The misunderstood genius

Unbeknownst to Joe, The Veil had already infiltrated the arena. Their mission? Ensure his victory.

The moment Darian lunged forward, one of The Veil's hidden agents whispered an incantation.

Result?

A mysterious gust of wind suddenly blasted through the arena, sending Darian off balance.

To the audience, it looked like Joe had countered the attack with an invisible force spell.

"He neutralized Darian's first strike without moving?!"

"He's beyond human!"

Joe, confused: "…Huh?"

Darian recovered, snarling. "You won't fool me!" He unleashed his strongest attack—Celestial Dragon Strike, a devastating slash infused with holy magic.

Another Veil agent, hidden in the shadows, silently cast a minor displacement spell.

Joe, trying to dodge, tripped.

Result?

Darian's ultimate attack missed completely and struck a defensive barrier, causing a massive explosion that shook the entire arena.

To the audience, it looked like Joe had dodged with god-like reflexes.

The Royal Mage stood up. "…That movement… That control… Could he be at the divine level?"

Joe, coughing on dust: "I have NO IDEA what's going on!"