Chapter 130: Equal Glory
"Asta... Asta, you are truly strong. You’ve pushed me to my limit. I have to increase my speed," he added, determination burning in his eyes.
Zevric started accelerating even more, trying to create enough distance between himself and the relentless ice spear so he could finally unleash his Slasher technique.
"Why is he moving so fast? He’s trying to keep a distance between him and the spear. I’m trying my best to move the Ice Spear faster," Asta thought, floating his hand and increasing the speed of the Ice Spear.
But Zevric was using all his power—everything he had. The distance between them grew, and the crowd froze in suspense. Is this it? Is this it? they wondered.
Then the emissary announced loudly through the wind compressor, "Wow! It’s loud!"
"My last attack... Strike Slasher!" Zevric shouted. A blue radiance erupted from his sword, just like last time. The strike disintegrated the Ice Spear completely. Exhausted, Zevric collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
Asta watched the spear move forward. Is this the final moment? Does this mean I’m going to die? I’m weak... No, I am not. I am the Ice God, he thought. Thick ice rose around him. This time he increased the attack to 40 massive spears. But the Slasher had already disintegrated them. He continued increasing them—another 40. They disintegrated too, though by now Zevric was already weak.
As the attack neared him, Asta created an ice room to protect himself, forming the 100-layer defense like he had done before. The Slasher pierced through every layer, destroying the final one, and then the energy faded away.
The crowd fell silent. "Asta... who is the winner? Who is the last one standing? Is it Asta?" the emissary asked.
But Asta closed his eyes and began rowing, then collapsed to the ground. Both fighters were exhausted. Since neither had defeated the other, the match was declared a draw. "They are both still participating," the emissary announced.
The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, amazed by the sheer power and endurance of both fighters.
"Wow, everyone, make some noise. This was actually quite unexpected," the announcer said. "Both of them proved to be evenly matched. They will undergo treatment now, so it looks like they won’t participate again today."
"Yes, this is outstanding. This is it. They were evenly matched," someone in the crowd added.
"No one could have predicted this outcome. At least, someone has to be ahead of them, but it looks like both of them gave everything they had," another spectator said. "Asta put the last of his strength into his defense. Zevric used his final attack as well."
"Yeah, so none of them won. Wow. One of the best matches," Alaric said. "It’s been two hours. This was their fourth round, and they were still fighting after all that. But it looks like it’s a draw."
"Yes, yes. Wow. This is truly a match," Alvoryn added, shaking his head in amazement.
"So, that was Zevric—limit," said. "I didn’t expect Asta to withstand that. He’s truly strong."
"Yes, indeed. He’s really, really strong," Tharion said. "I didn’t expect asta to withstand that either. It was like he was already drained, but he used the last bit of energy he had."
No one in the crowd could stop talking about it.
"Yeah, and that was for sure. This was actually epic. Even my blood is boiling. I can’t wait to get in the arena," Nolan said.
"Same as I. I also want to build quite a show," Tharion added.
"Both opponents were strong, really strong. But when it comes to the use of magic and mana, I think Asta had more. Zevric also managed to keep up, thanks to his stamina, and that was enough for him. And it’s epic. The match is over, but it’s actually good that they are not disqualified," Lyra said.
"Yes, they’re not. I actually haven’t fought him yet. I want to fight him, to see how I would last. This is the arena I want to fight in. Maybe I might be the one to defeat him," Tharion said.
"If you haven’t used your full strength, then you might be. But what you put up the other day—you won’t be able to defeat him," Nolan replied.
"Maybe you’re right. Maybe I still have another trick up my sleeve," Tharion said.
"Well, then we’ll see for ourselves," Nolan said.
Then, two healers entered the arena, carrying Asta. They placed him on a cart and slowly wheeled him out. Another pair of healers lifted Zevric onto a cart as well and took him out of the arena.
"Wow, that was an impressive match. Both contestants were outstanding," Alaric said.
"Yeah, they were. And not only that, they fought until they could no longer move," Rovanis added.
"This was actually a good fight, but I expected Asta to win. It’s actually, in a way, cool," Davin said.
"Cool?" Alaric smiled. "Well, anything you say is actually cool. You’re right. But the main thing is—they were strong," Alaric continued.
"Who do you think is going to be the next person to fight? I’m actually aching to see the next opponent. I really enjoyed this one," Alvoryn said.
"Yeah, same here. I can’t wait," Alaric said.
"What about that guy you talked about? What is his name again?"
"Yeah, his name is Nolan. You said he’s strong. Do you think he’ll be able to overtake Asta or even Zevric if they fought?" Rovanis asked.
"Well, yes. I still think that. I think he might be the champion of this tournament," Alaric replied.
"Are you all ready? You guys, it’s enough—no more talking. This preview match ended in a tie," the emissary announced.
"And now, for our next match, we hope it will be just as good as that one. So, coming in will be—Zero the Knight Paladin, S-Rank, vs Lucian an S rank top fighter skilled in using blade," the emissary said, as the crowd cheered and murmured in excitement.