The battlefield shifted once again, the vast chaotic zone dissolving into a perfectly structured arena as the remaining participants were pulled into a new space, and when the light settled, only ten figures stood across the massive platform.
The noise from the crowd outside roared like thunder, but inside, there was only silence, a heavy, suffocating stillness that pressed against the chest of every participant, top Ten.
This was no longer a test of survival.nThis was a battle of monsters. Lee Hyun stood calmly, his gaze moving across the arena, studying each opponent carefully. Every single one here was different from the rest, their presence sharp, refined, and dangerous. There were no weak ones left.
The host's voice echoed again.
"The final stage begins. From here… Every fight will determine your rank. No luck. No escape. Only strength."
A barrier rose around the arena, sealing it completely, the energy thick enough to withstand even the most destructive attacks. The rules were simple, brutal, and absolute.
"Fight."
The first match was called.
"Lee Hyun versus Kang Daejin."
A large figure stepped forward, his presence heavy, his body built like a fortress, veins bulging as raw power surged through him. His eyes burned with confidence, a grin forming on his face.
"Finally… I get to crush the so-called monster."
His aura flared. Lee Hyun's Player insight got activated and the information started to show.
[A Rank – Titan Berserker]
A physical-type awakener, specializing in overwhelming strength and endurance, his ability allowed him to amplify his body with each passing second of battle, turning him into a walking disaster.
Lee Hyun stepped forward without a word. The signal dropped. Kang Daejin moved first, the ground cracking beneath his feet as he charged forward like a raging beast, his fist coated in dense energy as he swung directly at Lee Hyun's head fast and powerful. Enough to crush bone instantly.
But Lee Hyun didn't step back. He stepped in. Their movements collided. The moment the fist came down, Lee Hyun twisted his body slightly, the attack grazing past him as his sword moved upward in a clean arc. The sound of metal slicing through air echoed sharply, and blood followed.
A deep cut appeared across Kang Daejin's chest. He staggered. Shock filled his eyes.
"…What?"
Before he could react again, Lee Hyun moved, his steps fluid, seamless, Dragon Blade Dance was now flowing naturally as he struck again, and again, and again. Each movement was precise, each strike placed perfectly.
Kang Daejin roared, activating his ability, his body expanding, muscles swelling, power rising violently, but it didn't matter. Because he couldn't keep up. Lee Hyun's final strike landed a clean slash.
Kang Daejin was sent flying out of the arena, crashing into the barrier before falling unconscious. A brief moment of silence remained. Then, explosion of voices occurs.
"That was instant!"
"He didn't even let him grow!"
Lee Hyun didn't react. He stepped back. The next match was called.
"Min Seoah versus Han Yura."
A woman stepped forward, her presence sharp, her eyes glowing faintly with a golden hue. Lee Hyun's Player insight got activated again.
[A Rank – Spirit Archer]
A long-range specialist who controlled spirit-infused arrows capable of tracking targets and exploding on impact.
Min Seoah walked forward calmly. The match began. Han Yura immediately distanced herself, her bow forming from condensed energy as she fired multiple arrows in rapid succession, each one splitting mid-air into several smaller projectiles.
A perfect ranged assault, but, the temperature suddenly started to dropped. Min Seoah raised her hand and the air froze. The arrows slowed, then stopped.
Her eyes glowed faintly and frost spread. In the next moment, everything shattered. Ice exploded outward, consuming the projectiles and rushing toward Han Yura, who barely managed to dodge, her expression turning serious as she realized the gap.
She fired again. This time more faster and tronger. But Min Seoah didn't backdown either. She moved a single step. And she was already in front of her. She unleashed a palm strike. It was cold and with absolute strength.
Han Yura's body froze instantly, her movements locked as ice covered her completely, and with a slight push, she fell, and was defeated. The arena trembled with reactions.
"She didn't even use her full power…"
"Is this really SS rank?"
"I even heard that, she unlocked her hidden talent and her talent awakened and then evolved. She is now SSS ranked individual."
"No way... What the hell is that nonsense.. she awakened hidden talent and also her talent evolved?.. Terrifying.."
The matches continued. One by one, winners rose and lsers fell.
Seo Jinhyuk.
[S Rank – Shadow Assassin]
A silent killer who manipulated shadows, appearing and disappearing at will, his attacks aimed directly at vital points.
He fought against Park Minwoo.
[A Rank – Flame Brawler]
A close-combat fighter who coated his entire body in flames, turning every strike into a burning explosion.
Their fight was intense, fast and deadly. Shadows clashed with fire. Speed against power. In the end, a single misstep, and a shadow blade pierced through defense, And Seo Jinhyuk stood victorious.
Then came another.
Yoo Seungmin.
[S Rank – Gravity Controller]
A rare ability user who could manipulate gravitational force within a limited radius, crushing opponents or enhancing his own movement unpredictably.
He faced Choi Arin.
[A Rank – Wind Dancer]
A speed-type fighter who moved like flowing air, her attacks light but relentless.
The battle turned chaotic, as Gravity surged and Wind twisted. The arena cracked under pressure. But in the end, Gravity won. Choi Arin collapsed under immense force. Yoo Seungmin stood still, breathing heavily but victorious.
As the matches concluded, only a few remained. The strongest, the true elites. Lee Hyun, Min Seoah, Seo Jinhyuk, Yoo Seungmin, and many others who had proven themselves through overwhelming strength.
The atmosphere changed again into something heavier and sharper. No one spoke. Because everyone knew, what came next.
The host stepped forward.
"Now… Final placements begin."
A pause.
"Prepare yourselves."
Lee Hyun glanced across the arena. His eyes met Min Seoah's for a brief moment. No words. But understanding. Then, his gaze shifted. Toward the others. The real fights, were about to begin.
---
To be continued..