The next instant, Jasmine realized the gravity of the situation."Oh no! He's on Steven's platform!" Seeing Frederick step onto the platform, Steven sneered mockingly. "Who's this skinny kid? Never seen you before. You dare challenge me? But hey, I'll give you credit for guts! I'll leave your corpse intact as a sign of respect!"With that, he charged straight at Frederick without hesitation."No! Stop!" Jasmine couldn't help but scream.The next moment, a thunderous sound echoed through the place as Steven's body flew through the air in a perfect arc. Then, he crashed heavily onto the ground.Blood sprayed from his mouth, and his eyes rolled back. His body convulsed uncontrollably.Frederick withdrew his hand, and quipped, "Could you be any ruder? You come up here just to take a swing at me? This tournament doesn't seem to value martial ethics much!"Instantly, the entire arena fell into silence. The crowds' eyes widened in disbelief."What just happened?""I think I saw Ste
"Revenge is a dish best served cold. There are plenty of opportunities ahead. We'll take our time!" The members of the Diamond Guild spat out these harsh words and departed triumphantly, leaving Frederick behind feeling both amused and exasperated.He had been late by several minutes, which by the rules should have disqualified him from participating. Yet, fate seemed to intervene in mysterious ways, allowing him to advance unexpectedly."This is absurd! It's as if some unseen hand is deliberately helping me out," Frederick mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.Suddenly, he looked up towards the highest tier of the spectator area, where a secluded private room was located. Liana was there, lounging with crossed legs like a commanding queen. Her smile was enchanting."It's just a few minutes late. With my name, I could sway the outcome of this entire event!" she declared with a sway of her wine glass.However, Liana wouldn't be helping Frederick any further. She wanted to witness
"Wayne Sowle? Never heard of you. You think you can tell me what to do?" Cameron tilted his head and sneered. "I don't want any trouble. Get lost, and I might spare your life."Wayne grinned wryly. "So you're not willing to back down, buddy?""No kidding!" Cameron's fist immediately shot out, ready to strike.Cameron had lost his patience. He was determined to send this guy packing to the next world if he insisted on picking a fight!But in that split second, Wayne astonishingly blocked Cameron's deadly attack with just one finger. The released energy dispersed like smoke in an instant.Cameron gasped in shock. "How is this possible?"Shaking his head, Wayne replied calmly, "I initially wanted to resolve this peacefully, but I guess things are the same everywhere, even in Aston."With a swift kick, he sent Cameron flying hundreds of meters away, the force collapsing walls on both sides. The scene unfolded before everyone's eyes. Cameron was bloodied and beaten, while Wayne was r
Frederick shrugged indifferently. "It doesn't matter. We'll see what happens when we get on stage."When everyone saw that Wayne was going to be Frederick's opponent, the scene exploded into excited chatter."Holy crap! That's Wayne Sowle!""I bet Frederick's in for a rough time!""Defeating Steven with just a slap shows some skill, but there's always someone better. Wayne is on a whole different level of extraordinary!"No one had any faith in Frederick winning. Some even started secret betting pools, with overwhelming odds favoring Wayne.Jasmine couldn't help but worry. "Wayne is so powerful. Will Frederick be okay?"Meanwhile, Douglas silently cursed in his heart. He hoped both would perish in the match, ending his grievances once and for all!Finally, it was time for them to take the stage.Wayne strolled in with a relaxed yet commanding stride. He narrowed his eyes slightly and declared, "Let this arena become the epitaph of heroes!"His words immediately became memorab
The leader struggled a while more on the ground before he breathed his last."He's dead!"The whole scene erupted into chaos. It was a complete mess!With just a few words, the formidable Savant Grandmaster had perished in such a miserable manner.It was terrifying!Now, Garo walked confidently up to Frederick and examined him closely."Good heavens. Sir, I have no personal grievance with you. I'm simply obliged to repay the Gallagher family for their long-term support. I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you to die!""Looks like you're showing your true colors now, huh?" Frederick replied with a smirk.So, the Gallaghers were behind this. That explained everything!Cameron and Steven, who had been injured before, headed to the spectator stands. Even Wayne, who was still dripping with blood, did the same.Normally, enemies meeting would lead to fierce animosity. But now, these three met and found their emotions surprisingly complex.Wayne forced a smile. "I think we all have a c
"Because I'm serious now!" Garo tore off his black robe, revealing a brown Venomsteel Plate underneath. It was crawling with many poisonous creatures.Everyone assumed Garo's strength lay in combat prowess. But as a witch doctor, his specialty was actually in curses and hexes. Close-quarter combat was, in actuality, his weakness."Now this is my true power! Repent for your earlier disrespect! You've already missed your chance for a painless death!" Garo snapped his fingers, and immediately, dark clouds gathered in the sky.Ordinary witch doctors relied on blood sacrifices and rituals to invoke their powers. Each curse required a significant setup time. But with the Venomsteel Plate, Garo could cast curses anytime, anywhere, at will! His swollen face twisted into a sinister grin as he screamed, "Go to hell!"This was the first time someone had slapped him away in such a manner. The blow had enraged him thoroughly. He was determined to tear the limbs off this young upstart with
"Also, nature mysticism is the natural nemesis of witchcraft!"The crowd gasped in awe."This kid actually knows the lost art of Ethereal Heights' nature mysticism!"Frederick approached Garo calmly, and demanded, "If you want to live, spill all the secrets of the Gallaghers’ plot."Looking hideous, Garo cursed, "Damn it! When did I say I lost? I haven't lost yet!"He suddenly roared and spat out a mouthful of blood, then plucked out one of his own eyeballs and crushed it in his palm.In an instant, his entire body transformed into a gigantic python. It opened its bloody jaws wide, and swallowed Frederick whole in one gulp."Ugh!"The entire arena erupted in uproar once again.Wayne was the first to react. Grinning maliciously, he said, "Hahaha! I know this move! It’s the serpent transformation in witchcraft! Once swallowed by Garo, he'll be corroded and digested by the stomach acid inside. He'll turn into a pile of rotting flesh in no time!"Cameron said in a gloating tone,
The judges' platform exploded into chaos, with insults flying in every direction. Frederick stood with his hands behind his back, leaping from the arena to confront them directly."Are you sure?" he asked as he scrutinized them from above. In an instant, the ground beneath them collapsed several meters.The judges, who had just been indignant moments before, fell silent. They were as pale as ghosts. They felt the palpable threat emanating from him.Then, they came to a startling realization—this was the man who had just beaten Garo to a pulp!"I..."Someone still had the courage to try and protest, but Frederick's gaze petrified him into silence, their tongues tied in fear."I have no objections...""No objections? Good, I'll take that as unanimous agreement!" Frederick chuckled, and walked away. Next, he approached Wayne and his companions."Didn't you guys enjoy barking like dogs just now?" Frederick taunted. "Let's hear it again!"Wayne and the others turned pale, as if