In a plain resembling a dormant volcano crater, Elliot and Garon stood facing each other.
Each stared into the other's eyes without hesitation.
Garon took a step forward, a wide grin forming on his face.
"Finally, I've found someone interesting among this pile of trash."
Essence surged through every inch of his massive body, veins bulging and muscles contracting with absolute force.
It was clear he had no intention of retreating this time.
"I hope you won't run like that coward," he added.
Elliot tightened his grip on his sword.
"I don't know who you're talking about… but let it be known."
"I'm not running."
In the next moment, both of them vanished from their spots.
They reappeared in the space between them. Garon launched his fist at Elliot while the latter met it with his sword.
The sound of the collision echoed through the entire area, and the black ground beneath their feet cracked.
Elliot expected his sword to cut through his opponent's grip but felt as if he were trying to slice steel with a wooden blade.
Garon smiled like a madman and charged even more. His fist pushed Elliot backward.
'What kind of physical strength is this?' thought Elliot.
With half a step backward, Elliot disappeared several meters away using his spatial manipulation ability.
But Garon didn't leave him alone. In a single moment, he closed the distance and landed another punch, creating a small explosion.
Elliot activated his gravity manipulation ability, doubling its effect around Garon several times.
He thought it would make him stumble or at least slow down, but to his shock, Garon gritted his teeth, his smile twisted even more.
And he laughed.
"Hahaha, finally… finally, a proper fight." He was happy to have found a strong opponent.
Elliot didn't hesitate and struck at Garon's sides, but like his fists, Garon didn't leave a single scratch.
'What kind of hardness is this?' he thought.
Garon moved, directing a kick toward Elliot. It seemed the doubled gravity had no effect on him at all. Elliot adjusted his sword defensively, meeting the kick, feeling numbness in his hands before flying backward.
Of course, Garon didn't leave him be. He pursued Elliot and rained down blows, cracking the ground and letting volcanic lava seep out.
Yet, they ignored all of that and continued exchanging strikes.
After a series of brutal attacks, Elliot stepped back, his breathing heavy.
He smiled.
"You're ridiculously tough."
He stopped manipulating gravity—it wasn't very useful anyway, and he couldn't multiply it more than five times at his current rank.
Speaking as he closed the distance again with his opponent:
"Then let's try something else."
He then activated another ability… his third ability.
An ability that allowed him to control the elements. Ridiculous, wasn't it?
Lightning crackled violently around Elliot's sword.
"Let's see if I can tear you from the inside then."
"Let's see what your little sparks can do," Garon replied with his grin.
Their fists and swords collided again, causing an explosion that shook the ground while lightning surged across Garon's body without leaving a single scratch.
But Elliot noticed a slight distortion in his opponent's expression from the pain.
It was proof that his attack had succeeded.
It showed that even with his opponent's ridiculous hardening, he was still vulnerable inside. The lightning was perfect for this type of enemy, piercing through the outer defense and destroying internal organs.
Elliot smiled this time.
"Seems I've found your weakness."
Garon snarled as he struck again.
"What… do you think that's enough to take me down?"
They continued clashing, exchanging countless blows.
Around them, a crater of pure destruction formed as volcanic lava flowed from all directions.
At some point, blood began to flow from Garon's mouth.
Elliot wasn't in perfect condition either. The fight had exhausted him, leaving injuries across his entire body.
Both gritted their teeth and pushed their bodies to the limit, letting out war cries.
Some spectators watched from afar but didn't dare intervene, fearing they'd be crushed by the violent clash.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, one of them fell.
Garon's knee hit the ground as he coughed up a lot of blood. The lightning had torn him apart from the inside.
He tried to resist and take down his opponent as quickly as possible, but it turned out this beautiful boy was much stronger than he appeared.
Elliot stood over him, declaring himself the winner of this battle. His breathing was rough, and the bruises on his handsome face were visible.
The victor smiled at the defeated.
"You were a strong opponent."
Garon responded with a grin showing his blood-stained teeth.
"Admit it, I lost this time… but next time, don't expect the same outcome."
And with that, Elliot delivered the final strike.
Another monster was eliminated.
He turned and looked toward the pillar of light, closer than ever before.
...
Elsewhere in the same volcanic field, a dark blue-haired girl with calm blue eyes stood on the barren black ground.
Around her, numerous weapons were stuck in the ground or scattered randomly.
Her armor was torn in several places, while blood hardened and clotted around the wounds. Her hair stuck to her beautiful face, hidden beneath layers of black soot.
It was clear she had endured a great fight.
In front of her was the opponent who had brought her to this state.
It was Princess Ellen Asterval, lying there in a pitiable condition.
After finishing her battle with Ivan, she had continued her path, encountering many opponents along the way and fighting more battles.
She was already exhausted when she faced Leona Starlin and was defeated by her.
Her goal of claiming first place was shattered.
Although she would remain in the top ten based on the points she had gathered even after the eliminations, knowing this, she felt a deep disappointment in herself.
Leona approached to finish the matter, and Ellen sensed her surroundings shift before being transported away.
The princess was eliminated.
...
Remaining time: [1:22:15]
Top ten rankings:
1.Elliot Sivrax [3541]
2.Leona Starlin [3321]
3.Ellen Asterval [2650]
4.Caius Astroweild [2308]
5.Kyle Astro [2170]
6.Garon Blackfall [1923]
7.Izel Ashvil [1830]
8.Ivan Rexel [1470]
...
In a place among massive volcanic rocks, the hunter Kyle Astro stood, his eyes scanning the entire area.
At times, he would draw his bow and release an arrow toward his prey, while hiding his presence using his ability.
While he was focused on someone running through the volcanic fields, a cold chill crept down his back.
It was the hunter's instinct… the instinct that told him he had become the prey.
With swift movements, Kyle concealed his bow and drew two long daggers, then turned around.
Behind him stood a young man with black hair and black eyes, wearing a joyful smile, as if he had found the grand prize.
It was Caius Astroweild.