Chapter 706: Volume Twenty: Wolf in the Mediterranean - Thirteen: Makeup Entrance
After the sixth day, the Olympia competition began to focus on several of the most eye-catching events. Besides the marathon, which can be considered a strong point for the Corinthians, horse racing is the advantage of the Iberians, while chariot racing and gladiatorial combat have always been the super strengths of the Spartans. For many years, it seems no one has been able to shake their dominance in these two events. However, this time, it appears that the situation has changed.
An emerging force, the team from Piraeus City-State, presented direct challengers to the Spartans in both chariot racing and gladiatorial combat. When that expressionless, cold-looking man drove the Mysterious Iron Chariot, pulled by a Horse as black as a Ghost, into the Grand Arena, he immediately captured the attention of all spectators.
Although there were still countless people hoping that this mysterious man was just a pillow with embroidered patterns, relying on appearance for hype, the cruel reality quickly shattered their dreams. The Mysterious Iron Chariot swept through the entire field with thunderous momentum. A Corinthian Chariot attempting to block the Mysterious Iron Chariot to help its teammate win was even directly hit by a javelin thrown by the racer on the Mysterious Iron Chariot, breaking the carriage pole, resulting in the Corinthian racer dying on the spot in the arena.
Although such incidents are not uncommon in chariot racing, breaking a thick carriage pole with just one javelin requires such formidable Power that it sent a chill down the spine of all racers. The only ones who could compete with the Piraeus’ Mysterious Iron Chariot were two Spartan chariots. While they deliberately avoided a direct confrontation with the Mysterious Iron Chariot, they always maintained a reasonable distance and conserved their Power, ready to sprint at any moment.
"Slupig, where did this guy come from? The origins of his Mysterious Iron Chariot are really mysterious. I’ve never heard of Piraeus having such exquisite and luxurious Items. If they had, those showy and boastful Piraeus people would definitely not keep it a secret. There’s something fishy about this." A man in a robe adorned with brilliant gold trim spoke with an indignant yet anxious expression, "Those damn Piraeus people, what do they want to do? Do they really want to challenge our Spartan status at the Olympia festivities?"
"Father, haven’t you always hoped that all countries and cities in the Southern Mediterranean Region would take the Olympia festivities seriously? Their sending their best athletes to compete is proof of their regard for these events that we host, which is a good thing. The Piraeus people have experienced rapid economic development in the past few years. Perhaps they have acquired the financial strength to cultivate and attract foreign talents. This could incite other countries and cities to strive for superiority in this arena, which is also beneficial for raising the level of the next Olympia festival. Otherwise, it would always be just us Spartans and Corinthians playing the main roles, which would indeed be too lonely." The distinguished man sitting next to the elder in luxurious clothing looked majestic and spirited, with a Crystal clear knight spear beside him, obviously no ordinary item, his lips revealing a proud demeanor taht showed he was not concerned about his father’s worries.
"Slupig, don’t underestimate our allies. If it was only a single outstanding performance in one event, I wouldn’t be so alarmed, but their performance is simply too excellent. Look at the guy driving the Mysterious Iron Chariot. I dare say that the entire Southern Mediterranean could not find two workshops that have the manufacturing level of this one chariot. Where did the Piraeus people get such a thing from? And the charioteer, his sharp thrust earlier, directly shattered the Ironwood carriage pole of the Corinthians; isn’t that Power alone enough to alarm us? And look at their performance in the gladiatorial contest Yesterday, where they actually had three men beat the Iberian Kingdom and Severo Kingdom athletes, advancing to the next round. This would have been unimaginable before, but now it’s happening before us. Isn’t this enough to prove that there’s a problem?"
The elder in luxurious clothing was much more cautious than his son, considering broader and deeper issues. Although his son was a disciple of Martial Saint Aristotle, unquestionable in Martial arts, he was still too naive in politics. The air exuded by Piraeus people not only overwhelmed other countries and City-states but directly threatened the Spartan’s position within the Corinth City-state Alliance. "Seapower to Corinth, land Power to Sparta." This balance of power has been maintained in the Southern Mediterranean Region for many years. The Iberians have always attempted to shake the stability of their kingdom but never succeeded. Now, with the Barbarians’ relentless attacks, they had to stoop to pleading for help, but they did not expect the Piraeus, driven by shipping and trade, to suddenly display their Power. This was indeed hard for him to accept.