Danial’s mind raced as the hooded figure’s words echoed in his ears. “Fine meal? What does that mean?” A chill ran down his spine. There was no time to dwell on fear. His gaze shifted to Kuro, slumped and barely conscious, and a surge of determination coursed through him. No matter what, I’m getting us out of here.He glanced at Crystal and made a subtle hand gesture, signaling her to prepare. She caught his movement, her eyes widening in surprise, but she quickly composed herself. Taking a deep breath, she began circulating her internal energy, her frosty aura intensifying as she prepared for whatever was to come.Danial turned back to the hooded man, mustering every ounce of courage he had. His voice trembled slightly, but he managed to ask, “W-what do you mean? And who are you?”The hooded figure tilted his head, his hidden gaze boring into Danial. “You are not qualified to know,” he said, his voice low and dismissive. Without further ado, he raised his hand, which began to glow a
The hooded figure’s tone was dripping with malice as he slowly advanced on Danial, his crimson aura flaring with every step."You made a mistake, boy. I was offering a painless way to die, but you didn’t appreciate my mercy. Be assured, you will die—but I’ll make sure you beg for it first."Danial didn’t respond, his mind racing as he desperately tried to formulate an escape plan. The hooded figure exuded the power of a Master Level Cultivator—a whole stage above Danial’s abilities. The disparity was immense, and Danial knew it. Running would be futile unless he could create a miracle.The figure chuckled as if reading Danial’s thoughts. “Don’t waste your energy,” he said, his tone mocking. “You won’t escape me.”Danial clenched his fists, his breathing steady despite the rising panic in his chest. Realizing there was no other option, he decided to take the offensive. If he was going down, he’d make sure to leave a mark. He activated his Iron Fist Technique, his arms glowing with a br
Danial gritted his teeth, clutching his arm as the Blood Curse spread slowly but surely. The black veins snaked across his skin, pulsing with an ominous glow. Each second felt like a countdown, and Danial knew that if he didn’t act soon, the curse would consume him entirely. Yet, his focus was momentarily broken as Marvin stood between him and the hooded figure, calm and commanding.Marvin’s voice carried a steady authority, never turning to look at Danial. “Danial, return to the academy immediately. Find Gloria and show her your arm. She’ll know how to help.”Danial stumbled to his feet, his body trembling from the relentless pain. “Master,” he managed, his voice strained, “be careful. He’s... powerful.”Marvin smiled faintly, his gaze fixed on the hooded figure. “Not in front of me, he’s not.”The hooded man let out a guttural laugh, the sound echoing ominously in the ruined area. His crimson aura flared, pulsating with malevolent energy. “You think strength at the Master Level mean
While Marvin was having a stand-off against the cultist, the taxi sped through the bustling streets, leaving behind a cacophony of honking horns and startled pedestrians. Pavan sat beside Kuro, who was slumped and unconscious, his battered body leaning awkwardly against the seat. Crystal, sitting in the front, glared impatiently at the road ahead.“Drive faster,” Crystal urged, her voice sharp.The taxi driver, a middle-aged man with a balding head and a pair of aviator sunglasses, replied in a calm but slightly amused tone, “Madam, I am following the rules of the road. I can’t just drive faster because you said so.”Crystal huffed in frustration, then reached into her bag, pulled out a fat bundle of cash, and dumped it onto the passenger seat. “Now, will you drive faster?”The driver’s eyes widened at the sight of the money. His professionalism crumbled instantly. “Yes, ma’am. You have no idea how fast I can drive.”He slammed his foot on the accelerator, and the taxi lurched forward,
While Pavna and Maria were confused by the sudden turn of events, the battlefield quaked as Marvin’s power reached its peak at the Lapanzo Foundry, the air charged with an oppressive, electrifying energy. Lightning crackled around him, arcing off his body in jagged streaks that seared the ground. His previously calm demeanor was replaced by a fiery intensity that left no room for doubt—this was the full might of Master Marvin unleashed.Marvin’s body surged with power as the Nine Star Acupuncture Technique reached its climax. Sparks of lightning crackled along his arms, illuminating the battlefield with a brilliant glow. But then, to Danial’s astonishment, Marvin pressed another point on his chest, and the energy around him seemed to stabilize, halting its rise just before reaching its peak of the Third Stage Martial Arts Master.Danial noticed this and thought in shock, He stopped the Nine Star Acupuncture Technique at the end. That means he's holding back even his full strength.The
Danial felt his arms throbbing painfully, the crimson tendrils of the Blood Curse spreading further along his veins. His breathing quickened, and a cold sweat formed on his brow.“Master, are you alright? We need to get to the academy now!” Danial exclaimed, his voice edged with panic.Marvin, still seated, glanced at the blackened mark on his shoulder. A faint smirk crossed his lips as he said, “That damned Overseer. Who would’ve thought he’d manage to craft another Blood Curse in such a short time?” He shook his head, adding, “But this... this is child's play for me.”Danial was momentarily stunned by the sudden shift in Marvin's demeanor. The trembling that had wracked Marvin’s body was gone as if it had never existed. He stood tall, his usual imposing aura returning with an almost tangible intensity. Then, with a sudden jerk of his body, the spreading poison ceased its advance. Danial watched, wide-eyed, as the blackened poison that had been spreading through Marvin’s shoulder visi
Luna was absolutely furious, her body trembling with restrained rage. Her voice, sharp and resolute, cut through the air, “How dare Santiago touch Kuro! Doesn’t he know the family laws? How dare he defy everything the Hale name stands for!”Her secretary instinctively took a step back. In all the years she had served Luna, she had never seen her in such a state. Luna’s usual icy composure was now replaced with an intensity that was almost suffocating.At that moment, Doctor Hammer entered the room, bowing slightly before speaking in a calm and measured tone. “Miss Luna, I have arrived.”Luna turned her piercing gaze on him, her voice steady but commanding, “Check on him. I want to know everything—every injury, every detail.”Hammer nodded and approached Kuro. For a moment, he felt a strange sense of familiarity while looking at Kuro’s battered face. But this wasn’t the time to dwell on such thoughts. Without hesitation, he set to work, his assistant trailing behind him with a bag full
Danial glanced at his arm, his eyes narrowing as the cursed veins pulsed ominously. “I’ll need a set of acupuncture needles, a metallic container, and a sharp knife. NOW!” His commanding tone startled Gloria, who blinked at him in disbelief.“Acupuncture?” Gloria asked, her voice tinged with skepticism. “How is that supposed to help?”Danial’s gaze snapped to her, unwavering and sharp. “It’s the only way unless you’d prefer to cut off my arm. The time gap for placing each needle is critical, and if I fail, the technique fails. Silence is crucial.”Faced with no better alternative, Gloria reluctantly nodded and hurried to gather the items. Marvin stood silently, his arms crossed, observing the scene with concern.Moments later, Gloria returned, placing the needles, knife, and metallic bucket on the table beside Danial. “Are you sure about this?” she asked.Danial didn’t respond immediately, instead taking a deep breath and steadying his trembling hand. “Close the door. No interruptions
Crystal descended into the rocky arena, her icy-blue eyes scanning the terrain. The environment was filled with jagged hills, uneven terrain, and rocky outcroppings—an arena that would test movement and adaptability. Danial leaned against the railing, watching her with a small smile, fully confident in her victory.Just as the match was about to begin, Leonard approached from behind, patting Danial’s shoulder with a smug grin."Danial, did you see my match just now? The tricks I used had him completely baffled—haha!"Danial turned to look at him, blinking. "That was your match?"Leonard’s face fell. The excitement in his eyes flickered. "Yeah… you didn’t see it?"Danial quickly realized his mistake and tried to salvage the situation. "Leonard, I didn’t know your match was happening. I’m sorry."Leonard forced a smile, waving it off. "Alright, no worries." He turned and walked away, but as he did, the forced smile gradually faded.Danial sighed, feeling a little guilty, but his attenti
As the tournament progressed, the excitement in the air reached its peak. The crowd roared in anticipation as each match brought forth new surprises, showcasing the sheer talent and determination of the academy's young warriors. Danial sat with Crystal, both observing the ongoing battles with quiet interest.Crystal turned to him and asked, "You already won two matches. This guarantees your spot in the Final Stage tomorrow. Who do you think your final opponent will be?"Danial shrugged, his expression calm. "I don't know," he replied simply.Just as he finished speaking, movement from the side caught his attention. Pavan had returned from the infirmary, his head and shoulders wrapped in fresh bandages. His steps were steady, but the slight wince as he moved revealed that his injuries hadn’t fully healed.Danial immediately got up and walked over to him, his brows furrowed in concern. "Why are you out of the infirmary? Your body needs rest."Pavan groaned, waving his hand dismissively.
Tyler staggered slightly as he stepped down from the arena, his legs trembling, his face pale. The match had been brief—too brief—but the experience had left a lasting impression on him. No, it wasn’t just the match itself; it was the gaze. That chilling, soul-crushing gaze that had locked onto him as if stripping away every ounce of his being. It was unlike anything he had ever faced before.His master approached, his eyes filled with concern as he placed a firm hand on Tyler’s shoulder. “Are you okay?”Tyler did not answer immediately. He walked in silence, each step feeling heavier than the last. His master was about to repeat the question when Tyler finally spoke, his voice hollow.“I want to withdraw from the tournament.”The words were so unexpected that his master was momentarily stunned. Tyler was not one to give up easily. He had trained relentlessly, fought fiercely, and had dreams of proving himself. Yet now, standing before him, was not the same student who had entered thi
As Kyle Drakon stepped into the light, an almost ethereal presence seemed to radiate from him. For someone so young, he was nothing short of stunning—majestic in a way that defied mere good looks. His face, strikingly symmetrical with high cheekbones and a sharp jawline, carried an air of effortless majesty. His nose was straight and refined, giving him a noble appearance, while his lips, neither too thin nor too full, were naturally set in a calm, unreadable expression. His skin was smooth, almost flawless, as if sculpted by the finest artisan, carrying a faint glow under the arena’s illumination.His jet-black hair, slightly messy yet undeniably stylish, fell in layered waves around his forehead and temples, enhancing the intensity of his features. Each step he took exuded confidence, his strides measured, unhurried—he moved like a sovereign who did not need to prove himself, yet commanded attention wherever he went.But it was his eyes that truly held everyone captive.A deep crims
The air inside the arena buzzed with excitement as the next match was announced. The announcer’s voice boomed across the coliseum.“Next match! Crystal Kirk of Somerland versus Zaria Dvornik of Krolea! The battle conditions—desert environment, no elemental abilities allowed!”Danial's expression hardened. He understood the gravity of this situation. Crystal’s greatest strength lay in her ice element, and now, she was being forced to fight in the most unfavourable terrain possible. A desert battlefield? There was no moisture in the air, no chance of manipulating frost, and worst of all—sweltering heat sapping her stamina.As Crystal stepped forward, she caught Danial’s expression and smirked. “Worried about me?”Danial folded his arms. “Just assessing the conditions. This isn’t exactly in your favour.”Crystal chuckled. “It never is.” With that, she strode toward the arena entrance, her icy confidence unwavering.Danial exhaled sharply, watching as she disappeared into the tunnel leadi
Danial and Crystal lingered in the infirmary for a while longer, chatting with Pavan, who continued to grumble about his forced diet while sneaking glances at the nurses, hoping one of them would take pity on him. When it became clear that none of them were willing to defy Abby’s orders, he slumped back onto the bed with a defeated sigh.“You guys better eat well while you still can,” Pavan muttered dramatically. “I might never taste good food again.”Danial rolled his eyes while Crystal smirked. “You’re acting like you’re being sent to prison,” she said. “It’s just a diet.”Pavan sat up and pointed at her with a solemn expression. “For a man like me, a diet is worse than prison.”Crystal laughed while Danial shook his head. “Just rest, Pavan. You’ll need your strength for the next rounds.”With that, Danial and Crystal left the infirmary, walking side by side through the long corridors. The scent of antiseptics and medicine slowly faded, replaced by the crisp air of the academy halls
Abby rushed into the arena, her heart pounding as she sprinted toward the fallen Pavan. She knelt beside him, her sharp eyes scanning his battered body. Blood dripped from his wounds, staining the ground beneath him. But even in his injured state, Pavan had not lost his spirit."Pavan, you have done well," Abby said softly, her voice filled with both pride and concern.Pavan, barely conscious, managed a small hum in response before his body went completely limp. Abby’s expression darkened as she turned her gaze toward Egbert, who stood proudly in the arena, basking in the cheers of the crowd. His arrogance was evident as he waved at the audience as if he had just achieved a great victory. Abby scoffed, her grip on Pavan tightening as she walked away without sparing Egbert another glance.Egbert simply snorted, unimpressed by her reaction, before continuing to soak in the adoration of the spectators. Meanwhile, among the crowd, Danial frowned heavily. He had seen the entire match unfol
Egbert vanished from his position, appearing instantly before Pavan like a crimson blur. His sword whistled through the air as he delivered a deceptively simple horizontal slash, its force enough to ripple the atmosphere around them.Pavan barely had time to process what was happening. Instinctively, he raised his sword to defend himself, the blade trembling in his grip.CLANG!The clash reverberated through the arena like a thunderclap. The sheer force of the impact sent Pavan skidding back, his boots carving deep grooves into the arena floor as he was pushed a full ten meters before managing to stop. His arms trembled uncontrollably as he looked down, his face pale.His fingers tightened around his blade, but the sight before him made his stomach drop—his sword, forged from the academy's renowned ore, now bore a jagged chip near the centre. How is this possible? He thought. These swords weren’t ordinary; they were designed to withstand the harshest of battles. And yet, a single stri
The announcer’s voice echoed through the massive arena, amplifying the excitement of the crowd. “The next match is between Pavan from Somerland and Egbert Ray from Xeria!”The crowd erupted into a deafening roar, their enthusiasm palpable. Flags bearing the symbols of both academies waved in the air, and cheers filled every corner of the stadium. Pavan took a deep breath, trying to steel his nerves as the noise washed over him.Danial stepped forward and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. His voice was calm but firm. “It’s alright, Pavan. You’ve got this.”Pavan turned to Danial, his lips forming a faint smile. “Thanks, Danial.” With a quick nod, he turned and made his way toward the arena, his footsteps steady but deliberate.As Pavan’s figure disappeared into the crowd, Crystal, who had been uncharacteristically silent, suddenly broke the quiet. “This is bad,” she said, her tone grave.Danial frowned, sensing the seriousness in her voice. “What do you mean?”Crystal’s eyes na