Chapter 75: Showdown 4: Let's Dance
James continued, still grinning from ear to ear, "Elamenor, my boy, go on and show that old fool why you're the Warchild. Remind everyone here why you're a force to be reckoned with."
Elamenor didn't need any further encouragement. He stepped forward, each movement precise and controlled, exuding an aura of quiet power that sent a chill through the crowd. The atmosphere shifted dramatically as he made his way to the center of the arena, where the master, Gale, and his apprentice, Alan, still stood, both of them visibly tense.
The crowd, especially those unfamiliar with Elamenor's strength, could hardly believe what was happening. Some still doubted, whispering amongst themselves that this was a mistake, that a child couldn't possibly be a match for anyone, let alone a seasoned master.
But others, particularly the disciples of the Primordial Chaos Sect, watched with knowing eyes, anticipating the display of power that was about to unfold.
Gale, feeling the immense pressure of the situation, steeled himself. He had witnessed many powerful beings in his lifetime, but there was something different about this boy. Something that made even a seasoned warrior like him uneasy.
Elamenor came to a stop, his gaze locking onto Gale with an intensity that sent shivers down the master's spine. For a moment, time seemed to stand still, the arena silent as everyone held their breath, waiting for the inevitable clash.
James, still grinning, leaned back slightly, folding his arms across his chest as he watched with interest. "This should be fun," he murmured to himself, fully aware of the power about to be unleashed.
Adams, who had remained silent since giving the order, simply observed, his expression unreadable. The anticipation in the arena reached its peak, and everyone present knew that they were about to witness something extraordinary.
As Elamenor took another step forward, the ground beneath him trembled ever so slightly, a mere hint of the immense strength he possessed. And in that moment, even the doubters in the crowd felt a pang of fear, realizing that perhaps, just perhaps, this boy was far more than he appeared to be.
"So, are we fighting, or are we just going to stare at each other all day?" Elamenor asked casually, his tone more amused than serious. He didn't even bother to take a fighting stance, simply standing there with a relaxed posture, his gaze fixed on Gale, waiting for a response.
Alan, still struggling to stand after the earlier battle, shot a glare at Elamenor. "Listen, elf boy," Alan sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "I don't know who you are or how strong you think you are, but in the true face of power, you're nothing but an ant. So do yourself a favor and go back to your mother."
Elamenor turned his bored gaze towards Alan, sighing as if the entire situation was beneath him. But then, a grin slowly spread across his face as a mischievous thought crossed his mind.
James, noticing the shift in Elamenor's expression, couldn't help but grin as well. He knew the boy was about to come up with something interesting, something that would likely turn the tables in an unexpected way.
Before Elamenor could even voice his thought, Adams burst out laughing, his deep, booming voice echoing through the arena. *Ha! Ha! Ha!* His laughter reverberated, amplifying the sense of anticipation.
Elamenor stretched out his right hand towards both master and apprentice, his grin widening. *The soft rustle of his movement* punctuated the silence. "Just as big brother said," he began, his voice carrying a mix of mockery and confidence, "fighting isn't really your strong suit. So, if you both want, I can take the two of you on at once."
A hush fell over the arena, broken only by the *murmurs of disbelief* from the onlookers. *Gale's breath hitched* in surprise, and *Alan's jaw dropped*, the shock evident on his face. The tension in the air seemed to *crackle* with electricity, the weight of Elamenor's challenge sinking in.
The arena was now filled with the *soft hum of anticipation*, as everyone waited to see how this audacious declaration would play out.
Gale, recovering from the initial shock, took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure. He met Elamenor's gaze with a steely resolve, though a flicker of uncertainty remained in his eyes.
"Is that so?" Gale said, his voice steady but laced with a hint of frustration. He took a step forward, his demeanor shifting from surprise to determination. "You've got guts, kid. But don't think for a second that your bravado means anything here."
He glanced at Alan, who was still looking bewildered, before turning back to Elamenor. "If you truly believe you can handle both of us, then show us. We'll see if you're all talk or if you actually have the strength to back it up."
Gale's voice carried a mix of challenge and defiance as he addressed Elamenor. The crowd's murmurs grew louder, reflecting their anticipation and curiosity. The sound of *shuffling footsteps* and *soft whispers* filled the arena, as everyone braced for the confrontation that was about to unfold.
Elamenor's grin remained unchanged, his eyes gleaming with a confident glint. He gave a nonchalant shrug. "Alright then. Let's see if you can make this interesting. But first, why don't you both get healed up? I wouldn't want anyone claiming that I fought you in a weakened state, now would I?"
"Let me handle that," Adams said, waving his hand. Instantly, the wounds on Alan and Gale healed, their energy and mana fully restored. They felt reinvigorated, their strength and vitality returning.
"Good, now that you're all set," Elamenor said with a grin reminiscent of a certain infamous figure from Adams' favorite anime, the one who had haunted countless armies—the legendary Madara Uchiha. "Let's dance."
Adams, seeing the familiar and unsettling grin on Elamenor's face, chuckled with anticipation. "This is going to be fun."