Despite the blow, Riveria didn't give up. She relaxed, ceasing resistance, letting the pull draw her closer to Arthas.
It looked like she was throwing herself at him, but as she neared, her mana erupted.
"Grand Fire Blast!"
Intense flames erupted from Riveria, engulfing the arena. The audience saw only blinding crimson flames.
This was extremely close-range magic; even Riveria was engulfed. The force wasn't something a frail mage could withstand.
Riveria, even at her strongest, was still a mage; her physical strength couldn't compare to Ais's.
Everyone held their breath. Even a fool could see Riveria was losing.
In mage battles, distance was crucial. From the moment Riveria was pulled close, she was at a disadvantage.
This Level 1 adventurer was incredibly strong! He'd forced the famed Nine-Hell Princess to use a desperate tactic.
Riveria had been outsmarted. If she hadn't used fire magic, any other element used at close range would have hurt Arthas.
Mages were frail, but Riveria's physical strength rivaled a Level 3 warrior. Arthas was practically made of paper.
For example, Riveria could use a mountain-splitting wind spell; it might not harm Arthas's mana shield, but it could blow him away before he reacted.
Arthas recklessly used his mana; his mana efficiency and defenses were lacking.
But Arthas was growing, rapidly. His immense mana reserves were his strength; he lacked magical theory and knowledge. With practice, he could easily surpass Riveria.
The flames and smoke dissipated, leaving a pungent smell of sulfur; Riveria looked dazed. She felt no pain; the Grand Fire Blast had inexplicably vanished?
"Using fire magic against me was a mistake."
Arthas whispered in Riveria's ear, smiling.
"Eh…?"
Riveria was startled; Arthas grabbed her wrists. A wave of cold mana flowed into her, making her tremble.
"No… don't… it feels strange."
The invasion of mana made her feel like her body wasn't her own; she was being manipulated, making her writhe uncomfortably.
Especially with the strange coldness of Arthas's mana, causing her body to spasm.
This… is in front of Orario's citizens and the Gods! Please, be subtle!
But Arthas never knew subtlety. As Riveria thought this, his face moved from her shoulder to hers.
Her mana completely suppressed, Riveria let out a soft cry; she was kissed by Arthas, as many times before.
But he knew when to stop. When the smoke cleared, he gently pushed Riveria away.
"I yield, Miss Riveria."
Riveria, still dazed, lowered her head, avoiding his gaze.
She didn't know if anyone had seen them; she fiddled with her hands, whispering,
"You… won."
Riveria left the stage, leaving confused spectators.
What happened? How did the match end so suddenly? And why were they so intimate afterward?
The audience was confused, but the Gods in Babel Tower saw everything.
They were amused at Loki's misfortune.
"What's so funny? Riveria was outmatched!"
Loki shouted, annoyed by their laughter.
"You think the Loki Familia is a joke? Easy to bully? Want another fight after this war game?!"
The hall fell silent. No God wanted to fight the Loki Familia.
"Shorty, don't gloat. Next is Ais. Your boy won't be so lucky."
"I'm not gloating."
Hestia muttered; she wasn't happy.
I wish Arthas had attack me in front of everyone.
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