Lynn didn't care about the reactions of those present.
Though the saying "Ignorance is no excuse" doesn't always apply, in the Miracle World without players, their understanding of peak power is indeed at this level, so it's not surprising they don't believe.
Rather than worrying about others' opinions, it's better to use facts to silence them.
Lynn holds the title of Human Race Saint Emperor. The emperor's power is based on strength, but being called a saint tests one's humanity and character.
Lynn passed these tests; otherwise, he couldn't have achieved the unique exclusive title and the Saint Emperor's Sword, the exclusive Divine Artifact of the Miracle World.
Of course, it's just a game, so the requirements for being a "saint" don't really need to meet the standards of a true saint; just being righteous and kind-hearted is enough.
"I can give you some time to prepare thoroughly. Once you're ready, we can start the duel anytime."
Honestly, Lynn personally dueling with a mere level 500 opponent is a bit bullying, but if he doesn't give Lajian Wilson enough punishment for his previous provocations, should his crimes be easily forgiven?
"In a face-to-face battle, I'm not a weakling. If you lose because of underestimating me, you can't blame me."
Lajian Wilson didn't take Lynn's self-reported level seriously either. Though he lost a bit earlier, it was due to a sneak attack. Considering their similar age, if Lynn had a level of 600, it would be considered astonishing. As for over 900 levels, that's just amusing to hear.
However, despite his tough words, Lajian Wilson actually took his opponent quite seriously in action.
It was supposed to be just a private duel between nobles, but with the ample preparation time Lynn provided, Lajian armed himself with Wilson Clan's strongest set of equipment.
His equipment set included nothing less than level 500 Purple Equipment, ranking fourth among the seven tiers of Gold, Red, Orange, Purple, Blue, Green, and White equipment. Of course, his set mainly consisted of Purple Equipment, with only two Orange items: his sword and armor. As for any Golden Divine Artifacts or Red Sacred Artifacts, he had none.
Even for players who can repeatedly defeat bosses, not everyone has Divine Armor or Sacred Artifacts. For a native Saint Tier strongman to gather a set of Purple Equipment matched with large Orange gear is already quite impressive.
At least Lynn wouldn't consider Lajian Wilson's equipment weak; he just found the opponent quite inept.
"I'm ready. Equip yourself and follow me."
After Lajian Wilson finished equipping, he exchanged a glance with someone nearby and called Lynn to prepare for battle.
The destructive nature of clashes between Saint Tier strongmen meant it was impractical to fight in the banquet hall. Duke Wilson's Mansion had a designated martial arts arena and a stage best suited for duels.
"I'm ready too. We don't need to change places; a battle lasting one or two seconds doesn't warrant spending ten minutes on preparation."
Saying this, Lynn casually picked up a dining knife from the nearby table. Though it was quite sophisticated for dining, compared to even level 10 White Equipment, it seemed inadequate as a weapon.
Lajian Wilson solemnly equipped himself, while Lynn, wearing a tuxedo and holding a dining knife, showed differing levels of concern for the battle. It was hard to tell if Lajian was overly cautious or if Lynn was too carefree.
"If you aim to humiliate and anger me in this manner, I must say, you've succeeded!"
Seeing Lynn's behavior, the self-styled prodigy Lajian Wilson couldn't help but fume with anger. However, his opponent's underestimation was fitting; let him taste the bitterness of downfall due to arrogance!
"Let's settle it right here! Begin!"
Upon Lynn's insistence on not changing the venue, the spectators intuitively cleared out an empty area for them.
While a spectacle is entertaining, Saint Tier battles are serious business. Unplanned exposure to the aftermath could leave one feeling the consequences.
As Lajian Wilson's words "begin" fell, he launched a charge at Lynn. In a match between same-tier strongmen, obtaining the initiative is crucial; a single misstep could lead to continual suppression and disadvantage.
Lajian Wilson's charge was imposing, and the pressure from the newly ascended Saint Tier strongman astonished all present, making everyone forget his earlier embarrassment.
It seemed it wasn't that Vivian's boyfriend was too powerful, but rather Lajian Wilson was careless. Once serious, he remained the genius martial artist, Lajian Wilson!
However, as the battle commenced and Lajian's charge began, Lynn, facing the opponent's fierce assault, lazily swung one hand behind his back. Before anyone could see his other hand's movement, he calmly uttered two words.
"It's over."
Before the word "over" finished falling, Lynn's slack voice lingered in the air. Charging swiftly at the opponent, Lajian Wilson suddenly felt a flash of cold light before his legs buckled beneath him. He then sensed a chill above his head.
The helmet was shattered, and the coolness on his scalp came from a large lock of hair scraped close to the skin.
Had the dining knife gone slightly lower, the consequences would have been much graver...
"If you're poor in skill, just practice more; don't rely on underhanded tricks."
Lynn casually discarded the dining knife that cut through the Orange equipment parts, and gently patted Lajian Wilson kneeling on the ground, speaking with heartfelt advice.
He's not the type to retaliate against entire families for a minor attack, nor a Holy Mother to easily forgive obvious enemies.
That pat just now had shattered Lajian's energy channels, making any future growth or strengthening impossible. Even avoiding an immediate drop to level one would be quite fortunate.
Players know that experience points are fundamental for growth, but for native NPCs, the energy channel storing Fighting Spirit and Magic Elements is critical. Damage to these channels results in a drastic decline in strength, while complete shattering...
It means hoping for a short, simpler life as a common person.
"You... What did you do to me!?"
The shame of his swift defeat hadn't even registered before Lajian Wilson, feeling his Fighting Spirit rapidly draining away, shouted in terror.
"Nothing much, just a small punishment so you won't suffer from further training."
This time, Lynn merely patted his other shoulder comfortingly.
From a prodigy to someone below even a simple peasant, Lajian's severed foundation guarantees inevitable frailty and early death, leaving him with scarce time to experience a new life.