The subsequent battles grew increasingly thrilling.
Morpheus watched, dazzled.
Every team in the top 32 was formidable, and the intensity of their clashes surpassed earlier rounds, leaving spectators in awe.
Yet, this round saw many youkai and superhumans fall in battle.
A sobering sight.
Soon, it was the Team Extraterrestrial's turn.
Their opponent unexpectedly was the One Shadow Nine Fists.
Morpheus hadn't anticipated facing members of the YAMI's empty-hand faction.
First to take the stage was Saeko, naturally.
Her opponent: Alexander Gaidar, the Annihilation Fist of the One Shadow Nine Fists.
In his original story, Gaidar was a Russian army colonel, a master of Systema, rivaling Akisame Kōetsuji in blending martial arts with artistry.
Even slight provocation turned him brutal and belligerent.
He once slaughtered an entire squadron to quell his rage, leading to his expulsion from the military, though he later rejoined as a colonel.
He despised firearms, an oddity in his world.
In his story, he fought a fierce battle against Akisame Kōetsuji but lost.
Bound by the martial artist's code of honoring the victor, he was imprisoned in the secret BIGLOCK facility.
Yet he could escape anytime, choosing to stay out of respect for that code.
A man of his word.
In pure martial skill, Saeko was no match for him.
The fight proved it.
From the outset, Saeko was outclassed, suppressed by Gaidar, her swordsmanship stifled.
Fortunately, her mastery of magic allowed her to evade his attacks or block his killing blows at critical moments.
For a time, she held her ground, avoiding total defeat.
But whenever she abandoned magic to counterattack with swordplay, Gaidar effortlessly subdued her.
Their martial prowess wasn't on the same level.
Morpheus shook his head.
Saeko overpowering Gaidar in martial arts was impossible. Her defeat was only a matter of time.
Boom!
After a fierce exchange, Gaidar exploited a flaw, striking Saeko's wrist.
Her arm went numb, and her katana flew out, landing several meters away.
Gaidar's kick to her abdomen sent her flying seven or eight meters.
"If you used magic, you could hold your own," Gaidar said. "But in pure martial arts, you're no match for me."
"Join our organization, and I can have Weapon Group masters train you."
Gaidar saw Saeko's obsession with perfecting her swordsmanship, aspiring to reach the master's realm.
But she was too young to ascend so easily.
Still, her strength was undeniable, surpassing apprentice level to reach expert status, not far from mastery.
With years of dedicated training, she could become a master.
He admired her cold, lethal swordsmanship—honed by killing, distinct from the live-combat fists of others.
She'd fit well in his organization.
Thus, he extended the invitation.
Saeko asked, "What if I want guidance from Oganosuke Yogi?"
She knew from Morpheus the nature of Yami and Oganosuke Yogi's caliber.
Gaidar shook his head. "That's not my call."
But from the stands, Oganosuke Yogi opened his eyes. "Join Yami, and I'll take you as my disciple."
He cared little for Saeko but saw value in those behind her—Karna, Raikou, and others.
Their strength was extraordinary.
Using Saeko to recruit them was tempting.
Saeko, surprised by Oganosuke Yogi's offer, glanced at Morpheus.
He said calmly, "Decide for yourself. No need to ask me."
Saeko considered, then said, "Alright."
She conceded to Gaidar.
No point lingering when she couldn't win.
Saeko stepped down, and Hitomi took the stage.
Unlike Saeko's fixation on martial arts, Hitomi had no such attachment, instead favoring magic and mastering various spells.
She preferred magical attacks in combat.
Slash Magic.
Recently learned via the platform, it let her unleash varied slashing strikes.
Their power scaled with her energy, perfect for her.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
The moment Hitomi stepped up, she unleashed a barrage of slashes, varying in strength and size.
Each could slice through earth, shatter stone, or cleave steel.
Even Gaidar couldn't ignore them. With a burst of unparalleled aura, he pulverized the incoming slashes.
After one wave, he felt his energy drain heavily.
Before he could recover, a second wave of slashes surged toward him.
This time, he dodged instead of clashing.
But Hitomi anticipated this. With a wave, the slashes curved, chasing Gaidar from all directions, boxing him in.
No escape.
Forced to act, Gaidar unleashed hundreds of punches, shattering the onslaught.
He carved a path through the storm, charging at Hitomi and landing a punch to halt her third wave.
Her magic was too troublesome.
But Hitomi was ready, her hexagonal energy shield blocking his attack.
The third wave of slashes arrived as promised.
Gaidar dodged while seeking an opening.
Hitomi, like an impervious fortress, deflected his assaults, ultimately exhausting him to claim victory.
***
Bonus Chapter:
100 Power Stones = 1 BC
300 Power Stones = 2 BC
500 Power Stones = 3 BC
700 Power Stones = 4 BC
1000 Power Stones = 5 BC
***
If you want to read up to 50 chapters ahead, don't hesitate to visit our patron: pat reon . com / XElenea (removespace)