After his eighth consecutive victory, Elias returned to the registration hall.
The arena officials approached him. "You've qualified for championship matches.
"What's the difference?"
"Championship matches are against top-tier Initiates—fighters at peak cultivation and peak Infinity Law comprehension. 20% Infinity Law minimum. These are cultivators who could advance to Adept level any day but choose to dominate the Initiate bracket for glory and profit."
Crimson Spear Theron, undefeated for thirty years, accepts your challenge."
"Good. Arrange it."
"This match will be held in Arena Omega—a cluster of 500 barren multiverses, the largest void field available. The betting pool is already forming. Millions of cultivators are placing wagers."
Elias visited the betting hall. The odds: 3-to-1 in Theron's favor, despite Elias's streak. The champion's reputation was that strong.
"I'm betting everything. 9,077,400 Essence on myself to win."
