Chapter 153: The Match Begins

Chapter 153: The Match Begins

The efforts of the security team were remarkably effective. Under their management, the bustling streets were orderly and quite tidy, making it a pleasant experience to walk through.

Airael arrived and was left speechless at the scene outside the Grand Arena — it was just too lively! Totally shattered her expectations!

Celia and Aurora wore similar expressions of astonishment. It was rare for the Elven Race to witness such a vibrant scene.

In contrast, Arthur remained calm and collected, his eyes devoid of the surrounding commotion. At that moment, he was solely focused on the upcoming match against Cain.

Before Airael could fully process her shock, Arthur’s appearance immediately drew the attention of those nearby. As one of the prominent figures in Lanahl City over the past few days, Arthur was recognized by several observant individuals.

Upon seeing the star of the day, the nearby crowd shifted their gaze to closely examine Arthur. For many, it was their first time seeing him. They had only heard tales of his exploits without having witnessed him in person.

Now, their wish to behold Arthur’s true form was finally fulfilled. However, while everyone was focused on Arthur, they didn’t swarm him like modern-day fans would.

Firstly, although Arthur was famous, he wasn’t a celebrity. He was a mercenary of significant skill and was the type that was very hard to provoke.

Secondly, the ever-watchful security team was keeping a close eye on them. If anyone made an inappropriate move, they would be swiftly dealt with by the security team’s relentless methods.

Thus, Airael and Arthur could continue walking without a hitch, easily filtering out the stares of the crowd.

What can you do? Exceptional people naturally attract attention, and they had grown accustomed to it.

Not long after Airael and the others moved on, the crowd’s focus shifted again.

Cain had arrived.

Dressed in armor, he looked gallant and handsome. Coupled with his prior achievements at the Grand Arena in Lanahl, he created an even bigger stir than Axi.

Although Arthur’s reputation spread wider, it couldn’t compete with the local “big shots” who had worked hard to establish their names.

Moreover, Arthur hadn’t crafted his reputation deliberately; it had spread freely on its own.

Despite the increasing commotion, the order on the streets remained intact. After all, the security team wasn’t to be trifled with.

Dealing with the commoners was a piece of cake for them. Any disruptions could be managed with force if necessary, and these measures had all been approved by their leaders.

Consequently, the security team was feeling quite proud of themselves! Standing on the streets, they emanated an aura of authority, intimidating the onlookers.

Once inside, Arthur headed backstage, while Airael took Celia and Aurora to the audience seats. Thanks to Arthur, they didn’t have to worry about tickets. Their seats were also excellent.

However, they couldn’t compare to certain bigwigs, such as Andrew from the Tower of the Archmage and a middle-aged man sitting with him who seemed a bit portly.

Clad in purple finery and adorned with jewels, the man, despite his old-fashioned style, exuded an air of nobility.

Airael had a guess about his identity. He was likely the current ruler of the Machia Republic — Philip.

The two were engaged in conversation. Although Airael wasn’t far from them, the surrounding noise prevented her from overhearing their discussion.

Not having heard their conversation didn’t bother Airael too much. The mere presence of the two was thought-provoking enough.

It seemed Arthur and Cain’s match was not just a city-wide event; even the country’s rulers were in attendance.

In this context, whoever won would truly be renowned throughout the land. This was extremely beneficial for their political ambitions.

As the focus shifted back to the arena, the audience didn’t have to wait long — Arthur and Cain were entering the arena.

However, they didn’t immediately leap into battle. The two stared at each other, neither making any move.

Even though the fight hadn’t begun, this tense standoff captivated the audience, silencing the previously noisy venue.

Airael instinctively glanced at Andrew and Philip, who had also paused their conversation, intently watching the arena below.

Seeing this, Airael quickly shifted her gaze back to the arena.

At that moment, Andrew glanced back at her but soon turned away.

Airael didn’t notice this exchange.

In the arena, after a moment of staring, Arthur and Cain finally broke the silence.

Cain spoke first: “Axi, although you’re strong, I won’t lose to you.”

His voice was not loud, and from a distance, it might have been missed, but his confident demeanor was clear for all to see.

This alone stirred the emotions of the audience, already buzzing with anticipation for an exhilarating match.

“Your bravado only makes you seem insecure.”

Arthur looked at Cain, radiating confidence. He appeared relaxed, as if he was already in control of the situation.

“Hmph! Let’s settle this on the battlefield!” Cain retorted with a cold snort.

As soon as he finished speaking, both of them readied themselves for combat.

With their swords drawn, they gripped them tightly.

“Charge!”

With a fierce shout, Cain gathered his momentum and charged at Arthur.

Arthur, not to be outdone, mirrored the momentum and charged as well.

In the blink of an eye, they were engaged in close combat.

The sound of metal clashing echoed throughout the arena.

Their swords crossed before them, forming a diagonal cross as they collided.

After a brief standoff, both retreated a few steps, but one could clearly see that Cain had retreated one step more than Arthur.

This was despite him having the initial advantage.

It was evident that Cain was slightly weaker in terms of explosive power and bodily balance compared to Arthur.

Of course, this alone wouldn’t determine the outcome of the match.

However, through this clash, Airael felt an overwhelming sense of confidence in Arthur.

He was a well-rounded warrior with strengths in endurance, explosiveness, and various other aspects.

With Cain demonstrating weakness in terms of explosive power, it seemed unlikely he could outperform Arthur in endurance.