Chapter 6: Hidden Power Unleashed
The sun hung high above the arena, its golden rays spilling across the grand stage. The crowd buzzed with anticipation. Two young geniuses were about to clash—a duel everyone knew would be remembered.
Elton Solman vs. Cedric Vanthor.
Cedric stood tall, his aura radiating confidence. His Silver-Tier Ki pulsed sharply, and the crimson-lined dagger in his grip shimmered with restrained power. His noble lineage carried prestige, and he carried himself as one who believed victory was his by right.
"You know, Solman," Cedric said smoothly, flipping his dagger with practiced ease, "I've been watching this tournament closely. There are a few strong ones here, but you… you've caught my eye."
Elton raised an eyebrow. "Should I be flattered?"
Cedric chuckled, his smirk widening. "Maybe. But strength isn't about potential—it's about dominance. And today, I'll dominate you."
Elton's hand rested on the hilt of his sword, though he hadn't drawn it yet. His eyes held calm fire. "Funny. From where I'm standing, you sound like you're trying to convince yourself."
Cedric's smirk faltered. "Arrogant. Let's see if your blade can back up your mouth."
The referee raised his hand. His voice boomed.
"Let the match begin!"
BOOM!
Both fighters shot forward, weapons clashing with explosive force. Sparks flew as sword met dagger, each strike sending shockwaves across the stage.
The crowd gasped as the two prodigies collided in a storm of speed and skill.
Elton twisted his blade, parrying Cedric's thrust and countering with a sharp slash. Cedric ducked low, his leg sweeping out in a brutal kick. Elton barely leapt aside, dust scattering under his landing.
Their exchange was relentless. Cedric's dagger strikes lashed out like a serpent's fangs—fast, precise, venomous. Elton's blade was fluid, intercepting each attack with controlled efficiency.
Spectators leaned forward, breathless.
At the edge of the arena, Zoro stood with arms crossed, a smirk on his face. "He's taking his time with this one."
Beside him, Christy's eyes gleamed with interest. "Elton's holding back. But Cedric's no pushover. This is worth watching."
The tempo shifted. Cedric pressed harder, his dagger glowing with Silver-Tier energy. Each strike carried the weight of a seasoned fighter, and Elton found himself deflecting blow after blow.
"You're good," Cedric admitted between attacks, "but you're barely keeping up."
Elton exhaled. "You're not bad yourself. But I expected more from the so-called genius of the Vanthor family."
Cedric's eyes darkened. "You'll regret that."
He retreated a step, then twirled his dagger. Suddenly, it pulsed with a sinister red aura, crackling with restrained ferocity.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
Christy's lips curved faintly. "Here it comes."
Cedric lowered his stance, power thrumming in the weapon. "Scarlet Fang Rend!"
He blurred, vanishing in a crimson streak.
The attack came with terrifying speed. To the audience, it looked unstoppable.
Elton's eyes narrowed.
This was strong.
But he was stronger.
He sighed. "I didn't want to do this."
BOOM!
Ki Essence erupted from his body in a violent wave. The ground cracked beneath his feet. His sword gleamed, engulfed in a raging electric-blue aura that pulsed with lethal intensity.
The crowd went silent.
Cedric's pupils shrank. "What—"
Elton moved. His speed doubled, his form a blur. He sidestepped Cedric's Scarlet Fang Rend with effortless grace.
And then he struck.
Slash!
Cedric staggered as blood spilled across his chest, his armor split by a clean, devastating cut. He barely kept his dagger aloft, shock etched across his face.
"You're strong, Cedric," Elton said, voice calm but resolute. "But you're not strong enough."
Cedric roared in defiance. "Not yet! I can still—"
But Elton didn't let him finish.
Lightning crackled across his blade, arcs of blue Ki tearing through the air. Energy built around him until the very arena trembled.
With one sharp exhale, he vanished.
He reappeared in front of Cedric, sword raised.
"Lightning Star Collision!"
BOOOOOOM!
A thunderous slash of lightning-infused Ki erupted, colliding head-on with Cedric's desperate counterattack. The explosion shook the entire arena, shockwaves rattling the stands.
When the dust cleared, Cedric lay outside the ring, his body battered, armor shattered, dagger broken at his side. His chest heaved with ragged breaths, disbelief filling his eyes.
Elton landed softly. His sword hummed with residual energy before he calmly sheathed it.
The referee, wide-eyed, raised his hand. "Elton Solman… wins!"
The arena erupted.
"He defeated Cedric Vanthor?!"
"What was that technique?!"
"That wasn't Silver-Tier 1 strength—it looked like Silver-Tier 3!"
In the stands, Christy's eyes gleamed brighter, her smile sharp with intrigue. "He's even more interesting than I thought."
Zoro chuckled under his breath. "Took you long enough, Elton."
Elton stood tall at the center of the arena. His gaze drifted toward the higher stands—where powerful figures now watched him closely, interest sharpened to a razor's edge.
Inside his mind, the inner voice chuckled darkly.
"Now you've done it."
Elton exhaled, his expression calm. "Oh well I guess it is what it is."