System S.E.X. (Seduction, Expansion, eXecution)

Chapter 771: Chapter 771: Show of Elements

The atmosphere within the grand banquet hall softened as jade goblets were repeatedly filled with top-tier spiritual wine. Dishes prepared with the meat of sacred beasts and thousand-year cultivated herbs were served one after another, releasing aromas that heightened the mana flow of everyone present.

Ethan picked up a skewer of roasted flame-beast meat and took a bite without a shred of refined etiquette, chewing with relish.

"You have to try this, Isabella," Ethan said, offering her a piece on the tip of his utensil. "It tastes way better than it looks."

Isabella eyed the meat with a bit of diplomatic hesitation, but ultimately accepted the bite. After savoring it for a moment, her eyes lit up.

"Not bad..." the princess admitted, dabbing the corner of her lips with a silk napkin. "Though you shouldn’t eat with such shamelessness right in front of the Empire’s dukes and ministers."

"If the Emperor gave us prime meat, the least I can do is respect it by eating it all," Ethan replied with a relaxed smirk, taking a long sip of spiritual wine.

Suddenly, the center of the hall fell dim. The runic lights dimmed their intensity, and a soft murmur of awe rippled through the tables as four figures in ceremonial robes stepped onto the central floor. They were the Imperial Palace’s Grand Elemental Masters.

Without the need for incantations or magical staves, the first master raised his hand, and a mass of pure water floated into the air, molding itself into the shape of a transparent dragon. Seconds later, the second master unleashed a crimson plume of fire that enveloped the aquatic dragon without evaporating it, creating a shimmering, twin-colored beast of vapor and flame. The wind master spun the sculpture into a miniature hurricane, while the earth master raised polished stone petals that orbited the majestic elemental creature.

The display of light and absolute mana control drew enthusiastic applause from all the nobles and guests.

"Now that is true mastery over the elements," Isabella whispered, genuinely impressed by the performance’s fluidity.

"It’s a nice magic trick," Ethan commented, closely observing the energy threads sustaining the structure. "But it lacks killing intent. Beautiful, sure, but unusable in a real battle."

"Typical of you to think only of combat efficiency," the princess retorted with a low chuckle, nudging his side lightly with her elbow.

When the widespread applause died down and the runic lights once again illuminated the hall, the Emperor’s voice boomed above the chatter from atop the throne platform.

"I hope you have enjoyed the delicacies and the art of our masters," the Emperor declared, standing up as the attention of the entire chamber locked onto him. "However, I know all too well that the true nature of heroes and warriors is not satisfied merely by wine and music."

The sovereign extended his right arm and clenched his fist.

A dull tremor shook the hall’s glass floor. The central panels slid sideways with a metallic clack, revealing an abyss of protective runic barriers that opened into a colossal submerged combat arena, reinforced with divine-grade defensive formations.

"To offer a true taste of the upcoming Imperial Tournament..." the Emperor announced with an imposing smile, "the combat arena is officially open. Let the young talents show what they are made of."

A murmur full of expectation and tension immediately swept through all the nobles and delegations present. The heroes from the various regions exchanged defiant glances, gauging the auras of their future rivals.

"Looks like the peaceful dinner is officially over," Ethan commented with a lopsided smirk, leaning back in his seat.

Isabella stared intent at the arena pit and the protective runes glowing intensely around it.

"The Emperor wants to see who has the guts to take the first step," the princess whispered, turning to Ethan. "Do you plan on going down?"

"I have no interest in giving a free show," Ethan said, taking another glass of spiritual wine. "I’d rather see what kind of monsters the other regions brought before I move a finger. Let the impatient ones kill each other first."

At that moment, a youth in golden robes embroidered with flames leaped down into the center of the pit. The energy of his Dao Manifestation Realm erupted, vibrating the protective barrier as he unsheathed a greatspear wrapped in sacred fire.

"I am Lucius, of the Rising Sun Territory!" the youth roared, slamming his spear into the arena floor and glaring up at the stands with arrogance. "Anyone who considers themselves a hero of this generation, step down and test my flame!"

The diplomats’ eyes quickly shifted toward the Soaring Dragon Kingdom’s delegation, seeking Ethan’s reaction, but the young Deputy General simply rested his chin on his hand, watching the show with absolute boredom.

"We have territorial and resource conflicts with the Rising Sun Territory dating back years," Isabella whispered in Ethan’s ear, maintaining an impeccable posture. "That’s why he’s trying to provoke you directly in front of all the delegations."

"I understand," Ethan said, nodding calmly as he took another sip from his glass with absolute leisure.

Down in the arena, Lucius adjusted his grip on his flame-wrapped spear and let out a mocking laugh at the lack of an immediate response.

"What’s the matter?" Lucius shouted, his voice echoing throughout the entire hall. "Is the ’hero’ of the south a coward? Or is there no one in the Soaring Dragon Kingdom with the guts to step up?"

The muffled chuckles of several diplomats and young nobles from rival regions began to spread across the tables, enjoying the show and the overt diplomatic humiliation.

A high-ranking imperial guard stepped up to the Soaring Dragon Kingdom’s table, offering a brief formal bow before looking at the young Deputy General.

"Young General Ethan," the guard intervened in a neutral yet firm tone. "Will you accept the challenge from the Rising Sun Territory?"

Ethan set his jade glass down on the table with a soft clink. He stood up without the slightest rush, adjusting the black gala robe the butler had given him. He walked at a slow pace toward the edge of the arena balcony, drawing the eyes of the entire hall.

Instead of jumping into the pit right away, Ethan turned toward the main throne and locked eyes with the sovereign.

"Your Imperial Majesty," Ethan said in a calm voice that pierced through the noise of the chamber with absolute clarity. "My sword knows no mercy. I fear that if I go all out, the youth before me won’t be left alive."

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