When the light screen displayed the outcome, unprecedented applause erupted from the stands and lasted for a long time.
Before the match began, nearly all the applause and cheers had been for Angel. Now, they were for the two contestants on the field—for the effort they had given, and for the release the spectators craved after witnessing such a thrilling battle.
Even though the match had ended, the audience's discussions and shouts never ceased. At this moment, however, the busiest people were not the spectators, but the judges discussing the result and revising the rankings.
Sabo had originally wanted Angel to join the revisions, but Angel did not answer. Instead, he looked to the other side.
Following Angel's gaze, Sabo saw Black Codex on the arena slowly shrink from the form of a giantess until it became ordinary human size. Its appearance was still that of the God of the Prison Codex, but unfortunately, the objects in its hands had both been damaged.
Black Codex put away the broken longsword and scales, then walked step by step to the unconscious Serum.
It picked him up, then pushed off with the tip of its foot and leaped onto the judges' platform.
Black Codex came before Angel, knelt on one knee, and handed the blood-soaked Serum over to him. "I leave the young master in Lord Pat's care."
Angel steadied Serum beside him and looked at Black Codex.
"Next, I may fall into dormancy. I do not know when I will awaken." After saying this, Black Codex gazed quietly at Serum, as if committing his appearance to memory. Only after a long while did it continue, "When Master awakens, please tell him for me, Lord Pat—thank you for trusting me, and... I will definitely return."
Angel gave Black Codex a deep look