Devil Slave (Satan system)-Chapter 1197: Test Of Strength

Meanwhile, in the Arena, a roar of discontent filled the air as the crowd booed and hurled scraps of food at Enel.

He stood in the center, unfazed, his face set in the same defiant expression he’d worn since stepping out of the maze. Jeers echoed all around him, and harsh words were shouted, accusing him of cheating, of disgraceful behavior, and dishonoring tradition. His father, Luca, watched in stony silence, teeth clenched as he struggled to contain his anger. The careful plans and strategies they’d set in motion—all shattered by Enel’s reckless shortcut straight through the maze.

Enel’s siblings, gathered behind their father, looked on in stunned disbelief, whispering among themselves, wide-eyed. Even the elders, seated in their dignified rows, looked down with disappointment, muttering and pointing fingers as they assessed Enel’s so-called "shortcut." Yet, in the midst of the outrage, a glint of amusement flickered in the Queen’s eyes. She suppressed a smirk that threatened to break free, and, raising her hand gracefully, she silenced the crowd.

When the noise died down, she fixed Enel with a curious gaze. "Tell me, Enel," she asked, her voice carrying through the arena, "why resort to such a brutish tactic?"

Enel stepped forward, lifting his chin boldly as he surveyed the crowd. "Because all of you—including these so called elders—are fools," he said, his voice laced with contempt. His words sent ripples of anger through the audience; many nobles shifted uncomfortably, some muttering under their breath, ready to shout him down. But Enel pressed on before anyone could interrupt.

"In the real world," he continued, "no one waits for you to finish a maze. A true king doesn’t waste time running in circles; he carves a path directly to his goal." He cast a defiant glance toward his father. "If that maze had been a life-or-death situation, Luca’s people would’ve died following the rules. Out there, thinking outside the box isn’t just an advantage; it’s survival."

A murmur ran through the crowd as his words sank in. Though crude, his point had a ring of brutal logic to it, one that couldn’t be dismissed so easily. The Queen’s smile widened, and she nodded, a look of intrigue crossing her face as she regarded Enel with newfound interest. Truly, adding him up for this contest was a good thing.

As the echoes of Enel’s victory faded, the crowd settled, albeit grudgingly, into the inevitable truth: whether they liked it or not, he had won. The maze was behind them, and the Queen’s voice resonated once more, sharp and commanding. "Let us proceed to the second phase," she declared, her gaze sweeping across the eager faces in the arena. "A king should not only be clever; he should also be strong."

A murmur ran through the crowd as everyone guessed at the nature of this test, but most already knew what was to come.

Strength was tested in many ways, but the most effective—and most brutal—was through direct combat. The Queen raised her hand, and the earth trembled slightly as a massive platform rose in the center of the arena, dust swirling around its edges. This would be the stage for the upcoming trial.

Luca stood on one side of the arena with a retinue of ten helpers—his own children, seasoned warriors, and even a few elders known for their prowess. Across from them, Enel stood alone, his gaze fixed forward, unyielding. By his side, the mysterious masked figure waited in silence, an unreadable air about them. The odds were stacked mercilessly against Enel; eleven against two. Any observer could see it: victory for Enel seemed impossible, his defeat all but certain.

Nate, Enel’s elder brother, couldn’t resist sneering from his place in the crowd, his voice loud enough for anyone nearby to hear. "So this is the great ’king’ who thinks himself above the rules. I wonder how he’ll fare now that clever tricks are out of reach," he scoffed, crossing his arms. "Strength isn’t something you can shortcut, little brother."

At that, a few heads nodded in agreement, and murmurs filled the air. The Queen’s voice cut through the noise once more. "Weapons are prohibited. This is a test of raw strength and skill. Let each contestant fight with only what lies within themselves."

Enel’s gaze flickered to the platform, then to the formidable lineup facing him. But he showed no sign of backing down. The masked figure by his side inclined their head slightly toward him, a silent signal of support. Enel took a deep breath, bracing himself.

The rules were straightforward: knock the opponent from the platform to claim victory. At the Queen’s signal, the battle erupted.

The source of this c𝐨ntent is freeweɓnovēl.coɱ.

Luca raised his arms to the sky, unleashing a wave of raw, potent energy—his aura blazed with the unmistakable intensity of a Deep Demon rank. His power surged forward, rolling across the platform like a storm, bearing down on Enel and his masked companion.

The crowd leaned in, anticipating a quick end. Luca’s aura alone should have been enough to overwhelm Enel, who was far too weak to withstand such a force. In fact, it was a merciful defeat.

Yet, just as the wave of energy threatened to engulf him, the mysterious figure at Enel’s side stepped forward. With a single, deliberate motion, they raised a hand, slicing through the aura like a blade through water. The energy split and dissipated, leaving Enel untouched.

Gasps rippled through the audience, whispers spreading like wildfire. Only a warrior at the Deep Demon rank or higher could part Luca’s aura with such ease. Suddenly, the masked figure became the center of attention—a force to be reckoned with, someone far beyond what they had anticipated.

Luca’s expression darkened, irritation flickering across his face. "Impressive," he growled. "But don’t think cutting my aura means you can stand against me." He cast a glance back to his gathered warriors, his voice cold and commanding. "Get Enel. Leave this one to me."

With that, his helpers sprang into action, circling around as they charged toward Enel. Luca launched himself forward, his feet striking the ground with a force that cracked the stone beneath him, his gaze locked on the mysterious protector.

Enel braced himself, his gaze darting between the approaching warriors. His masked companion stood firm, seemingly unbothered by Luca’s fierce approach. The crowd could barely keep up as Enel’s attackers closed in, and Luca’s thunderous charge bore down...