"Slap, slap..."
Seele and Stelle each gave themselves a slap on the forehead, their movements perfectly synchronized.
"You dare say you're not the one with a problem?!"
Stelle gave a thumbs-up. "Go for it, I support you!"
"Ah, actually, challenging Big Boss Svarog wasn't just a spur-of-the-moment idea. I set this goal days ago."
"No!" Seele's tone was resolute. "You're just asking for trouble! Forget whether you can win or not—Wildfire's relationship with Svarog has only just been repaired. Even so, what do you think the boss would say if he found out?"
"I know, I know. I'm not provoking him, just issuing a challenge. Like in the ring—a fair, just, and open duel."
"Are you crazy? Svarog is a robot. What does he know about fighting etiquette? His fists aren't made of flesh..."
"What a perfectly matched opponent!" Luka raised his right arm.
"Stop joking around. You know what I mean. This makes no sense at all."
"I'm a martial artist. Getting stronger is my duty. Having a powerful opponent in mind but no way to face them is just frustrating! Thanks to you guys making peace with Svarog, I finally have this chance. I don't want to miss it."
Seele opened her mouth but swallowed her words.
Stelle's gaze shifted to Seele. "I think Svarog would at least spare Luka's life out of respect for us."
Seele knew she couldn't dissuade Luka, so she reluctantly led the way.
[Is Luka holding some kind of grudge against Svarog?]
[Kinda feels like it, but isn't Stelle saying "avoid getting killed" a bit much?]
[Bro, Svarog took on the trio, Seele and her partner, plus Dr. Natasha—six people ganging up on him—and still only barely lost. That lineup's strength speaks for itself.]
[If Svarog doesn't use missiles or summon his giant mechanical claws, I'd say the odds are about 30-70.]
[Wait, why's Luka only at 30%?]
[Luka gets 70%, Svarog throws three punches, Luka's holding his funeral on the seventh day.]
[LMAO, I'm dead. But seriously, Svarog's strength is probably the highest in all of Belobog, right?]
[Wrong. Clara's the strongest. Would Svarog ever hurt Clara?]
[But why is Luka challenging Svarog? Like a mantis trying to stop a chariot?]
[You know Goku and Beerus? I bet Luka's just a battle junkie, all fired up like that.]
[Yeah, Seele won't fight him, and Svarog couldn't fight back before. Makes sense.]
[Peaceful times make people restless. Some folks just have too much free time!]
[That… kinda makes sense.]
Stelle and Seele led Luka forward, pausing every few steps.
Even after dragging their feet the whole way, they eventually reached their destination.
Stelle's legs trembled as she approached Svarog.
The good news: Clara wasn't around, so the three didn't have to worry about her getting hurt.
The bad news: Clara wasn't around, so if no one stopped Luka, would he get beaten to a pulp?
Finally, Stelle shook her head—she decided not to overthink it.
Svarog noticed the three approaching. "Trailblazer, Seele of Wildfire. And this is?"
Luka waved. "Pleasure, Boss Svarog. I'm also a member of Wildfire."
Svarog scanned Luka. "Accessing database. Searching…
Search complete.
Luka. Born in Molten Hammer Town. Twenty-eight-time champion of the Boulder Town Fighting Tournament. Oleg's prized disciple…"
Luka looked pleased. "As expected of Boss Svarog! That saves me a long introduction."
"Unnecessary gratitude. May I inquire about your purpose here?"
"I'm here to challenge you, Boss Svarog."
"Challenge? Intent unclear. Seele, Trailblazer, can you explain?"
Stelle pointed at her temple. "I suspect he has… issues here."
Seele sighed helplessly. "It's all his idea. Whether you agree is up to you."
"Right! I just want to test my strength against the strongest fighter in the Underworld. What do you say?"
"Evaluating." Svarog remained motionless.
"Subject's motive: Unclear.
Hostility level: Zero.
Lie detection: Passed.
Conclusion: Subject's intent is indeed for a 'spar.'
I accept your challenge, Luka of Wildfire."
"What?" Seele's eyes widened. "Just like that? This isn't how I imagined it going!"
"Blades and artillery left unused for extended periods face increased risk of rust and deterioration. Regular use reduces failure probability and extends operational lifespan."
"Huh? Could you come up with a worse excuse?"
Luka grinned at Seele. "Told you I could convince him. Oh, since it's a match, how about you be the referee?"
"I—" Seele bit back her words. "Fine, fine. I'll referee. I'll referee."
The last few words were clearly spoken through gritted teeth.
[LMAO, is Svarog itching for a fight too?]
[Let me translate: "I'll humor you while oiling my gears."]
[Svarog: Actually, I'm itching for a fight too.]
[They're talking about fists, but he brings up blades and artillery, lol.]
[Svarog must've been bored, huh.]
[I thought Svarog would refuse at first. Didn't expect him to agree so easily?]
[Hahaha, Svarog probably wanted to spar too but couldn't say it outright. Now his prey delivered itself.]
[Let's take a moment to mourn for Luka.]
Before long,
A crowd of onlookers had gathered in the base.
"Place your bets! Svarog at 1:1, Luka at 1:10!"
"Fresh popcorn here! Get your fresh popcorn!"
"Dad, I can't see with so many people!"
"Hop on my shoulders, then. You'll get a better view."
"..."
Seele looked at Luka. "Just know your limits."
Stelle, holding a bucket of popcorn, smirked. "Go get 'em, Boss Svarog. I bet on you."
Luka laughed awkwardly. "Hahaha… I really can't tell whose side you're on."
By now, the atmosphere was electric.
Luka and Svarog took their positions.
However, before the fight officially began, Svarog inquired about Luka's arm.
Upon learning it was lost in an accident,
Svarog recorded the information and acknowledged Luka's response.
And so,
A clash of iron fists was about to begin.
Seele stepped between the two.
"Blue corner: Svarog of the Machine Settlement—are you ready?"
"Ready."
"Red corner: Luka of Molten Hammer Town—are you ready?"
"Born ready!"
Seele raised her right arm. "Good! No-holds-barred combat. One round, one winner. The match ends when one fighter can no longer continue or the referee calls it.
Round one—BEGIN!"
With that, her arm swept downward.
Luka clenched his fists together.
"Time to light the spark!"