Welcome to the Innocent World - Chapter 138

Chapter 138: The Dance of Thorns – Alex vs Rui

The announcer’s voice boomed across the arena, amplified by the microphone that showed his energy. His excitement surged through the crowd like a wave.

“Ladies and gentlemen!” the announcer yelled, his voice echoing through the coliseum. “We’ve just received incredible news—Seraphine, one of the most talented warriors in this tournament, has made a miraculous recovery! Yes, you heard that right! The beloved Seraphine who we just saw getting beaten to death is back in action!”

The crowd erupted into cheers, the sound deafening as it filled every corner of the massive arena. Seraphine, blushing under the attention, made her way across the railing and stopped beside me. Her shoulder brushed against mine, and she gave a shy glance in my direction.

“Look at you, basking in all this glory,” I teased, popping my bubble gum with a loud snap.

Seraphine turned even redder, elbowing me gently. “Stop teasing me! This is serious!”

“Serious?” I raised an eyebrow and smirked. “You’re acting like you didn’t just jump out of bed and hug me like a kid with a new toy. You’re loving this, admit it.”

“I am not!” she said, with the small smile on her lips.

“Alright, alright,” I said, leaning back casually. “Go soak it in. The crowd has started to love you. I’m just here to enjoy the show.”

The announcer’s voice cut through the noise again.

“And now, moving on to the next round of this tournament! The battle we’ve all been waiting for: Alex versus Rui!”

The crowd roared once more, the energy electric.

“First, let me introduce our first competitor—Alex!” the announcer bellowed. “A dashing swordsman with a reputation for precision, power, and unyielding determination! Let’s hear it for Alex!”

A tall, strikingly handsome man stepped onto the battlefield, his sword resting casually on his shoulder. His yellow hair gleamed under the sunlight, and his confident smile earned him an extra wave of cheers from the audience.

“Looks like someone’s got fans,” I muttered.

“He’s good, though. I’ve seen him fight. He’s not just a pretty face.” Seraphine said.

“And now, his opponent!” The announcer’s tone shifted, taking on a slightly ominous edge.

“The mysterious Rui! A dark sorceress whose abilities have left even the bravest warriors trembling! Will her magic prevail today?”

The crowd cheered as Rui stepped forward, her presence unnerving. She was cloaked in an aura of danger, her thick green black hair flowing around her, tipped with sharp thorns. Her eyes were covered by her hairs, giving her an otherworldly, almost alien appearance.

“That’s one creepy lady,” I said, popping my bubble gum.

“Her aura… it’s heavy. I don’t like this.” Seraphine said.

On the battlefield, Alex remained unfazed, standing tall with his sword drawn. His stance was relaxed, yet there was a sharpness in his gaze.

Rui on opposite, moved by dragging herself, her hair swaying as though it had a life of its own.

“Let the battle begin!” the announcer cried, his voice igniting the crowd once again.

Alex didn’t waste a second. With a burst of speed, he lunged forward, his sword slicing through the air in a precise arc. Rui didn’t flinch. Instead, her hair shot forward like a living entity, the thorn-covered strands intercepting Alex’s blade with a sharp Clang*

“What the—” Alex muttered, pulling back just in time to avoid being ensnared.

Rui’s lips curled into a faint, eerie smile. “Did you think it would be that easy?”

Alex adjusted his stance, circling her carefully. He swung again, this time aiming for her legs, but her hair moved faster than he anticipated, coiling around his sword and throwing it away from him.

“Impressive,” I muttered, leaning forward slightly.

“It’s like Nebula’s technique,” I thought in my mind.

Seraphine’s looked excited when she said. “She’s using her hair as a weapon. It’s even stronger than I thought.”

Alex gritted his teeth, trying to reclaim his sword, but Rui’s hair tightened its grip. With a flick of her wrist, she sent the weapon flying, embedding it into the ground several feet away.

“Uh-oh,” the announcer’s voice boomed. “It seems our swordsman has been disarmed! How will Alex recover from this?”

The crowd gasped and murmured, the tension palpable.

Alex wasn’t done yet. He charged forward, his fists glowing faintly with aura, ready to engage in hand-to-hand combat. Rui responded by unleashing a flurry of thorny strands, each one moving with deadly precision. Alex dodged and weaved, his movements fluid and calculated, but the her attacks were relentless.

As the battle continued, Rui’s hair managed to ensnare Alex’s arm, pinning him in place. The thorns dug into his skin, leaving shallow cuts that oozed blood. Alex struggled to free herself.

“Caught you,” Rui said softly, her voice almost playful.

Alex smirked despite the pain. “Not for long.”

With a surge of strength, he pulled against the strands, breaking free in a burst of energy. Rui staggered slightly, her hair recoiling to .

The crowd erupted into cheers, their excitement renewed.

“Alex is free!” the announcer exclaimed. “But at what cost? Look at those cuts on his arms!”

I narrowed my eyes, noticing something odd.

Alex picked his sword and fought again but his movements were slowing down, and his breathing had become labored. He clutched his arm briefly, and a faint purple hue spread across the cuts.

“He’s been poisoned,” I said quietly.

Seraphine’s eyes widened. “Poisoned?”

On the battlefield, Alex dropped to one knee, using his sword for support as he tried to steady himself.

Rui tilted her head. “You’ve fought well,” she said, her voice almost kind. “But it’s over now.”

“Alex might lose. She’s too strong.” Seraphine whispered beside me.

Rui raised her hand, her hair coiling around her like a predator preparing to strike. Alex remained kneeling, his head bowed. His hair fell over his face, obscuring his expression.

“Say goodbye, swordsman,” Rui said, her voice dripping with finality.

The crowd watching with anticipation, the tension unbearable.

“Will Alex make a comeback?” the announcer asked, his voice a mix of excitement and dread. “Or is this the end for our dashing swordsman?”

The scene froze in that moment—Rui poised to deliver the final blow, Alex kneeling with his face hidden.