Chapter 42: The Dark Horse
Garion looked at the one who stopped them and was surprised when he saw him.
He was the same old man he had met in the hallway last night.
Because of that, Garion gave a short nod.
"Sure. Let’s just stand down. We’re all here to watch the competition."
He picked up his robe and pulled it back on, though his eyes stayed sharp. He glared across the row of elders.
"But don’t forget that this place is for all of us, not just you."
"So don’t you dare glare at me again, whether your disciple loses... or whether that weak endrick was even your disciple or not."
The green-robed elder’s face turned stiff. His lips parted as if he wanted to shout back, but no words came.
In the end, he only looked away and turned back into his seat.
Garion grinned, satisfied, and sat down heavily.
The old man chuckled and sat beside Garion to keep an eye on him.
Garion leaned his head toward him.
"Hello again, old man. What do you think? My disciple’s great, right?"
The old man stroked his beard, eyes still on the arena.
"Indeed. She saw through that boy’s movement and countered it with ease. Her strength and speed were also top-notch."
Garion slapped his knee and laughed hard.
"I told you! That’s the body that resulted from training my way, the God Physique Cultivation path."
He stretched his arms wide and leaned back.
"Now let’s just enjoy the show. Forget those wussy elders. They can sulk all they want and still my single disciple make them all lose face."
The old man smiled faintly.
"You really don’t hold back, do you?"
Garion shrugged.
"No point. Holding back is for cowards."
The old man just laughed, hearing what Garion said.
---
In the waiting area, the Dahlia sat quietly in the corner, keeping her head down while the other talked about her.
Among those were the top three favourites to win this tournament.
Adriel leaned casually against the wall, chuckling a little.
"She’s interesting. To beat Endrick that easily... I expected more of a struggle."
Elira crossed her arms, golden braid falling over her shoulder. Her pale blue eyes narrowed in thought.
"Indeed. When she struck him, I couldn’t even sense her mana flow. It was clean and controlled. She could be a dark horse in this tournament."
Adriel smirked.
"Dark horse or not, I’d like to see her technique up close."
Larris looked at them briefly, voice blunt and flat.
"Dark horse ot not, I’ll win this tournament. Including you two."
Adriel laughed lightly, shaking his head.
"Straightforward as always, Larris."
Elira’s lips curved into a smile.
"Confidence is good. Just don’t let it turn into arrogance."
Dahlia stayed silent in her corner, pretending not to listen as she was focused on the battle.
---
The rest of the matches rolled on one after another.
From her corner, Dahlia watched with her arms crossed.
One fight ended in less than ten seconds.
A boy charged wildly, only to get flipped over the shoulder of his opponent.
The crowd laughed more than they cheered.
Another match dragged on far too long.
Two girls kept circling, throwing sloppy kicks that barely hit.
Dahlia almost yawned.
She tapped her fingers on her arms, eyes steady.
If this is all they’ve got, then I can win this easily.
But Garion’s words echoed in her head.
Never underestimate anyone. The moment you let it go, you trip on your own feet.
She breathed out slowly through her nose.
Right. Stay sharp.
A competitor across the room groaned as medics carried him away.
Another one limped down the stairs, clutching his ribs.
Dahlia’s eyes followed each of them without emotion.
Her fingers clenched briefly into a fist beneath her robe.
Weak or strong, it doesn’t matter. I’ll crush them if they stand in my way.
Then she sat back, straightening her shoulders, face calm again.
---
The announcer raised his voice over the noise of the crowd.
"The first round is over! Now, let us begin the second round of the tournament!"
The crowd cheered, stomping on the stone floors of the arena.
The announcer checked the board in his hand, then pointed toward the waiting area.
"For the first match of the second round... Let’s welcome... Dahlia of the God Gym versus Adriel of the Silver Flame Sect!"
Gasps rippled through the stands.
"That strange girl who beat Endrick in one palm?"
"And Adriel, one of the top three favorites..."
Dahlia stood slowly, tightening her robe and walking toward the arnea.
Adriel was also moving, spear in his hand, his white robe flowing as he walked.
He smiled lightly, tilting his head at her.
"So you are the one they call the dark horse. I’ve been waiting to see just how good you are."
Dahlia kept her face calm.
"We’ll see if you can keep smiling after this."
That made Adriel’s eyes narrow, though his smile didn’t fade.
He twirled his spear once, the polished silver tip catching the light.
"We’ll test that, then."
They stepped onto the arena floor together, facing one another.
The announcer lifted his arms.
"First match of the second round! Begin!"
The crowd roared again.
Adriel set his stance, spear steady in both hands, eyes sharp.
His every move carried precision, like he had practiced it a thousand times.
Dahlia slid into her stance, one hand forward, the other pulled back near her waist.
Her feet pressed firmly against the stone, ready to spring.
She breathed in once, exhaled slow, and focused on Adriel.
The match had begun.
---
In the premium seats area, Garion leaned forward, arms crossed, eyes locked on the match below.
His face was serious for once, watching every small movement Dahlia made.
Then suddenly, an old man in a flowing silver robe sat beside him calmly, surprising him.
His beard was thin and neat, his hair tied back with a silver clasp. A faint smile appeared as he turned to Garion.
"Hello. I am Serath, the master of that Adriel. Nice to meet you, the master of that girl."
Garion only smirked as he was interested in this old man.