Nobody could believe what happened. In a flash, the fight was over. People barely even had enough time to register when the fight started!

The woman swordsman was knocked unconscious in one fell swoop. Even though she had hundreds of swords floating around her as protection, each one having its own mind and instincts as she did, they still couldn’t stop Jaku’s lightning-fast onslaught.

"... winner... Jaku..."

It was at this point when people began to realize that maybe, this demi-human was the real deal.

During the first round, they thought he may have gotten lucky. Caught his opponent lacking and off guard. But his opponent now could be considered as the pinnacle of the strongest defensive swordsman there was!

But even still, she was defeated before everyone could take a single breath.

This wasn’t a coincidence. This wasn’t luck. This was pure skill. The other Knights and Swordsmen in the Exhibition tournament looked at Jaku with seriousness. They now treated him as a threat.

With Jaku advancing to the third stage of the tournament, he was now part of the top 16! Nobody normal would be able to achieve this kind of success in a competitive environment such as this.

"Woah! This demi-human is pretty good!"

"I didn’t even see what he did! But I’m impressed!"

"Do you guys think he’s comparable to the Formidable Five?"

The Formidable Five was the nickname the spectators had for the five favorite swordsmen to win the entire exhibition match.

At fifth place, coming in from out of nowhere to take the spot was none other than Sir Fenix. With his Sword Heart seemingly fixed, he was able to show the original talent he had before the accident.

At fourth was Madam Vilue from the Tang Clan. Her sword was venomous and slimy. A single bite could take down a dragon.

At third was Pywell, from the Oscorpe Consortium.

In second place was Sir Exshue, a swordsman versed in heavy swords.

And of course, at first place was none other than Sir Arthur Lionheart, the clear winner and favorite in the competition. His power triumphed over everyone.

Jaku may be good, but there was still some doubt whether he could be considered at the same level as these five swordsmen.

"What do you think, Arthur?" asked Pywell. "I personally think he’s good. But I’m better."

"I agree. Speed doesn’t matter in front of my stings," said Madame Vilue.

They all tried to compare themselves to Jaku. And of course, their opinions were heavily biased towards their own.

But for Arthur, he was more unsure.

After all, what he saw was a little bit perplexing. He had his eyes open the entire time.

He saw the moment when Jaku used his Aubility Power to summon blue lightning and blitz his way through his opponent with ease.

Yes, Jaku was fast. But that was it.

Jaku’s sword skills were... for lack of a better term... crude.

It was as if Jaku only knew how to swing his sword in the most basic way. It’s as if no one ever taught him the true essence of the sword, and only ever used the shallow meaning of the swing.

Arthur didn’t know what to think of this. Was Jaku weak or strong because of that?

One could conclude from this that Jaku was not a good swordsman. But on the other hand, one could think that the demi-human’s talent was so overwhelming that all he ever had to do was swing his sword and that was enough to defeat his opponents.

"Arthur. Who do you think is faster between you two?" asked Sir Exshue.

And in response, Arthur only smiled.

...

...

...

Meanwhile, back in the darkened room, the Royalblood Vampires were completely shocked as they witnessed such a fast fight.

They weren’t even sure that they finished their bet with Fudge before the fight was already over!

A demi-human winning the fight was already unexpected. But to win in such a fast time... the Royalblood Vampires couldn’t help but feel as if everything they thought before was wrong.

Demi-humans were supposed to be the unevolved versions of Beastfolks. But clearly, that demi-human showed power above that of a human and a Beastfolk! 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

"Alright," said Arthrax. "I can admit when I am wrong. You have won the bet."

A smile descended upon Fudge. "Now, you must fulfill the bet," he said.

The Royalbood Vampires all turned towards Fudge, bowing towards him in a complete 90 degree angle.

"We ask for your forgiveness, slime," said Arthrax.

As royalty, bowing and admitting they were wrong was the ultimate sign of subservience. These Royalblood Vampires considered this as a heavy thing. But since this was part of a bet, they had no choice but to concede.

"Now, we have fulfilled our bet—"

Just then, Fudge’s smile turned evil.

"Why do you think our bet was fulfilled? That wasn’t the only thing that you need to do," he said.

Arthrax’s eyebrows furrowed. "What do you mean?"

Fudge laughed maniacally, bouncing up and down as he did so.

"My words were exactly this: if I win, then you shall all follow my lead and ask for my forgiveness.

You have indeed asked for my forgiveness. But you have yet to follow my lead."

The Vampires frowned. "What would you like us to do? Let us get this over with?"

Fudge smiled. "What, you think that this is a one-time thing? I didn’t specify until when this bet is finished, so it means that it will happen in perpetuity! You’ll be my slaves forever!"

Arthrax and the other Royalblood Vampires growled at Fudge. They couldn’t believe that the slime would be so insidious!

" Mister Fudge... what have you been doing?"

It was at this moment that a new, feminine voice echoed out into the room.

Everyone turned to see a blonde-haired woman walk towards the violet slime.

Arthrax immediately recognized her. "Lilith!"

Lilith was another Royalblood Vampire. A leader of her own pack, just like Arthrax.

"Be careful of that monster—"

But before they could say anything else, Lilith picked up Fudge and began snuggling him in her chest.