Seed Of Speed

When time was called again, Diego had replenished another fifty-one units of Solar Units, bringing his total over three hundred and fifty. He stood up and looked straight at his second eldest brother.

"Tovao, I ask for a duel," Diego said with a slight bow.

Tovao's eyes narrowed as he stood up with his glaive standing next to him. The curved blade was just a few centimeters shorter than the short sword Tuk wielded and the long shaft made it tower over his head. He had scoffed at the challenge this morning, but watching Ishu defeat Peyni in a contest of power made him realize he had underestimated him. He completely ignored the cheering of the crowd as he focused his full attention on his brother while sizing him up. He stopped about five meters from Diego then took a horse stance before turning his foot to point at Diego while he balanced his glaive between his hands.

"Show me your strength," Tovao said.

Diego smiled and pointed his spear forward with a nod. He pulled it back then jumped forward while thrusting out his spear. Tovao raised the tip of his glaive and chopped in a downward curve, deflecting the spearhead with ease. Diego used the momentum to twirl the spear in his hand then smacked down with the end of his spear, so that it pinned the blade against the ground and closed in to close-quarters.

Tovao gave huff then his body was covered in a semi-transparent gold glow as he activated his [Half-Step Gold Skin]. Diego smiled as activated his own [Scarlet-Gold Skin] and his body was covered in a metallic, scarlet-gold sheen. Tovao was so stunned that he did not even try to block Diego's shoulder slam to the c.h.e.s.t and tumbled back, losing his weapon as well. Before Diego could react though, a familiar voice chimed in his ear.

::[Scarlet-Gold Body Slam] skill learned. 5 mastery points awarded::

Grinning in his heart, Diego gave Tovao's glaive a light kick and sent it skidding over to him then said, "Fight, brother!"

Tovao looked up at his brother with disbelief. He was not the only one staring him in shock as the arena had fallen silent while Anoe had risen to his feet once again. This day had already brought so many surprises to the older man, anymore and his heart might fail him. But he did not care, nor did he care that his heirs were doomed to lose, his Telryn Clan had given birth to a monster! They were truly going to soar into the heavens now!

Suppressing his shock, Tovao picked up his weapon and rose to his feet. His defense skill had reduced the amount of damage he took by nearly thirty percent and was the only reason why he did not have any broken ribs, but his bones were bruised for sure. Despite the pain radiating from his c.h.e.s.t, Tovao took his fighting stance again while his eyes were filled with pride. The idea that the brother before him was worthy of following sprouted in his heart.

Diego threw out his spear once again, but this time, he activated [Serpent's Strike] as Tovao's counter chop swept downwards and it sn.a.k.e.d around the heavy blade, continuing on towards his head. Tovao dodged the thrust by leaning into his chop, switching its swing by using [Wagging Tail] to slice at Diego's t.h.i.g.h.

Since Diego's body was extended, he could not dodge easily, so instead he counter-attacked with, of all things, [Spinning Shield]. The spear twirled through his fingers and the end slammed across Tovao's face. Thanks to the power of the System, the skill had the same amount of strength whether he used two hands or just his fingers. Being on level four and an unexpected counter, the attack stunned him and weakened the attack enough that Diego's [Scarlet-Gold Skin] managed to prevent the blade from slicing his skin although a gouge was chopped into his leather greaves.

Diego grabbed the blade with his metallic hand and pulled back, yanking Tovao towards him. Diego met him with him with a headbutt, activating his new skill, [Scarlet-Gold Body Slam]. His head crash into Tovao and knocked him out as he collapsed backwards.

::Tovao Telryn, fifth stage Mortal Body, defeated! 1 Experience points awarded, 1 Mastery points awarded, 1 Skill point awarded to [Serpent's Strike], 1 Skill point awarded to [Spinning Shield], 1 Skill point awarded to [Scarlet-Gold Body Slam]::

Diego smiled as he dismissed the message and looked down at his brother. Maybe he had been too hard on Tovao as his face was quickly swelling after repeated strikes to the face. He chuckled as he scratched the back of his head then turned to Barru and bowed.

Barru was laughing as he sat there with pride. His son had easily defeated yet another of his brother's ease. "Tovao has been defeated. While Ishu recuperates, Oro and his hunters have provided large bounty of Razun Rams which shall be put on the fires now! Please feast in honor of this great day!" Barru boomed with a smile.

Diego stabbed his spear into the sand then stepped next to Tovao as he called, "Peyni!" He knelt down and picked up Tovao as Penyi hurried over. "Take him to the Hovel for healing," Diego said as he passed over their brother.

"Yes, brother," Peyni replied.

Peyni walked out of the arena, carrying Tovao, and the crowd parted for them. Diego sat down next to his spear and began meditating. The more focus he put into it, the more energy he could recover.

Barru, Anoe, and Oro all stared at Diego with a fiery passion. Just what sort of heaven-defying lucky event change him into this monster?!? Even Firesand's old eyes were caught staring at the boy from time to time.

Tula and Misia were both holding back tears of joys as they guessed that none of their sons would die today. Verla's and Dyna's expressions were complicated while Pazi's was worried. She had always expected Bako to be the victor and then she would enjoy the power of being the first wife, but now, her dream felt threatened.

Jolai wore a tragic smile as she remembered the price her youngest had paid not too long ago because Oro doubted Ishu. But had she not agreed? Was her faith in him any better? The answer was no, and she never would have guessed her son would spare his brothers. How was it that she did not know his true heart?

Bako glared down at his brother as his hands twitched. The seat of Patriarch belonged to him in his eyes. He was first born and had always been the strongest! When did this pup rise up and threaten his position as alpha? He had broken through to the sixth stage of the Mortal Body, but even he had felt a trace of danger from his brother's attacks. It was maddening, being forced to wait, when every fiber of his being d.e.s.i.r.ed to fight this worthy foe!

For the next duel, Diego simply called the next youngest member of the Lizard Faction and threatened him as he had the other, ending the fight right away. He wanted to make sure his energy was completely restored this time as he could feel Bako's fiery stare. This was the first time Diego had ever felt true killing intent and, if not for the power of the God Seed, he would be unable to meditate at all, not just the uncomfortable feeling.