Although Quetzal had the power of a goddess, her performance was still limited by her Spirit Core, so she was far inferior to Higashino Kanade. After such a prolonged battle, she had already reached her limit.
"I surrender... I surrender... I lost."
Quetzal's legs, which had been planted upright in the ground, drooped weakly. She patted the floor with one hand in a gesture of surrender.
"I declare Higashino Kanade the winner of this match!"
Waver stepped across the shattered ground, came to Higashino Kanade's side, raised his right hand, and announced the result.
With the victor decided, Higashino Kanade finally relaxed. He released the Eight Gates state, sat down on the ground in exhaustion, and kneaded the aching muscles in his limbs.
"Quetzal, are you okay? Don't die, meow!"
Rider hurried to Quetzal's side, hugged her legs, and pulled her out of the ground like she was uprooting a radish.
"Waaah—"
Quetzal let out a long breath. Her golden hair was a mess like a bird's nest, and her face was covered in dirt. She looked less like a goddess than a refugee.
"I lost! I never thought I'd lose to a human in a contest of strength and skill. I have no face to call myself a goddess anymore."
Big Sister covered her eyes, her body trembling slightly as though she had suffered a devastating blow.
"Quetzal, it's just one loss. It's not like you haven't lost before. At least you survived this time, right? Waaah—"
Rider, who had been trying to comfort her, suddenly took a kick to the stomach and was sent flying a kilometer away. Only the fuming Quetzal remained where she stood, rubbing her knee.
"I lost, so I'll honor the wager. From now on, Big Sister is Uruk's ally."
Quetzal walked over to