"Aaaaah... My body... it fucking hurts everywhere."
Callista's feeble voice finally emerged as she regained consciousness. Her words carried the weight of pain and exhaustion, her labored breaths serving as a testament to her ordeal.
It was evident from her mana signatures that she still required a few more minutes to regain her footing. Fluttering her eyes open, she first cast her gaze upon the sky before finally fixing her tired gaze on Evelina, who wore a reassuring smile.
"Callista! Are you alright?"
Galen almost vanished from his previous position, swiftly making his way to Callista's side. Emotions of care and concern shimmered in his eyes as he gazed upon the Valiant Priestess, his worry for her well-being palpable.
Callista gradually regained her senses, her gaze sweeping over the crowd that had gathered around her. Among them, Galen stood closest, his concern evident in his eyes. Realizing that she had been rendered unconscious during her duel with Eren, she understood the cause of the worry etched on the faces of those surrounding her.
Observing the care and unity displayed by the Amazonians, Eren couldn't help but acknowledge their deep sense of familial bonds. It was a cultural distinction he had come to appreciate, setting the Amazonian settlements apart from the individualistic nature of Rankers' society.
Although Rankers were capable of forming strong camaraderie after spending years together, they often maintained their individuality within the group. These subtle differences might have gone unnoticed by many, but Eren paid attention to every intricate detail.
After all, he was forging a business relationship with the Amazonians. Nurturing this alliance required an understanding of their distinct traits, enabling him to influence them according to his own goals.
However, Eren dismissed any thoughts of using the Amazonians as pawns, especially with numerous formidable Matriarchs present. He recognized the need to strengthen himself individually and organizationally before even considering such manipulations.
"Yes, I am fine. How many times do I have to tell you guys? Sheesh!"
Callista responded to the crowd's bombarding questions, her voice tinged with annoyance. Despite her tone, her face bore a gentle smile, appreciating the concern shown by her comrades. Her smile conveyed gratitude for their genuine worry.
In her mind, Callista offered a prayer to the Great Mother, utilizing her blessing to channel Nature's mana throughout her body. In an instant, she felt rejuvenated. In the next instance, a gentle wind enveloped her, lifting her gracefully to stand on her own two feet.
Noticing the source of the wind-based spell, Callista turned her gaze toward Galen, smiling warmly at him before speaking in an assuring tone. "No need to get so worked up, Galen. It was merely a duel to test Eren's weapons," she waved playfully at him before her eyes scanned the area, searching for someone beyond the crowd.
Callista's search came to an end when her eyes locked with Eren's, who happened to be savoring the effects of the Sativa Stick at that moment. Simultaneously, their gazes met, and a smile graced Callista's lips. With a powerful leap, she soared through the air, swiftly distancing herself from the crowd. Landing a few meters away from Eren, she spoke up with a sense of appreciation.
"Never in my life have I experienced such an exhilarating duel, Eren. Thank you for enlightening me and pointing out the flaws in my path.
I must retract my previous words and admit that your title as Grimdawn suits you perfectly. In fact, your abilities as an Expert ranker surpass the expectations associated with that title."
Callista had initially mocked Eren, questioning the authenticity of his title as Grimdawn. Of course, her jests had been intended to add spice to their duel, and now she humbly acknowledged her error.
Eren took a final drag from his Sativa Stick, releasing the smoke through his nostrils before responding to Callista. His voice exuded serenity, and a gentle smile graced his lips.
"Hehe. I have no qualms about someone questioning the legitimacy of my title, Callista. Titles are akin to badges of honor, bestowed upon individuals or taken away based on the whims of those who grant them.
It is my journey as a Ranker that defines me and remains with me eternally. As long as you don't deem me a lackluster Ranker, we are on good terms."
Callista smiled, appreciating Eren's words. Eren first focused his gaze on her before shifting his attention to the gathered crowd. Inhaling deeply, he nodded at Callista, his expression turning serious as he addressed her.
"Furthermore, I extend my gratitude for teaching me the true extent of Evokers' capabilities, Callista. Irrespective of the outcome, my respect for all Evokers has only grown."
The weight of Eren's words resonated throughout the sacred ground, stirring a sense of camaraderie among the Amazonians and alleviating any remaining doubts.
It was evident that Eren possessed a talent for handling the emotions of the crowd. With a single reply, he not only brought joy to Callista but also appeased the majority of the Amazonians gathered in the sacred ground.
Gradually, the atmosphere cooled, with most of the Amazonians finding solace in Eren's words, although a few remained skeptical– including Galen.
"Eren, is it?"
Galen's sudden presence beside Callista caught Eren's attention. His gaze met Galen's intense eyes, which still held a trace of anger towards Eren for his rough treatment of Callista and the use of necromantic powers within the sacred ground.
"That's correct. And who might you be?" Eren responded although he had already been informed of Galen's identity by Marla.
"Galen Ironfist." Galen offered a brief introduction before his voice took on a playful yet serious tone. "How about we put your weapons' performance to the test once more before finalizing our deal? It would be an honor for me to engage in a friendly duel with you, that is if you don't mind."
Eren narrowed his eyes, his focus shifting to Galen's pro-testosterone physique. He responded casually, his voice laced with confidence.
"My bulk-manufactured weapons have already undergone thorough testing in my duel with Callista, Galen. I'm not a fan of retakes, you see."
He continued, shifting his gaze towards the Matriarchs before returning it to Galen, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.
"Furthermore, the Matriarchs themselves have borne witness to the test. To question the weapons again would indirectly imply doubting the Matriarchs' ability to pass judgment."
Galen silently cursed Eren, feeling as if he was using the Matriarchs as a shield to avoid his challenge. He had to admit that he had no rebuttal to Eren's words, unable to press for the duel he desired.
Seeking retribution for Callista's pain, Galen had hoped to face Eren in combat. However, it seemed that Eren was cunning, showing no intention of accepting his challenge.
Or so Galen believed until he heard Eren's next words.
"Of course, I can always resort to my regular weapons if you truly desire a duel. A clash between two men, unrestricted and pure in nature. Right here. Right now.
How about that?"
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