The mountain winds howled, and the morning light shimmered.
At the peak of the mountain, broken branches and fallen leaves mixed with the towering pine trees, their needles swaying in the wind, while the vibrant green bushes swelled with each gust.
And then there was the sight of Dubh, spinning through the air, held by Robin, who gripped him by one leg, swirling him with ease.
Together, it formed a surreal scene at the top of Kirie Mountain, a place where reality and illusion merged.
The onlookers held their breath, eagerly waiting for Dubh to retaliate, expecting to witness the masterful comeback of a legendary fighter.
The warriors and political figures watching from the sidelines believed a grandmaster of his caliber couldn't fall so easily.
A 63-year-old Taekwondo grandmaster undoubtedly possessed extraordinary abilities, surpassing the ordinary.
Neasan and Kendrick, who stood nearby, were also transfixed by the spinning figure of Dubh, hoping to see a miraculous reversal, despite the overwhelming odds.
But this bizarre scene stretched on for over a minute; Dubh's body remained trapped in Robin's grip, unable to escape.
The onlookers were confused.
Was Dubh retreating on purpose to give this younger opponent a chance?
This was a battle to the death, not a friendly spar.
Given the significant risks involved, even a minor error could result in a fatality.
What was Dubh doing?
Was he so vulnerable in front of Divine Drakebane?
Everyone else was equally baffled.
They had expected to witness an unprecedented duel of titans, but this looked more like a street fight—disorganized, with no dignity or style.
The silence atop Kirie Mountain was broken only by the whisper of the wind.
Then Dubh's furious roar shattered the tension, a primal cry filled with rage.
"What are you doing?" He shouted wildly as he spun uncontrollably.
"If you're going to fight, then fight! If you intend to kill, then kill! What is this? Are you trying to humiliate me by spinning me around like this?"
Robin chuckled coldly. "Humiliate you? You don't deserve that.
"My actions are to show you and everyone else that even a grandmaster who has practiced for 63 years means nothing in my presence.
"Brat, you're going too far!" Dubh's voice cracked as he screamed. "Put me down now and face me in a real fight! Ah!"
Robin smiled, but his eyes were icy. "Fight me to the death? You're delusional!
"My revenge is to destroy you, to crush trash like you, and to show the world that blood debts must be paid with blood."
"Ahhhh!" The spinning Dubh was close to losing his sanity.
He never imagined that after 63 years of combat training, he wouldn't even have the chance to strike against Divine Drakebane.
"Brat, you're so petty! That massacre happened 20 years ago, and you still can't let it go? This isn't what a true hero does! Let me down!"
"Hmph!" Robin snorted dismissively. "I never claimed to be magnanimous, nor do I care for the opinions of others.
"I act without concern for honor or disgrace. No matter how many years pass, I will repay this grudge until my last breath.
"Even if the gods themselves were involved in that massacre, I would still go to the heavens and behead the god to honor the innocent lives lost!
"Old fool, maybe it's time you started thinking about what you'll say before you die.
"Today will be your last day, and I will tear you apart before the eyes of the world in the way only I can.
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