Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The duel ended, leaving only the sound of the wind and an eerie silence on the stage.

Not even the faintest breath could be heard as I slowly raised my head, my gaze falling on Forest Tempest Fist, now collapsed before me.

I took a deep breath, calming myself.

‘Ah, this feels a bit awkward.’

A faint smile tugged at my lips.

I had known for some time that he had reached the Flowing Flame level—just barely.

Even though he tried to suppress his aura, his lack of control caused faint traces to seep out.

And I understood why he had been concealing his level.

It was hard not to feel a twinge of guilt.

In another situation, this stage would have been his, and he would have shone as the protagonist of this match.

‘But then again, I’m grateful things turned out this way.’

I straightened my back as I stood.