Chapter 524: Strong Hammer Marquess!
Jormungandr’s sword was undoubtedly an impressive creation, a weapon with extraordinary potential for growth. However, its power was not immediate. It required time, effort, and countless battles to achieve its full strength. On the other hand, Torin’s weapon, though it lacked the ability to evolve further, was undeniably the superior weapon at the moment. Its craftsmanship and immediate effectiveness placed it well above the current state of the Demon Bloodsucking Sword.
Vlad’s expression twisted into one of mild irritation as his sharp gaze flicked toward the small yellow cat. If the Depravita of Gluttony had simply forged a standard Guardian Tier weapon, the contest would have been far easier to judge. But the cunning creature had taken an unconventional path, creating a treasure with immense growth potential. While Vlad appreciated ingenuity, he couldn’t ignore the fact that this approach muddied the decision.
Of course, Vlad knew that the small yellow cat might have had no choice. Perhaps Jormungandr had realized that crafting a weapon through traditional means would not surpass Torin’s masterpiece with the provided materials. Choosing an evolving weapon might have been the only viable strategy. Regardless, Vlad now bore the burden of deciding the winner, his eyes darting between the two weapons as he weighed his options.
The crowd, composed of both the Xaos Kingdom’s soldiers and the people of Strong Hammer, sat in hushed anticipation. Tension hung thick in the air as everyone awaited the verdict.
Before Vlad could make his decision, a commanding voice rang out, cutting through the silence.
"I accept defeat," Torin declared, his tone resolute and clear.
The arena erupted into murmurs of shock and surprise. The dwarf’s declaration was unexpected, especially given how formidable his weapon had proven to be. Torin’s expression, however, betrayed no reluctance. His face remained calm, his eyes steady, and a faint smile touched his lips.
Vlad turned his gaze to Torin, his voice low but filled with curiosity. "Are you sure? Your skill rivals Jormungandr’s in every way. A draw would be a fair result."
Torin met Vlad’s piercing eyes with unwavering resolve. "If I claim a draw, I would be admitting that my current skills are enough for this challenge—and they are not. I accept this loss and will use it as motivation to refine my craft and grow stronger for future challenges."