The gap between Ronnel's strength and that of the other Floor Masters was glaringly obvious—it was almost like they weren't even on the same level.
In recent years, even the most promising new contestants in the Heavens Arena, with their rising fame, fell short compared to the seasoned fighters who participated in the last Battle Olympia.
This disparity was a problem. The sheer imbalance made the matches utterly predictable, robbing the audience of suspense. Without suspense, enthusiasm dwindled, and worse, the gambling industry took a hit. After all, who would place bets when the champion was all but decided before the first punch was thrown?
Some spectators even placed their wagers during the opening ceremonies!
The Heavens Arena management had no choice but to strategize. One method was to obscure the competitors' true power levels during matches. While it sounded far-fetched, the Arena had its ways of making it work.
Still, Ronnel's absence over the past two years had left room for speculation. Stories of his miraculous strength circulated widely, but skepticism lingered. Many dismissed these tales as exaggerated rumors.
Meanwhile, newcomers—eager and untested—saw Ronnel's reputation as a challenge to conquer. Management had even hyped a few charismatic participants as strong contenders, stirring excitement among the crowd. Rumors like "The old might finally lose his edge!" were crafted to fuel debates and fan the flames of rivalry.
The controversy boosted ratings, which wasn't a problem. But the gambling sector? That was a different story. If Ronnel demolished his competition too quickly, gamblers would catch on, and the odds would plummet after just one match. A one-match profit wasn't enough to offset the loss of enthusiasm in later rounds.
This left the organizers wondering: Should they approach Ronnel to negotiate a prearranged match?
After all, friendly agreements between competitors weren't unheard of in the Heavens Arena. If it worked before, why not now?
....
Arrival in the Kakin Empire
While the Heavens Arena management mulled over their plans, the airship carrying Ronnel and Ging landed in Migumail, a bustling city in the Kakin Empire.
Stepping off the airship, Ronnel immediately noticed how different the local customs and attire were compared to other continents. The vibrant streets of Migumail were alive with unfamiliar sights and sounds.
As he and Ging took in the scenery, a small camouflage-patterned jeep rolled up toward them, slowing to a stop just in front.
Ronnel's eyes widened in surprise. The driver's seat was empty.
"A self-driving car powered by aura?" he speculated, noting the faint shimmer of aura clinging to the vehicle.
Ging, unfazed, opened the car door and climbed in without hesitation. "Let's go," he called out casually.
Ronnel followed, curiosity evident on his face as he studied the car's interior. It was unremarkable—just an ordinary jeep with no apparent high-tech modifications. Yet the aura-infused mechanism intrigued him.
Once the doors closed, the jeep smoothly turned and began its journey, moving at a steady pace toward their destination.
...
A Familiar Face
"This guy's always up to weird experiments," Ging remarked, leaning back in his seat. "I'll admit, some of his creations are impressive—like this car—but most of it's just flashy nonsense."
As if on cue, a voice crackled from the dashboard speakers.
"If you think my work's so useless, then get out of my car, you ungrateful idiot!"
Startled, Ronnel looked up as a hidden panel on the ceiling slid open. An electronic screen descended, displaying the face of a man with unnaturally smooth, pale skin and round, boyish cheeks.
The man's expression was a mixture of exasperation and mockery as he glared at Ging.
"Is this Emuksu?" Ronnel wondered, studying the face on the screen. Yet something about the man's appearance struck him as strange.
Ronnel couldn't determine his age. At first glance, he seemed like a teenager, perhaps seventeen or eighteen. But in another moment, he looked older—mid-thirties, maybe even older. It was impossible to tell.
'A strange guy,' Ronnel thought, keeping silent as he observed the interaction between Ging and Emuksu.
The Banter Begins
"Most of your inventions are mediocre," Ging teased, lazily adjusting his sunglasses. "But this car's not bad. Speaking of which, care to take a look at my eyes?"
He pulled off his sunglasses, revealing two hollow, shadowed sockets.
Emuksu's jaw dropped.
"You b*****d! Finally, some karma catches up to you!" he shouted, his laughter filling the car.
Ronnel watched as Ging remained unbothered, a faint smirk playing on his lips as the two bantered back and forth.
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