Distracted by the figure with the floating red hair, Clifford found himself being stabbed by a dagger near his left kidney. Reacting instinctively, he quickly pushed his hands out to catch the culprit. However, the figure faded quickly, disappearing from his place, confusing Clifford and escaping his grip.
"What the hell was that?" Looking at the faint mark on his side, Clifford wondered how the person had disappeared. Before long, Clifford was caught off guard again as another dagger stabbed his right side. This time, it was a little stronger compared to before. Once again, Clifford attempted to catch the culprit. Watching the person fade, Clifford felt a faint pain from his left side once again.
"Two of them? Fine." Realizing there were two attackers, Clifford massaged his left side, waiting for the next attack. Suddenly, another stab surprised him from the back, causing him to frown. Compared to the previous attacks, this one seemed to be far weaker. Considering it a distraction, Clifford waited patiently for the next attack. However, nobody attacked him this time as he heard a noise coming from a little farther away.
"Finally got you, what a bunch of fucking rats!" Hearing the shout, Clifford witnessed a hooded figure getting his back hammered by a fist, sending him forward and making him fall on his face. The one who caught the culprit had natural black hair and a bulky appearance, with his upper body far more muscular compared to the area below his waist. The guy was semi-naked, and his body type reminded Clifford of Randall right away. Shortly, another hooded figure appeared from behind and slashed his back, drawing a red line across it.
"You think I can't deal with your shit?" Gritting his teeth in pain and shouting in anger, the guy stepped forward before violently stomping on the back of the one he had caught earlier, causing him to cry out in pain. Witnessing the figure of his brother getting stomped, the second person hesitated to go for another attack. Unaware of being discovered, the hooded figure thought about a solution while observing the bulky boy until he felt a hand resting on his shoulder.
"Is speed all you can do?" Hearing the voice, the hooded person turned around to see Clifford standing behind him. A shiver went down his spine as he witnessed the large blade standing vertically in the air behind Clifford's right arm and saw the crimson eyes looking at him. Screaming from the sight, the person tried hard to free himself in vain as Clifford's grip kept him in place. The sound traveled quickly, catching the attention of the muscular person. Turning around, the guy witnessed the one who stole his token having his arm severed and disposed of to the side before getting both of his legs stomped.
"I've got your token for you, but how about entertaining me in return?" Holding two tokens in hand, Clifford came up with an idea. "You see, I don't know which token is yours. So how about a quick challenge? You get six attempts; if you manage to inflict any damage on me within those attempts, you get the platinum token. Otherwise, you get the golden token."
"Interesting. I was caught off guard watching you throw that annoying fucker off the cliff. But he's nothing compared to me. Now, what guarantees you won't go back on your word?" Hearing the guy's words, Clifford seemed to understand what he meant.
"Perhaps I overestimated him and gave him more chances than he needed. That's why I gave you a total of six to prevent the same scenario from repeating itself."
"Now, why don't you tell me your name?" Marching forward toward the guy, Clifford asked for his name.
"I'm Igen Dragonia. What about you? I can see you appreciate the strong like me, which makes me interested in you!" Watching Clifford stand before him, Igen asked as he clenched his fist, infusing it with Qi.
"I'm Predatoria. Now, come at me!" Opening his arms wide, Clifford shouted at Igen to attack him. Putting all his weight into his fist, Igen attacked Clifford just above his stomach. Feeling as if he hit a wall, Igen didn't give up and exerted more strength. His red veins bulged as he lifted Clifford's body off the floor before finally managing to throw it. During the attack, both could feel a familiar smell coming from each other. However, it didn't distract Igen at all.
"You smell familiar to someone I know." Rolling in the air, Clifford landed on the ground, stabilizing himself before speaking his mind.
"Unfortunately, I can't hold myself back anymore. I apologize in advance." Twisting his neck, Clifford prepared to engage Igen in combat once more.
"You have the smell of my kind on you. However, it's a little faint." Pausing for a moment, Igen's aura began to change as he spoke, "There is nothing to apologize for. I will take you seriously from now on."
Once Igen finished speaking, his body started transforming slowly as his skin began turning into black scales with a faint red covering. Two purple horns started growing on his head as his body grew slightly taller. Igen's current form reminded Clifford of the Kheon right away. Roaring to the sky, Igen displayed the might of his true form before directing his battle intent at Clifford.
"Fourth prince?" The intense roar caught the attention of Elder Reymond right away. "I see you've found a worthy opponent." Witnessing Clifford standing before Igen, Reymond watched in anticipation of the coming battle.
"Reveal your true self!" Having witnessed Clifford's form during the first trial, Igen pointed his finger at him. Feeling the intense battle intent directed at him, Clifford didn't hesitate to respond in kind.
"With pleasure!" Bending down, Clifford began absorbing the dark force in his body as his battle intent raged on. Due to being inside an illusionary world, Clifford's body started taking on his soul form. Slowly, wings burst from his back and horns extended forward from his head as the rest of his body continued changing gradually.
Once the transformation was complete, Clifford rose, his battle intent clashing against Igen's. Locking eyes, both vanished from their spots, reappearing close to each other as their fists collided with tremendous force.