The battlefield had been reduced to ruins.
The tournament had begun with over ten thousand participants—the finest young warriors from sects, clans, and empires.
Yet in the end, only ten remained.
Ten figures stood upon the Celestial Arena, their presence commanding the attention of countless spectators.
These were the ones who had carved their way through the blood-soaked battles, emerging as the undisputed elites of the younger generation.
And among them, hidden in plain sight—was death itself.
---
The Top Ten Ranked Combatants
A grand announcement was made, each name sending ripples through the audience.
1. Alexander Magnus – (Verdant Sky Sect)
The uncontested supreme contender. None had even scratched him, let alone forced him to fight seriously.
His dominion over the battlefield made him the most terrifying existence present.
Feared, envied, and hated in equal measure.
2. Kael Vortanis – (Imperial Blood Battalion)
The young warlord, disciple of the Empire's strongest general.
A master of Dominion Force, capable of suppressing weaker minds through sheer will.
Ruthless, cunning, and unafraid of Alexander's overwhelming presence.
3. Lysara Celestia – (Celestial Divine Pavilion)
The saintess of the celestials, wielding divine light and prophecy.
Known for her ability to see glimpses of fate, making her an unpredictable opponent.
Holds deep concerns about Alexander's existence but is uncertain whether he is a calamity or something beyond that.
4. Mordain Felflame – (Abyssal Demon Clan)
A young demon Duke whose body burned with Abyssal Hellfire.
Each step he took melted the ground beneath him.
The only competitor who seemed to admire Alexander, rather than fear him.
5. Yara Draconis – (Ancient Dragon Bloodline)
A princess of the Primordial Dragon Race, possessing terrifying draconic qi.
Each attack carried dragon might, capable of suppressing those with weaker bloodlines.
She regarded Alexander with caution and curiosity, as his very presence seemed to shake the natural order.
6. Varian Blackthorn – (Phantom Blood Sect)
A master of shadow techniques, said to be an assassin prodigy.
Specialized in killing without leaving a trace.
His presence was so faint that many spectators barely noticed him.
7. Rael Stormcrest – (Heavenly Lightning Hall)
A wielder of Heavenly Tribulation Lightning, said to be one of the fastest cultivators.
His speed and destructive power made him a formidable opponent.
However, his pride had already been shattered after seeing Alexander's heaven-defying tribulation.
8. Xian Wuji – (Netherworld Ghost Sect)
A wielder of death qi and necrotic arts.
His strikes drained the lifeforce of those he touched.
Feared but not widely trusted, even among his peers.
9. Sylva Moonblade – (Lunar Sword Sect)
A sword genius, known for her Moonlight Slash that could split mountains.
One of the few who did not show any hostility toward Alexander.
However, she kept her distance, sensing that his fate was tied to something beyond mortal comprehension.
10. Kyros Duskveil – (Unknown Origin)
A mysterious contestant who had never spoken nor revealed their true face.
A late addition to the tournament, yet their power was undeniable.
Their stealth and killing intent were unnatural.
Secretly, this was the assassin sent to kill Alexander.
---
Pairings Announced
With the top ten chosen, the next round was one-on-one elimination duels.
The matchups were determined randomly by the Celestial Will, an ancient artifact that prevented manipulation.
But when the names appeared on the divine screen, Kael Vortanis smirked.
The heavens themselves had made his job easier.
Match 1: Alexander Magnus (1) vs Kyros Duskveil (10)
Match 2: Kael Vortanis (2) vs Sylva Moonblade (9)
Match 3: Lysara Celestia (3) vs Xian Wuji (8)
Match 4: Mordain Felflame (4) vs Rael Stormcrest (7)
Match 5: Yara Draconis (5) vs Varian Blackthorn (6)
The moment Alexander saw his opponent, his gaze sharpened.
Kyros Duskveil.
There was something wrong about this contestant.
A presence that did not belong.
A killing intent that did not stem from rivalry—but from absolute resolve.
This was no ordinary battle.
This was an execution attempt.
Alexander did not smile. He did not rage.
He simply acknowledged the reality.
"So they've sent another one."
Fine.
If death itself sought him, then he would remind the world—
He does not die.
---
In the Shadows
High above the battlefield, Kael Vortanis leaned back, fingers steepled.
Everything had fallen into place.
This "Kyros Duskveil" was no ordinary assassin.
He was an imperial specter, trained in the Abyssal Death Arts, capable of killing even Saint-level cultivators before they could react.
His blade had ended the lives of heaven's chosen, peerless prodigies, and even a Celestial Clan Elder.
Alexander Magnus would not leave this arena alive.
Kael's golden eyes gleamed with cold amusement.
"Struggle all you want, monster. The end has already come."