do so.
The jester spoke up once again. "Please exit the arena so we may continue the rest of the matches."
Cedric remained standing in his position, his eyes fixated on Max as he slowly remarked. "Is it possible for me to start my next match right now?"
The jester furrowed his brows. "You want to fight right now?" this was a first.
Cedric slowly nodded. "Yes. The match just now took nothing from me, I am still in top shape. So, I want to issue a challenge now."
The jester thought about it before slowly responding. "… I guess that is fine, but are you sure about this?"
Cedric replied without hesitation. "Yes."
"Alright then." The jester addressed the crowd. "The sixth match for Cedric Rion shall now commence!"
Everyone watched to see what Cedric would do next.
Taking a deep breath, he issued his challenge. "I, Cedric Rion, challenge, Laura Webber to combat."
!
Max narrowed his eyes as he muttered. "Cedric don't tell me you are planning on putting an innocent person in your grudge against me."
He didn't want to believe that was the case, because if it was, then indeed, Cedric would be crossing a line of no return.