Chapter 326: Esdeath Makes Her Move
Esdeath didn't know where her sword should strike. She was lost.
Charlotte didn't know how to explain it either—this was something she had to figure out on her own.
He could only hope that in fighting others, she would find her own path.
If she couldn't break through now, she might remain stuck at the peak of the swordsman realm for the rest of her life—forever unable to reach the next level.
Esdeath stepped down from the stands and walked toward the registration area.
"Are you sure you want to register? The arena is dangerous, little miss. Why not reconsider?"
The staff member said gently, looking at the twelve-year-old girl in front of her.
Every year, countless challengers died in the colosseum. She didn't want to see a girl this beautiful die in the ring.
"No need for that. Just sign me up for the next match. Whether I live or die is none of your concern."
Esdeath replied coldly.
The staffer still wanted to protest but, seeing her firm expression, shut her mouth and entered the name.
—
Elsewhere, Chinjao, who had been keeping an eye on Charlotte, immediately sent someone to investigate what his daughter was up to.
He remembered Esdeath clearly.
To awaken Conqueror's Haki under the pressure of his own was no small feat.
Yes, there were many with that power in the New World. But to awaken it at such a young age? That was rare.
And she was Charlotte's daughter—which made it all the more noteworthy.
Soon, the subordinate returned with news.
Upon hearing that Esdeath had signed up for the next arena match, Chinjao was stunned.
He looked toward Charlotte.
Why was his daughter participating? Was she just bored?
Still, Chinjao didn't say anything. He simply sent word to the arena staff to proceed as usual.
As the Flower Country's local powerhouse, Chinjao was intimately familiar with the colosseum.
Charlotte, meanwhile, yawned as he watched the two mediocre swordsmen battling below.
To him, it was mind-numbing.
But his companions were watching with interest, engaged by the match.
Soon, the fighter named Bao Yisi defeated his opponent, marking his 33rd consecutive win.
Then came the next announcement—which finally piqued Charlotte's interest.
"Next match: Bao Yisi vs. Esdeath! Fighters, prepare for battle. The match will begin in ten minutes!"
At the announcement, murmurs spread throughout the audience.
Some were curious about the newcomer, Esdeath. Others were eager to see whether Bao Yisi could keep his winning streak alive.
After all, people could bet on every match.
In the ten-minute window, many began placing wagers—most of them betting on Bao Yisi.
He had 33 consecutive wins under his belt. Even though the odds were low, he was a "safe" bet.
As for Esdeath?
Who was she? No one had heard of her.
No one was about to waste money on some unknown girl—despite the high payout.
Of course, there were always a few gamblers willing to risk it all for that one big win.
Soon, the ten minutes were up.
Two figures appeared in the ring.
"It's… it's a little girl?!"
The crowd erupted in disbelief upon seeing Esdeath.
Laughter, confusion, and even vulgar insults filled the stands.
Most of the outrage came from the bettors who had wagered on Esdeath and now felt cheated.
The rest were simply gleeful—they believed their bets were safe.
"No wonder the odds were so low. It's just a kid."
As these jeers echoed across the arena, Esdeath heard every word.
Her Observation Haki made her hyper-aware of the surroundings.
But her heart remained calm, unshaken by the noise.
She calmly drew her rapier and pointed it at her opponent.
The blade shimmered coldly in the sunlight.
Years of wielding that sword had imbued it with a thin layer of frost—similar to Enma, it had taken on a will of its own.
It radiated cold.
Bao Yisi instantly felt a chill despite the sunny weather.
A named blade. That was no ordinary sword.
Greed flickered in Bao Yisi's eyes.
For swordsmen, a named blade was a dream. Most wielded common steel all their lives.
A good sword—even one from the Skillful Grade—was nearly impossible to obtain.
Now, one was right in front of him.
He instantly became wary.
His instincts screamed: underestimate her, and you'll lose.
She wielded a sword like that—she wouldn't be ordinary.
They both readied themselves for battle, neither making the first move.
Esdeath eyed his twin swords and mentally prepared herself.
Dual-wielders were rare.
After a few seconds of standoff, Esdeath launched the first strike!
Her rapier lunged forward, a cold gleam aimed at Bao Yisi's heart.
Just facing that sword made him break out in a cold sweat.
In bright daylight… why did it feel so cold?
He raised his blade just in time to block.
Clang!
The impact surprised him—her strength was greater than he'd expected.
He nearly lost his grip on his weapon.
Staring at the young girl before him, he was shocked.
Her face was so young. But her strength? Far beyond his.
"Who are you?! Why haven't I heard of you in the Flower Country?!"
Bao Yisi shouted as he backstepped, trying to catch his breath.
"Why so much talking in a fight?"
Esdeath didn't answer. She slashed again.
The quick blow tore through his clothes—chilling him to the bone.
He dared not speak again and focused entirely on the battle.
But the more they fought, the more his heart sank.
He was completely outclassed.
She was faster, stronger, and more skilled.
He was being dominated from every angle.
Blow after blow forced him toward the edge of the ring.
Finally—
"Your sword lacks conviction."
Esdeath muttered as she delivered a final sweeping slash.
Wham!
Bao Yisi was knocked out of the ring.
He sat on the ground, dazed, staring up at the girl who had just crushed him.
He couldn't believe it. He'd lost—and so easily.
The entire arena froze.
Then—
"Rigged! This match was rigged!"
"Fake! That has to be a setup!"
Cries of disbelief rang out as furious gamblers shouted and waved their fists.
No one had expected a little girl to defeat a 33-win veteran.
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