Sweat was dripping from Watari's head to the ground.
Inside his mind, he kept thinking:
What should I do…?
Do I go to war… or negotiate?
A cold, dark voice suddenly interrupted his thoughts.
It was Nicholas.
"Watari… choose three people to go."
He slowly raised his hand…
Pointing at Ritoro…
Then Gen…
And finally Gowther.
Watari replied with a fearful, hesitant voice:
"…Alright."
Gen agreed without hesitation.
Using Nicholas's magic…
They were instantly transported to the meeting location.
With calm, steady steps, Gen and the others arrived.
Standing before them were:
Mia Maxima — the Commander of the Liberation Soldiers…
And Sho Staragam.
Sho looked at Ritoro and smirked.
"So… you're the one who tried to defeat the Etarzia Beasts?"
Then he added mockingly:
"You failed too… didn't you, dog of the Blitza Kingdom?"
Ritoro's eyes sharpened.
"And you tried as well… and still couldn't defeat them."
At the same time…
Gen was speaking with Mia.
"It's been a long time… since we last met, Mia."
Mia raised her chin arrogantly.
"I'm no longer the same person."
"I am now… the Great Commander, Mia."
Gen smiled slightly.
"…My apologies."
Meanwhile…
Gowther stood outside, silently observing everything.
Back at the center…
Ritoro and Sho were already exchanging insults.
The tension reached its peak.
Suddenly—
Sho made the first move.
Sho: Ash Dragon
A massive dragon made of ash and fire rushed forward.
Ritoro reacted instantly.
"Summon… Faval."
His twin daggers appeared in his hands.
He blocked the attack.
Then moved forward—
Ritoro: Cutting
The battle had begun.
Gowther saw what was happening.
In an instant…
He stepped in.
Using Blood Manipulation…
He activated a technique:
Wall of Blood
A massive wall of blood rose between them—
Stopping the fight completely.
Silence fell over the battlefield.