Chapter 509: Domain?
Just as the embers from the last battle faded into the void, the space before Max shimmered again. Faint energy rippled across the arena tiles as another figure began to take shape, slowly condensing from a haze of red and black.
A calm, emotionless voice rang out from above, echoing through the towering walls of the Inheritance Tower. "Second opponent of the True Inheritance Trial Qualification Test—Black Dragon Palace, Vanguard General Paul."
Max’s gaze sharpened. ’A Vanguard General?’ That meant Paul wasn’t just a common genius—he might be someone who led the charge in wars, someone who forged a path through fire and blood for others to follow.
The title carried weight, and Max’s interest stirred.
After a few heartbeats, the form fully materialized. A tall, black-haired youth stood across from him, his posture upright, his aura cold and disciplined. His expression held no trace of emotion—indifferent, as if he had killed a thousand times and expected nothing less this time either.
"Level 1 of Expert Rank..." Max observed casually, noting the same adjusted strength level. He remained still, waiting—calm, confident. He didn’t have to wait long.
Without a word, General Paul raised his hand, and with a sharp motion, three black fireballs ignited into existence, each swirling with refined intensity. The fire wasn’t normal—it crackled with a higher resonance, forged by the Concept of Flames.
They shot toward Max one after the other in rapid succession, their paths sharp and precise. Max’s eyes flicked once. With a smooth motion, he drew his sword and swept it in a fluid arc, slicing all three fireballs apart before they could touch him.
The flames hissed and vanished, snuffed out by the sheer sharpness of his strike.