Vicious Contender

Timothy reached the Sanctum Islands' god at once. With a deceiving appearance, Ivione observed them with a broad grin, his teeth gleaming and reflecting in the sun.

Unfamiliar with them, he happened to sound somewhat methodical and showed no hints of attaining a terrible reputation. He looked at them with a callous facade that turned out to be premeditated, having plans of action already memorized in his head.

Ivione remained silent for a long time, not knowing why they had come to his domain. He could tell that the two people who appeared in his presence were among those attempting to attack him because they seemed to be outsiders.

Or so he believed.

"Outlanders, you came at the right time. To challenge a deity indicates that you have displayed true bravery. However, you've been scurrying around my property like a flock of hens without heads. What is the purpose?"

Timothy stood in front of Kyora to protect her as he knew she wouldn't be able to match a celestial being in power. He kept as motionless as he could, making sure to take action if things went south or if Kyora was attacked.

Timothy stood guard over her while Kyora spoke to Ivione about their arrival.

And she told without holding back.

She made sure to provide Ivione with every information imaginable. But no matter what she shared with Ivione about alliance and peace, he just paid no attention to her, and when she revealed the stolen data she had discovered on the chip, he became agitated.

Ivione didn't shift positions or think differently. He complained a lot while maintaining his composure. He didn't like how Kyora looked through the chip's information while masking his startled marvels with a carefree expression.

He began to become stoic and pale over time. He pretended to be amused as he stood up and looked the two in the eyes.

It became contentious as his fingers trembled in rage, as if he were attempting to contain his rage.

"You searched the database of the Sanctum Islands without my authorization? I won't discredit that criminal deed. You are, I'm afraid, required to submit to Sanctum judgment."

It was clear that Ivione would reject any lame justifications unless they were legitimate. Since Timothy was aware of this, he focused his eyes closely on Ivione's.

Kyora tried her hardest but in vain. It pushed them closer to having a more significant argument.

Kyora sounded a bit terrified. Her statements weren't getting through to Ivione and forced them to back away into a corner. They remained trapped in the asylum.

It didn't look well for them.

All they could do was brace for an incoming battle, seconds away from initiating. However, they were the citizens' only hope. The light that could shine over Ivione's shadow and retrieve his reputation so that the people of Sanctum Islands wouldn't suffer for much longer.

"You're a human, yet I cannot sense your pressure. Something about you is different than those around you. I haven't come across someone that divinity cannot discern."

Ivione had been open-minded. He watched the one who approached him and tried to wait to how Timothy would respond.

But the reaction wasn't something he anticipated.

"Sorry to tell you this, Ivione. But your mind might be playing tricks on you. I've no idea what you're expressing but I do ask of you to give us a chance so we don't fight."

Ivione kept silent as he looked. He refused to give them the chance they requested. In an effort to feel Timothy's pressure, he folded his arms, but something didn't feel right.

He was only able to detect Timothy's blazing aura, which was coursing through his veins like blood. He was left wondering.

"A mere human... Perhaps you possess a strange perk that lets you conceal the pressure. It obstructs me from understanding your power, but I can clearly sense the girl's."

Kyora hid behind Timothy, looking at him befuddled. She didn't comprehend Ivione's remarks. After all, none of the crew members had the ability to sense other people's pressure.

Timothy formed fists, squeezing his fingers close to his palms tightly. He struggled to stay patient. "We came here to return the chip we found in Acropolis. You can take it back or leave it."

Ivione took several haughty strides forward as he observed Timothy getting into a fighting position since he knew Ivione wouldn't grant his request.

Ivione desired to regain possession of the stolen database but had no interest in doing so amicably. He intended to eliminate his opponent first, then go after his belongings.

"Outsider, don't worry. I'll regain possession of the info that was stolen. However, returning it without first having some fun would be foolish. You're under my command as you're in my region. And with that, I'll administer a special penalty designed just for outsiders like you and your companions."

Ivione summoned wind around him. It burst like a light bulb and erupted like a volcanic storm. It waved forward with great precision and became heavier.

Timothy's hands burst into flames, extending from his fingertips to his elbows. He knew he couldn't stop the gust with fire, but he attempted to speed forward and hopefully have enough power to phase through.

It didn't.

The wind of Ivione pushed the flames aside and struck Timothy. Timothy was carried along by the hurricane's force as it tore across the area. Kyora dodged under the seats as it knocked him outside, above the skies.

Outside, Timothy regulated his weight, twisted to regain control, and emitted flames from his palms, using them as a propulsion device to briefly fly.

He swiftly used more fire to hover in the air and turn toward the entrance of the citadel.

Ivione, who stood just a few meters away, snagged Timothy's attention as he bent forward with his body. The orange flames Timothy set loose pulled him onward and closer as he soared through the air.

Once at a favorable angle, Timothy hopped to the platform, squatted to land, and then quickly plummeted, sliding as if on thin, slick ice.

Timothy quickly burned up a fire track that increased his pace as he raced toward Ivione.

Timothy then lifted his right leg and pivoted, striking Ivione in the face as he drew closer from the side.

Ivione responded by placing his hand against Timothy's chest and sending a burst of wind toward him, which knocked him to the ground. Timothy was propelled backward but was able to halt before falling off the edge.

To be continued...