Sacrifice's Rise: I Became Invincible After Entering Godslayer Temple

Meanwhile, the audience outside was in stitches.

"Who would've thought we'd see Galewind in such an awkward situation?" one remarked.

"It makes sense. Last time in the Mercenary Hall, Galewind was literally scared off by everyone's enthusiasm," another chimed in.

"I don't know why, but there's something adorably contrasting about this," a third observer laughed.

"If I had Galewind's immense power, I'd already be ruling the gaming world," boasted yet another.

"I wonder if Galewind is socially anxious in real life," mused someone.

"That's quite likely, hahaha!" echoed another.

Amidst the sea of chuckles and jests, most found the amusing scenario entertaining, exchanging knowing grins and animated discussions. 

Witnessing a top-tier player like Galewind in such an awkward position was indeed an uncommon treat.

Yet, among the multitude of players, a few wore expressions starkly contrasting the prevailing mirth. 

Their eyes were cold, locking intently onto John's figure on the magical screen, brimming with resentment and hatred. 

These were members of the Darklord Guild and the Wolf Guild...

In particular, Darklord's eyes seemed to blaze with jealousy so palpable it could almost burst into flames. 

The surrounding praises for John only intensified his envious rage. 

In his heart, he believed he deserved that admiration, that spotlight. 

He had the wealth, after all. That position should rightfully be his!

Deep within, Darklord was screaming in frustration.

…

Within the virtual desert space.

With a touch of exasperation, John rubbed his forehead and said, "Kid, do you still want to fight or not?"

The magus youth grinned cheerfully, "Given your daunting prowess, Galewind, how could I possibly best you? Allow me to snap a few more photos with you, and then I'll willingly concede."

John's brow furrowed slightly. 

This lightheartedness, lacking a true victor's spirit, was beginning to irk him. 

In the future real world, especially when faced with an invasion from the parallel world, such individuals could hardly stand as the backbone of humanity. 

To truly be powerful, one must possess unyielding resilience, an indomitable spirit undaunted by the mighty, and the courage to draw one's sword against formidable adversaries. 

And these attributes? 

John failed to see even a glimmer of them in this young magus.

"To concede without even fighting? It's merely a competitive duel. Even if you perish, you lose nothing. Why fear?" John's voice turned indifferent, his patience with the magus waning.

The boy's smile didn't waver, maintaining his carefree demeanor, "You misunderstand, big shot. Given your elevated rank, it's only natural you'd triumph over a shrimp like me... Perhaps if you set some limitations for yourself, I might gather the courage to engage with you..."

John cast the youth a peculiar glance, surprised at his audacity. 

To think that all the boy's earlier ramblings were merely a lead-up to this proposal. 

With a wry smile, John replied, "So that's your game. Don't fret. I can adjust my level to match yours for the duel. Engage without apprehension."

The youth's face lit up with joy, chuckling, "So, Galewind had this in mind all along! That's fantastic..."

John could only shake his head in bemusement. 

Indeed, after their initial duel, he had considered restraining his own prowess. 

Given his level and strength, if he were to fight unrestrained, no opponent could truly challenge him. 

Thus, such duels would hold no real value for John.

Seeing John's acquiescence to adjust his strength, the magus youth's eyes sparkled with excitement. 

Without hesitation, he raised his wand, channeling energy and summoning magic. 

As John looked on, he keenly sensed the vast wind elemental energies in the atmosphere, converging rapidly around the magus. 

The swiftness of the gathering forces took even John by surprise.

It's widely known that the prime indicator of a magus's prowess is their casting speed. 

The young magus before him, evidently a regular magus player without any special or hidden class, managed to cast at a rate at least two tiers faster than most. 

This suggested a natural talent for the game in the young magus.

John lifted his gaze, looking up at the crown of the youth's head. It was only at this moment that he truly remembered the young magus's name.

"Cloudsong."

It was fitting, given his affinity for wind-based magic. 

John didn't make a move, instead waiting quietly for Cloudsong's magical incantation to complete, curious about what kind of surprise this young magus could offer.

Moments later, Cloudsong's chant culminated. 

A flurry of wind blades gathered before him, rushing towards John with a deafening howl. 

Yet John simply extended his hand with a calm smile and made a slight wave. 

In that fleeting motion, an invisible force dispelled every trace of the magic.

Cloudsong was dumbfounded, having never encountered such a formidable opponent before. 

His laboriously conjured magical skill was effortlessly neutralized by Galewind?

However, rather than being disheartened, his fighting spirit only flared more intensely. 

Cloudsong wielded his wand again, chanting to unleash an even mightier magical skill. 

Regardless of the wind spell's nature, John could neutralize it with ease.

"If that's the extent of your abilities, I must admit I'm a tad disappointed," John remarked, lifting his head with a teasing smirk in his voice.

Gritting his teeth, Cloudsong raised his wand once more, and a potent gust surged from him, forming a spinning tempest. 

The storm rapidly expanded, engulfing the entire arena, as wild winds howled and dust was whipped into the air.

John quirked an eyebrow, no longer maintaining his air of nonchalance. 

He could sense the destructive force emanating from that spinning tempest. 

Remarkably, a youth not even at level one hundred could unleash such formidable magical prowess. 

One glance at Cloudsong's pallid face and it was clear that summoning such a skill had drained him considerably.

With a faint smile, John erupted with an intangible aura, standing tall in the arena like a colossus. 

Though he consciously suppressed his strength, the sheer magnitude of his presence was enough to instill fear in Cloudsong. 

With a slight flick of his fingers, countless minute black spears swirled around him like protective wings.

Cloudsong's summoned tempest clashed with John's black whirlwind, the resulting vortex filling the air with a terrifying current. Sands from the ground were whisked into the sky, pulverized by the clashing forces.

John narrowed his eyes, gauging the true caliber of Cloudsong's abilities. 

While the young magus had commendable magical skills, he lacked genuine combat experience. 

His moves were monotonous, lacking the finesse and subtlety of a seasoned fighter.

Suddenly, John chuckled and with a sweep of his right hand, the black spears coalesced into a large, razor-sharp blade of darkness. 

It wasn't a sophisticated skill, just a pure manifestation of energy. 

But this seemingly ordinary blade cleaved through the storm in an instant.

Cloudsong stared in astonishment. Despite his utmost effort to harness the tempest's power, he was powerless against John's dark blade. 

The spectacle left the onlooking players agape, for they had never witnessed such a combat. 

Yet what stunned them most was John's undisturbed composure throughout.

Gradually, Cloudsong's momentum waned, and his storm began to dissipate due to his depleting mana. 

John, on the other hand, maintained the intensity of his dark blade, all the while wearing a serene smile.

At last, despair took hold of Cloudsong. He was drained, devoid of any mana to cast another skill. 

His face pale, his eyes filled with a glint of defiance, he looked towards John.

With a gentle smile, John dispelled the black blade. 

Then, in an unexpected move, he took a swift step, closing the gap between them. 

Before the youth could react, John patted him on the shoulder. "Impressive. You had the courage to fight despite knowing your disadvantage. Sadly, your power isn't enough. You need more practice," John's voice whispered into Cloudsong's ear.

Staring in shock, Cloudsong tried to comprehend how John had closed in so swiftly. 

Had it been a real battle, he'd have been killed at close quarters. 

The fragile defenses of a magus were no match for the melee prowess of close-combat players.