Chapter 187

Chapter 187: Challenge

"Human, do you think you can challenge me?" Hearing the implication in Midi’s words, Tanius’s eyes immediately flashed with undisguised killing intent.

"What’s wrong? Scared?" Midi retorted with a mocking grin.

At this point, even knowing Midi was provoking him, Tanius saw no other choice. How could he refuse when a human considered pathetically weak by Dragonkin standards dared challenge him?

Though Tanius held no position in the Palace of Dragon Horn, he remained the Lightning Fire Wing tribe’s undisputed top warrior. His combat records against Humanoids and Elemental Giants, along with hunting achievements, stood unrivaled.

How could he possibly decline a challenge from this feeble human?

Yet even while dismissing it as a desperate last stand, Tanius felt manipulated, fueling his irritation.

He glared at the calm black-haired youth before finally snarling, eyes blazing with murderous rage. "I planned to kill you quickly, but now I’ll tear you apart piece by piece on the Lightning Fire Wings’ Dragon Platform! How ironic – the human who saved Xena dying by my hands!"

With a final venomous glance at Xena and Chieftain Lucas, he stormed out.

"Reckless fool!" Xena scowled at Midi. "Tanius is our tribe’s strongest warrior, bearing both the Lightning Fire Wings title and the Lava Flame gift. I’d struggle against him myself. You stand no chance."

She cared little about their settled agreement, but resented how Tanius had forced this human onto her lightning faction, ensuring public spectacle.

Unfazed by her certainty of his death, Midi turned to the silent Dragonkin chieftain. "If I die, nothing matters. But if I win – or kill him mid-fight – how will you respond?"

Several elders, including Xena, shook their heads inwardly at his absurd confidence. Perhaps this human held strength to survive the Sea of Three Towers, but against a Lava Flame warrior? Delusional.

Yet Chieftain Lucas, after long consideration, met Midi’s gaze gravely. "Surpass our champion, and the Lightning Fire Wings will ally with you beyond mere transactions."

"Agreed," Midi nodded.

"Agreed," Lucas echoed, struck despite himself by the black-haired youth’s unwavering confidence.

The northern Lightning Fire Wing territory housed the Dragon Platform – a massive training ground for thousands.

Proud and combative by nature, Dragonkin settled all disputes here to prevent internal bloodshed against Humanoid and Elemental Giant threats. Standard sparring matches had elder supervision, minimizing injuries given their robust physiques. Death matches required elder approval to avoid punishment as illicit brawls.

None intervened in Tanius and Midi’s mismatch. Through Tanius’ provocations, a roaring crowd dominated by fire-type experts packed the prime viewing spots when Midi arrived.

Xena’s lightning faction lingered quietly at the edges. Most came only to mitigate fallout from the human’s inevitable death, some muttering about cleaning up his mess while shooting hostile glances his way.

However, no matter what the surrounding Dragonkin thought, it meant nothing to Midi.

All he had to do was fight.

This remained the most straightforward solution in the Sea of Three Towers.

It was also the best way for Midi to break through the current deadlock.

His goal wasn’t mere survival in this sea of trees – he needed to establish a foothold for the Hawk Brigade and Belmar’s forces as vanguard for their Sky City occupation.

This task proved immensely difficult. Few could withstand the pure magic’s pressure to even enter Sky City. Even successful entrants would face endless attacks from Dragonkin, Humanoids, and Elemental Giants as newcomers to the Sea of Three Towers.

In his previous life, the Delos Empire had blockaded Sky City’s seas to monopolize the Awakening Ground, yet still suffered heavy losses suppressing Elemental Giants before claiming a tower to the Higher-ups.

Though Belmar had grown stronger in this life, they remained weaker than the empire. Securing territory in the Sea of Three Towers seemed daunting.

Yet now Midi saw his chance!

Defeating this arrogant Flame Dragonkin would earn Lightning Fire Wings’ friendship. Combined with benefits from the power amplification ring, this could establish Hawk Brigade’s foothold in the Sea of Trees faster than anyone imagined.

Midi would never let such opportunity slip. Facing a level 50 Dragonkin warrior? Even a first awakened enemy wouldn’t deter him.

In this turbulent era, stagnation meant regression. For Midi who had people to protect, retreat wasn’t an option – only forward remained.

With calm gaze sweeping the audience, Midi stepped onto the bloodstained Dragon Platform.

No words were needed.

Tanius stood fully armored, impatience radiating from him. Seeing Midi approach, the Dragonkin warrior’s eyes flashed coldly. His ancient war spear tore through air like a meteor, accompanied by a guttural roar.

The strike generated violent winds from sheer force alone. Matching a Dragonkin’s raw power would be foolish. Midi activated Demon Shadow Flash, evading with precise footwork.

Yet Tanius had anticipated this. His "full-power" thrust held reserves. The spearhead twisted snake-like mid-lunge, redirecting seamlessly into a faster follow-up attack!

Forced to use advanced evasion, Midi triggered Demon Shadow Flash’s upgraded version. But Tanius matched his speed, dragon-like eyes glowing with tracking magic that pinpointed every teleportation landing.

A dozen spear strikes rained down in storm-like succession. Midi barely dodged, finding no opening to counter. Worse, Tanius kept accelerating steadily, closing their distance.

One misstep would mean instant death. Midi couldn’t threaten Tanius at all – human stature and sword range paled against Dragonkin spearmen. Countless Demon Swordsmen had died this way in Midi’s past life.

Yet Midi maintained his defensive strategy. Dodge, evade, match acceleration for acceleration. Gradually their clash developed rhythmic parity – Tanius’ speed plateauing, the distance stabilizing.

At this precarious balance-point, killing intent flashed in Midi’s eyes.

He finally drew his sword – not the familiar Black Sky blade, but a long-unused Lightsaber.

The weapon awoke like a venomous serpent, its radiant glow accompanied by a shrill keening.

Sword soul special skill: Breaking Army Rising Dragon Whip!