Chapter 141

While Samuel and Zack were struggling to overpower each other Samuel thrust his wings forward aiming for his shoulders. Zack had no choice but to attempt to use his wings in the same fashion. He calmed his mind folding his top two wings around him in defense.

Samuel's attack was halted as Zack's wings began to radiate holy energy forcing him back. Zack didn't want him to regain his defense once again and slashed him across the stomach with his bottom pair of wings. Samuel winced in pain as he disappeared and reappeared on the desert floor.

"There you go. Never forget our wings are the embodiments of our divinity. Having so many definitely makes you lethal. With some more practice." Samuel smirked.

Samuel shot forward conjuring a war hammer as he slammed it into the ground causing pillars of chaos to erupt through the area. They were coming from each direction slowly surrounding Zack as Samuel continued to charge forward.

Zack was forced to teleport once again as the two continued to disappear and reappear throughout the battlefield as the pillars continued to follow. Zack extended his hands in both directions as his wings expanded, and the arena was rapidly filled with holy energy.

That darkness was snuffed out in an instant as the earth, and water orbs swirled around in unison towards Samuel. Samuel prepared to erode them with chaos when they disappeared into the earth. The arena began to rumble as powerful spikes began erupting from the ground piercing Samuel's flesh with ease.

Samuel flew into the air as a hand erupted from the earth attempting to seize him in its grasp. Samuel hurled his hammer shattering the hand in an instant. Before the weapon could return to Samuel's hands' vines erupted from the earth yanking it to the ground.

Samuel attempted to erode the vines away, but they were rapidly being replaced as Zack appeared behind him. Samuel turned around attempting to launch a chaos beam straight into Zack's shoulder. The holy orbs responded in Zack's defense as they shot forward engulfing Samuel's attack.

Two of the orbs canceled the attack, and the third one struck Samuel in the face launching him back. Samuel smirked as he flew backward as his wings expanded, and feathers enshrouded in chaos launched out rapidly. Zack managed to use his wings to cover himself, but a few managed to pierce into his arm and leg.

Samuel reappeared behind Zack while his vision was obscured from the cover of his wings. Chaos began to enshroud Samuel's fist as he released a barrage upon Zack. A powerful blow was aiming for Zack's chest when he caught his arms.

A smile went across Zack's face as he rapidly extinguishing the chaos as the area around him began to illuminate. The three holy orbs disappeared as a loud ringing ensued. Zack struck Samuel encasing him within the earth in an instant as he struggled to move.

The earth orb was still controlling the land, and it was why Samuel was unable to break free so easily. Rapidly around Samuel, a tree was formed binding him tightly within as Zack appeared before him. Zack lifted his hand as a powerful blast gathered in his hand before dissipating.

"It's your win." Samuel declared eroding the tree around him.

"You've shown me a lot in such a short time. Is there any chance you would be willing to spar like this more often?" Zack asked as he began to meditate.

The land around him slowly began to retake its former shape. Eve was in the stands watching in wonder as he repaired the forest so easily. She would have to focus on each tree individually, but Zack shaped the land effortlessly. Once the land was restored the two orbs returned from the earth, and regained their holy form as they were all absorbed into Zack.

"I do wanna see more of your abilities, and I could do sessions that like, but staying isn't an option. It's unusual how you can use the elements so easily. None of the archangels have ever attempted such things, but yet again they don't have to. They are embodiments of raw power and are not to be taken lightly. Those orbs of yours still present you with an advantage once you develop a better understanding of our combat style." Samuel replied.

They flew up into the stands to see the others. Witnessing the display of strength Alexander now understood how Zack could face the slavers all alone. For his comrades that was the first battle they ever saw Zack getting serious in. Seeing how powerful Zack was made the citizens of Eden uneasy knowing someone could injure him.

"We will be having some guests tonight for dinner, but anyone wanting to use the arena in the meantime can," Zack announced placing his spear in the array.

To their surprise, a lot of people volunteered for the arena. With so many entrees Zack split them into teams to test their ability to cooperate with other species. As the festivities ensued Ozen looked around in admiration.

There was ample seating with stations of booze, and food being served by dolls. The arena was truly top-notch and passed a variety of terrains. Watching the events unfold below it was mimicking an actual battlefield. Ozen was also impressed by the people's eagerness to display their strength, and how well the different species worked together.

Ozen spent centuries training forces for the demon army and had ample experience in organizing different species to work together. To accomplish this they had to train their forces for months with harsh drills and breaking down their sense of self to recreate them as a unified force. Looking at them clash below they were fighting so well together, but it was still obvious this was their first attempt at this.

'To have results like this without reconditioning is impressive.'

"You're people have serious potential with proper training." Ozen stated watching closely.

"He doesn't wish to have an army," Lilith replied.

"I've reconsidered that since. What I saw last night was the only beginning I can feel it. I don't intend to wage war, but I won't allow our people to become victims." Zack announced while watching the battle in the arena.

"How many did you encounter?" Haruna investigated.

"Close to a hundred, and all of them well trained. They had a group of demon elites all capable of using chaos, and while fighting them off they surrounded me with a solid formation. I've encountered them a few times before, but never like this." Zack replied.

"We thought they had new leadership due to their change in tactics but didn't think it would bring this much change," Haruna stated.

"If they come here we will be ready," Zack said in a serious tone.

They continued to discuss strategies to counter their potential arrival. Watching the forces collide in the arena Zack took notice of which people were rallying others. Wanting to test their ability to adapt he closed his eyes focusing on the arena. The ground began to rumble as golems started sprouting from the earth standing ten feet tall.

When the golems became animated they struck the earth causing tremors and forcing the contestants off balance. Some of the golems fused their hands into the ground manipulating the earth attempting to trap contestants.

The two sides fighting were being hit with a pincer maneuver, and were rapidly losing their composure. Both sides glanced around for the potential caster but quickly noticed the golems were attacking everyone. They were giant slabs of stone, and damaging such a structure wouldn't be so easy. In the panic, a young centaur took charge gathering the attention of both sides.

"Form up around the wounded, and don't let them get our casters," Batu shouted.

Batu had long black hair braided behind him with chestnut skin and brown eyes. He was wearing thick leather armor and was wielding a double-sided glaive he grabbed from the armory. With him taking charge they were ready to counter.

The nearby minotaurs charged forward in unison clearing a path for the lizardmen to form a shield wall. With a solid defense, the elves were free to lay cover with magic. It wasn't long before they had a strong foothold to send out reinforcements to free the captives and with the reinforcements, they managed to shatter the golems. Zack continued with the assault making them both stronger, and faster in response to their efforts.

"Should've sent the recruits," Harald suggests to Vicente.

"A few of them are out there, but I know what you mean. Can you switch up the elements?" Vicente asked.

"Of course everything within the arena right now is my domain," Zack replied as he extended his hand.

A large bonfire appeared behind the contestants, and from it, winged beasts resembling giants bats began soaring towards the battlefield spewing minor fireballs. It was a tough adjustment, but with the help of the demons, it was offset.

The demons could confront the bats in the air and had a resistance to fire making the wounds minor. While the demons were battling in the sky, and the others held the line against the golems the human mages took action.

They began chanting in unison gathering large amounts of mana together turning the river into an extension of their will. As the river began rampaging towards the bonfire a golem sacrificed itself to redirect the force.

Soon the guest began arriving and seeing the glow at the arena they were drawn in. When they entered seeing the spectacle unfolding in the arena they were all blown away. There was a small war being waged against elementals with neither side letting up.

Once news of the guest's arrival reached Zack he halted his magic as steps appeared from the arena. All the contestants had their wounds healed as Zack addressed them.

"It was good to see everyone rally together so quickly. I would've continued but the food will be ready soon." Zack announced.