It was precisely because Zaryusu knew that the item had such an effect that he chose to stick to defence — Rather, that was why he would choose this method as it was able to guarantee causing harm to the opponent. It was because of this that he did not evade Zenberu’s attacks but took them head on.
This choice was the most cautious and also an elaborate path to victory.
It was flawless. For the current Zenberu, it was the greatest enemy.
Towards Zaryusu who leaped over, Zenberu released a powerful punch. If this move were to be blocked, Zenberu’s chances of winning would plummet.
Zenberu felt like he was picking a solo fight against an impregnable fortress.
Ah, ah, what a shame, can I not defeat him… However, I have waited for this moment for a very long time!
He recalled the memory of going by himself to pick a fight with that male lizardman. Since then, he had become much stronger, and had gone through never-ending back-breaking training in order to obtain victory. When he heard the news that the person who had defeated him had been killed, he had felt immensurate regret, and yet he had not stopped his training.
All in preparation for this day to come.
As tribe chief, he had been unable to set everything aside to go pick a challenge, therefore when he heard that the wielder of Frost Pain had arrived in the village, he was hard-pressed to contain his joy.
He could not allow this fight, which he had been waiting for all this time, to end so easily.
Zenberu punched and kicked, yet his sense of touch was gradually diminishing, and his Qi too was increasingly ineffective in reaching his hands and feet. Even so, he still attacked relentlessly.
So strong, even stronger than the fellow from that time!
Seeing as he himself had trained unceasingly, this male lizardman in front of him must have also undergone continuous training unabatingly up until this point.
Since the start, both lizardmen had not drawn any closer during the fight, and of course he could also find an excuse by saying that he had lost to the ability of Frost Pain, but he did not wish to use such cowardly words.
Incredible! No wonder he is the master of Frost Pain! The strongest male lizardman amongst all lizardmen!
On the outside, Zenberu did not stop his continuous attacks, yet inside he was calmly complimenting Zaryusu who was using Frost Pain to block his moves.
Injuries, blood flow, and more injuries.
Crusch, who was unwaveringly staring at this ferocious match, had already foresaw the outcome through her outstanding druid abilities.
Truly incredible insight… that he had already figured out the fight roughly just after it started.
She took in a large surprise at Zaryusu’s excellent capability as a warrior.
The surrounding ceaselessly emanated with sounds of encouragement.
Those cheering were directing their ardor towards the relentless attacker, at Zenberu who appeared to be completely prevailing against his opponent. The surrounding lizardmen seemed oblivious to the fact that Zenberu’s limbs were already slowing down in movement.
Zaryusu was strong. Crusch was confident in this conclusion.
Almost all of the lizardmen relied on strong and robust bodies, using brute strength to fight, but Zaryusu… no, even Zenberu as well… relied on technique to fight, and Frost Pain was merely a supporting asset.
As such, about this current situation… the gap between the two individuals and Frost Pain were largely related, but Crusch understood clearly that Frost Pain was not the sole factor in bringing about this outcome.
Hypothetically, if one were to give Frost Pain to an ordinary person to use, would that person be able to deal with Zenberu like this?
The answer was probably not. Zenberu was not such an easy opponent.
The weapon was indeed powerful, but Zaryusu who was able to beautifully utilize the the weapon’s ability was likewise a first class warrior.
But even more commendable than that was his sharp and insightful mind.
Zaryusu had been able to evade the opponent’s strike when he had dropped the halberd, because he was ever cautious and constantly observing the situation. He first observed the opponent for his trump card, and realised that the halberd was merely a bluff.
Having faced the tough decision of being branded a traveler, yet having the resolve to shoulder the consequences, just what else and how much knowledge had he brought back during his travels apart from rearing fish and these battle tactics?
Without being aware of it, Crusch had already become firm in the belief that Zaryusu had victory in his grasp. Right now, her heart was beating rapidly not out of worry for him but for another reason as she gazed silently at that male lizardman’s face.
“He really is an outstanding male lizardman.”
The exciting battle mulled away everyone’s time easily, but for the two who were fighting, it felt like a very long time. They were out of breath and the physical and mental exhaustion was much greater than the time that was spent.
Zaryusu who retained his will to fight despite bleeding all over had commendable courage. He received high praise from the lizardmen watching for keeping up with their chieftain far longer than anyone else could manage.
Suddenly, Zenberu who seemed to be inches away from victory dropped his battle stance.
The surrounding lizardmen waited with bated breath for Zenberu to announce his victory when he shouted.
But the content was the opposite of what they expected.
“It is my loss!”
Their chief should have been moments away from victory.
So why did the chief declare his loss? Only Crusch knew that this would happen. She ran briskly into the center of the circle formation.
“Are you alright?”
Zaryusu breath out deeply when he heard that question. He lowered the sword in his hand and answered exhaustedly:
“No mortal wounds… It won’t affect any future battles.”
“… Good, I will heal you with spells.”
Crusch made a rustling sound with her grass attire and revealed her face.
Zaryusu felt a soothing warmth over his wounds, different from the searing pain he suffered earlier. Zaryusu immersed himself in the sensation of energy flowing into his body and turned his head to face the giant lizardman who fought a deadly duel with him.
Zenberu was surrounded by his tribesmen as he explained what exactly happened and what Zaryusu’s tactic was.
“That should do.”
After casting her spell twice, Crusch announced the treatment to be complete. Zaryusu looked down at his own body.
There was still dried blood on his skin, but the wounds had healed completely. Zaryusu could still feel tightness when he flexed his wounds, but it doesn’t seem like those will rip open.
“— Thank you.”
“You are welcome.”
Crusch smiled brilliantly, she looked beautiful showing her pearl white teeth.
“— How pretty.”
“Ah…!”
Her tail hit the water surface hard.
The two of them fell silent.
Crusch was silent because she was baffled by how casually this male lizardman said these words. For Crusch who was not used to compliments, it was not good for her heart to hear Zaryusu say them too often.
On the other hand, Zaryusu didn’t understand why Crusch didn’t respond. Could he had made some mistake— such a feeling of unease flashed across his mind. Actually, he had always felt his life would have nothing to do with female lizardman, so he didn’t knew what kind of reaction to make. Unexpectedly, Zaryusu was also at a loss.
As the two were troubled and wondering what to do, a voice saved them.