Chapter 94: Clash

Chapter 94: Clash

Amber, who was about to be "killed," had already risen to the stage under the watchful eyes of countless spectators. The camera seemed to favor him, zooming in for several high-definition close-ups of his face. While everyone marveled at his appearance, they also felt something amiss—

Why did this male insect look so familiar? Wasn't he General Ludwig's former fiancé?

Unaware of the whispers below, Amber took off his coat and rolled up his shirt sleeves to his elbows. His figure was undoubtedly slender and attractive, but compared to the hulking figure opposite him, it appeared somewhat "frail."

White clearly recognized Amber as well. His eyes flickered for a moment, unsure if Amber had discovered anything by coming here today. But a male insect like this was nothing to fear. He clenched his fists, causing them to crackle. "Sir, the arena is not a place for your kind to play around. Before I start, you'd better get down yourself!"

Facing White, Amber became even more certain that this was the waiter from the bar that day. He smiled faintly, his emotions inscrutable. "Since we're on the stage, I prefer to leave after determining the winner. Please proceed."

He even made a courteous gesture, inviting his opponent to begin.

Feeling insulted, White charged at Amber like a raging bull amidst the audience's gasps, intent on throwing this reckless male insect off the stage. However, Amber sidestepped his attack with ease, his movements unhurried yet agile. This allowed the audience to realize one thing—

This male insect had some skills.

After White's thirteenth failed attempt, boos echoed throughout the arena. Frustrated, he glared at Amber. "Sir, do you plan to hide like a coward forever? The match will never end like this! Use your fists and fight me!"

Amber casually moved his neck. "Mr. White, I think you've misunderstood one thing. I'm actually not very good at fighting because..."

He was trained in lethal combat techniques!

With those words, Amber's eyes hardened, and he lunged at White with lightning speed. A knee strike to the stomach, followed by a right-hand palm strike to the back of the neck, each move powerful enough to break bones. He fought with a ferocity that surpassed even seasoned female soldiers!

Amber might have forgotten many things from his past life. He didn't remember his subjects, his name, or the dynasty that had long vanished.

But he had once been an emperor, wielding a sword and spilling the blood of thousands!

White couldn't comprehend why this frail male insect suddenly unleashed such ruthless strength. The force of the palm strike against his chest left his lungs aching. Staggering backward, he no longer held back, engaging Amber in a furious battle.

Even years later, the spectators could still recall that thrilling match. They had never seen such exquisite killing moves, such agile movements, or such... sadistic male insects?

Amber had ample opportunities to kick White off the stage, but he chose not to. Each time White was about to fall, Amber would grab him, twisting his arm in a painful lock. Besides the arms, there were legs, knees, and the back of the neck—no part of the body was spared. It was less a fight and more a brutal interrogation.

The nobles in the second-floor box seats fell silent. Lusuti glanced subtly at Ludwig. "Your former fiancé... is he really that skilled in combat?"

Ludwig raised his eyebrows coldly. "What else? What if I cursed him to death?"

As he spoke, he turned his head to look across, his keen eyesight allowing him to see the flushed faces of the Third Prince's party, their expressions shifting between red and purple. The inexplicable anger within him dissipated slightly.

Was he actually standing up for Amber?

Ludwig was momentarily startled by this thought. Afraid of being noticed, he frowned secretly and adjusted his posture inconspicuously, but his gaze continued to drift toward the arena.

Absolute power and bloodshed, yet filled with beauty.

Amber lacked the crude tactics of the barbarians. Every move was clean and decisive, turning slaughter into art. Ludwig's military boots shifted slightly, his eyes darkening. He felt the blood coursing through his veins stir, clamoring for something.

It was the insectoid genes and instincts at work, drawing them irresistibly to the strong.

After a series of battles, most of White's bones were broken, making it difficult for him to stand. With a thud, he crashed onto the stage, bruised and swollen, crawling away in a desperate attempt to escape this hell.

No more! No more! This male insect was insane!

However, a cool, slender hand suddenly gripped his dislocated arm, crushing any lingering hope. As Amber prepared to snap his fingers, White sobbed and finally uttered two words: "Fang Yun—!"

Amber paused.

White whispered painfully, "It was Sir Fang Yun who ordered me to do this! He arranged for me to work temporarily at the auction house, to drug your drink—it was all his doing!"

"Please spare me, I can't endure this torment!"

Fang Yun?

Amber mulled over this Eastern name, which seemed out of place on Alirkha Star, feeling a strange sense of familiarity. He recalled something and raised his eyebrows faintly before finally releasing White's dislocated arm. Slowly rising to his feet, he kicked him off the stage.

"Bang—!"

As White's body hit the ground, waves of cheers and applause erupted from the circular stands, the sound deafening. Countless golden ribbons rained down from the sky, symbolizing the supreme honor and victory of Saintelan Arena!

"How could this be!"

Jelin jumped to his feet in shock, his face burning with embarrassment. When he entered earlier, he had publicly mocked Amber, calling him suicidal. Now, Amber had turned around and won the championship. How could he save face?

On Alirkha Star, every insect had its own means of survival; otherwise, they would be trampled like slaves. Female soldiers relied on their formidable strength to protect their homeland during times of war. Male insects' value lay in reproduction and soothing the mental turmoil of female soldiers, their scarcity making them precious.

But what status would an insect possess if they had both abilities?

Jelin didn't know, but he saw the Third Prince sit up straighter, his eyes sparkling with interest as he muttered softly, "This Amber Klinz is actually so powerful?"

His intentions were as obvious as daylight.

Prince Chuck observed this scene, his thoughts unknown. He took a sip from the wine glass at his side and said teasingly, "Ludwig, your former fiancé seems to be becoming quite popular. Have you considered reconciling with him?"

Reconcile?

Upon hearing this, Ludwig didn't even bother to lift an eyelid, thinking that he hadn't initiated the breakup. What use was discussing reconciliation with him? He adjusted his tie, always appearing impatient in front of familiar insects, his voice indifferent. "Leave it to fate."

But whether he truly left it to fate was known only to himself.

His slender fingers slowly slid down the tie, the touch smooth and slightly cool. His heart felt like the sea surface disturbed by the wind, the waves receding, leaving behind the echo of the wind.

Meanwhile, White, nearly broken by Amber, was carried away by the staff. The host handed him a golden star card with a smile. "Esteemed sir, this is your prize money. After registering at the front desk, one million star coins will be transferred within half an hour. Are you interested in participating in the next few rounds of combat? We hold several events every month..."

"Sorry."

Amber interrupted his endless speech. "If I'm not mistaken, some of your arena's slaves are available for purchase?"

The auctioneer, sensing the subtleties in Amber's intentions, probed, "Would you like to buy the slave, White, back?"

Amber gave an imperceptible smile. "Perhaps I have a special connection with him."

Indeed, his original self had died at White's hands, and White had nearly met the same fate at his own. It was a peculiar bond. More importantly, this individual seemed to have had close dealings with the character "Fang Yun," which could prove useful in the future.

The auctioneer hesitated. "White is a consecutive champion at the Saint Teran Colosseum, so the price for purchasing him might be..."

He gestured a number below the surface, revealing that the redemption fee was surprisingly higher than the prize money. Amber pondered for a moment, deciding it was within his means. He pulled out a Star Card from his pocket and handed it over. "I accept the price. Please process the paperwork for me. Thank you."

Such tasks didn't require the auctioneer's personal attention, but he still eagerly ran to the front desk to handle the formalities. Unexpectedly, not long after, he returned with a troubled expression, returning the Star Card respectfully. "My apologies, sir. The slave you were interested in was pre-purchased at a high price three days ago. The buyer doesn't seem to have any intention of returning him."

Amber's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. "Who?"

Most slaves at the Saint Teran Colosseum were killing machines, brutish in appearance and strength. Few would pay a high price for them, especially when White's bones were nearly shattered. Yet, the buyer wasn't willing to return him?

The auctioneer whispered a name. "Lieutenant General Ludwig."

Amber was taken aback. Instinctively, he looked towards the VIP seats on the second floor, where a figure in white military attire was leaning against the railing, holding a glass of wine. His posture was relaxed, and the mottled light illuminated his face, defined yet soft, highlighting his amber eyes.

Ludwig's lips curved slightly as he raised his glass in a distant toast to Amber.

Arrogance, provocation, elegance—these descriptors flashed across him, making it hard to discern which emotion dominated.

Amber's eyes darkened momentarily before returning to calmness, a subtle interest evident within. He hadn't expected Ludwig to purchase the drudge, and even more surprising was that it happened three days ago. Was there really such a coincidence in the world? Since the annulment of their engagement, the mystery surrounding this fiancé seemed to grow.

Amber always preferred dealing with intelligent beings. His gaze quickly returned to tranquility as he smiled, taking back his Star Card from the auctioneer. "No problem. Whether he buys or I buy, it makes no difference."

In the end, it would all come back to him, saving him some money in the process.

By the time they left the colosseum, it was already late at night. Many pairs of eyes watched Amber, eager to approach him, but he merely stood at the intersection, made a phone call, then scanned his surroundings. Spotting a silver-gray spacecraft, he opened the door and sat in the co-pilot's seat.

The expensive spacecraft took off into the sky, leaving only a fleeting shadow behind.

Some sharp-eyed beings recognized the emblem on the tail—the mark of the Lanyi family.

"I'm quite interested in that drudge, Lieutenant General Ludwig. Would you consider letting him go to me?"

The spacecraft couldn't open its windows, causing the air inside to stir with a hint of stifling intimacy. Amber sat in the co-pilot's seat, his long legs crossed. Even in a relaxed pose, he exuded elegance, possessing a natural nobility typical of royal offspring.

Ludwig drove the spacecraft through the night. Hearing Amber's words, he lightly tapped the steering wheel, his tone tinged with mild sarcasm. "Interested? Your taste must be quite heavy then."

Amber chuckled. "General, it's perfectly normal for a male to take interest in a drudge. As for you, buying a drudge for no apparent reason, who has the heavier taste between us?"

Ludwig realized that one should never engage in a verbal sparring match with Amber, for you'd never win. He turned the steering wheel, the iris ring on his ring finger flashing a brilliant glint in the darkness, accentuating the slender beauty of his hand, as if intentionally taunting:

"And what if I refuse to let him go?"

Amber closed his eyes, lazily reclining into the chair back, his words carrying a suggestive undertone. "There's no such thing as a free lunch, General. I don't mind if you set conditions."

Ludwig arched his eyebrow arrogantly. "But I lack nothing."

He had the right to say such things.

However, Amber seemed to ignore that statement. Turning his head to look out the porthole, he saw that they were nearing his residence and extended an invitation. "General, would you like to come in for a visit?"

The superior spacecraft experienced an imperceptible jolt mid-air before regaining stability.

Ludwig tilted his chin, his voice cool. "Sir, an unmarried drudge shouldn't visit a stranger's home late at night. It would tarnish my reputation."

His expression was guarded, as if Amber were a devil luring him into hell, every word and sentence filled with ill intent.

Amber smiled. "Oh."

And then silence.

"Oh"? What did that mean?

Ludwig frowned inwardly, unsure what Amber's response implied. But Amber didn't utter another word. Not until the spacecraft landed at the entrance of the residence did he unfasten his seatbelt. "Thank you. I'm home."

Ludwig remained silent, eyeing Amber sidelong. He thought that if Amber invited him again, he might consider accepting. However, by the time the hatch door closed with a soft click and Amber had vanished from sight, there was no indication that Amber intended to invite him back.

"..."

Ludwig's eyes narrowed dangerously, a swift flash of anger crossing them. This impolite male would never learn anything about the slave from the colosseum from him in the future!

With a foul mood, Ludwig activated the driving system, preparing to leave. Suddenly, a series of "taps" echoed in his ears. Amber had somehow circled around to the other side of the spacecraft. He bent slightly, tapping the porthole gently with his finger. His eyes, hiding a smile, inexplicably caused hearts to skip a beat:

"Lieutenant General Ludwig, are you sure you won't come in for a visit?"