Chapter 657: End of the fifth round
However, it was clear after a few more exchanges that Jay had the edge. His flames were gradually burning hotter, fiercer—his control of the Flame Concept deepening as he fought.
Each swing of his sword grew more precise, more forceful, while Gillian’s movements began to slow, ever so slightly, weighed down by exhaustion. Then came the turning point.
As Gillian charged in with both blades ready to slice diagonally across Jay’s sides, Jay suddenly stomped down, unleashing a circular burst of flame that sent Gillian off balance. In that instant, Jay surged forward, roaring, and brought his broadsword down with a flaming arc.
Boom!
Gillian crossed both his swords to block, but the overwhelming force sent him crashing to the ground, his weapons flying from his hands. Dust clouded the stage as silence overtook the arena. When it cleared, Jay stood panting, flames still licking the edges of his sword, while Gillian lay sprawled, unable to rise.
"Victory—Jay Rider!" Elder Kian declared.
The crowd erupted into cheers and murmurs of awe. It had been a fierce battle between two skilled concept wielders, but Jay’s mastery, raw power, and steady focus had ultimately given him the upper hand.
Just like that, many such battles continued to unfold one after another in the grand arena, each clash painting its own tale of talent, will, and ambition. The platform that once stood pristine now bore the scars of fierce determination—cracked tiles, burn marks, torn fragments of weapons, and traces of elemental forces that lingered in the air.
One by one, geniuses stepped forward when their names were called, each holding hopes of ascending the ranks and securing their place within the Great Ruler Empire. Blades met claws, flames danced against ice, lightning crackled through illusions, and the ground itself was shaken by brute force. Every battle was different.