Chương 50: August
Everyone looked at the chairman, expecting more context to what he said. The chairman sighed and said, "About two months ago, an unknown activity was picked up near the entrance of the crucible. A few moments later, the crucible exploded. As to how it happened or who was involved, I haven't an idea."
"The remains of the crucible, however, seemed to have been exiled into the void, and the only thing left there is 'THE GATE'", he said seriously and paused for any questions they might have, however, everyone was too stunned to speak.
"I know this news has increased our worries even more. It seems that time is coming, and if we don't prepare adequately for it, when that time comes, and it will, we will find ourselves in very deep trouble, and that is why this year's ranking bout is no ordinary bout. It was carefully designed to test the potential and push everyone to their limits. This is a selection process." The chairman said and proceeded to ask, "Any questions?"
The room remained silent as everyone went into deep thought. "I knew this was going to happen. How do I continue the meeting if everyone is this tense." The chairman thought.
"Akrakus, is there any news from him?" one man asked. Everyone turned the chairman's way for a response. "Nothing from him so far. He's been oddly quiet since the incident", he answered directly. "And do you by any chance know of his whereabouts, and do you care to share?" another followed up.
"Yes, I know of his whereabouts, but unfortunately, I cannot share that information with you for the time being".
"That must mean he is in a separate layer, am I correct?" A curious woman asked.
"I cannot confirm nor deny your statement. I can, however, assure you that once I get any information on this matter, I will let you know. That is enough questions for now. Let's not forget the reason we are gathered here today."
"You are right. If this will be a selection, we should get started on the pair-up for the prelims." One of the family heads remarked.
"Then, I shall continue. Before you are the names of all who have agreed to participate in the bout. Their abilities are displayed in red right after their names. Take your time to go through and select the best-fit opponent for each."
They began to have discussions among themselves when one exclaimed suddenly, "A Dual wielder?" Everyone turned towards the centermost table in the room, but, before anyone could ask for the person's identity, another person exclaimed, "No way! Another dual wielder?" Everyone was perplexed as having dual abilities was very rare. Getting one person was a one-in-a-million chance, much less two.
"Yes, this year's bout presented three dual wielders." Everyone in the room gasped. They were beyond shocked, "Th… That's impossible", one remarked.
"Yet it is true. We have the Crystal and Space element-wielding Druark, Shadow and Light-wielding Shadow Knight and the Flame and Lightning-wielding Lightning Inferno Sovereign. Though the true identities of these three are currently unknown, there's no doubt that their appearance could tip everything in our favour if we play our cards right. Please make your choices after careful consideration."
And so, the meeting continued once again. On the scroll above Terasphere, participants were pitted against each other for the prelims to the bout.
"August Taurn, that's enough. You have been up to this since yesterday. Do you want to kill yourself?" a man in a black suit barged into an arena and barked. He was about fifty years old with short brown hair and was about a meter and a half tall.
A blue spiky-haired young man was training in the arena. He was about two meters tall and was shirtless. He had a chiselled physique and was covered in sweat. "This is not the time, Uncle. The prelims will start soon, and I need to prepare for that. Moreover, Princess Euphrasia would be watching", he said, continuing his training.
He wielded huge dual swords and slashed relentlessly at a knight. His uncle tried talking a few times, but the louder he spoke, the harder August slashed to increase the clanging noise. Grey aura burst forth from the man, and August turned towards him with a glare. "Do you plan on squashing me because I refused to listen to you? Go ahead then", he spat and watched the man furiously.
"You want to train, don't you? Come at me. I will test you. Block one palm strike from me. If you pass, you can do whatever you want, but if you fail, then you have to listen to me", the man announced and walked towards him. August looked at him indifferently and said, "Only a fool would accept such a proposal, and I'm no fool."
"Arrogant brat, I wasn't asking", his uncle said, appearing directly before him with a gentle palm strike. Though the palm strike looked ordinary, August felt like he was being crushed by a mountain. He drew out his swords and unleashed several sword airs at the palm. The arena shook as the sword air collided with the air from the approaching palm with a loud boom.
August quickly retreated, but the palm was still unto him. "Shit! This annoying old man. Does he want to kill me?" August pushed his physical strength to the max and slashed violently at the palm aura heading towards him like crazy. He was soaked with sweat. The palm slowly dissipated, and after another strike from him, it scattered in front of him.
"Huff, Huff, Huff", he panted heavily, dropping to his knees, supporting himself with his sword. "Hmph! Do as you please", his uncle said and walked away. "That nasty old man. I would surely get him", he swore in his heart while grinding his teeth.
A young white-haired man lay on the floor in an alley as water slowly dripped off his face. He slowly opened his eyes and realised it was raining. "Where am I?" he thought, lifting himself off the ground. He looked around but found nothing to give him any information about his whereabouts.
He found some rags and wrapped it around himself, securing it around his neck and walked towards the end of the alley. Just as he was about to walk out, he was sent flying by the sneeze of a man walking towards the alley. He crashed into a wall and coughed up blood. Flustered, he looked towards the man and realised something that utterly shocked him. As notified by the system and using his own element sense, he determined the man was ranked 0.
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