From Outcast to Overlord The Unyielding Heir (Leander Ashcroft) novel Chapter 72

Chapter 72 Gathering Forces

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“Jeff, noon has arrived. Why haven’t you taken the stage?”

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Under the watchful gaze of the crowd, the imposing Mason, second–in–command of the Tarlyn Guild, suddenly shifted his focus. His sharp gaze landed squarely on Leander, who sat calmly beside the Mount Lurvale platform. His words, imbued with a potent energy, rang out clearly for all to hear.

“Jeff? Has Jeff arrived?”

“Where is Jeff?”

“Who is this Jeff?”

The martial artists surrounding the Mount Lurvale platform exchanged bewildered glances, a murmur of excitement rippling through the air. They had assumed that only Mason would participate in this grand duel, but to their astonishment, Jeff had indeed made an appearance.

Though the spectators at the edges struggled to see clearly, those positioned near the Mount Lurvale platform followed Mason’s gaze. Countless eyes converged upon Leander, and a wave of astonishment washed over the crowd.

Jeff appeared strikingly young, no older than seventeen or eighteen.

Gasps of disbelief echoed through the arena, particularly from the grandfather–granddaughter duo of Matthew and Cheryl, who sat beside Leander. Their expressions froze in sheer shock.

Cheryl’s eyes widened as she grappled with the unexpected revelation. The impudent boy they had encountered on the mountainside, who had spoken so boldly, was none other than the legendary Jeff, personally invited to duel by Mason.

All eyes in the arena remained fixated on Leander, while Mason’s gaze sharpened, a palpable hostility radiating from him.

From the moment Leander entered, Reuben had spotted him and promptly alerted Mason.

Mason scrutinized the boy, who was even younger than Reuben, his curiosity piqued. He could hardly comprehend how such a young individual had so decisively injured Reuben. Leander’s strength and talent were clearly on par with the top nine prodigies of the martial world in Astria.

Unfazed by the astonished stares, Leander rose slowly and stretched, exuding a relaxed

confidence.

Before the renowned second–in–command of the Tarlyn Guild, he displayed not a trace of

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trepidation. He regarded Mason with the casual indifference one might show a mere passerby.

“Mason, you announced your challenge to me from the Mount Lurvale platform and spread word of it throughout the martial arts circles in Mornwick, all in hopes of defeating me before the gathered spectators, didn’t you?”

Leander’s tone remained flat, devoid of any trace of fear.

Mason stood firmly atop the platform, exuding an air of authority as he scoffed coldly, “Jeff, you injured my nephew and crippled his leg. You dared to insult my sect. How could we allow such disrespect to go unpunished?”

“You claimed that if my sect had any grievances, we could seek you out at any time. Am I correct?”

“Well, I have come to find

you now.”

As Leander’s words hung in the air, a fierce glint sparked in Mason’s eyes. Leander had firmly secured his position on Mason’s kill list. The honor of the Tarlyn Guild could not be trifled with; offenders faced death unless they were powerful enough to surpass the Guild.

“Is that so?”

Leander nodded in acknowledgment, striding forward with purpose. He began to ascend the Mount Lurvale platform, each step measured and deliberate.

His approach was markedly less dramatic compared to the leaps of Adam, Kevin, and Mason, who had surged into the arena with fervor. Instead, Leander climbed the stone steps in a plain, unremarkable manner, inciting waves of disapproval from the spectators.

In that moment, they struggled to comprehend the extraordinary abilities that had enabled him to cripple Reuben’s leg, drawing the personal attention of Mason.

Leander reached the stone steps and stood ten paces from Mason, his hands clasped behind his back and his gaze calm and deep.

“This battle, will it determine victory or defeat, or shall it be a fight to the death?”

He spoke softly, and Mason’s cold smile deepened, misinterpreting Leander’s words as a sign of fear.

“Jeff, you sealed our fate as enemies from the day you harmed my disciple!”

“In this battle, we will determine both victory and defeat, as well as life and death!”

“You and I can only have one who will descend from the Mount Lurvale platform!”

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Mason’s declaration resonated through the arena, echoing like a death knell for Leander.

Finished

Around them, countless martial artists held their breath, their eyes glued to the stage. They understood that in this battle, Mason would show no mercy.

“Grandpa, he is actually Jeff!”

Cheryl finally shook off her shock, her voice filled with disbelief.

“Indeed, I underestimated him. I never expected he was the Jeff that Mason sought to challenge, and he is so young!”

“If he truly defeated Reuben and severed a leg, his strength and talent must surely place him among the top talents in the martial arts world of Astria!”

Matthew sighed softly, a deep sense of loss washing over him as he shook his head.

“What a pity. After today, yet another genius will meet an untimely end!”

Cheryl fell silent, fully aware that while Leander possessed considerable talent, facing Mason— who had once earned acclaim throughout Mornwick–meant that his defeat was almost certain.

Mason’s murderous intent loomed over them like a dark cloud, and the Mount Lurvale platform was likely to become the site of Leander’s demise.

In the distance, Frankie and the other martial practitioners from Northridge felt their hearts leap into their throats at the sight of Leander stepping onto the platform. They could only watch helplessly, praying for a miracle, hoping Leander possessed the strength to rival Mason.

Reuben, positioned below the stage, leaned heavily on his cane, his eyes ablaze with venomous determination.

“Jeff, today shall be your last!”

Leander paid him no mind. With a flick of his hand, he beckoned Mason closer.

“If we’re going to fight, what are you waiting for?”

Mason’s fury ignited at Leander’s audacity. He let out a cold laugh, stamping his foot on the platform.

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