Chapter 158

Chapter 158: Uninvited Guest

When Midi’s carriage halted at the entrance, two groups stood in a tense standoff within Lionheart Arena’s vast hall. Among the smaller faction stood a tall, straight-backed middle-aged man resembling a javelin. Yet his pale face and blood-stained lips revealed his weakened state – Randall, current host of Lionheart Arena, bearing heavy injuries.

Three decades prior, Iron-Blood Duke established this Arena before entrusting it to his disciple. That disciple managed the Arena for twenty-two years until dying in an accident, after which his own chief disciple Randall inherited it for eight years.

With a gifted Demon Swordman like Randall presiding, none dared challenge Lionheart Arena before. But after the Forest of Gran fire caused monster mutations, leveling became easier – as if an invisible mountain crushing practitioners had lifted. Those with basic qualifications could now advance through training.

Feeling pressured by competitors catching up, Randall trained intensively, rising from level 38 to 40 in one year – an impressive feat considering the difficulty surpassing level 40. Yet now three level 40 practitioners from Zhenlu Arena confronted him: a psionicist, judo expert, and Sanshou fighter demanding sparring matches.

Though confident against any single opponent, Randall faced three adversaries employing attrition tactics. The first would analyze his techniques, the second drain his physical strength and magic, leaving the third to deliver the final blow. Worse, their magic weapons surpassed standard Arena equipment. By the second round, Randall’s mistake led to injury. Now with depleted demon god energy and bodily harm, he could barely continue.

Surrender meant losing Lionheart Arena’s plaque and closure. Without income, the Arena would collapse, letting Zhenlu Arena seize their territories and leave members destitute. No retreat remained.

"Send the third challenger," Randall growled, wiping blood away with eyes glowing like an injured lion’s.

"Master, stop this!"

"Let’s fight these scum together!"

Randall’s disciples burned with helpless anger while Zhenlu’s group sneered. The dark-skinned Sanshou fighter threatened, "Fight the third round and I’ll kill you here."

A portly psionicist interjected mockingly, "Let disciples spar instead! Just one match – if yours wins, we leave. Generous, no?"

Randall seethed inwardly. Disciples formed an Arena’s foundation. Zhenlu’s disciples all exceeded level 30, while his chief disciple Peter was merely level 26. This "generous offer" aimed to destroy Lionheart’s future.

As impulsive Peter moved to accept, Randall restrained him. "No need. Third challenger – come."

The Sanshou fighter stepped forward tigerishly when an unexpected voice interrupted:

"Pardon me – are you still accepting students here?"

Regardless of whether they were from Lionheart Arena or Zhenlu Arena, everyone instinctively stopped and turned toward the source of the sound.

The Arena’s door swung open, revealing a young man with black hair and black eyes casually strolling in while curiously glancing around.

This newcomer seemed utterly unfamiliar with the Arena, his face showing genuine curiosity. More strikingly, he appeared completely at ease, as if oblivious to the drawn swords and the gunpowder-charged atmosphere hanging over the confrontation.

This was none other than Midi Asreks.

Midi wasn’t pretending ignorance without purpose. Being new here, he knew nothing about Lionheart Arena’s current predicament. Though Randall appeared to be in charge, Midi needed to judge the situation for himself.

By disguising himself as a clueless novice while suppressing his aura – and having Dickson and Kelvin block the exits outside – he aimed to expose the true nature of both sides through their reactions.

To these level 40 practitioners, Midi appeared as nothing more than a low-level youth in his twenties. Though his bearing suggested noble upbringing, Zhenlu Arena’s members wouldn’t consider him a threat.

Among the three Zhenlu representatives, the cautious psionicist stepped forward first. The level 40 practitioner sized up Midi before offering a thin smile: "Young friend, why visit a failing Arena? Join Zhenlu instead. Show decent talent and we’ll groom you properly."

Zhenlu Arena? So these were the ones trying to seize Iron-Blood Duke’s property?

Midi kept his expression neutral as he waved dismissively: "No thanks. This place interests me more."

The psionicist’s smile froze. Across from him, the dark-skinned Sanshou fighter began trembling with suppressed rage.

Before Zhenlu’s side could react, Randall swiftly positioned himself between Midi and the three experts. Though uncertain of the youth’s background, Lionheart’s host felt compelled to protect anyone expressing interest in his Arena.

"Return tomorrow," Randall urged with forced calmness, his eyes betraying despair. "We’ll accept all swordsmanship enthusiasts then." The unspoken truth hung heavy – there might be no tomorrow for Lionheart Arena.

Midi assessed the situation. Honest but naive. Competent yet too kind-hearted for Faero Bay’s ruthless environment. Meanwhile, Zhenlu’s thugs radiated malice through their glares.

Time to act.

Smiling, Midi addressed Randall: "You’re the host here, yes? Let’s just throw out these troublemakers and I’ll join immediately."

The bold declaration stunned everyone. Lionheart disciples stared with shocked admiration, while Zhenlu members’ eyes filled with murderous intent.

The Sanshou fighter finally exploded. "I’ll kill you, brat!" he roared, leaping at Midi like a diving hawk. Simultaneously, the psionicist and judo expert lunged toward Randall.

Chaos erupted as all three Zhenlu experts attacked simultaneously.