Chapter 106: Ezekiel vs Leo

Chapter 106: Ezekiel vs Leo

Zeke made his way to the changing room. His fists were clenched and his mouth set in a determined line. He had managed to get Maximilians promise! All he needed to do now was follow through with his part of the deal.

He arrived at the changing room and put on his armor for the final time. He sat on one of the luxurious benches and reviewed his plan for the fight. Fighting Leo would not be easy, even under these favorable conditions.

Zeke would be unable to use any of his normal strategies now that he was stripped of his magic. Still, he could count on his passive spells to give him an advantage. He took out two gold coins from his pouch. He gently placed one on the knuckles of each hand. The round discs could be seen dancing across his fingers a moment later.

The coins started out rolling from knuckle to knuckle, but soon they were flying across his outstretched fingers as if controlled by magic. His [Perfect Body Control] gave him incredible dexterity, and Zeke had found that tasks such as this were the perfect way to warm up.This chapter made its debut appearance via N0v3lB1n.

At first, he had struggled to do this exercise with both hands simultaneously. However, his improved mind allowed him to adapt quickly. For a long time, Zeke had overlooked what a huge advantage this was. It had not been readily apparent from the beginning, but he could master mental challenges with ease. The ability to control his hands independently from each other while executing complex movements had only taken him a week to master.

He snatched both coins out of the air and put them back in his pouch. Now that his mind and body were stimulated, it was time to start planning. His biggest advantages were his [Perfect Body Control] and his [Perfect Spatial Awareness]. The passive spells could not be turned off and Zeke intended to use them to their utmost in the coming fight.

Leo would not be able to use any ranged spells, so it was safe to assume that their entire battle would take place inside his sphere of awareness. Next was his [Perfect Body Control]. Zeke would use the spell in different ways. The obvious one was to refine his movement during combat. However, he had a couple more tricks up his sleeve. On the one hand, he would reduce the sensitivity of his pain receptors to around 50%. He couldnt risk flinching during this fight, not when the stakes were this high.

The other ace Zeke had prepared was a more complicated affair. He had learned that in stressful situations, the body actually secreted a hormone into the bloodstream that improved the body across the board. When he injected a large dose of the hormone, it would increase heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow to the muscles and vital organs. Additionally, it opened up the air passages in the lungs, and improved mental alertness.

His current theory was that this was a natural way for the body to cope with stress and danger. He had named the hormone: Power Juice, but after learning more about its exact functions, he was starting to rethink the name. This was only one of the different chemical reactions that Zeke had discovered over the past months. The human body was indeed a marvel, so many complex tasks and reactions were taking place without people noticing.

Zeke had long since learned how to use those natural chemicals. He had developed a routine that would put him in the ideal condition for fighting. While in combat state, his body would be constantly injected with different hormones that would improve his functions. The downside was that he would be utterly exhausted if he kept it up for too long. He only had minutes at best.

A smile spread across his face as Zeke imagined the shock on Leos face. He was excited about the coming fight. After making his preparations, his confidence was at an all-time high. He didnt want to underestimate Leo, but his advantages were plentiful. He couldnt imagine that he would still lose to Leo under those circumstances.

The familiar knocking on the door alerted Zeke to the passage of time. The moment had arrived for the final to begin. He stepped out of his changing room and made his way to the gate. He was immediately allowed access by the excited staff member.

Good luck! the man said. Ive bet a lot of money on you, dont let me down, kid.

Ill do my best, Zeke replied with a wry smile as he stepped past the man.

The moment Zeke stepped out into the open, he was met with the thundering applause of the crowd. It was dawning on him that his prophecy had actually come true. He had managed to reach the final and from the opposite side, Leo entered as well. The blonde boy was also met with thundering cheers.

Thats right! Nobody! Zeke proclaimed. There is only one house that is fit for a talent like Leo: The von Hohenheim House. Today, we claim this tournament, but this is not going to be the last time you will hear from us. Mark my words, people, times are changing and we are on the rise!

The crowd broke out into cheers again. Zeke smiled wryly. He was getting the impression that they would cheer at anything at this point. The message had not even been meant for the commoners. His statement was directed at the nobles. The change he was alluding to was the release of the meditation research. So much would be different if the common man was not just a powerless figure to be pushed around. Zeke could already imagine the angry look on the nobles face as the mages association released the technique to the public. There would be chaos, the empire might even have to stall its upcoming plans.

I see, Jorgel said as he shot Zeke a disapproving look. It seemed that the announcer was getting fed up with his tendency to make unplanned speeches. Be that as it may. It seems that this year is truly a grand victory for the von Hohenheim house. It is not often that two members of the same house meet each other in the final. Good luck to both of you!

Zeke returned his attention to his opponent. Leo was watching him with hungry eyes. He had never averted his gaze from Zeke the entire time. Like a predator that was observing his prey. The feeling was truly unnerving. He could feel the hair on his neck stand up as he met Leos gaze. There was something about his friend that triggered some kind of primal fear. In response, Zeke could feel his heartbeat speed up. It seemed that the dragon heart would not take this challenge lying down.

Out of the corner of his eye, Zeke could see the fat man stepping up in front of the gong. It would only be a matter of seconds now. He started to flood his system with all kinds of chemicals to optimize the condition of his body. His muscles swelled, his lungs extended, and his mind cleared up. The last of his preparation was taken care of. In the remaining seconds before the fight, Zeke studied Leo intently.

He had noticed earlier that Leo had swapped his usual broad-bladed saber for a different weapon. At his waist was a thin rapier, with a blue blade. He felt like he had seen the weapon before, but couldnt place it in the short term. Still, the change was a smart move. Leo couldnt quite match him in strength, so a more agile blade would give him the advantage.

Zekes eyes scanned the rest of Leos equipment before returning to his friends eyes. As expected, Leo was still looking at him. The moment their eyes met, the sound of the gong could be heard.

BOOOOONNNGGGGGG!

The two of them walked towards each other with unhurried steps. Zeke tightened the grip on his staff. This was it. He had waited for so long for this fight! Less than two meters separated them as both of them came to a halt simultaneously.

No hard feelings, no matter who is going to win? Leo asked with a smile.

Doesnt matter to me, since I will be the one left standing, Zeke replied with a smirk of his own.

I hope you can back that up, Leo responded as he drew his rapier. The blade was catching the light, giving the weapon an otherworldly quality. Zeke also hefted his staff. He would aim for center mass with his first strike, making it harder for Leo to dodge.

The sun was still going strong. Even though it was already late afternoon, the arena was still brightly lit through the open roof. They had gotten into their position, each waiting for the right moment to attack.

Leo tilted his blade slightly, directing a ray of light right into Zekes eyes. In the next moment, he attacked. Zeke responded without delay. He had long since switched to his [Perfect Spatial Awareness]. With a roar, he met Leos attack with one of his own.

Under the watchful eyes of the thousands of spectators, Leo and Zeke finally began their fight.