Meanwhile, Patriarch Rylan kept silent during their conversation, aware of the ingrained pride of the gods' chosen. To him, this was a good opportunity to humble them and make them understand that there are many more things far beyond what they can grasp in this world.
Back on the platform,
The warrior observed Leif as he recovered his composure and returned to his feet.
"I think I have gauged your level of strength accurately," the warrior said.
"Oh, and what do you think it is?" Leif responded with a raised brow, his tone filled with doubt.
"I'll give it a rating of a two-star Vylkr vine," the warrior replied. "You can't handle a three-star Vylkr vine, can you?" he asked, noting Leif's surprised expression.
Leif quickly recomposed himself and shook his head in response. "You're right; my strength is sufficient for two-star Vylkr vines but insufficient for a three-star Vylkr vine," he admitted.
He realised it was reasonable for the warrior to accurately gauge his level of strength despite only clashing a few times.
The warrior nodded. "So, do you want to give up?" he asked.
Leif took a deep breath and exhaled before shaking his head.
"While my strength may be within a rating of two-star Vylkr vines and can't handle a three-star Vylkr vine, it doesn't mean I can't go higher than this," Leif replied with a fierce expression.
The warrior looked at Leif with a surprised expression. Given their vast difference in strength, he had expected Leif to give up, but Leif showed determination to continue.
"What's your name?" The warrior asked.
"It's Leif," Leif responded. "And you?" he asked.
"It's Ryker," Ryker replied.
Curiosity filled Leif's eyes as he asked, "What's your strength rating?" He stared at Ryker, awaiting his response, having already made a guess but wanting to confirm before reaching a conclusion.
"I'm a three-star warrior. In other words, I can handle a three-star Vylkr vine alone and a few more with some help," Ryker responded with a confident smile.
When hearing Ryker's claim, Leif was momentarily surprised again but quickly nodded in understanding once he realised its reasonableness.
'Why wouldn't they be able to handle a three-star Vylkr vine alone when their bodies can utilise the Vylkr vine?' Leif thought to himself.
However, it took a unit with a strength rating comparable to that of a three-star Vylkr for them to handle it without any unnecessary circumstances. Only those with immense talent could handle a three-star Vylkr vine alone, along with those at the Ascendant level who could do the same and handle multiple three-star Vylkr vines simultaneously.
"Alright, get ready then," Leif said as he gripped his sword handle with both hands.
Then, he muttered, "Boost."
Instantly, a powerful wave of Vylkr energy emanated from Leif's bracelet and surged from his right hand, spreading rapidly throughout his entire body. Within seconds, Leif's eyes took on an inky black tint, and his body became enveloped in numerous strands of Vylkr energy.
Ryker stared at Leif with furrowed brows, sensing that something was off as he observed the countless inky black strands of Vylkr energy swirling around Leif. It seemed strangely similar to the Vylkr warrior mode, but still, something about it appeared off.
Nevertheless, having been briefed about Leif's transformation, he wasn't entirely surprised by the scene unfolding before him.
Ryker was initially tempted to use his gift and gauge Leif's current level of strength, as he had never faced a two-star warrior who could utilise the Vylkr warrior mode.
However, he quickly recalled that no other techniques or gifts were allowed in this battle, except for the Vylkr energy, to assess how they fared against each other using only that. Instead of testing the waters, Ryker immediately channelled his Vylkr energy out of all three Vylkr containers, allowing it to flow through his veins and every cell in his body before erupting outward.
His eyes took on an inky blackish tint as his entire being became enshrouded in countless strands of Vylkr vines that ascended upward while his hair stood on end and blew fiercely, pointing toward the sky.
Witnessing this scene, Leona and the others were once again shocked.
'They can also use this form too?' The group couldn't help but ask themselves.
It was obvious that Leif and Ryker were currently employing the same form, yet no matter how they observed the two, it seemed there was something distinct about each.
However, they couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was for some reason.
"No matter how much I look at that form, I still can't discern the difference between it and yours. And judging from your expressions, it seems that you all don't exactly know what it is either," Patriarch Rylan responded with a deep exhale.
Nonetheless, it wasn't them alone; even the Village Chief, Orion, Stronghold Leader Zogar, Stronghold Leader Seth, and the others couldn't help but narrow their eyes at the unfolding scene before them as they tried to ponder why something seemed off between the two energies, despite their similarities.
Stronghold Leader Zogar pondered deeply until he finally thought of a reason that seemed to make sense.
"Stronghold Leader Zogar, you seem to have a bit of understanding about why something seems off just by looking at both. Can you perhaps share it with us?" The Village Chief asked, gazing at Stronghold Leader Zogar's pondering expression.
Everyone focused on Stronghold Leader Zogar and waited for him to speak.
Stronghold Leader Zogar nodded, "I think it may have to do with the fact that they use a diluted form of the Vylkr energy. I'm not sure what other reasons there are," Stronghold Leader Zogar responded.
"Hmm, that seems reasonable," the Village Chief replied contemplatively.
Orion, Stronghold Leader Seth, the Village Chieftess, the Caretakers, Queen Selene, and the others all nodded in understanding, finding Stronghold Leader Zogar's words quite reasonable.
Orion inwardly nodded as he focused on the battle unfolding on the platform.
On the platform, Leif said, "I'm coming," taking a confident step forward and vanishing from his original position, leaving a heavy gust of wind.
