(Before the Beginning of the Duel)
Johann and Vishi had not spoken when Sarah Rodriguez and Vishnu were present. But now, just before the match began, Johann looked Vishi up and down and asked,
"Are you really Vishnu's friend?"
As Johann examined him, he realized that Vishi's body was not up to the standard expected of someone strong enough to compete with Vishnu. Though his physique was stronger than that of an average boy his age, it was still a common build among the cadets.
Vishi did not reply to Johann's question.
This silence irritated Johann.Both of these guys are too fucking arrogant, he thought.
He then said, "Even though I know your physical condition isn't at its best, I'll still give my all—because you accepted the duel."
He spoke the latter part with clear arrogance.
(After the Beginning of the Match)
Johann rushed toward Vishi and attacked the joints near his shoulders. Vishi stepped back and dodged the strike.
Johann continued attacking relentlessly, but he was unable to land a clean hit.
The spectators were surprised by Vishi's agility—his ability to evade Johann's attacks so smoothly.
Johann halted and stared at him.Alright… I've understood his body's agility to some extent, he thought.
Taking a fighting stance, he muttered internally, Now it's time to get serious.
He attacked again—this time not just targeting vital points, but concealing secondary attacks beneath layers of lethal strikes.
Though Vishi managed to avoid the most dangerous blows, he was still taking damage.
Now is not the right moment, Vishi thought.
He endured blow after blow to his stomach and chest while deflecting fatal attacks.
Wait… wait… wait…
Suddenly, he twisted his body and struck Johann's face with his fibula, landing the attack just below Johann's eyes. Johann's vision blurred, giving Vishi a brief opening to strike before Johann could recover.
(Inside the Glass Cabinet)
Vishnu clenched his teeth.Damn it… Johann's using the Black Knight Arts. Judging by his movements, he's learned all the forms—even if not to perfection. And with his copying ability, this won't be easy for you.
He kept his eyes fixed on Vishi.
Sarah Rodriguez thought the same.That kid is doing well, but…Her gaze turned cold.How long can you withstand Johann's power? Show us your genius, Vishi Naran.
In the area where the black-bearded man sat, Shika stood beside him.
"Who do you think will win, Sir Alex?" she asked.
Alex Mercer lit his cigarette and said, "Wait for a while."
He paused, exhaling smoke.
"This duel is just about to end."
(In the Crucible Yard)
After Vishi exploited Johann's reduced perception and struck near his eyes, Johann regained dominance, though Vishi resisted fiercely against the pressure of Johann's attacks.
A spectator muttered, "Isn't he just… normal?"
Another added, "Yeah. I thought Vishnu's friend would be some kind of monster, but he's getting his ass kicked."
Whispers spread through the crowd.
During the duel, Johann spoke,"I can tell from your fighting style that you know WOKG and three forms of the Black Knight Arts. That's impressive—Vishnu definitely didn't teach you those. You must have copied them."
He paused, looking at Vishi, who stood silently, clearly exhausted.
"But it's impossible to copy the other forms of the Black Knight Arts. They require a specific body. Unless you have Vishnu's perfect physique, you can't replicate my techniques."
With an arrogant smile, he continued,"You should surrender. Every possible outcome ends with your defeat."
Vishi locked eyes with Johann.
"Nah," he said calmly. "You'll lose."
Johann's fury exploded. He attacked again.
But this time, Vishi struck first—faster and harder—targeting Johann's thoracic vertebrae.
Johann staggered.
The spectators gasped. Everyone was shocked—everyone except the Supreme.
What martial art is this? Johann thought.
Before he could recover, Vishi attacked again and again.
Johann resisted using the Black Knight Arts, but the damage to his bones made it difficult to counter.
Suddenly, Miley, watching from the crowd, shouted,"Aren't Vishi's movements—his stance and hand flow—resembling both WOKG and the Black Knight Arts?"
Murmurs erupted.
"Did he just… combine both martial arts?"
Shock spread through the audience.
Meanwhile, inside the glass cabinet where the clan heads were seated, Vishnu smiled faintly.
Sarah Rodriguez continued analyzing the battle.
But Vishnu noticed something different.
Vishi was smiling while attacking.
And that was something Vishnu had never seen before.