Chương 30: Finals

The atmosphere around the podium was tense, as Dean Thorne stood flanked by a collection of influential figures and esteemed guests, all of them silent, their attention focused on the events unfolding below. Conversations between smaller guild recruiters filled the air as they murmured about the latest developments.

"Student Greg's actions are reckless..."

"I agree. His anger clouded his judgment."

"The Fury Potion he used is certainly powerful—it provides a temporary surge in strength but at a dangerous cost. The potential loss of power is a price too high."

"The damage will be difficult, if not impossible, to fully recover from."

The observers shook their heads, their disapproval evident. Even Dean Thorne, despite his typically calm demeanor, frowned slightly. He couldn't help but agree.

"What a waste of potential," he muttered. "The difference between Greg and Vincent Magnus is like night and day."

On the stage, Michael Archons wore a dark expression as he watched Vincent Magnus, whose face remained utterly indifferent, as if unaffected by the mounting tension. Michael found himself hesitating. His thoughts swirled.

Should he risk a fight with Vincent, knowing he might emerge injured? Or should he play it safe, forfeit the round, and conserve his energy to fight another opponent—one he felt more confident in defeating?

After a long, contemplative pause, Michael exhaled a heavy sigh. "I surrender," he declared.

His voice cut through the tension, but the audience remained mostly unfazed. For many, this wasn't a surprise. By now, Vincent's reputation preceded him, and no one doubted his capability. Vianne, the announcer, had been eagerly awaiting the fight but now stood disappointed. Still, she did her job, her voice ringing out clearly, "Michael Archons has surrendered! That marks the third victory for Vincent Magnus!"

Applause broke out, the crowd cheering Vincent's continued dominance. Yet, despite the noise, Vincent's face betrayed a subtle hint of frustration. He'd been looking forward to testing his new strength, but with his opponent surrendering so quickly, that opportunity had slipped away. Smiling wryly to himself, he resigned to the fact that he would have to wait until the final stage to push his limits.

With nothing else to do, Vincent sat down in the center of the stage, arms folded across his chest, as he patiently awaited the outcome of the other matches.

After some time, the Top 10 finalists were revealed. Unsurprisingly, they were the same contenders who had been leading their teams throughout the competition—party leaders who had proven their strength and tactical skills.

As the fighters rested, Dean Thorne stepped forward, commanding the attention of the entire crowd with a wave of his hand. "First, I would like to extend my congratulations to everyone who showcased their talents and bravery in front of their families, friends, and fellow students. I would also like to applaud the Top 10 student warriors of No. 3 High School for their incredible performance!" His voice boomed through the arena, drawing cheers and applause from the audience.

He paused, allowing the noise to settle before continuing. "Tonight marks the final stage of our Annual Battle Ceremony, and it will be unlike anything you've seen before." His words caused a ripple of excitement and confusion to spread through the crowd.

The ceremony had always followed a simple elimination format. What could possibly be different this time?

Before Dean Thorne could explain further, loud, boisterous laughter erupted, filling the air as a shadowed figure soared high above the crowd, landing with a thunderous impact in the middle of the stage. The Top 10 contenders, including Vincent, leaped back, eyes widening in surprise as a cloud of dust swirled around the figure.

When the dust finally cleared, their shock deepened. Standing before them was none other than Arnold Mazels, an Alpha warrior of unparalleled strength.

Dean Thorne's voice echoed again, "For the final stage, the Top 10 will not face each other as expected. Instead, they will face a common foe, The Alpha — Arnold Mazels!"

The crowd buzzed with disbelief. Whispers of shock and confusion filled the arena.

"What's going on?"

"Why the sudden change?"

Before anyone could question further, Arnold's booming voice cut through the noise, dripping with arrogance. "Relax, everyone. I won't be bullying you. I'll restrict my strength to the peak of Tier 1."

For most, this might have sounded reassuring. But to Greg, whose anger had already begun to boil over, it was nothing short of an insult.

"You're underestimating me!" Greg's voice was hoarse, his Fury Potion still coursing through his veins, amplifying his rage. "You think you can defeat my Tier 2 strength with just your Tier 1 power? You're out of your mind!"

Without waiting for a response, Greg launched himself at Arnold with blistering speed, his gauntlet-clad fists aflame with raw power. He aimed a crushing blow directly at Arnold's face.

Bang!

The sound of impact reverberated through the arena, but it wasn't the sound of a successful hit. Instead, it was the sound of Arnold catching Greg's punch with his bare hand, stopping the attack cold.

"What?!" Gasps erupted from the crowd. Greg's eyes widened in disbelief, his mouth hanging open in shock.

"H-How?" Greg stammered, trying to pull his hand back, but it was no use. Arnold had him locked in place. Before Greg could react, Arnold delivered a devastating punch to his face, sending him flying across the stage. Greg's body skidded to a halt several meters away, unconscious.

Arnold dusted off his hands, his expression serious now. "Abominations like you have no place in this battle," he muttered disdainfully.

Vincent, having watched the entire exchange, furrowed his brow. He'd known Arnold was strong, but seeing him handle Greg so easily was a stark reminder of just how wide the gap between them truly was.

"He's powerful," Vincent thought, his mind already strategizing for the battle to come.

The rest of the Top 10 watched in stunned silence, realizing that the final stage would be far more challenging than any of them had anticipated.