Published at 23rd of September 2024 7:02 pm

Chapter 2199 Standoff

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The following day, the anticipated duel took place 100 miles outside the Golden Mansion. The setting was stark and imposing: half a dozen warships loyal to Xavier Karat hovered ominously in orbit, though only 300 of his men were permitted to descend into the burning desert. Among these, ten were grand magus level, showcasing their formidable strength.

Emery, now released from captivity, stood among a similar number of forces loyal to Hassa Karat. Both groups faced each other, an imposing display of power with none below the magus realm, underlining the strength of a grade 4 faction.

The standoff grew tense as Xavier Karat made his entrance. His dominating presence, clad in battle gear, radiated authority. He stepped forward, his voice booming with confidence and determination.

"Brother Hassa, you are the rightful heir to the Karat faction, but you are no leader, especially during these troubled times. I am here to take the mantle until our great father returns!" Xavier's thunderous proclamation resonated across the desert, his words carrying a palpable weight that could be felt by every magus present.

On the opposite side, Hassa Karat sat comfortably on a makeshift throne, exuding a calm and composed demeanor. With a serene smile, he addressed his brother, "Brother Xavier, I praise your good intention and unrivaled loyalty to the family. I indeed lack in many ways, but I cannot break the mandate given by our father. Let this duel be the best way to settle our disagreement. May the Karat stay true and prosper."

"May the Karat stay true and prosper!!" replied Xavier, mirroring the gesture by placing his hand on his chest in a traditional faction salute.

The standoff and interaction were inspiring for Emery, showcasing a veneer of mutual respect and shared goals for the faction's prosperity. However, as an outsider, Emery could discern the underlying tension and potential deceit behind the brotherly facade. Each faction had its own dominion and planets to rule, making it seem more practical for them to remain as two smaller rulers of the Karat factions. Xavier's insistence on being the sole patriarch and ruling over both factions was suspicious to Emery. He believed there was more behind Xavier's ambition than just the title. Such rushed demand while their supreme leader's demise was still unconfirmed added to Emery's doubts.

Additionally, the arrangement of the duel appeared unfair to Emery. Each force was to send two magus-level participants and two grand magus-level participants, with the fifth duel being between the leaders, Hassa and Xavier. The significant disparity in the two strengths made it clear that Xavier would likely win the final match. The fact that Hassa agreed to these terms demonstrated his willingness to compromise to avoid further bloodshed.

This underscored the importance of winning the initial matches; Hassa's side needed to secure victory in three out of four duels to stand a chance. The decision to include Emery among the participants revealed their desperation. It showed how crucial it was for Hassa's side to win.

The setup of the duel, with Xavier's potential ulterior motives and the questionable fairness of the matches, further fueled Emery's concerns about the true intentions behind this power struggle. The situation seemed more complex than it appeared on the surface, with hidden agendas and the fate of the Karat faction hanging in the balance.

"Let the first duel begin!"

The first to be sent from Hassa's side was their strongest magus, Ravi Karat, an adopted protege of the Karat family. Ravi had participated in the Magus Academy 40 years ago and emerged as a champion in the tournament, earning widespread recognition and respect. Over the years, the family had poured unlimited resources into his growth, providing him with access to the rarest artifacts, advanced training, and ancient tomes of magical knowledge. This investment resulted in Ravi attaining a strength that was said to be comparable to a grand magus, making him a formidable opponent.

As Ravi was called to the front, he turned to Emery with a smirk, saying, "I will show you how a champion fights." His tone was laced with arrogance, and his eyes bore a look of disdain. It was clear that Ravi saw Emery as an intruder, someone unworthy of participating in such a crucial battle. Despite Ravi's overt display of displeasure, Emery remained composed, choosing to ignore the provocation.

Emery understood the underlying dynamics at play. He was considered a wild card, a last-minute addition to the team whose abilities were largely untested by the Karat family. Despite his established reputation, none of the Karat truly believed in his strength. They saw him as an unknown quantity, a risk.

He had a feeling that his inclusion was not just about strategy, It was part of a strategy to let their strongest, Ravi, fight a presumably lesser opponent without insulting his prestige. Emery suspected that he would likely be matched against their strongest adversary, someone even Ravi would not dare to face.

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Ravi stepped onto the stage, his presence immediately eliciting a cheer from the many magus on Hassa's side. His confidence and aura of superiority were palpable, and it was clear he was a favored contender. On the opposite side, Xavier sent forth one of his top commanders, a seasoned veteran named Scarpa. At over 500 years old, Scarpa's reputation was built on countless battle contributions, his prowess known and respected within the faction. As he entered the stage clad in golden armor, the magus on Xavier's side did not cheer but instead gave two loud shouts while stomping their spears in perfect discipline, a display of unity and respect.

As the duel began, the combatants revealed the true extent of their mastery over the magus realm. Their movements were swift and precise, each attack and counter-attack executed with deadly efficiency. The air crackled with energy as spells and techniques of the highest caliber were unleashed, showcasing the pinnacle of magus combat.

Emery watched intently and couldn't help but be impressed by the display before him. The last five years had convinced him that no one under the grand magus realm could surprise him anymore, but Ravi and Scarpa were proving him wrong. The duel unfolding before Emery was a spectacle of elite magus combat. These two were leagues above the young magus he had encountered at the celestial expedition. Ravi's powerful broadsword swings were impressively reminiscent of the dark elf Ezekiel, who had been granted the formidable Khaos Guardian power of Tarrasque. Each of Ravi's strikes carried an immense force, a testament to his training and the resources invested in him by the Karat family.

Opposite him, Scarpa fought with a blend of raw battle power and seasoned experience. Every move of his spear was precise and calculated, honed over centuries of combat. His prowess was reminiscent of the late Lord Izta, a combat magus of unparalleled skill and strength. Both combatants fought with strength comparable to a grand magus realm, their clashes producing powerful booms that reverberated through the air, shaking the sands and sending gusts of wind across the battlefield. The ground beneath them seemed to tremble with each collision, showcasing the sheer force behind their attacks.

The duel was a vivid demonstration of why these two were considered elite warriors of a grade 4 faction. Their abilities were a stark reminder of the formidable forces that existed within the magus realm, pushing the boundaries of what he believed was possible.

Emery noticed the intense hope placed on Ravi by the Karat elders, especially Tessa, whose expression remained stiff and anxious throughout the battle. Initially, Ravi had the upper hand, his powerful strikes keeping Scarpa on the defensive. However, as the duel progressed, a shift began to occur. After a hundred clashes, Emery started to see the critical differences between the two combatants.

Ravi, despite his immense strength and impressive technique, lacked the hardened battle experience that Scarpa possessed. The veteran commander's extensive experience in countless battles became evident as he gradually adapted to Ravi's fighting style. Scarpa's understanding of Ravi's techniques grew with each clash, allowing him to anticipate and counter the champion's moves more effectively.

Moreover, Scarpa fought with a ferocity and determination that suggested he was prepared to give his life for victory. In contrast, Ravi, who had been nurtured and protected within the faction's facilities, seemed less willing to push himself to the same extreme. This difference in mentality became a crucial factor in the battle.

After over 300 clashes, the magus on Hassa's side watched in dismay as their strongest champion faltered. The initial hope that Ravi would secure an easy victory faded into disappointment. Scarpa's relentless assault and strategic acumen eventually overwhelmed Ravi, leading to his defeat.

With Ravi's loss, all hope turned to Emery. The pressure was now on him to win the next fight and keep Hassa Karat's chances alive. As he prepared for his turn in the arena, Emery could feel the weight of their expectations, knowing that the outcome of this duel could significantly impact the future of the Karat faction.

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