The battle on the arena shifted in an instant.
Given the circumstances just now, the timing of the referee's intervention was debatable.
At that moment, Orion clearly had the advantage.
Though the referee, from a third-person perspective, could confirm that Hwashidoro had lost consciousness, he couldn't determine whether Orion had realized it as well.
So in such a fast-paced situation, Orion's decision to follow up with another attack was understandable.
However, once Hwashidoro's body definitively hit the ground, that marked the proper moment for the referee to step in—to determine the next scoring outcome based on whether Hwashidoro could stand.
At this stage, Orion was not allowed to attack further.
And yet, Orion's violent personality kept pursuing him with lethal intent.
That's when Moro stepped in to stop him.
If Moro hadn't intervened, and Orion's next strike had killed Hwashidoro, Orion would have been disqualified for a serious rules violation.
Of course, the referee wanted to prevent that at all costs.
But with his own power, the referee had no way to stop it.
So that's when Netero made his rare move, stepping onto the arena to effortlessly interrupt both Orion's violent persona and Moro's attack.
What Netero didn't expect, though...
Was that Moro's killing intent was so resolute, that even after being interrupted by Netero, he still seized the brief window to launch a finishing move.
Despite being suddenly struck, with no time to think, he instinctively unleashed his trump card.
Netero, surprised, couldn't help but recall Biscuit's praise of Moro's mentality.
It wasn't that Moro attacked out of desperation—rather, in a split-second decision, he acted to eliminate a potential threat.
So when Orion was distracted by Netero, Moro didn't hesitate to exploit it with a killing move.
In Netero's view, Moro's mentality truly was exceptional.
But he still couldn't allow Moro to act freely.
Publicly, it was his duty to prevent chaos.
Privately, Orion's slip-up had happened because of his own interference.
So, without hesitation, Netero used his "Hyakushiki Kannon" to obliterate Moro's flying star and marked cockroach.
Of course—
Before acting, Netero didn't know Moro's ability.
He only noticed a floating projectile and a faintly charged cockroach.
There was no need to ponder what they did.
Target acquired—then erased at light speed.
Just like that.
Moro, watching his attack foiled by Netero, frowned, feeling a twinge of resentment.
To him, he didn't care about staying in the tournament, the fame, or status of being a "Floor Master."
What he cared about—deeply—was killing Orion, that lunatic, right then and there.
And Netero had just stopped him from doing so.
That was why Moro felt that resentment.
But it came and went quickly.
Because he wasn't someone who only saw things from his own perspective.
He understood Netero's role—guest of the Fighting Olympics, linked closely to Heaven's Arena. Naturally, Netero couldn't just sit back and let a tragedy unfold.
Stopping things before they spiraled—was only right.
Besides—
If he had the power to kill Orion, there would be another opportunity.
Coming to terms with that, Moro smoothed his expression, and after landing steadily, calmly made his way over to Hwashidoro on the stage.
Netero had been quietly observing Moro the whole time.
He watched his brief change in demeanor and—
Being an old fox, Netero picked up on Moro's inner thoughts.
Up to this point, his opinion of Moro was based solely on Biscuit's account.
Now, finally seeing him in person—
Even in just a few moments, Netero could already understand why Biscuit had spoken so highly, with admiration and fondness.
Strong-willed, clear-headed.
Worthy of both praise and liking.
Netero then turned his gaze toward Orion, still standing near the edge of the stage with his violent personality manifesting as a clone, and said solemnly:
"If there's an issue, feel free to raise it on the spot. I can represent the Fighting Olympics and its review board, and I'll handle any player concerns with complete fairness and transparency."
"Tch, then I…"
Orion's violent persona grimaced and was just about to speak—only to be reabsorbed by the calm personality controlling the main body.
"I won't pursue the matter of match interference," said Orion smoothly. "I just hope this won't affect future match scheduling."
He didn't care if rules were broken and someone died. He would let his violent persona do whatever it pleased.
But in front of Netero—
He couldn't let that side go unchecked.
Names carry weight. So do legends.
In the world of martial artists, this old man before him was a living legend.
Even Orion, born and trained as a martial artist, couldn't help but respect him.
"Of course," Netero replied, stroking his beard and smiling.
Seeing the opportunity, the referee quickly declared: "KO! The winner—Orion!"
The previously stunned announcers also caught up quickly, rushing to steer the audience's emotions and reactions.
Meanwhile, Moro seemed deaf to all that.
He was checking Hwashidoro's injuries.
They were severe…
But he was still breathing.
Moro looked up and locked eyes with the oncoming medical team.
Sensing his gaze, they immediately shifted from a run to a sprint.
Climbing onto the stage, they stabilized Hwashidoro as best they could before lifting him onto a stretcher and rushing off through the player tunnel.
Moro followed closely behind.
Back on stage, Orion and Netero both watched him go.
Orion's expression slowly twisted into a manic grin—his violent personality surfacing again.
"When it's your turn on this stage, I'll crush you like dirt—ha ha ha!"
He aimed that threat at Moro.
Moro stopped walking, turned slowly, and looked back at Orion.
He said nothing.
Just stared—calm and emotionless.
But somehow, that dead-serene stare sent a perfectly clear message to both Orion and Netero.
Like looking at an insect.
Orion's madness surged stronger.
Netero, meanwhile, smiled.
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50 Powerstones? (5 Bonus Chapters)
20 Advance Chapters: patreon.com/milezen