My Goddess is Good at Pretending

Chapter 582: Don’t Fight Battles You Can’t Win

The excitement in the Imperial Arena was in full swing during the eighth match between Yuusha Mashiro, the White Hero, and Zhuo Jun, the Young Sage.

In this match, Mashiro used one of his cheat abilities to defeat his opponent swiftly as he had to preserve his strength for the truly worthy opponents. He would obviously get to cross blades with the Elysion Church’s top-tier participants in the next round.

"You are a formidable opponent. I would be very pleased if you would fight alongside me to exterminate the demons." Mashiro extended his hand to his opponent.

He was declared the victor, but he wished to gain more than a victory, namely establish more friendships with the worthy, best talents.

"It is difficult for me to understand how I lost, but it was still due to my lack of strength and insight." Zhuo Jun, one of the most talented prodigies, accepted his defeat with a sigh.

It was only a minute, and he got defeated without being able to see the attack that felled him. He couldn’t even see the White Hero’s sword slashes and his robes got torn with his skin being lacerated.

It was a swift defeat, but he still managed to push the White Hero several meters back. He shook the White Hero’s hand and grinned. "I’ll defeat you someday, White Hero. I and many other talented prodigies will participate in the holy war even without your invitation."

"We are proud of you. We’ll await your participation in five days." Mashiro smiled happily.

"Hum." Zhuo Jun turned around and left the arena. He rested his head on his arms while whistling. Actually, he had no plan to participate, but after Priestess Jovee spoke her gentle, pure intention, and invited him to participate in the holy war, he had no way to refuse it.

Mashiro also returned to the Hero Party’s quarter. He patted Liu Kang on the shoulder. "We’re counting on you, Liu Kang. Even though your opponent is the formidable Godly Warrior, I’m sure you can defeat him."

"You think too highly of me." Liu Kang shook his head. He stepped forward and left, entering the arena casually. It was as if he had no aspiration for victory.

The Godly Warrior stood tall in his gleaming silver armor. Golden light radiated from him as if the sun had blessed his presence. He held no shield this time. He took out his greatsword, a massive blade etched with ancient runes. It glowed faintly in his grip.

On the other side of the arena, Liu Kang, the Water Devil, appeared, stepping silently from the shadows. His body was wrapped in dark blue and black armor that seemed to shimmer like the depths of the ocean.

His presence was less radiant, more sinister, like a quiet storm brewing just beneath the surface. His sharp, calculating eyes were fixed on his opponent.

The crowd’s roar grew louder as the two warriors faced each other. The air between them crackled with tension. Everyone expected a spectacular clash, a fight between godlike power and the relentless fury of the sea.

Liu Kang was not swayed by the crowd’s expectations. As he stood there, his sharp eyes were assessing his opponent, and a cold realization settled over him.

The Godly Warrior’s presence was not just overwhelming, it was also suffocating. He could feel it more clearly upon closer observation, and the divine-like aura radiated from the man before him was a pure, unyielding power.

It wasn’t just strength... it was something far more profound, something immovable. He could faintly sense it. He would still defeated even if he exerted his full force, and not even his demonic powers could help him.

A bead of sweat rolled down Liu Kang’s forehead, and his grip on his daggers tightened. At that moment, he knew this was a fight he could not win.

His pride, normally unshakable, wavered. He had never been one to charge into battle recklessly, never fought a fight unless he was certain of victory. His reputation as a warrior who always knew when to strike and when to retreat had been the key to his success and survival. He would never let ego drive him into a battle he couldn’t win because he didn’t want to be the one who suffered.

The realization hit him like a wave. There was no shame in recognizing when the odds were insurmountable.

"What do you see in me?" Michael asked as he could tell his opponent scanned him. He hid his aura and power well, but he knew there were still many eye abilities that could bypass it.

With a deep breath, Liu Kang glanced at the sacred shrine priestess and made his decision.

The emcee raised her hand to signal the start of the match. Michael lifted his sword, preparing for combat. His gaze never left his opponent. But right after the signal was given, Liu Kang turned around.

"I concede defeat." Without just that word, Liu Kang began walking toward the exit.

Gasps rippled through the crowd, confusion spreading like wildfire. The emcee was caught off guard. She hesitated, unsure of what was happening. The declaration of surrender came out of nowhere when the battle had not even started!

Michael lowered his sword slightly. He furrowed his brows in great dissatisfaction. "Are you just going to leave like that? You fight for honor, not just to yourself, but to humanity and the Gods who bestowed you power."

As Liu Kang reached the edge of the arena, the crowd began to shout, demanding an explanation. Their excitement turned to frustration. Anger and dissatisfaction were clear in their voices.

But Liu Kang ignored them. He glanced back over his shoulder, his eyes meeting Michael for a brief, silent moment.

"You’re not someone I can defeat." Liu Kang answered in a low voice, but clear. There was no bitterness in his tone, only the calm acceptance of reality. "I don’t fight battles I can’t win."

And with that, he left the arena. He did not return to the Hero Party’s quarter but disappeared into the shadows.

Seeing that, Mashiro headed for the exit to chase after Liu Kang right away.

The arena was silent. The crowd was stunned into disbelief as they watched the Water Devil and White Hero vanish from sight. They expected another epic battle, but they got nothing in this match.

Michael remained standing in the center of the arena. His gaze was lingering on the spot where his opponent had stood moments before. He understood the decision, and he had to respect it regardless. The Water Devil had not acted out of cowardice, but out of the cold, hard logic of a man who had survived countless battles.

There was no shame in knowing when to yield. It was just a pity that he couldn’t beat the crap out of that bastard.

"..." Megami went silent, pondering about it one more time. She also shared her conjecture with her fellow sisters. ’What if his situation forces him to become a fake hero, the secret villain? As you may know, people aren’t born heroes or villains.’

’Yup, you’re right, Megami. They’re created by the people and situations around them. But, it’s still their choice. May I know what should we do about him?’ Luna gently reminded Megami.

She took the opportunity to probe into Elysia’s plan for the fake hero as she knew her fellow sisters wanted to know it as well, especially Erina.

’He should continue his role as the Hero Party’s member until the Demon King is defeated. After that, we’ll evaluate him and his backers.’ Megami replied with the most logical answer.

Elysia had yet to plan everything for the fake hero’s matter, but she knew Elysia wished to see the intact Hero Party during the Demon King’s subjugation.

’Hmm~ we will only make a move if they’re the great evils. Let the others do their jobs for us. We won’t trouble ourselves with the outside world’s minor problems all the time, right?’ Sylvia put her hands together with a beaming expression.

She was too lazy to think about it, but she knew that they didn’t have time to take care of things they shouldn’t take care of.

"Alas..." Rhykdohr slapped his forehead, feeling disappointed and embarrassed because one of his summoned heroes chose to withdraw without giving it a try.

The only remaining participants of the Hero Party were the White Hero and the Scarlet Swordmaster. But, the Elysion Church still had five people, including the lucky noble elf who hadn’t even gotten a chance to compete.

"Will what he did indirectly insult you, Lord Rhykdohr?" Megami stepped in to ask as everyone could tell that Rhykdohr was angry.

"Yes, maybe, but never mind. He already stated his reason, and it suited his role as the one who worked from the shadows. He would never try to fight in a battle he couldn’t win. Not everyone is born as the warrior with the glory in their heart." Rhykdohr sighed. The point was not about winning, but about fighting, yet it just couldn’t be helped.

He knew the Elysion Church would give him a face by not aiming for first place as it was reserved for his champion. However, he believed that the White Hero would never lose in this competition. He soon regained his composure, looking forward to the matches between the White Hero versus all competitors.

He also wished to see the White Hero’s true potential and limits. For that, the Elysion Church’s representatives served as super useful stepping stones to boost the White Hero’s progress.