The selection competition lasted for another hour or so.
With nothing else to do, Lin En and Ronava also joined in watching the send-off match.
Ronava watched intently, curious to know how strong Natlan was now.
The final match was between Kachina and a burly man, who was much bigger than Kachina and knocked her flying right at the start.
Kachina circled in the air and landed steadily. She changed her tactics, no longer engaging in direct confrontation. Instead, she circled around the burly man, waiting for him to make a move before luring him into an attack. She attacked three times, but the burly man missed his first time, having already used up a lot of her own strength.
Finally Kachina rushed up from the side, Turbo Twirly in her hand, and with the force of her charge, she flung the burly man over the fence.
The onlookers cheered.
Mavuika stood up from the stone chair, walked to the middle of the open space, raised Kachina's hand, and said.
"The ultimate victor is Kachina!"
Kachina was covered in sweat and scratched her head sheepishly.
Ronava withdrew his gaze and made a comment.
"That's all there is to Natlan."
The sound wasn't loud, but it reached Mavuika's ears precisely.
She turned her head, her fiery red eyes clearly showing displeasure, released Kachina's hand, and strode towards her.
What did you just say?
"I didn't expect Ronava to insult Natlan in public," Mavuika said unhappily.
Ronava's gaze was cold as she swept over everyone present and repeated herself.
"That's all there is to Natlan."
Everyone around heard this.
The selection process for the Children of Echoes was only of average quality.
Before Mavuika could say anything, the people around her started chattering.
"How dare this person say that?"
" Pyro Archon Vulcan, no need for you to intervene, I'll teach her a lesson."
Mavuika waved her hand dismissively and said in an annoyed tone.
"We chose warriors, not a circus act for you to watch. Kachina won, and that's it. You have no right to criticize her."
She won because her opponent was worse.
Ronava's tone was indifferent, as if she were stating a fact.
"Still too weak. When facing a truly powerful opponent, skill alone is useless."
Mavuika clenched her fists. Although Ronava was right, she couldn't bear to hear it said that way.
Lin En quickly stepped between the two and tried to mediate.
"Calm down, everyone. Peace brings wealth, ah... no! Peaceful coexistence."
"You've got quite the nerve."
Mavuika stared at Ronava, completely ignoring Lin En's thoughts.
"How about a fight? Let me see what level the Ruler of Death is at."
Lin En's heart skipped a beat. He looked at Ronava, hoping she would refuse.
Ronava's golden eyes, as if she had been provoked and her interest had been piqued.
"Can."
She agreed.
" Ronava..."
Lin En spoke up, knowing that Ronava would win, but this battle could have been avoided.
"Fine."
Ronava glanced at him sideways, clearly confident of victory. Even with only 60% recovery, it was enough to face Mavuika.
Mavuika snorted and turned to walk towards the open space outside the tribe.
Xilonen chased after her and said something, but was silenced by a look from Mavuika.
The news spread like wildfire. When the people in the settlement heard that the Pyro Archon was going to fight someone, in less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, a crowd had gathered on an open space outside the Children of Echoes.
The open space was on the west side of the settlement, sandwiched between a low rock wall and a dried-up ditch. The ground was compacted yellow soil and was fairly flat.
Mavuika stood at the east end of the open space, took out the A Thousand Blazing Suns, stuck it in the ground, and flexed her wrist.
Xilonen stood beside her, looking helpless.
Ronava walked to the west end of the clearing, without taking out her spear, and simply stood there with her arms crossed, staring at Mavuika in front of her.
Lin En stood a few steps behind her and said in a low voice.
"Don't actually hurt her; we're still on their turf."
"It's just to teach her a lesson."
"It's good that you know what you're doing."
Mavuika called out from afar.
"You're not carrying a weapon?"
"Need not."
Ronava said.
Mavuika was somewhat puzzled, but she still picked up her greatsword and tossed it to Xilonen, then walked to the center of the arena empty-handed.
The crowd was already several layers deep, with Kachina squeezed to the front, her eyes full of excitement.
"I'm going to go!"
Mavuika moved, her red hair blazing like fire behind her, and her aura surged dramatically.
She sprinted much faster Lin En had anticipated, each step accompanied by a heavy thud, like a red-maned lion.
Rushing forward, she punched Ronava in the face, the resulting gust of wind sending Ronava's silver hair flying backward.
Ronava sidestepped, her movements clean and swift, without even letting Mavuika brush against the hem of her clothes.
Mavuika followed up with a second punch, sweeping across Ronava's side. Ronava took a half step back, the force of the punch grazing her waistline.
The third, fourth, and fifth punches came from Mavuika, each punch carrying a gust of wind and full of power. Ronava only took half a step back, just managing to avoid her attack range.
"Does the Ruler of Death only know how to hide?"
Mavuika shouted as she fought.
"Is all you capable of is brute force?"
Ronava's tone was calm.
Mavuika quickened her pace and punched the spot where Ronava had just stood, creating a shallow crater in the yellow earth and sending pebbles flying.
Ronava had already dodged to her side, raising her hand to strike at her wrist. Mavuika reacted extremely quickly, withdrawing her hand, turning around, and delivering a sweeping elbow strike.
Ronava lowered his head to avoid her touch, and gently tapped her elbow with his finger.
Mavuika froze, her entire right arm going numb for a moment.
She took two steps back, swung her arms, and stared at Ronava with her fiery red eyes.
How much force did you use?
Three points.
Ronava be honest, neither side used their full strength.
Mavuika was silent for two seconds, then suddenly laughed, a laugh tinged with defiance.
"Okay, let's do it again."
This time, Mavuika didn't charge in recklessly. Instead, she started to fight a positional battle with Ronava, probing her opponent with each punch and increasing the variety of her footwork.
Ronava occasionally retaliates, each time striking Mavuika's joints or center of gravity, without causing serious injury, but making Mavuika very uncomfortable.
The two exchanged blows for over a dozen rounds, and the onlookers, who had initially been jeering, began to watch intently. Several Children of Echoes Warriors huddled together, whispering amongst themselves.
Finally Mavuika missed her punch, Ronava circled behind her and gently patted the back of her neck.
Mavuika froze for a moment, then sighed and turned around.
"Okay, you're good."
She swept her red hair back and looked at Ronava.
"You are a worthy opponent."
Ronava glanced at her, seemingly surprised by her response.
"You're too impetuous. You'd be much better if you observed more before making a move."
Mavuika nodded. This battle had indeed benefited her, but the Ruler of Death before her seemed somewhat unfamiliar. She thought: How could her personality have changed so much after her power was taken away? Perhaps she should invite her to dinner and ask her about it.
"Thank you for your guidance. I'll treat you to dinner tonight. Tell me about your plans."
"No."
Ronava resolutely refused; she had no time for such thoughts.