Mech: Shattering of the Galaxy Chapter 1584 - 100: You’re the Second

"Is it... is it over?"

Lance breathed out, utterly shocked by the question.

However, in that moment, no one offered him a reply, as every single gaze was fixed with intense concentration on the vanishing dust...

The dust began to dissipate.

The figure concealed within was on the verge of being revealed!

This is...

It was as if everyone simultaneously heard the distinct sound of jaws hitting the floor.

Alva, the leader of the Wolf Armor Group, considered nearly invincible in their hearts, the War God of the younger generation—he stood revealed.

At this precise instant, he had been forcefully pinned to the earth.

Mu Fan’s hand, as unyielding as iron and clamped around his opponent’s throat, was half-raised from the ground.

Alva stared blankly at the expansive sky.

"I can't believe... I lost..."

It happened in a single, fleeting moment.

No deceptive tactics were employed; it was a pure, unadulterated clash of brute strength and swiftness.

And he, Alva, who had never known defeat and held immense pride as the Star Child, had been bested in the very domain he cherished most.

The iron-like grip around his throat, with just a minor tightening, would instantly obliterate his airway.

Experiencing this chokehold, this brush with death, was an entirely novel sensation.

Even though his entire being felt on the brink of disintegration and incapable of mustering any strength, even though he was pressed into the ground, he felt no crushing force from those fingers.

There existed only one plausible deduction: Mu Fan harbored no intention to kill.

"You have lost."

Mu Fan’s gaze, colored a deep crimson, fell upon Alva. His voice, rough and grating like stones grinding together, emanated with labored breaths.

"I..."

Alva’s face twisted with an immense internal struggle, ultimately succumbing to utter despair.

"Lost."

With those single words, the last vestiges of Alva’s strength completely ebbed away.

Defeated outright in the arena he held in highest regard.

He found himself utterly devoid of any words to justify his failure!

"That young one, Alva, he is exceedingly competitive. Yet, this outcome is beneficial; it allows him to realize there is always someone superior. Trees require the harshness of wind and rain to flourish."

Isaiah’s expression was serene, his voice carrying a similar calmness. Those nearby turned to him.

Perceiving the inquiring looks from his fellow tribesmen, Isaiah offered a gentle smile, tilted his head back, and proclaimed loudly towards the heavens:

"Recognizing disgrace and subsequently striving forward, that is the unyielding spirit of the White Armor Tribe!"

"Alva, your defeat is not a source of shame!"

Certain trials cannot be surmounted by evasion.

A genuine hero confronts every victory and every setback with courage.

While lying prone on the ground, Alva’s gaze had been dim, seemingly utterly depleted of vitality.

However, at the sound of Isaiah’s voice, his body gave a distinct tremor.

I lost, but it is not shameful!

I am a White Armored Brave Warrior, undefeated!

Falling short in skill compared to another simply means the need for improvement.

From this viewpoint, is not Mu Fan, standing before me, an excellent benchmark...

Within Alva’s irises, a nascent spark of life began to slowly bloom.

"Cough, cough... ha..."

"Ha ha ha! Alva cannot triumph over you now, but I most certainly will defeat you in the future."

The familiar confidence returned to Alva’s features as he looked at Mu Fan, erupting into hearty laughter.

Yet, with his battered countenance, Alva appeared remarkably comical at this very moment.

"Hey."

The crimson hue in Mu Fan’s eyes receded like an ebbing tide. His breaths came in ragged gasps, resembling the action of bellows. Observing Alva’s unrestrained laughter, he released his grip. His entire body trembled subtly, and he slumped down beside Alva.

Following a succession of high-intensity engagements, the lingering effects of the Blessed Relief finally manifested.

The airborne dust swirled anew.

The two individuals lay side-by-side on the ground, their gazes fixed upon the celestial expanse, chuckling with unrestrained mirth.

"You will never conquer me, hey..." Mu Fan taunted derisively.

"When I reduce you to dust, do not... start crying... cough, cough!"

"You will be the one shedding tears."

"Let us establish a date for our subsequent confrontation. I, Alva, have never experienced such an invigorating fighting spirit."

"Agreed. I shall obliterate you even more thoroughly."

...

...

The previous tension that had pervaded their confrontation had entirely dissipated between the two men.

Now, under the astonished glares of the assembled crowd, they resembled immobile figures, akin to fallen warriors, yet deeply engrossed in a spirited verbal exchange.

Until the very end, both erupted into hearty laughter as their eyes met.

Simultaneously, they pushed themselves upright, their powerful hands interlocking firmly.

"Mu Fan."

"Alva."

In their equally radiant eyes, a genuine, mutual admiration began to gleam.

"You are the most formidable individual I have ever encountered," Alva declared with utmost sincerity.

However, Mu Fan paused for a moment before earnestly responding, "You hold the second position."

Alva’s extended hand faltered mid-air. A subtle flush of shame and anger crept across his features.

"I issue a challenge for a duel!"

"Bring it on."

In a mere two seconds, the inclination for combat, which had just subsided, swiftly reignited.

The spectators erupted into peals of laughter.

For the village that had long endured oppression, witnessing Alva laugh with such unbridled joy was an exceptionally rare occurrence.

...

...

"Miss Nuonuo is like a celestial star, instantly captivating upon first sight. My initial hostility towards you has dissolved, as I now recognize your superior strength and your greater qualification to safeguard such a radiant star."

Alva confessed this openly as the two individuals stood and returned before the main tent.

Gazing at Nuonuo now, he felt no need to maintain any pretense regarding his affections.

Standing against the wind, his untamed long hair dancing, Alva looked toward the horizon with unwavering determination. "I, Alva, a Child of the Starry Sky from the White Armor Tribe, aspire to achieve unmatched strength! One day, I shall shield all that is precious to me."

"Ensuring no member of our tribe perishes, guaranteeing everyone is adequately fed and clothed, and allowing our children to live without worries."

Hearing this powerful declaration, Isaiah’s eyes brimmed with profound relief.

In that moment, he perceived Alva’s genuine maturation, acknowledging the noble spirit that complemented his considerable might.

This indeed was the future leader of the White Armor Tribe!

"I retract my previous statement. However, it remains true that before the next Beast Tide descends, the White Armor Tribe cannot sustain a large-scale conflict," Alva admitted with a touch of shame, yet his voice resonated with exceptional firmness.

Possessing both courage and accountability, he could not permit others to risk their lives alongside him in a potentially disastrous endeavor.

"I have long harbored suspicions of a complex link between the Beast Tide and the Red Stone Clan... Engaging in combat on two fronts simultaneously would leave us no path for retreat."

Alva patiently laid out his analysis for Mu Fan.

Nearby, Lance and the others collectively nodded, their thoughts aligning perfectly with Alva’s assessment.

They exhibited no fear of battle or of death itself.

What they truly dreaded was the prospect of a futile sacrifice.

Yet, before Mu Fan could voice his thoughts, Nuonuo gracefully stepped forward, her gaze lifting towards him. "Alva, why not consider Mu Fan’s perspective? His words are never without substance."

Hmm?

Nuonuo’s interjection prompted everyone within the tent to instinctively raise their eyebrows.

The Goddess’s pronouncements carried immense weight for the White Armor Tribe.

Consequently, all attention in the tent naturally gravitated towards Mu Fan.