There was a highly controversial debate regarding the decisions made by the fourth prince, Gilgamesh Asura. Some believed that he had done well to demand respect for the commoners, who often went unnoticed despite forming the majority in the Asura Kingdom's armies.
Arturo had been a complete imbecile with his training companions, and his arrogance had hit rock bottom when he faced someone much stronger than himself. So, many considered Gilgamesh as someone who had brought divine justice.
Others were very angry with him. This was a matter of their mindset and how they felt about things. They believed that Gilgamesh should be punished. This was understandable as someone about whom very little was known had insulted many of the apprentices, calling them dogs.
This arrogance was especially poorly received by the nobles, as they considered it a humiliation to hear Gilgamesh's threats. In some, there was hatred in their eyes, waiting for Gilgamesh's downfall.
In the Coliseum stands, they began to talk amongst themselves. "Elion will end up killing him. I just hope the royal knights don't interfere in this duel."
"I doubt it. It would greatly damage the reputation of the royalty and insult all the knights who respect the code of honor in duels. If the prince spoke, he must stand by his words."
"I'm sure Elion will cut off his legs, and after that, he'll kill him. However, if he does that, he'll be killed on the spot by the knights who have already surrounded the Coliseum."
"Cut off his legs? If anyone were to harm my son, that would be a small punishment. Does this ten-year-old prince want to take the title of a Sword King? He has to be defeated in front of thousands of people so he learns to respect his elders. He must swallow all the shame that we once felt in our lives."
The conversations quickly turned into shouts. The crowd divided into two parts, one supporting Gilgamesh and the other merely waiting for his downfall, feeling nothing else.
Simon, who saw the crowd growing, trembled with fear because this would be a severe blow to the royalty if they interfered in the fight with Elion.
Gilgamesh, who suddenly had a bottle of liquor in his hands, walked through the waiting room. Any other person, whether a child or an adult, would have already fainted from fear of being surrounded by so many people.
"Hmm..."
At that moment, Ragnar entered the Coliseum. His presence subdued the shouts and conversations of the people in the vicinity. No matter how noisy the surroundings were, everyone stopped talking instantly when they saw him.
The aura of a Sword Emperor enveloped the surroundings, leaving everyone in absolute silence.
At that moment, Ragnar began to speak and said, "We warriors respect formal duels. These duels are meant to resolve conflicts and put an end to many other problems that both sides may create for others."
"The fourth prince defeated someone who would have soon become a Sword Saint, so no one should underestimate his strength. Therefore, this duel is valid, and under the authority I represent, I attest that no one will interfere until one of the two surrenders or dies."
Gilgamesh sat in a chair as he listened to this well-delivered speech that silenced everyone. Then he turned to Simon, who was beside him, and said, "In a man's life, he will face numerous challenges, many of which can end the life of whoever confronts them."
"I don't know which faction among my older siblings is determined to kill me, so I will send them a very clear message today." Gilgamesh looked at the entire crowd that had gathered around and said, "Today, I will show them that anyone who wants to come to me must at least be worthy of facing me; otherwise, I won't even give them the opportunity to speak to me."
"Fourth prince..." Simon was left speechless, not knowing when or how he had come to feel that he was in the presence of someone incredibly powerful.
"From now on, do not question my decisions, do not deny or approve of what I do. If you want to stand by my side and reach the pinnacle of the world, then accept that I am someone invincible," said Gilgamesh with a penetrating gaze towards Simon.
"Yes, Your Highness, forgive my imprudence for doubting you..." Simon knelt on one knee, his impassive gaze directed at the prince Gilgamesh , whom he had cared for for over three years.
Gilgamesh was now tolerating Simon's behavior a bit more, as if he hadn't acted this way to protect him, he would have long been in a different place.
"Then, Elion and Gilgamesh, step forward!" Ragnar shouted as he watched Elion advance slowly with a somber expression.
This idiot has no idea what he's gotten himself into!
He's in the presence of the prince Gilgamesh , whom His Highness considers the most capable of becoming the future king of the Asura Kingdom. His strength was already noteworthy before he was kidnapped, but afterward, it seems that the desire to excel awakened within the prince Gilgamesh .
Ragnar was well-acquainted with the king, who lamented Gilgamesh's attitude of avoiding standing out and showcasing all his abilities, talents in magic, and intelligence. But now, that had changed since he had experienced a near-death encounter. It seemed that everyone saw this as a warning.
"Gilgamesh, it seems you planned everything carefully since that letter arrived at the Water God Style academy... Did you foresee it all from the beginning, or was it just mere coincidence?" Ragnar looked at Gilgamesh, who approached with an arrogant smile, a gaze that radiated superior authority toward everyone.
Even Ragnar had never seen someone so haughty and arrogant as Gilgamesh. He could see in his gaze that he enjoyed instilling fear in others, and from the beginning, he manipulated things so that everyone would eventually witness his battle with a King-ranked swordsman.
Very few knew, but if Gilgamesh could truly defeat a King-ranked swordsman, it could be said that few would believe it to be true. And when that happened, the fourth prince's name would be accused of plagiarism, so by foreseeing this from the start, he desired to fight in front of thousands of people.
This was terrifying, no, it was something more than that, and only the most discerning could perceive it.
"Now that both of you are in the arena, remember once more the rules. This will be a confrontation to assess Gilgamesh's strength and quell internal conflicts. The battle doesn't end until one surrenders or dies, so may the best man win." Ragnar stepped back, and as he did so, everyone in the vicinity held their breath.
"I still can't believe you feel no shame, old man. Haven't you looked around?" Gilgamesh asked with a calm look and said, "Here, it no longer matters whether I killed your stupid son or not. Now, everyone is looking at you as a coward and not as someone seeking revenge for his son's death."
"Shut your mouth, prince Gilgamesh . No one here will interfere in this battle that you accepted anyway. So when I break your bones, I want to see that same expression of disdain on your face." Elion had lost all traces of anger, so he concentrated and drew his sword.
He had sensed it—Gilgamesh was a damn demon hiding his strength from the beginning. His demonic eye warned him that there was a big predator in front of him, so in this battle, he didn't have the advantage.
"Aren't you underestimating me too much?" Gilgamesh snapped his fingers with a smile, and behind him, the Gate of Babylon was opened.