Milly tried to stop him. "Just leave Lion alone! He already apologized."
"Hey, don't get between us. This is a man's problem," Vilder sneered. Then, after giving her a closer look, he added, "Actually, you're kinda cute. How about a night with me?"
Before he could say more, Lion punched him. "Let's settle this outside," Lion growled.
Vilder smirked. "Got it, kid. I'll teach you what real power looks like—a lesson from a seasoned adventurer."
As they headed outside, the whole bar followed, eager to watch the spectacle. Some even began placing bets.
"Place your bets, everyone! Who's backing the rookie adventurer Lion?" shouted one patron.
Joe and Gil both bet on Lion. Milly tried to stop them. "Don't let him fight! This is reckless!"
But Gil shook his head. "It's a matter of pride. We can't stop him."
Joe agreed. "Yeah, let him be."
Then someone shouted, "Who's betting on the Skull Crusher, Vilder?"
The majority of the crowd bet on Vilder, underestimating Lion.
"Kid," Vilder taunted, "I'll even let you have the first strike. But since we're both swordsmen, I bet you can't use magic to break my barrier. Your dull blade won't even scratch me."
Lion smirked. "Thanks, old man, but I don't need magic. Just don't die on me, Grandpa."
That jab made Vilder furious. "You're asking for it, kid! Don't blame me later!"
Vilder began swinging his massive sword. Lion could do little but backstep, waiting for an opening in Vilder's defense. Despite a few attempts to strike, Vilder dodged effortlessly.
"We don't have all night, kid. I'll end this with one blow and take that cute girl of yours afterward," Vilder declared arrogantly.
As he swung at Lion, Lion managed to block the attack, but his sword cracked under the pressure. Desperate, Lion realized he couldn't take another hit. He needed to end the fight with one decisive blow. Concentrating with everything he had, he ignored the pain in his chest and the haze in his mind.
"Kid, you look tired. Wanna surrender? This is your last chance," Vilder taunted again.
"Not in a million years," Lion spat. "Get ready."
"Don't get ahead of yourself, kid," Vilder retorted.
When Vilder attacked again, he left a gap in his defense. Lion seized the opportunity, gathering all his strength for one final strike. His cracked sword broke through Vilder's armor and grazed his chest. But Vilder retaliated, landing a heavy blow on Lion's shoulder. Though Lion partially dodged, the injury left his arm hanging uselessly.
"You're good, kid," Vilder admitted, blood dripping from his chest. "Not many have cracked my armor, let alone made me bleed. But now, prepare to die with honor for wounding me—an A-rank adventurer!"
As Vilder raised his sword to finish Lion, Lion's sword shattered completely.
Lion thought, Is this it? Am I going to die? Panic set in. If he died, his secret—his immortality—would be exposed. Suddenly, a voice whispered in his mind:
"Master, do you seek power? Sign a contract with me. I will take your left eye to see the world, and in exchange, my power will be yours."
"I don't care who you are. Take my eye. Just give me the strength to win!"
"Don't be so hasty—"
"Take it! I accept!"
"Contract signed. Activating Flame Barrier."
A fiery shield materialized around Lion, blocking Vilder's attack.
Shocked, Vilder stepped back. "A swordsman who can use magic? I didn't know you had it in you, kid!"
The crowd was equally stunned.
Joe was speechless. "Impossible! I never sensed any mana from him before!"
The voice whispered louder in Lion's mind. "Master, you can now wield fire magic. Focus and imagine an attack."
"Inferno Strike!" Lion roared.
His broken sword ignited, transforming into a blazing weapon. He slashed at Vilder, unleashing a torrent of fire. The attack was so overwhelming that nearby buildings caught fire.
As the flames engulfed Vilder, his armor melted, his sword shattered, and his face burned. Rolling on the ground, he screamed, "My face! Someone, help me!"
Joe reacted quickly, casting a water spell. "Great Waterfall!" A deluge of water extinguished the flames, saving both the buildings and Vilder from further suffering.
Gil shouted at Milly. "Heal him now! He's going to die!"
Panicked, Milly rushed to Vilder. "Heal! Heal! Heal!" she chanted desperately. Though she couldn't fully heal the burns, she managed to stop them from worsening.
The crowd dispersed in fear, worried that the chaos would attract the authorities. Joe was frantic. "Lion! We've got to go now!"
Lion tried to respond, but he couldn't speak or move. His strength was gone.
Just then, a silver-haired man appeared, his presence commanding attention. "Halt! By royal decree, we're here to arrest the one responsible for the fire and the fight."
Joe's face paled. "Javelin? Of all people… Gil, Milly, we need to leave. Now."
"But what about Lion?" Milly protested.
Gil grabbed her hand. "He's royalty. They won't kill him. We have to trust that."
Javelin smiled coldly. "What do we have here? The exiled mage, the healer, and a friend. Don't worry, the order isn't to capture you—yet."
Joe sighed in relief. "Good. I'd rather not fight a Grand Master of the kingdom."
Javelin smirked. "Too bad. I've always dreamed of fighting someone like you. But another time, perhaps."
Javelin's soldiers took both Vilder and Lion into custody.
Milly pleaded, "Where are you taking him?"
"To the royal prison," Javelin replied. "Nothing special. Just some questions before the king decides his punishment."
"But Lion was protecting me! Vilder started the fight!"
Javelin laughed. "Want to join them? No? Then stay out of it."
Joe calmly ordered Gil. "Take Milly and leave. We'll regroup at my place. We need to talk."
Reluctantly, they fled, leaving Lion behind.