One light-year away from Herta Space Station, in the depths of space.
This void star field was utterly empty. Not a single intact planet existed within half a light-year's radius, only countless meteorites drifting aimlessly through the darkness.
But now, this desolate void had suddenly come alive.
Near a meteorite belt, two women stood suspended in space, facing each other in confrontation.
Not far from them floated a small observation platform, surrounded by an invisible energy barrier. More than a dozen people sat within, watching intently.
"Hey! I, Stelle, the most adorable Star Emperor in the universe, will wash away the shame of the past and defeat you completely today!"
Stelle gripped her baseball bat tightly, shouting her declaration like a street thug ready for a brawl.
Kiana rolled her eyes and couldn't help but complain, "It's just a friendly competition. Do you really need to act like we're mortal enemies?"
"What do you know? This is called setting the atmosphere before battle!"
"You actually have a point!" Kiana's eyes lit up with sudden realization. Then her expression turned cold and haughty. "You're nothing but a defeated opponent who was beaten into submission by my Herrscher of Finality form. Today you dare bark in front of me again? I've never seen someone so shameless!"
Stelle's face flushed red with anger. She widened her eyes, pointing a trembling finger at Kiana. "Oh, you... you curse so viciously!"
"Hmph! Broken butt!"
"That's going too far... Wait, did you seriously just threaten to spank me?!"
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The two immediately clashed in fierce combat.
Various dazzling attacks illuminated the dark void of space, each strike carrying enough power to split mountains and shatter seas. Within a thousand-mile radius, countless meteorites were reduced to cosmic dust by the sheer aftershocks of their battle.
In the observation platform, Lumine and the others watched the distant battlefield with rapt attention, shocked by the intensity of the fight.
Especially Kikyo, the newest group member.
As the saying goes, one's world limits one's vision.
She had thought the legendary great demons were invincible beings beyond mortal comprehension.
But before these Golden Core realm cultivators, even the mightiest demons seemed as insignificant as grains of sand.
No, forget the Golden Core stage. Even Foundation Establishment cultivators could easily crush the great demons she knew!
"Speaking of which, Victor, why did you have them compete in real space? Wouldn't it be better to use the gaming helmets and fight in the virtual arena?" Rin Tohsaka suddenly asked.
Hearing this, everyone turned to look at Victor.
They were equally curious about his decision.
After all, fighting in the game's arena was safer and more convenient. Even if someone died in battle, it wouldn't cause any actual harm to their physical body.
Victor explained helplessly, "This was their choice. There's nothing I could do about it."
He had also suggested they compete in the virtual arena, but both Stelle and Kiana insisted on fighting in reality. Since they'd fought in the real world last time, they wanted to settle things in reality this time as well.
Bang!
At that moment, Lumine suddenly materialized a gambling table in front of everyone.
"Let's make a bet! Who do you think will win?"
As soon as those words left her mouth, all the girls perked up with interest.
Tsunade's eyes practically sparkled. "Excellent! What are we betting? And what are the odds for each fighter?"
As expected of one of the Legendary Sannin's legendary gambler, she couldn't resist the moment gambling was mentioned.
Lumine explained, "We'll use points as stakes. Bet on whoever you think will win, no limit on the amount!"
"As for the odds, since both fighters are similar in strength, there won't be any odds. The winner's supporters will split all the points wagered by the losers!"
"That sounds fair!" Rin nodded in strong agreement.
Belle raised her small hand. "Can I bet on both sides?"
Lumine rolled her eyes. "In your dreams!"
"Alright, let's open the betting!"
Tsunade was rubbing her hands together eagerly, unable to contain her excitement.
Lumine nodded. "I'll go first then. I bet on Kiana! One hundred thousand points!"
"I bet on Stelle! Fifty thousand points!"
"I'm betting on Stelle too! One hundred thousand!"
"Kiana for me! Sixty thousand!"
"Stelle! One hundred fifty thousand!"
Once someone took the lead, everyone began placing their bets enthusiastically.
Only Victor stood with his arms crossed, watching the girls with an amused smile.
"I want to join too." Markh 7th looked at everyone with envious eyes.
It would be wonderful if she were also a member of the chat group.
"It's fine. We can just watch the excitement together." Victor gently patted Markh's head, offering comfort.
Standing nearby, Himeko watched this scene with a warm smile.
Ah, to be young!
The betting results came out quickly.
Of the nine participants, seven bet on Stelle and only four on Kiana.
After all, Stelle had entered the Golden Core realm earlier than Kiana, so many believed she had a greater chance of victory.
"Victor, you're not betting?" After calculating the totals, Lumine turned to look at him.
Victor smiled mysteriously. "I'll pass."
"Alright then. All bets are in!"
Just then, Stelle's voice echoed from the distant battlefield.
"I'm betting on myself! One million points!"
A moment later, Kiana's voice followed.
"I'm also betting on myself! One million!"
"Got it! Each of you has one million on yourselves!"
Lumine happily recorded their wagers.
Everyone continued watching the battle unfold.
As time passed, the fight between the two grew increasingly fierce. The aftershocks alone shattered the surrounding space several times over!
Finally, two hours later, the battle reached its climax.
Both warriors unleashed their strongest techniques simultaneously.
"Galaxy Staff Technique: Heaven-Piercing Strike!"
"Taixu Sword Art: Falling Stars!"
"Wait, you seriously named your move 'Falling Stars'? Did you do that on purpose?!" Stelle shouted indignantly.
Boom!
Sword light and staff force collided, erupting in a blinding flash like a newborn sun that illuminated the dark void. The resulting energy wave obliterated everything in its path with overwhelming force!
On the observation platform, the girls watched the battlefield nervously.
"Who won?" Tsunade couldn't help but ask.
"Please let it be Stelle!"
"No! Bless Kiana instead!"
"Victor, are they both alright?" Shinobu asked worriedly about their safety.
Victor shook his head reassuringly. "Don't worry. They know their limits and won't seriously harm each other."
Despite the intensity of the battle, neither had targeted the other's vital points. They'd been careful throughout the entire fight.
"So who won?" Lumine pressed.
Victor smiled faintly. "There is no winner in this match."
As his words fell, the brilliant light dissipated.
In the void, both Stelle and Kiana floated motionlessly with their eyes closed, as if unconscious.
"A draw?" everyone exclaimed in surprise.
Victor nodded slightly. "Yes. It's a tie."
"How is that possible?"
Tsunade couldn't accept this result.
Rin noticed Victor's calm expression and seemed to realize something. She asked curiously, "Victor, did you know the outcome from the beginning? Is that why you didn't place a bet?"
"That's correct. I knew from the start that this competition would inevitably end in a draw."
That was precisely why he hadn't wagered anything. No matter which side anyone bet on, no one would win in the end.
"Tsk, you could have told us the result instead of letting us wait so long," Lumine grumbled as she put away the betting table with a bored expression.
Victor shrugged with a smile. "You all seemed so excited. How could I bear to spoil your fun?"
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