The competition arena was no longer recognizable. Where flames had been burning just moments ago… there was now a strange green spiritual glow spreading everywhere. The ground… the air… the broken stones… even the remaining wisps of smoke… were all being dyed in green light. As if the entire environment was falling under the control of some other power.
Everyone's breaths stopped. Fear spread across the faces of the prisoners. The guards instinctively stepped back.
And in the middle of the arena — Shon Yakshini was standing in the air. Her body was burned… her skin had turned black in many places… but there was no pain left in her eyes now. Only frenzy. Only boiling rage. Only the desire to kill.
The staff in her hand slowly began to glow. Waves of green light spread outward from it in all directions.
Seeing this, Lily narrowed her eyes slightly. For the first time, a subtle warning rose inside her— "This… is not ordinary power…"
Then — Shon laughed.
Slowly… then louder… and then almost like a madwoman.
"Ha… ha… ha… ha…!!!"
Her voice echoed throughout the arena.
"You think… you've won…?"
She tilted her head. The pupils of her eyes were now glowing with green light.
"You… killed my pet…"
Her voice became heavy.
"You injured and killed my bodyguards…"
Her grip tightened on the staff.
"You stole my fire technique…"
Suddenly her voice turned into a scream— "And stopped my progress!!!"
BOOOOM!!!
A powerful wave of energy burst from her body. The ground trembled. Lily's clothes fluttered violently in the wind. Up in the spectator stands, Master Jins' expression became serious.
He spoke in a low voice— "Domain… how is this possible? She's only in the mid stage of the sixth level." Liora's face changed. "What… Domain?"
Master Jins' eyes were fixed on the arena.
"She… is opening her territory…"
At that very moment — Shon raised her staff toward the sky.
And shouted— "Verdant Death Domain — Awaken!!!"
DHAAAAAAAAAAAM!!!!!
A massive energy explosion occurred. The entire arena was submerged in green light. People's eyes were blinded. And in the very next moment — everything had changed.
The ground of the arena was no longer soil. It had become like a massive living forest. Thick vines had grown everywhere. Tree-like roots were emerging from the ground. The air had become heavy. And the most terrifying part — There was a feeling that life force was being drained from the environment. The prisoners' faces turned pale. Some people dropped to their knees.
"My… power…"
A guard said while trembling.
"It's… being pulled away…"
Lily immediately understood.
This domain… was absorbing spiritual energy.
Then — FAT!!!
A vine shot up near her feet and tried to wrap around her leg. Lily instantly stepped back.
But — Dozens of vines began rushing toward her from all directions. Shon floated in the air, smiling. Now her voice was calm. Terrifyingly calm.
"In this domain…"
She said— "I… am invincible."
She waved her hand. Hundreds of vines attacked Lily at once.
BOOM!!! Lily released flames. Many vines burned to ashes.
But — As many as burned… that many grew again. For the first time, tension appeared in Lily's eyes.
Above, Snehwal had already clenched his fists. His heart was beating rapidly.
"This… is dangerous…"
He could feel it — this fight was no longer the same as before.
Then — A thick vine came at lightning speed.
DHAAAAM!!!
It struck directly into Lily's shoulder. Lily slid backward. A faint groan escaped her lips.
Snehwal's eyes widened.
"Lily…!"
But — The most terrifying thing was still left. Shon slowly began descending. Her body was now covered in green light. Even her burned skin was gradually healing.
She smiled.
"Can you see…?"
She said.
"This is my domain…"
"Here… even your fire… won't be able to save you…"
Madness gleamed in her eyes.
"Today… you will die, Lily."
Silence fell over the arena. And at that very moment — Lily slowly raised her sword.
There was no fear in her eyes. Only determination. As if — She was about to reveal her true power.
Seeing this scene, a satisfied smile spread across Humbha Yakshini's lips. It was clear in her eyes — the situation was moving exactly in the direction she had been waiting for.
At that very moment, Master Jins slightly turned his head and looked toward Humbha and Omas, the king of the Chintamani Empire. Seriousness had descended onto his face.
In a low but clear voice, he said — "Humbha… and Omas… both are on the same side…"
His words were not ordinary — there was a warning hidden within them.
Meanwhile, seeing all this, the restlessness inside Snehwal could no longer remain hidden. His fists had tightened. Faint spiritual energy began to glow between his fingers — as if his power itself was reacting.
The air had become heavy. Tension… was spreading in every direction.