Reincarnated With Three Unique Skills

Chapter 392 Competition of Brain and Brawns

"Hahaha...."

Bella laughed loudly beside Aengus, clutching her stomach as if she had just heard the most amusing joke.

"So, you think I'm weak?" Aengus muttered with a faint smile, his sharp gaze falling on Fiona and the others.

"Of course. You look so young, Heir of Kievan," one of the Head Law Enforcers, Gilberto, said calmly. "You can't possibly compare to Emperor Vansing in terms of power and intelligence. Why not consider waiting for your own sake, Heir?"

Despite his calm tone, Gilberto's words were patronizing, meant to undermine Aengus' authority.

Aengus chuckled lightly but didn't respond immediately. As a man capable of sensing the intricate web of conspiracies forming before him, he knew better than to reveal his true strength too soon. However, he couldn't afford to show any weakness either.

"Keep your advice to yourself, Gilberto," Hog said angrily. "We, the Five Protectors, believe the Heir is worthy and capable. The Empire cannot afford to delay his ascension any longer. It needs a true ruler."

Emperor Vansing's expression soured at the remark. To have his competence questioned right in front of him—wasn't it the same as calling him an incapable ruler?

Even so, as a Star Dominator, he refrained from responding directly to the Five Ancient Protectors. Their authority and legacy as the enforcers of the Empire's will left him with no choice but to endure their criticism in silence.

Bella, however, leaned toward Aengus, her voice dripping with mockery. "I suppose they think a little delay will change destiny. How amusing."

"Then, what do you propose, Protector Hog?" Gilberto asked with a smile. Though his tone was composed, he concealed the wariness he felt toward the Ancient Protectors. Despite being a High-Level Dominator himself, even he couldn't underestimate their unparalleled strength.

Hog didn't answer immediately. Instead, he turned to Fiona with a stern expression.

"What do you propose, Fiona? Just remember, we wish to settle this peacefully. Make an agreement before all the subjects of this Empire for credibility."

Fiona's lips curled into a small, satisfied smile, as if her ploy had unfolded exactly as she intended.

"I wish for peace and prosperity too, Protector," Fiona said graciously. "So, I propose a compromise. If you truly believe the Heir has proven himself worthy, then let us hold a competition. A contest between my son, the current Emperor Vansing, and the True Heir of Kievan, Zytherion, to determine who is best suited to lead this age more efficiently."

"A competition?" Aengus muttered, a smile forming on his lips as the golden sun illuminated his face. "Interesting. And how exactly do you wish to arrange it?"

"Yes, how would you judge this competition, Fiona?" Hog inquired, raising an eyebrow.

Fiona clasped her hands together as if she had already prepared an answer. "Simple. We will design two rounds. One for Intelligent Leadership and another for individual Strength."

Everyone in open field fell silent as the weight of her proposal sank in.

"And who will judge these trials?" Bella interjected sharply, her piercing gaze locked onto Fiona, daring her to answer.

Fiona didn't flinch, maintaining her regal composure. "Of course, the subjects of the Empire will bear witness to the trials. Their eyes will judge, and their hearts will decide. To ensure fairness, we will draft and sign a treaty among us, if that's what is required."

Aengus chuckled softly, the sound carrying an undertone of mockery. He had already seen through their little ploy.

"A treaty? Witnesses? You expect me to believe this competition will be fair and impartial?"

Fiona smiled faintly, refusing to rise to the bait.

He shook his head, clearly unimpressed. Still, a smirk played at the corners of his lips. He wasn't the least bit worried about their attempts to rig the competition. If anything, he welcomed the challenge.

"Oh You wish to turn this into a public spectacle? Very well. Let the entire world see. Let them witness who the rightful Emperor is."

Hog leaned closer and whispered, "My Emperor, do you really want to participate in this? Vansing is a Star Dominator with mastery over the Fire Law. Your age difference is significant. Do you still think you can win?"

"Yes, I can," Aengus replied calmly.

Hog, slightly stunned, looked at Aengus with an incredulous expression. Judging by his confident body language, Hog understood that the Emperor must still be hiding something terrifying beneath the surface.

However, this realization made Hog feel reassured. He hoped that their trust and efforts would not be in vain.

"Very well," Hog said, stepping forward. "Fiona, we agree to the competition, even though it isn't completely fair. But do not mistake this as a sign of weakness on our part. If you attempt to use any illegal tricks or tamper with the judgment, there will be no worse adversary than our faction. We will bring the Empire down along with your so-called superior reign." he declared thunderously.

Fiona's eyes narrowed slightly, but she maintained her calm facade.

"Of course. We both want what's best for this Empire, don't we? Even if he is my son, I won't show any favoritism toward him," she replied smoothly, her voice steady despite the tension in the air.

The members of both factions keenly recognized that the moment of truth had been decided.

There would be a competition—a decisive battle that would determine the future ruler of the empire.

News of the upcoming contest quickly spread among the onlookers, igniting a heated debate.

"So...we'll actually see the new Emperor and the current Emperor face off in battle? This is going to be something worth watching!"

"Yes, but don't you think the rightful heir is too young for this? Just look at Emperor Vansing—he's over 60 years old, and the true Emperor can't be more than 20. How is this fair?"

"Heh, the true Emperor might just be a fool in disguise. Who knows?"

"Hey, don't underestimate the rightful heir. If he's truly the chosen one, there must be something special about him."

"Haha, I doubt it. Let's see how this so-called 'true Emperor' holds up." Find adventures at empire

"Hmph...you'll see soon enough."