Everyone in the arena was astonished when they noticed what was happening — among them were Lilar, who looked excited, and Raven and his followers, whose faces were filled with expressions of surprise.
Jack said:
"What is he trying to do? By storming into the battle?"
Briley replied with a question:
"Do you think he knows this girl?"
Signs of deep thought appeared on Raven's face, but he said nothing.
Even Blue ran and Reno in the arena had looks of astonishment on their faces.
Reno said:
"So... these people in this city... I wonder, what is he trying to do?"
Blue run replied:
"I think he knows the girl... and that's why he stepped into this deadly situation to help her."
And all around the arena, whispers spread, and people exchanged words about what was happening before their eyes.
Then the announcer said loudly: "You want to fight for her? Didn't you hear what I said a moment ago? These are criminals, and the reason they're here is to fight for their lives! And who do you think you are to storm into the arena in His Majesty's presence? Don't you know the law?"
Youray smiled calmly, then said: "Then... I will trade my life for hers. Are you satisfied? You are here to watch the fight, and as you can see… she doesn't want to fight. Wouldn't that lessen the excitement of the battle if she dies from the start?"
The announcer was surprised by his words — what Youray said struck at the core, because if someone died right at the start, it would indeed lessen the thrill of this royal battle.
And Youray's appearance at this moment was well-timed, as the girl didn't want to fight.
After thinking deeply, he looked toward the king… and the king nodded in approval.
After a moment of silence, the announcer said: "Very well..."
Youray stepped forward toward the girl and bent down to whisper in her ear.
The girl was astonished, and her wide eyes opened even wider than before, while he calmly said:
"Isn't that so... mute one?"
Then he continued his whisper:
"My friend there, by the stone pillar, wearing black striped with red... wait for me there. I will end this battle and join you."
In the stands, people began shouting and mocking:
> "You crazy lover!"
"I hope you don't die quickly!"
"You look like a skeleton, you scoundrel!"
"And what's with your closed eyes? How will you fight if you can't see?!"
Youray received many insults, but he did not respond. He was just... smiling.
---
On the honorary platform, all eyes were on Youray.
Loren said:
"This boy... is quite extraordinary."
Lebran replied:
"Yes, he is. But he ruined our bet... what should we do now?"
Loren said quietly:
"Nothing... let's just watch."
The fight resumed.
The young man was still in a predicament with the huge man; the former attacked fiercely, while the latter dodged.
As for the two old men, their battle was what drew the attention — fierce, bloody, wounds covering their bodies, and blood dripping from them. One of them had his hand cut off and was in trouble.
As for Youray, he remained standing in his place... unmoving.
His opponent looked at him and said,
"Shall we begin?"
Youray answered calmly,
"Whenever you want."
The young man rushed toward him, his spiked whip in hand, and started the attack.
They immediately captured the people's attention.
The young man struck with his whip aiming at Youray's head with a clear intent to kill, but Youray bent quickly, jumped backward, then suddenly charged toward his opponent and threw a direct punch to his stomach.
Boom!
Youray's fist hit the young man's stomach, pushing him backward as he staggered from the intense pain.
The young man's facial expression changed; he looked angry and shouted,
"I will kill you!"
He dashed swiftly toward Youray, wildly swinging his whip in all directions.
It was clear that this young man was skilled with the whip; he didn't carry it for nothing.
Every strike produced a loud sound, and every impact on the ground left deep scratches on the battlefield.
Youray found himself amidst fast attacks, but he dodged them all with eerie calmness.
The young man's anger increased, and he swung his whip even harder... but to no avail.
At that moment, Youray said,
"I wasn't going to kill you... but you want my death."
Then he burst forward with lightning speed, passing his opponent, and in a sudden moment...
The young man's head fell from his shoulders.
Everyone gasped.
What they saw was unnatural...
Something writhing like a snake was coming out of Youray's sleeves!
One of the spectators said,
"What is that?! Is it a snake?!"
Another responded in surprise,
"No... look closely! It's... a bone!"
On the honorary platform, all eyes turned toward Youray, their eyes widening in shock.
They all knew the meaning of that bone appearing from beneath his sleeves.
Dorana said in an astonished voice,
"He is... possessed! It's rare to see a possessed person in this place!"
Loren responded with concern,
"More than just possessed... that bone... he is possessed by the legendary Bone Germ!
How did it appear here?! And who is this person?!"
Loren began to think deeply, while Lebran said,
"The Bone Germ?! It disappeared a long time ago... we know nothing about it except what we read in our ancient books..."