172. Dancing with Dragons (Part 3)
"People call you a princess, but in my view, you fought well. Your strategies and techniques are top-notch. Every attack was executed with full effort, and you adapted swiftly to the changing battlefield."
Li Aozi crouched slightly, adjusting his center of gravity. He truly had a satisfying fight today. Even looking at Diaran felt pleasant, and he casually added:
"Rather than a golden princess, you're more like a Valkyrie, a battle maiden of legend."
Remaining time: 29 seconds.
"A Valkyrie…" Diaran murmured while preparing her final spell. "What is that?"
"I heard it from a silicon-born bar owner. It's said to be a concept from beyond the Abyss. A Valkyrie, or battle maiden, is an envoy of the Hall of Heroes, who collects the souls of fallen warriors from the battlefield and guides them to a sanctuary where they can fight forever."
Li Aozi clenched his fists, pondering his phrasing, and said:
"In terms of our Abyss, it's akin to a divine emissary of a major deity."
An emissary.
......…
"I initially believed this to be a great victory, but the situation is far from optimistic. Many experimental subjects, after losing the Aether Blood, displayed transparency before completely disappearing."
Late at night, the doctor scribbled fervently, pouring his wishes into his manuscript:
"By then, I realized that once one steps into society, everything personal vanishes. Yet, I still believe in Diaran. After all, she is only 14 years old."
He paused his writing, turning to look at himself on the operating table not far away. The two locked eyes for a long time.
"Doctor?" she asked softly. "Should we continue the surgery? I can endure further."
The doctor turned his head away, unable to meet her gaze. While muttering prayers to nonexistent gods, he wrote a forlorn declaration on the paper:
"In time, she will surely become the savior of the Star Abyss, an existence like Leoz—Diaran (in Falician: Emissary)."
......…
"Hmph."
Diaran's lips curled into a slight smile.
"Hmm?" Li Aozi was surprised. "Did you just smile?"
"Time remaining until match end: Ten seconds!"
"Countdown: Ten!"
Diaran lifted her head without replying. Her gaze turned crystal clear as she directly faced Li Aozi, saying:
"The score is 524 to 524. We're tied."
—Nine!
Li Aozi nodded without hesitation:
"Then let's settle this with one final move."
—Eight!
"(Dragon Language) Gladly," Diaran raised her hand, her forehead splitting to reveal a pair of delicate dragon horns. She opened her mouth to chant her final spell:
"(Dragon Language) Arise, dragons of the earth, stand for me!"
—Seven!
Li Aozi frantically drew energy from the elemental pool, gathering all his strength. His mana reserves burned rapidly, and the Lava Guardian expanded to its maximum size.
—Six!
Rumble!
The ground cracked open as a colossal mountain-like dragon of rock emerged. Its magma-like eyes reflected an even more ferocious figure—the molten lava Guardian towering against the arena's protective dome, emanating sulfurous heat.
—Five!
The mountain dragon and lava Guardian filled the arena, their scales and obsidian clashing. The intense heat caused the arena's protective barrier to fracture.
"Damn, everyone scatter! Are they insane?"
"This way, use the safety passage. Don't push, evacuate in order!"
"This barrier was meant for Zeta-tier graduate exams!"
—Four!
Li Aozi and Diaran's figures vanished amidst the frenetic battle. The dragon and giant clashed with explosive roars.
—Three!
Mountains trembled, flames erupted.
The lava Guardian's double elbows slammed down, shattering the earth dragon's horns. It stumbled but performed an authentic dragon's flip, countering with a massive punch to the Guardian's helmet. A true volcanic eruption ensued, magma spraying everywhere.
—Two!
Perhaps guided by their masters, the two colossal beings exchanged a glance.
The dragon's golden eyes met the molten Guardian's searing red-black gaze.
The next moment, both stepped back before hurling massive punches at each other simultaneously!
"One!"
BOOM!!!!
A scorching explosion engulfed the heavens. The protective dome finally gave way, shattering entirely as the blast consumed the arena, triggering an energy surge.
...…
Nearby facilities lost power. The magical network faltered, and a powerful arcane pulse swept the campus. Even from 300,000 meters above, a crimson glow from the explosion was visible.
It took several minutes for the energy supply to stabilize.
"*&%Time… up—"
The magic brain referee, affected by the surge, emitted a shrill static:
"Final score announcement:"
The mushroom cloud dissipated, revealing two immobile colossal figures at the center.
Both creatures' fists had landed squarely on the other's faces. The dragon's brain matter and flesh scattered, while the Guardian's head fragmented with obsidian shards.
The summoned creatures solidified momentarily before fading. The dragon's lifeless body collapsed, and the Guardian disintegrated into a hill of ash.
As the dust settled, the score display board emerged:
Diaran: 529 points
Li Aozi: 529 points
Thud.
Li Aozi descended from the sky. The passive effect of [Gravity] Omega Energy ensured his safe landing.
Adored by the White Candle Star, even the dust dispersed politely, unwilling to taint him.
Li Aozi approached the ash heap, inspecting it before spotting a hand sticking out. He grabbed the wrist and effortlessly pulled out the figure.
Plop.
A slender figure fell into Li Aozi's arms. He frowned slightly, noting the ash-covered body. Diaran's head leaned lightly against his chest. Benefiting from his presence, the ash on her body dispersed, revealing a sleek, radiant figure beneath bloodied dragon scales.
"Hey, wake up. Wake up. Don't die here. I don't want to end up in jail."
Li Aozi shook her gently.
With his [Bloodline] and the White Candle Star's favor, he remained unscathed, but Diaran lacked such fortune.
Her clothes had been incinerated during the battle. Though beautiful, she wasn't as stunning as Li Aozi's daily mirror reflection. Being younger than Nomi, she stirred no improper thoughts.
He patted her face. When she didn't wake, he reluctantly removed his jacket, wrapping her body.
"Good thing outfits don't wear or stain. I should ask Yavanna for more. Saves a lot of points…"
Carrying Diaran, Li Aozi looked around. Everyone seemed to have fled. Left alone amidst the ruins, he couldn't call for help.
Trouble.
Li Aozi scratched his head, but the princess carry restricted his movement. He considered adjusting his grip to sling her over his shoulder like a dead fox when a voice called out:
"Li Aozi… sir?"
Startled, Li Aozi turned to see a woman in a beautiful dress walking through the burning rubble, holding a meal box in each hand. Their eyes met, her webbed gaze reflecting shock, astonishment, then emptiness.
"Oh, Yavanna…"
"Li Aozi." Yavanna's tone turned cold. "Who is that girl in your arms?"