Svarog remained silent for a long time.
He knelt on one knee in the arena, bracing his Great Axe against the ground. His chest heaved, and sweat mingled with frost as it slid down his bronze skin.
He looked at Qi Wu's young face and gave a bitter smile.
"You've got me."
He planted the Great Axe in the ground and slowly rose, extending a hand toward Qi Wu. "The axe is yours. I'm a man of my word."
Qi Wu glanced at Extreme Cold's Sorrow, embedded in the arena floor, then at Svarog's outstretched hand.
He nodded slightly and reached out to clasp it.
Their eyes met. Svarog squeezed his hand hard, then let go and turned to leave the arena.
His departing figure was still imposing, but there was a new ease to it, as though a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
Three hundred warriors of the Northern Plains cheered in unison, beating their battle-axes against their shields with a thunderous roar.
In the stands, the spectators erupted into deafening cheers.
"Qi Wu!!! Qi Wu!!!"
"He beat two powerhouses in a row! He's incredible!"
"Child of Destiny! Child of Destiny!"
Li Chen leaped out of his seat in excitement, clapping wildly.
With a cigarette between her lips, Su Li curled her mouth into a smile. She took a deep drag and slowly exhaled. "That kid..."
In the VIP seats, the Human Emperor held his teacup, his smile deepening.
He took a sip. The tea was no longer icy; it was warm, just right.
Layton sat in his chair, watching Qi Wu in silence for a long time.
His fingers tapped lightly against the armrest, and a thoughtful look flickered in his eyes.
Angelina bit her lip. As she watched the white-clad figure in the center of