Too strong?
As the events unfolded, time seemed to freeze for an instant, and an eerie silence enveloped the room. Not a single word was uttered as the spectators absorbed the spectacle before them. Ella, with her formidable rank 5 status, had always been known for her strength, but witnessing her masterful prowess with blades was an unexpected revelation.
In the realm of ability users like Ella, a common trend prevailed where dependence on supernatural powers took precedence over honing weapon mastery. However, Ella defied this norm; her proficiency with blades was evident, hinting at a dedicated practice regimen that set her apart.
The aftermath of the intense skirmish brought two military-clad figures into view seemingly out of thin air. Swiftly and efficiently, they carried the injured boy, cradled in both hands, towards the school doctor for much-needed healing.
The subsequent fights captivated the audience, revealing a dynamic interplay of skills. Unlike Ella's swift victory, others showcased longer duels, illustrating the equilibrium among students in wielding various weapons. Even matchups between different ranks, be it a rank 4 against rank 3s or 2s, underscored the pivotal role of individual skill in determining outcomes.
The attention of the discerning observer, Dan, was then drawn to the duel involving Jade. Despite her inability to use her ice ability, Jade exhibited remarkable proficiency with two daggers. Her movements were a dance of anticipation, predicting her opponent's every move and responding with calculated precision. Her battle concluded in just about a minute, securing her place as the second-fastest victor after her sister.
"Next pair, Alex Red, and Mark Fal, to the stage."
It was now Alex's moment.
Finally, he found himself in a setting where he could assess his skills without the looming threat of nocturnal ambushes for robbery.
Approaching the stage, Alex discerned Mark, his opponent, marked as a rank four. In a scenario allowing ability use, Alex believed victory would elude him. Yet, within the confines of this arena where supernatural powers were prohibited, Alex's robust physique and superior speed, inherited from his half-Red dragon lineage, presented a potential advantage.
Mark gripped a substantial metal staff adorned with unique carvings on either side, showcasing both reach and elegance. As the two contenders faced each other, Alex experienced a moment of recognition—Mark's face seemed familiar, and a realization dawned.
The notification echoed in Alex's mind:
\[Defeat your opponent\]
\[Reward: 50 exp\]
\[Additional reward for defeating your first rank 4\]
"Oh, it's the boy I had a little scuffle with," Alex pondered. He acknowledged the brewing revenge Mark likely harbored but was equally enticed by the prospect of quest rewards.
A knowing smile played on Mark's face as he recognized his opponent.
"I think it's time for sweet payback, shall we?" Mark contemplated, relishing the opportunity to assert his superiority.
"Begin!" Dan's authoritative voice resounded.
Mark, seizing the initiative, charged forward before Dan's command fully registered. The staff swung sideways with menacing intent, catching Alex off guard amidst the distraction of the quest notification. Only belatedly did Alex realize the match had commenced, his response delayed and the unfolding situation dire.
The reverberating echo of the staff connecting with the side of Alex's face permeated the arena, a grim symphony of conflict unfolding.
\[ - 5Hp\]
\[Hp: 10/15\]
In the aftermath of the powerful strike, a momentary disorientation gripped Alex. A faint taste of copper lingered at the corner of his mouth as he felt the warm trickle of blood. However, the pain was ephemeral, quickly subsiding as his innate regenerative abilities kicked in. Swiftly, he assumed a composed stance, concealing the internal storm of fury that roiled beneath the surface. His jaw throbbed with a persistent ache, but he bore it stoically.
Unbeknownst to the spectators, a subtle transformation occurred within Alex. His normally composed gaze betrayed a flicker of intense emotion as his eyes momentarily flashed with a vivid shade of red. This subtle manifestation of his inner turmoil went largely unnoticed by the crowd, absorbed in the spectacle unfolding before them. However, two keen observers caught this ephemeral display.
Dan, despite the curious fact that his eyes remained mysteriously closed, possessed a unique ability. He could perceive a person's aura, a skill particularly advantageous in combat. Alex's sudden surge of energy did not elude Dan's closed-eye vision. An almost untamed ferocity radiated from Alex, akin to a fierce blaze suddenly fueled with combustible intensity.
Jade, her eyes widening in disbelief, was one of the few who caught the red glint in Alex's eyes. The mystery surrounding this enigmatic figure deepened, and suspicion nestled in the recesses of her thoughts. "Just who's this guy?" she pondered, her curiosity mingling with a touch of apprehension.
Meanwhile, Mark, the aggressor in this skirmish, took a few wary steps backward. The unexpected resilience displayed by Alex unsettled him, prompting a reassessment of the situation. Alex, concealing the toll of the blow with practiced ease, anticipated Mark's next move with a simmering intensity.
As Mark swung the staff once more, Alex's agility came to the fore. With a calculated bend backward, he elegantly evaded the impending strike. Mark, burdened by his agility score of 13, struggled to match the fluidity of Alex's movements.
Seizing the opportune moment, Alex grasped the staff, much to Mark's vocal disapproval. "Let go, bastard!" Mark's protests were met with silent determination. Unbeknownst to Alex, a subtle notification had flashed warningly in his peripheral consciousness, a harbinger of a forthcoming transformation.
\[Warning\]
\[Berserk mode: 30%\]
Yet, immersed in the throes of rage, Alex remained oblivious to this digital forewarning. With an impulsive disregard for caution, he hurled his sword towards Mark. The unexpected projectile, though easily deflected by Mark, served as a mere prelude to the impending storm.
In the blink of an eye, Alex materialized before Mark, his movements shrouded in a cloak of unrestrained animosity. His eyes, now a fiery red, bore into Mark with an intensity that left an indelible imprint on the onlookers. Before Mark could formulate a response, a brutal punch found its mark on Mark's stomach, lifting him momentarily off the ground before gravity reclaimed him, forcing him to his knees.
"You..." Mark managed to choke out a word, clenching his stomach in agony. Alex, displaying a predatory grin, retrieved his sword. Mark, raising his head to meet Alex's gaze, found himself paralyzed by the cold determination etched on his opponent's face. With a swift and decisive swing, the hilt of the sword collided with the side of Mark's face, plunging him into unconsciousness.
\[Opponent has been defeated\]
\[50 exp rewarded\]
\[First time defeating a higher rank than you\]
\[50 exp rewarded\]
\[120/200 exp\]
******
In this mysterious realm of abilities and combat, the unexpected turn of events left the audience in awe. The author, mindful of pacing concerns, extended a promise to improve the release frequency and eagerly invited reader feedbacks