Chapter 547 - Exhibition Match

Everyone thought the preliminaries were over, but then Julia said something rather surprising. 

"Since this year's tournament is rather special, we will be ending today's battles with an exhibition match. I hope you're ready folks as this is going to be a match worth remembering. Allow me to introduce one of the two who will be fighting in this exhibition match. One of the Emperor's wives, the mighty Ethereal, the eternal moon, Tsukiyomi!" 

When Julia announced Tsukiyomi's name the sky suddenly turned dark. The sun that was not yet going to set suddenly disappeared and a silver moon appeared above the sky. 

"Why must you always be so dramatic, mom."

A girl with black hair and deep red eyes sighed as she looked at the shining silver moon. This girl was Nakano the child of Ren and Tsukiyomi, she too was an Ethereal, but she was different from other Ethereals. Unlike the other Ethereals who needed a contractor to produce mana, she needed no one, in fact, her mana supply was enormous. She also has almost all of the racial abilities of an Ethereal except for their greatest ability a race, the ability to transform into a weapon. Nakano can create weapons but she is unable to transform into one.

...

A woman with otherworldly beauty appeared under the shining silver moon. Her flowing dark hair swayed in the wind as her deep red eyes looked at the audience. She then smiled a very seductive smile that entranced all the saw her be they, man or woman. 

"Kukuku, have I bewitched you all?" 

Tsukiyomi's rather seductive tone reverberated in everyone's ears, making most of them blush. Even Nakano was blushing but for a different reason than the rest. 

"So who will be my opponent for this little game?" Tsukiyomi looked at Julia. "Will it be you?" 

"No, unfortunately, you won't be fighting me. The opponent of our dear lady Tsukiyomi is the one hailed as the strongest champion of the Emperor's tournament. Now everyone let's greet the challenger for today's exhibition match, nicknamed the unparalleled prodigy, here comes Samson!" 

A man that looked almost like a woman stepped onto the stage. He had long blond hair and navy blue eyes, his body was on the thinner side compared to the other contestants, it almost looked frail. The weapons by his waist were a rapier and a dagger. The moment he stepped onto the stage the silent audience suddenly cheered. The girls especially were screaming his name. 

"Samson! Please look at me!" 

"I'm willing to do anything for you Samon, just be mine!" 

"What the f*ck are you saying you b*tch?! How can he be yours if he's already mine!" 

"Huh, with your ugly mug?" 

The women in the audience seats started fighting. Some of the guards protecting the arena appeared before the women and they either forcefully stopped the women from fighting or threw them out of the arena. While everyone was in a frenzy by this surprising match-up, Samson bowed before Tsukiyomi. 

"It's a pleasure to once again meet you lady Tsukiyomi." 

"I bet it is," Tsukiyomi responded with a playful smile on her face. 

"It is truly such an honor to be in your lovely presence once more."

Samson stared at Tsukiyomi and for a brief second showed an expression that looked like he was intoxicated, but immediately returned to his normal expression. If it was someone else they might not have noticed, but he was in front of Tsukiyomi who was able to see the changes in his expression. 

"I see that you haven't changed since the last time. It would seem that you are still obsessed with me."

"Oh my, obsessed is too vulgar a word. I would call this my devotion to you and all of the lovely wives of that arrogant Emperor. Even now I cannot believe such a person whose looks that's so far inferior compared to you lovely ladies, a brute that only knows how to fight, who fills his days with nothing but carnage, and disguises himself as some kind of benevolent ruler is the husband of you ladies." 

As Samson spoke he had a look of disgust for a moment before once again returning to his usual look. The normal people weren't able to hear their conversation, but those that heard him especially those loyal to the Emperor wanted to attack the rude fellow, but didn't. The Emperor already knew what Samson was like and has ordered all of his subordinates not to harm Samson if all he was doing was just saying rude things about him.

"Well, that's what I like about him as he stays true to himself. Some women might choose their significant others based on looks, but that isn't what I'm looking for, and I think the others think so as well. I was enamored by Ren's power, his freedom, and his tenacity. Never bending to fate's will always pushing forward... I truly do love him." 

Seeing Tsukiyomi's lovestruck look made Samson grit his teeth in anger and annoyance.

"Why don't you choose me instead? I have a beauty that could match yours, I have the strength and the prestige. Just give me some time and I will surely surpass that savage of a man." 

"I understand why Ren keeps you around, it's because of that drive of yours pushing to become stronger, to defeat him. In his eyes, you are nothing more than a toy that he's waiting to become even more entertaining. Still, even though I understand all that, and seeing as you are nothing more than a child in my eyes, but even so it's kinda hard to keep calm if you continue to insult my husband."

Behind Tsukiyomi's smile, she was oozing with killing intent. The killing intent she emitted made those close to the stage shiver in fear. Yet Samson didn't seem to be affected at all as he shook his head. 

"It would seem that you are still under his spell. I promise I will free you and the others that have been tricked by him. First, I shall show you that I am worthy of your love and adoration by defeating you."

Samson unsheathed his rapier and took a fighting stance.

"Kukuku, how amusing that you think you have a chance of winning." Tsukiyomi used her racial ability and created a longsword. "Julia announce the start of this battle already, so that I may punish this little boy." 

Julia nodded her head and announce the beginning of the battle.