The Eclipsed Bloom
Chapter 79: Zara vs Omar

Chapter 79: Chapter 79: Zara vs Omar

"Now, please come to the stage—the representative of the vampire side!"

Zara stood up from her seat, her hands clasped together with excitement. As she walked toward the stage, her steps were light, almost eager.

The announcer’s voice rang out, "Thank you for accepting the duel, High Lord Vampire! Now, I’d like to invite Alpha Omar!"

Zara blinked.

High Lord Vampire? I know there are high-level vampires, but when did I get promoted to ’lord’?

Before she could think more about it, a sudden wave of howls erupted from the werewolf side of the audience, making her jump. She squinted toward the opposite stage as the source of the excitement appeared.

A tall man walked with composed confidence, wearing a flowing blue tunic. His long black hair fluttered in the breeze, and his steps were quiet but sure. As he leapt gracefully onto the stage, he turned toward Valer and bowed.

"I, Duke Omar, greet the King of Werewolves."

Valer nodded in return, and the anchor continued, "Now that both duelists are on stage, please take your respective positions!"

Omar looked toward Zara with a calm expression.

"You’re the first person the king himself asked me to fight. You must be an extraordinary warrior."

Zara waved her arms quickly, caught off guard by the respectful tone and sudden praise.

"Oh—no, I’m not that strong! Please go easy on me!"

Just then, a voice ripped through the crowd like thunder, silencing all other sounds.

"YOU CAN BEAT HIM EASILY, MY WIFE! BEAT THE HELL OUT OF HIM! HAAAAAAAH!!"

Zara froze. Her face turned crimson as she quickly brought a hand to her mouth and gave a small, embarrassed cough.

Lilith... please... not so loud...

Omar’s expression froze in shock as he slowly raised his head toward the source of the yell.

Isn’t she the alpha princess’s friend? When did I offend her...?

Confused, he tilted his head slightly, wondering what exactly he did to deserve such hostility.

Meanwhile, the announcer declared the official start of the match.

Zara clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging into her palms. Blood trickled down her hands—only to harden and vanish as her healing factor kicked in.

On the other side, Omar let out a low growl. His body began to change—his black hair turning stark white, muscles thickening, his already imposing form becoming even wilder and more beast-like.

Alright, what weapon should I make? Spear? No... I’ve trained best in swordsmanship lately.

Zara’s blood began to swirl around her hand, shaping itself into a familiar crimson blade. But she paused. Her wound had healed completely. Her eyes narrowed with a thought.

Wait... isn’t that mithril sword Fluff gave me? I’ve only used it once... Should I test it out now?

As she concentrated, a sword materialized in her hand. The blade shimmered—razor-sharp, glowing faintly with runes, and gleamed a deep red along the edge, like the color of dried blood.

It hummed with quiet power.

Frances smirked from the balcony as the shimmering sword appeared in Zara’s hand.

She didn’t use any space magic... then how did that blade materialize?

Interest sparked between her eyes, her curiosity blooming into something deeper.

I was right. If even the God King took interest in her, she can’t be ordinary...

Beside the duel stage, Lilith watched as Zara lowered into a combat stance. Her silver eyes shifted toward Jane, who stood with her arms crossed, watching intently.

Sensing Lilith’s gaze, Jane glanced over and noticed the proud smirk on the bloodsucker lips. She scoffed dismissively.

Why is she acting so smug? Omar’s a strong Alpha. Shouldn’t she be worried that her precious wife is about to get her face smashed in?

Before Jane could speak, the anchor’s voice echoed across the field:

"Begin!"

Lilith quickly turn her head toward stage,

Omar remained still, his eyes calm and focused. He didn’t even flinch.

Zara blinked.

He’s not moving? Just like Nyssa during our sparring sessions... She’d always wait until I made the first move.

after observing some time zara decided to strike,

Taking a breath, Zara bolted forward, her blade glinting under the pale moonlight. As she neared Omar, she activated a flight spell, lifting her gracefully above his head. With one hand, she pointed her sword downward toward his exposed shoulder; with the other, she released a stream of flames.

Omar reacted just in time—jumping backward to avoid the sword. But a sharp grunt escaped him as her flames caught his back, searing through his shirt. His eyes widened slightly at the burning pain—and the sight of her wounds already healing in the moonlight.

Zara landed with force, one knee cracking the stage beneath her from the impact. She looked up, her lips curling into a small, proud smirk.

Heh... Nyssa really did teach me dozens of strategies without me even realizing it.

The crowd gasped, surprised by the unexpected injury to the famed Alpha.

Omar stood, rolling his shoulder with a grimace. Then his eyes locked on hers—not with anger, but intrigue.

She’s faster than I thought... and more tactical too. This might actually be fun.

Zara’s eyes narrowed as Omar suddenly vanished from sight.

Her body tensed. She rose swiftly from her crouch, shifting into a defensive stance, her sword gleaming in the moonlight, poised to strike the moment he reappeared.

Then—instinct.

She felt the shift of wind behind her and immediately swung her arm backward.

Clang!

Steel met flesh and bone as her sword clashed with Omar’s fist mid-swing, the force of her counterattack hurling him away like a ragdoll.

The crowd gasped as the towering Alpha was sent flying, his boots scraping against the stage floor as he barely managed to land upright, sliding to a stop.

Omar staggered slightly, his eyes wide in disbelief.

H-How...?

He looked down at his trembling arm.

How is this possible?! A werewolf—an Alpha—losing in physical strength to a vampire? That’s... impossible!

although i dint use mana or aura but still...

His mind reeled.

This wasn’t just speed or tactics. She had met his punch head-on—and won.

Across the battlefield, Zara calmly twirled her sword once before lowering it to her side, eyes locked onto him with unreadable calm.

Nyssa always told me—react, don’t hesitate...

She took a step forward.

...and trust my instincts.

******

Earth – San Jose, Downtown, night time.

In a modest two-story house tucked between neon-lit buildings, the window on the second floor creaked open. A figure slipped inside silently, landing with practiced grace in a dim bedroom. The lights were off, shadows stretching long across the room.

The woman—Carter—tiptoed across the wooden floor toward the dressing room.

She froze mid-step.

A calm, cold voice drifted from the darkness behind her.

"Did you check if they were dead before leaving, Carter?"

The light flicked on with a soft click, revealing a striking woman seated elegantly on the couch, wearing business suit legs crossed with military precision, her icy gaze fixed on Carter.

Carter forced a smile. "Sister Ava, I really did kill them. Don’t worry."

Ava’s frown deepened. "We’re dealing with Church matters, Carter. Show some respect."

Carter rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath, "Yeah yeah, ma’am, no need to be so stiff..."

Ava raised an eyebrow, unfazed. She reached into her coat pocket and slowly pulled out a tissue, delicately wiping invisible specks from her hands, as if the air itself were unclean.

Carter watched her with a tired sigh and mumbled, "Why are you so obsessed with cleanliness? It’s weird..."

Ava paused mid-wipe, her head tilting slightly toward Carter, eyes narrowing.

Did she just...?

Carter instantly straightened, trying to look innocent as Ava’s gaze lingered a second too long.

As the door creaked open, Carter quickly jumped onto the bed, stretching out casually like she’d been lounging there all along. Ava, sensing the shift, subtly relaxed her cold expression, though the sharpness in her eyes remained.

A young girl entered the room, her cheerful energy instantly brightening the atmosphere. Her face lit up the moment she saw Carter.

"Sister! You’re finally back—I missed you so much!" she exclaimed, practically bouncing with joy.

Carter’s stern expression melted into a warm smile. "Helen, I told you—it was just for a month. I only had one free day, so I had to go. But guess what?" She held up a hand, grinning. "I got a promotion. I won’t have to leave for months now."

Helen clenched her fists and pumped them in a victory gesture. "Yes! That’s amazing!"

Ava watched the exchange in silence, her gaze briefly softening as she observed the sisters. She didn’t say anything, but her fingers paused mid-fold with the tissue. For a moment, her cold exterior showed the faintest crack of something... warmer.

Helen turn her head seeing sister ava was also here she blink,

"big sister what are you doing here aren’t you gone for your meeting,"

hearing her sister question Ava dint respond and simply look down start wiping her suit with tissue,

Helen seeing her ignoring her pouted as she walk toward her,