The colosseum was engulfed in a suffocating silence.

D-Divine power?

Priests and audience alike were enthralled by the pillar of holy light. The six judging Masters, and even the Paladins, led by Count Ford, stared blankly.

My word Thats absurdan ordinary knight, not a holy knight, has divine power? Hes not even from Hubalt!

Hey, look! A priest waved their attention to Akshuler. Unlike before, the mercenarys wounds were healing remarkably quickly.

Oh my God!

The unquenchable flames of annihilation popped and fizzed as they waned. Akshulers ruined fleshand even his bonesbegan to heal, the awful bubbles of pus disappearing like illusions. The man himself stared blankly at it, but his expression was rapidly improving.

Ive never done this before, so

Never done The priest gave Joshua an astonished look. This is your first time using Recovery?

Well, its my first time using any holy magic.

The gathered priests gasped in unison.

Ive never heard of you using holy magic Are you saying you figured it out just by watching us?

Its not very hard if you know the gist of it. Mana, wizards magic, and holy magic all follow the same basic flow of energy.

Why, thats!

Anyone listening would think Joshua had gone insane. In fact, it wouldnt have been surprising if they stoned him then and there.

To begin with, all three energies Joshua had mentioned had distinctive, unique vessels; knights mana was stored in the mana hall beneath the abdomen; wizards mana was stored in a ring in the heart; and divine power was stored in the head, closest to heaven.

The difference in vessels entailed unique operating methods and principles; trying to use them together would result in a chaotic mix of negative energy. It was practically suicide.

Of course, none of this mattered to Joshua, because his ancient mana technique did not use a vessel at all.

Akshuler looked up from his glowing wound. You could use divine power? he asked.

Just an imitation, Joshua replied.

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He received an incredulous look from Akshuler in return. Look the priests in the eyes and tell them that.

The priests all had their chins tucked in.

What cant you do? No, before that, are you really human?

I dont know Joshua turned to Iceline, who jumped when she realized he was staring at him. Maybe Im not human

What?

Joshua smiled mischievously. Iceline soon realized shed been pranked and scowled.

Hes a human being all right, she noted. Tell us in advance so were not surprised if we dont get the chance to prepare.

You should always be ready, Joshua quipped back.

Akshuler burst out laughing while the crowd stared at them, dumbfounded.

This is impossible. The High Priest was telling the truth the whole time? Count Ford pushed his way to the front of the audience, only to stare in disbelief.

It seems we were wrong.

Marquis?

Marquis Morelands expression was grim.

If he uses his divine powers, even if he swears by demons and wields them freely, no one would take us seriously. Demons cant use divine power.

Then whySir Christian? No, how?

Count Ford. Now is not the time to play with jealousy.

Ford shivered.

Face reality clearly. Consider your next choice wiselyunfortunately, theres nothing we can do about it at the moment.

Damn it!

The Marquis smiled bitterly while Count Ford seethed.

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It seems our Hubalt Empire is done with this years Master Battle.

Congratulations on your victory, Your Majesty.

Ulabis nodded to the red-armored knights congratulating him.

With Sir Christian of the Hubalt Empire withdrawing, Your Majesty is the only one left in Group B.

Group B had only two new Masters, compared to Group As three. The rest of Group B returned to their homelands alone, most of them having not even attracted the judges attention. Some of them won their matches, but were too wounded to continue.

That said, this was one of the most prolific Master Battles in history. Normally, only one or two people became Masters.

I went straight to the finals with one win? Not bad.

Ulabis frowned and rubbed his wrist. It still ached from colliding with Akshulers gigantic hand. There was definitely something wrong with his bones.

He certainly lived up to his reputation. Ulabis chuckled. Akshuler was certainly no loser.

The young member of the Seven Magicians, Theta, and Joshua Sanders of Avalon remain. Your Majestys final opponent will be decided by the final Group A match.

Seems theres only real monsters left. Ulabis sighed and shook his head. Lets go a little further.

As you wish. The knights trailed after Ulabis.

All right. If you keep bustling around, youll just attract peoples attention. This is fine. Ulabis pulled on a frayed robe hed stashed earlier.

Where are you going, may I ask?

First, were visiting the temple. Thats all.

The knight twitched.

Are you hurt anywhere?

Ulabis waved his hand dismissively. Its a minor injury. I just thought I should stay in peak condition given the opponents Ill have to face. No need to worry.

If thats the case, tell the organizers

The Prince shook his head. Its not a major injury. Dont worry.

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Im still worried The knight trailed off, realizing that Ulabis was in less danger than the people of the Principality attending the Battle. The Prince was taking their safety into account.

Ill be right back, then.

Please be careful, Your Majesty. The red knights bowed neatly to Ulabis as he left.

The knights appeared to treat him casually, but their respect ran deep.

Ulabiss wound didnt take long to treat; nevertheless, the sun had set by the time he left the temple.

The next place he went was a large, majestic building in the center of Reinhardt. Ulabiss business was on the fourth of its five floors.

I never would have imagined that the headquarters of the continents best intelligence guild would be in a place like this. Ulabis examined the luxurious interior appreciatively.

Isnt that what you call confidence, Prince Ulabis? A man smiled at the Prince. He was spectacularly unremarkableit was Jero, former head of the Arcadia branch of Moon Gate and an acquaintance of Joshuas. I regret that we cant serve you on the top floor as someone of your status deserves. Our captain is currently away. I hope you understand. Jero bowed his head politely.

No. Ulabis shook his head. Rather, I wanted you.

Me? Jero tilted his head.

The information I want is directly related to you. Ulabiss burning eyes bored into Jero. I am buying information on Joshua Sanders. Even when he was named Joshua von Agnus.

You

One million gold. I want to know everything about Joshua Sanders. Can you do it?

Jero smiled.

As you know, Joshua Sanders is one of our valued customers. Hs is also the only being on the continent who knows the whereabouts of certain assets that are critical to our organization.

Are you trying to bargain with me?

Jero shook his head.

The value of the information has changed dramatically. Joshua von Agnus and Joshua Sanders are completely different people.

Ulabis scowled. So, how much do you want?

Jero smiled bitterly.

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100 million gold. Information on Joshua Sanders is 100 million gold.

Ulabis went deathly silent.