Ricky said as he stared disdainfully at Lucas.
He was teaching Lucas an important lesson: being arrogant might cost him his life especially since there was always someone stronger than him. He also wanted Lucas to know that he could have easily died had Ricky not held back.
Ricky expressed that he would show no mercy and would not hesitate to kill him if he ever tried to pick a fight again in the future.
Lucas, on the other hand, struggled to steady himself on the ground. With one hand, he clutched his chest, panting breathlessly. He heard and understood Ricky, and caught all the implied meanings behind his words. Resentfully, he could not anything but keep silent, in order to not provoke Ricky anymore. This fight had made him painfully aware that he was weaker. Wordless, he staggered to his feet and staggered down the stairs. Before long, he had already disappeared into the crowd and was nowhere to be seen.
All the onlookers--the other Royal Sky Guards--were dumbfounded by what they witnessed. Their jaws were agape as they stared with wide eyes at Ricky. They were completely stunned for a few moments before some of them finally came to and began to whisper secretly with their internal strength. "What? Is this the end of the fight? Lucas lost the battle?! Russell's victory was absolute!"
"Yeah, that's incredible! If Lucas had used some other methods or skills, there would have still been a chance for him to beat Russell. But he chose the devouring power without knowing that Russell has it too! What's more, Russell's is far stronger than his! He was by no means a match for Russell in this respect!"
"I have to admit that Russell has really strong power. I don't think any of us would be able to defeat him. It's probably only that guy who can compete with him!"
The whispers spread over the surroundings. When they mentioned "that guy", all the Royal Sky Guards turned to look at another man in the crowd. He was young, wore simple clothes, and had been silent from the beginning.
The throng began to stir again. "No way! I don't think Chief would send him to fight! He is too strong and might kill Russell! I think the Chief values Russell's genius and doesn't want him die!"
"Well, we have no idea what's on Chief's mind. She has her own plan."
"As you have already witnessed, Chief, I won again this round. May I know the reward?"
Ricky turned around to face the Chief and asked in a politely manner as he made a small bow. Forgetting about the reward was the last thing he would do. Tyson was right; the mysterious reward was one of the main reasons why he had come here to fight today. Defeating others was not reason enough.
"You have a good memory to remember those things. You may come with me and pick out a Treasure from Heaven and Earth of King Level as you wish after we are done here," the Chief replied with a proud glint in her eyes.
"Thank you, Chief! I'm honored," Ricky exclaimed with excitement. A huge grin had spread on his face and his eyes lit up upon hearing her mention the King Level.
At his current level, only Treasures from Heaven and Earth of King Level or something even more superior could whet his appetite.
Other guards could not help but feel jealous of the generous offer from their chief. How they wished they could get such a precious treasure from her too! But they could only dream. None of them were stupid enough to challenge Lucas who was much stronger. And now that this Russell guy had defeated him, they knew his level was miles higher than theirs. So they would not resent him for winning these rewards from their Chief as they could tell that he deserved it.
"Before you have your reward, there is a final fight. You will do battle on the thirty-sixth stair. If you win, you will be allowed to carve your name on the golden plaque up there and become a real Royal Sky Guard. If you lose, you will leave this place without the honor of carrying the title," the Chief announced, her subtle smile growing more visible.
"Understood! So who am I going to fight?" Ricky asked confidently.
He reasoned that the one who would fight him was no other than that guy-- the first-ranking Royal Sky Guard. As long as the Chief of the Sky Manor did not mean to be hard on him, he would easily win the fight on the thirty-sixth stair.
"Come, Owen. This is your fight." Ricky's confidence didn't seem to affect her at all. She smiled, turned around, and called on the young man in simple clothes.
"Yes, Chief!" He nodded and then flashed to the thirty-sixth stair in an instant. His bright eyes found Ricky's.
Immediately, Ricky felt invisible pressure flooding towards him like a storm. It engulfed him at once with just a look from the young man. The force was much more powerful than Lucas's. It was overwhelming. It was exceedingly clear that this man was far stronger than Lucas. Ricky secretly took a deep breath and channeled his internal strength to steady himself. Staggering before the fight started would be extremely awkward, especially in front of all the other guards.
'Huh! So he is Owen, the first-ranking Royal Sky Guard? He does live up to his title. So powerful. It seems that Chief wants to make me show my real strength by sending her most powerful man!' Ricky murmured to himself quietly, mind racing as he tried to plan out his tactics.
He had, of course, heard about Owen, the First Royal Sky Guard. But he hadn't had the chance to interact with him much. Now standing on the staircase face to face with him, Ricky knew there was going to be a fierce fight in the minutes to follow.
'How smart Kristen is! She guessed it right! Chief is sending Owen to fight! Oh, this is bad! Ricky is going to be in a bit of trouble, ' Tyson gasped in his heart at the sight of Owen. He too was surprised by the Chief's decision.
"It's Owen! Chief has sent him to fight Russell! Why!? Is she being hard on Russell? But doesn't she like and value him? Why did she send Owen to fight him? He could beat Russell to death!" This scene shocked the crowd. They began to discuss amongst themselves using their internal strength again.
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