The celestials were shocked by Izroth’s words.
Due to Astratis’ praise of him, the majority of celestials present had a good opinion of Izroth.
Of course, they also felt that it was irresponsible of him to bring a mortal to the Celestial Battlegrounds. But, since that mortal was a guest of Ilioreas, no one dared to comment on this point openly.
Nonetheless, they believed that Izroth’s words this time were too arrogant.
Tox was not merely bragging when he said he had no equal in the group when it came to detecting people. His ability even allowed him to remain hidden away from prying eyes, making him the ideal person to scout for potential dangers.
Even someone like Astratis could not extend his range of detection without giving away his presence in the Celestial Battlegrounds to the pillars.
Yet, this person claimed to be able to sense things that even their best scout could not detect? They found this difficult to accept.
Tox’s expression darkened as he scoffed, “Good, let’s see how long you can keep that straight face of yours when we confirm the truth.”
He then approached Astratis and said, “I, Tox, have been diligent in my duties as this group’s scout. To have my ability questioned like this, even if he is the Son of Thunder’s benefactor, I have my pride as a scout to maintain. Therefore, I would like to make a suggestion. I hope the Son of Thunder is willing to listen to my selfish request.”
“Did you forget our purpose for coming here? We do not have time to waste on entertaining any selfish requests.” Astratis stated.
“How can I trust my back to someone who doubts my abilities? And, how can they trust their back to me? I fear if this problem stands the way it is, it will only be detrimental to our group’s synergy. I promise, my request is one that will not interfere with our current mission. I am not so foolish as to risk everything on a few words. It’s just that humility is better taught sooner rather than later. It is only then that a person can truly grow from their ignorance.” Tox spoke his thoughts clearly and concisely.
Astratis glanced over at Izroth. There was a calm look on his face and not a single sign of panic in his eyes.
Even Astratis found it challenging to take Izroth at his word without foreknowledge of his skill; however, those were not the eyes of someone who was on the verge of being exposed.
“Forget it. Tox is not wrong. They have been doing well to hide their dissatisfaction since they understand the importance of our mission, but… It is not necessarily a good thing to keep it buried. If it is to erupt, then it’s better it happens outside of battle.” Astratis internalized.
“Alright. As long as it will not interfere or cause us to deviate from our original objective, I am willing to listen to your request. But, I will say this now—if it’s something that the other involved party does not agree to, you must drop the matter. Is that understood?” Astratis said solemnly.
Tox nodded and replied, “Rest assured. If they are someone who’s afraid to back up their words with actions, then I have no reason to waste any further time on such a coward.”
“Speak your request,” Astratis said.
Tox turned to face Izroth as he pointed towards him and asked, “Izroth—do you dare to make a bet with me?”
“Sure,” Izroth answered indifferently without the slightest bit of hesitation.
Izroth already had a good idea about the kind of bet Tox wanted to make with him. Why would he turn down such an opportunity that threw itself at his feet?
Tox and a few of the other celestials who felt that Izroth was too arrogant were taken aback by Izroth’s quick response as well as his calm demeanor. It was to the point that even they started to doubt whether or not he was simply being arrogant and actually had the skills to back it up.
Nevertheless, since it had already progressed to this point, it was too late to change course. Besides, if Tox stopped now, it would be the same as admitting he lacked confidence in his own ability.
Tox pointed forward in the direction the group was headed. Despite their exchange, they had not slowed their pace and continued to move deeper into the Celestial Battlegrounds.
“If there are two hundred lifeforms ahead of us in this direction as you say, I, on my name, Tox, bearer of the title, Celestial of Stride, will admit defeat. However, if it turns out you are spewing falsehoods, you must properly apologize for speaking out of place. Do you dare accept?” Tox requested.
‘This is a bet?’
Given how prideful Tox sounded and how passionate he appeared about the situation at hand, Izroth was certain that he would make a huge bet. Something along the lines of Izroth having to leave the Celestial Battlegrounds with Sychia or kneel down and beg for forgiveness. But, it turned out that the bet he wanted to make was just both parties claiming responsibility for their words—something a man should do regardless. How could it be considered a true bet? Where were the stakes?
‘This guy seems a bit hot-headed on the surface, but he is quite sincere.’
Izroth sensed that Tox was not a bad person at heart. After all, while there were signs of displeasure, never once had he emitted any kind of killing intent or disgust towards him or Sychia.
‘Since he is so sincere, I suppose I can overlook a few things. That being said, it is better that humility is learned sooner rather than later so that a person can grow from their ignorance.’
A carefree smile formed on Izroth’s face as he used Tox’s own reasoning against him.
“I can accept your request, but… it’s a little much to call this a bet. How about this-” As Izroth spoke, he held out the palm of his hand as an object appeared.
It carried a uniquely sweet aroma that every celestial present immediately recognized. It was a Young Wing of the Ambrosia Tree.
It couldn’t be that he actually wanted to wager such a thing, right?
However, there were those who saw this as Izroth’s way of bluffing. If Tox refused to accept the bet and place up something of equal value, then he would have a reason to disregard the bet entirely without being labeled a coward for running away from it.
When Astratis saw the Young Wing in Izroth’s palm, he smiled weakly as he thought to himself, “No wonder Thanasia went on a rampage. This guy… Did he uproot the whole Ambrosia Tree?”
If Izroth could hear Astratis’ thoughts right now, he would have been somewhat regretful. Indeed, why hadn’t he thought of that?!
“Hmph, don’t think that I will run away. Since I dare suggest a bet, I dare to play.” Tox said as he removed a single bow from the quiver on his back.
The arrow was pitch-black with silver markings running along its shaft. It was roughly 80cm long and the arrowhead had a unique curve on one side that bent inward.
The other celestials looked surprised when Tox removed the arrow from his quiver.
“He’s betting a Whisper Striding Arrow?” A young woman celestial, Neri, exclaimed.
“This bet is too much. The Enati only makes ten of those arrows every full cycle of the seasons. In terms of value, it’s worth at least three Young Wings of the Ambrosia Tree.” Another celestial, a man called Argosima, chimed in.
“This is the Whisper Striding Arrow. It is capable of piercing through any material and will follow its target no matter where they are in the world as long as you whisper their name to it. While using a bow can bring about its full potential, even without the assistance of one, its power cannot be underestimated. So—is this enough to bet against your Young Wing?” Tox spoke with confidence.
‘Oh?’
Izroth was interested in the Whisper Striding Arrow. Since it was crafted by the same beings who upgraded his Sword of the Storm, he did not believe that Tox was exaggerating its effects.
‘If I can obtain this arrow, I may be able to use Heart of A Creator to acquire its production method and peer into the Enati’s crafting techniques—something no one in this Secret Realm has been able to do before.’
Now, this—this was a true bet!
“It is enough. But, I am not a man who takes advantage of others.” Izroth stated.
The next moment, two additional Young Wings appeared in Izroth’s hands.
“I will bet these three Young Wings against your Whisper Striding Arrow. Of course, the loser will still have to admit their defeat as well. What do you think?” Izroth asked.
Besides Astratis, everyone was shocked by Izroth’s ability to take out three Young Wings without pause. Now, they could not help but have lingering thoughts. Was one willing to go this far and use such a grand gesture for a mere bluff? Did his ability to detect enemies really surpass Tox?
“I accept!” Tox responded without delay.
