Chapter 155 – The Most Arrogant Forfeit in History
Valor wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand, looking far too relaxed for someone who had just taken a technique that could have folded a star.
— That was impressive, Drake.
Seriously… I respect you now.
I take back what I said… maybe it was a bit much to call you a fraud.
Nova's eyes widened.
— Valor… wait… you're not about to do what I think…?
Valor raised his hand.
— Well! I declare forfeit.
Nova, you can announce Drake as the winner.
Silence.
Then chaos.
— THE GREAT VALOR HAS GIVEN UP!!
— It's historic!
— Even the laws of physics just sent a message asking for an explanation!
The arena erupted in cheers. This was a fight that had shattered three dimensional barriers, a piece of the moon, and probably the social lives of the mages who had tried to keep up.
Nova lifted a magical sign with "Winner: Drake" written in glowing letters.
— So… there you have it. Victory for Drake. By forfeit.
I… I never thought I'd say that.
Inside, Nova thought:
I feel like he's burned through more than 70% of his mana, but I've got no proof.
Valor pointed at him.
— Don't worry, I've still got enough left to smoke you.
Nova rolled his eyes.
— In your dreams. And stop reading my thoughts.
— Okay, okay…
---
Lya approached, arms crossed.
— Valor… Drake gave you too much freedom. Me, I'd have eliminated you in five minutes.
Valor: — If you say so… but that's only because your powers boost you like crazy.
Nova: — For once, he's not wrong.
Ryn raised his hand like a teacher.
— Don't listen to them, Lya. They're just jealous. Nova gets help from some shady entity, Valor is literally a walking cheat code… honestly, you're the only one here who's balanced.
Lya looked satisfied.
But Nova and Valor both shouted at the same time:
— WHAT?!
Ethan strolled in casually.
— Well… they're not wrong.
Lya glared at him.
— Nobody asked for your opinion.
Marie cracked her knuckles.
— Looks like you need a good lesson.
Liora snapped her fingers: instant silence.
— No fighting here.
We already had one, and it's a miracle the scenery still exists.
We're going back to HQ.
She looked at her son Elyon.
— I told you Drake would win.
Elyon: — Yeah, mom… but only because Valor declared forfeit!
Elyon grabbed Valor by the collar.
— Why did you give up?!
Arthur arrived with Beatrice.
— Calm down, Elyon. You saw it like we did: Drake was too boosted.
Valor sighed.
— Stop talking nonsense. I could've one‑shotted him if I wanted.
Annabelle raised a hand, all innocent.
— Yet… you just admitted defeat a moment ago, didn't you?
Valor stared at her.
She stared back.
A duel of gazes.
Silence.
Then Valor snorted.
— I forfeited because I, the great Valor, didn't want to eliminate him. I'm generous. That's all.
Annabelle widened her eyes in fake shock.
— Oh really?
Because apart from giving us useless astronomy lectures and yelling "admire my greatness," you didn't do much.
Valor glared at her sideways.
They stepped closer, like two teachers about to fight over who gets classroom 12.
Annabelle smiled.
— Admit it.
The old man scared you, didn't he?
Valor raised a dramatic hand to the sky.
— ME?! AFRAID?!
Impossible!
It's just that I didn't want to break his spirit.
Or his body.
Or the arena.
Or the local ecosystem, yet again.
Behind them, Drake walked past quietly, still exhausted.
— You know I'm still here, right?
Valor: — Yeah, yeah, don't worry, you did your best.
Drake: — …
Nova: — And there we go. Back to square one.
Chapter 156 — "The Body Reforged, The Trust Shattered"
---
Liora said:
— Alright, now stop with your "Valor gave up because he's stronger" or "Drake was the strongest," we don't care.
Drake won.
End of debate.
A silence fell.
Valen muttered:
— Now even the commander's joining in, huh…
Naël raised his hands:
— She just wants to abuse her authority, it's obvious. She's been waiting for this moment for at least three tournaments.
Lya nodded:
— Exactly… look at her. It's outrageous to be like that.
She's practically gloating.
Liora sighed.
— Well. Elyon, I almost forgot… since you became my sweet son again, I forgot you had incarnated into Lysandra.
Ryn crossed his arms:
— Poor girl… all that time she was oppressed by a chaotic Elyon. That should be illegal.
Elyon said very calmly:
— Well, I don't know why you're all worried. She was just a human.
The whole area froze.
Liora closed her eyes.
— Don't speak like that, my son. The Origins taught me that all forms of life must be respected.
Valor pointed at Elyon:
— Hey, what's with the "just a human"? Do you hear yourself? Because we're humans too, you know.
Then he added, glancing at the group:
— Well… not all of us, but anyway, you get it.
Liora gently stroked Elyon's shoulder.
— Don't worry, my son… I can fix this. I'll create you a new body.
Lya raised an eyebrow:
— Don't you think Lysandra's been too broken? If you separate them, I fear there'll be nothing left but a shell…
Annabelle, arms crossed:
— It's more complicated than you think.
Liora looked at her calmly.
— That may be true for you…
She closed her eyes.
— But not for me.
A golden light spread around her. The entire base was illuminated.
She shaped a corporeal vessel from the surrounding mana: a young man with short black hair, red eyes, black kimono… but empty of consciousness.
Elyon detached from Lysandra like a shadow leaving a body, and slipped into the new vessel.
When he opened his eyes, a mischievous smile immediately appeared on his face.
— Thank you, mother… this body is even more powerful than Lysandra's. She restrained my strength because she refused to yield to my chaotic self…
Her will was strong. But I fear it has collapsed.
Liora placed a gentle hand on Lysandra, still unconscious.
— Don't worry, my son.
She raised her golden hand.
— I will reignite her will.
A divine wave coursed through Lysandra. She gasped and suddenly opened her eyes.
— How… how am I still alive?
Her gaze fell directly on Elyon.
She leapt back.
— HIM!! Why aren't you attacking him? He's the one who broke me mentally!
Liora answered calmly:
— Calm down. He's my son. And he's returned to the right path.
Lysandra stared at Elyon.
— I don't trust him… this guy is… far too evil. When I saw what he did in his memories… I was horrified.
Liora smiled:
— That's because he wasn't himself. But don't worry. He's changed.
Elyon made a composed gesture.
— I've changed, don't worry. I'm nice, really.
Lysandra looked at his mischievous smile.
In her head: …no. He's lying. He's lying so much it's visible from the moon.
Arthur Pendragon arrived, cape billowing, Béatrice behind him.
— He's been with us for a long time. We just forgot about you… but I, King Arthur Pendragon, can swear on my honor that he has changed.
Béatrice added:
— He's at least trying. Well… most of the time.
Lysandra spread her white wings.
— If you say so… fine. I'm going back to Astoria. I have problems to solve there. And far away from… him, that'll be perfect.
She gave Elyon one last look as if he might pounce on her.
Elyon gave her a little wave.
— Take care, alright.
Lysandra:
— YOU. Don't ever speak to me again, thanks.
Everyone burst out laughing… except Elyon, who sulked.
Liora clapped her hands.
— Very well! Everyone back to HQ. And no fighting on the way.
She looked at Valor and Annabelle.
— Yes, I'm talking to you two.
Valor:
— Huh?! But I didn't do anything!
Annabelle:
— You're suspicious the moment you breathe.
Valor:
— THAT'S GRAVITY-MAGE RACISM!!
Chapter 157 – Return to Order… or Almost
Lysandra, still trembling, folded her wings shining with a golden glow before adding:
— Well… I'm going back to Astoria. Over there, it's total chaos. I come back from the dead and discover there's a civil war, three strange cults fighting over whether I'm a divine reincarnation, and idiots who think I'm an illusion. I've got work to do.
Valor burst out laughing.
— There you go! I told you. Astoria is always a circus. And besides, she doesn't even know that while she was in a coma, Elyon created a miniature version of her kingdom just to "try an idea."
Elyon looked away, whistling.
— It was a scientific test.
Annabelle sighed.
— You, every time you mess up, you call it "scientific." Next time you blow up a city, own it.
Elyon replied with his polite but demonic smile:
— It was a very small city…
Arthur struck his sword against the ground.
— Enough talk about city explosions! We must restore calm. I suggest everyone resumes their mission. I, Beatrice, and the Knights of Albion will secure the area. Drake, you need to rest. Valor… you too—
Valor raised his hand.
— No no no. I'm going to celebrate my non‑defeat. I didn't lose, I strategically forfeited. That's different.
Nova rolled his eyes.
— Valor. You sat on the ground and said "I quit." That's literally the definition of losing.
Valor, outraged:
— NO. I stopped BEFORE I won. So technically I prevented myself from winning. Totally different.
Lya burst out laughing.
— It's crazy how you can be powerful and completely stupid at the same time.
Ethan nodded:
— I call that a talent.
Liora, fed up, snapped her fingers.
A supernatural silence fell instantly over everyone.
— Now that I have your attention… she said calmly. Lysandra, you can go handle your affairs. And if you're still afraid of my son, I'll send Naël. He loves hitting imaginary enemies.
Naël, offended:
— I don't hit imaginary enemies! I just hit whatever I'm told to hit! That's different!
Liora nodded.
— Very well. Everyone, get your minds back in order. And no new conflicts, understood?
Everyone nodded… except Valor, of course.
Valor raised his hand like a disruptive student:
— I have an important question.
Liora sighed:
— What now?
— When do we eat?
Because since the fight, I'm starving. And when I'm hungry, I can accidentally destroy continents. So if you care about the world's geographic integrity… bring me a meal.
Ryn raised a finger:
— That's the first intelligent thing you've said in twenty chapters.
Valor placed a hand on his chest.
— Thank you. I appreciate the recognition.
Lysandra, about to take off, turned one last time.
— Well… stay alive while I'm gone, alright? When I come back, I don't want to find HQ reduced to ashes.
Elyon gave a thumbs‑up.
— Promise! I'm well‑behaved now!
She stared at him.
For a long time.
A very long time.
— … Yeah. I'll be back soon.
And she flew off in a breath of light, leaving behind the whole group, each with their own problems, their own secrets… and above all, a very poor ability to stay calm.
Nova stretched.
— Well. We'll probably have to deal with a catastrophe in less than twenty minutes. Enjoy this moment of peace.
Valor sat on the ground.
— True. Why do we always attract trouble?
Ryn answered without hesitation:
— Because you're all magnets for problems.
Lya snickered.
— And you're a magnet for sarcasm.
Ryn smiled:
— Exactly.
Drake, who had finally caught his breath, said in a calm voice:
— You know what… despite all this mess… it feels good to have you all.
Silence.
Then Valor replied:
— Yeah but stop saying touching stuff, old man. Sounds like you're gonna die in the next chapter.
Drake shot him a dark look.
— Valor… shut up.
And everyone burst out laughing.
Chapter 158 "The Celestial Duplicator"
Lysandra had just flown off, leaving a long current of air behind her, when the whole group fell silent for a few seconds.
Then Valor snapped his fingers:
— Well! Now that she's gone, can someone explain why everyone keeps accusing me of quitting like I was scared?
Lya calmly raised her hand:
— Because that's literally what you did.
Valor turned to her, shocked:
— You too? But I quit for the beauty of the fight! To preserve balance! To… to let Drake breathe a little!
Drake, quietly sitting on the ground while bandaging his arm, raised an eyebrow:
— But I didn't even have any mana left…
Valor froze.
— Exactly! That's what I'm saying: we had to preserve the old man's honor.
Naël chuckled:
— Honestly, you're unbelievable. You just turned a forfeit into a heroic act. Is that a hidden talent?
— A major talent, Valor replied, puffing out his chest.
Nova added without looking up:
— Besides, Drake doesn't even use mana, so your excuse is worthless.
Valor nearly choked.
---
Meanwhile, Elyon was examining his new body as if he had just unlocked a legendary skin.
— Mother… I truly love you. Look at me, I've got a cosmic ratio now.
Liora smiled, prouder than ever:
— Of course, I'm the one who created you.
Ryn crossed his arms:
— Just to be sure… we all agree this body is stronger, faster, more focused, and has even greater evolutionary potential?
Elyon flashed a far-too-satisfied grin:
— Naturally. And most importantly… it no longer restricts my chaotic impulses.
Everyone turned to Liora with the panic of parents at a school meeting.
— COMMANDER??? shouted Lya. Why did you allow that?!
— Calm down, said Liora. I added a safety system.
Naël leaned forward:
— What kind of safety?
Liora shrugged:
— If Elyon does something truly stupid, I rip his soul out for three seconds. That's enough to set him straight.
Elyon paled:
— WHAT?!
— I warned you, my son. Exemplary behavior, or *snap*, a little divine sanction.
The group froze at the soft yet terrifying threat.
Valor burst out laughing:
— HAHA! Even I'm scared of her, seriously—she can rip out souls.
Drake nodded:
— Confirmed.
---
Suddenly, a vibration echoed throughout the HQ. Not an alarm… a resonance. One that meant: *Something cosmic has appeared, and it might not be friendly.*
Arthur placed his hand on Excalibur.
— This aura… it's neither Elyon's nor the Creator's.
Beatrice stepped back:
— It looks like… a portal. A massive portal. A gigantic rift.
Ryn paled slightly:
— No… impossible… it's the signature of the Realm of Echoes.
Valor blinked:
— The realm of who?
Ryn took a deep breath:
— The Celestial Duplicator. The guy who can create perfect copies of living beings, worlds, objects, techniques… absolutely everything.
Valor grinned broadly:
— Interesting.
Lya:
— No, Valor, you are NOT going to fight against yourself multiplied by a thousand. NO. Against 500 versions of yourself—it's stupid, it's suicidal, it's illegal.
Valor was already cracking his knuckles:
— Just let me try. One little fight. Just a taste.
Drake sighed:
— I'm almost starting to regret letting him live…
Annabelle clapped her hands:
— Well, what's the plan? Do we protect the HQ or let Valor go die with his clones?
Valor raised a finger:
— For the record, I never die. Reality gets tired before I do.
Everyone rolled their eyes.
---
The rift finally opened.
A figure stepped out.
A calm being, smiling, short white hair, wearing a white coat covered in glowing symbols.
He looked at them all and said:
— So… which one of you wants to be copied first?
Total silence.
Then, all at once:
— VALOR! shouted the whole group.
Valor threw up his arms, scandalized:
— WHY IS IT ALWAYS ME?! Why never someone else?! Copy Drake! Copy Nova! Copy Elyon! I'm not your toy!
The Duplicator smiled.
— Very well. Valor… step forward. I want to test your essence.
Valor grinned:
— I'm ready to shine.
Lya whispered:
— This is going to be the chapter where everything explodes…
Nova replied without even lifting his eyes from his book:
— As usual.
Elyon smiled a smile so demonic it made you want to kill him, and said:
— It's been a long time since I let myself go.
Lya muttered as she released her shadow dagger:
— I feel like this guy is going to fix me.
Ryn frowned:
— Don't be treacherous, Lya.
At the back, Valen and Zarion were calmly chatting with Liora.
Valen:
— Should we intervene?
Zarion:
— Intervene? In this chaos? Never. They'll kill each other before we even understand what's happening.
Liora narrowed her eyes:
— You might be right.