A flash of white light streaked across the arena, and Stelle vanished from her original spot, reappearing elsewhere.
But…
Damn it all! This so-called "teleportation" only moved her ten meters—and it was completely random to boot!
Does this count as… delivering myself straight to the enemy?
At that moment, as the rapidly approaching train loomed larger in her vision, the light in Stelle's eyes dimmed.
I'm done for.
I've successfully played myself to death.
Then—
CRASH!
The train slammed into Stelle with a resounding impact.
However, another flash of white light erupted, and Stelle stood unharmed on the spot. Only a keen observer would notice the mark on the back of her hand had quietly shattered.
[Boundary Mark]: A limited-use item for the Luotian Grand Ritual. Activates an automatic defense against lethal or overwhelming attacks, but once used, the contestant is eliminated.
Note: Provided by the generous Dora Tongmeng.
With the Boundary Mark broken, one fact became undeniable—
Stelle: Eliminated.
The dejected Stelle trudged to the side of the arena, slumping into a corner as a gloomy aura enveloped her.
After eliminating Stelle, March 7th paid no attention to her crestfallen state. Instead, she swiftly maneuvered the train into a sharp turn, directing it straight toward Kiana's position.
I'll interrupt her casting! I'm winning this elimination match!
March 7th grinned to herself, exhilarated. She could sense that if Kiana completed her charged attack, it might actually pose a threat. Naturally, March had no intention of letting that happen.
But as the saying goes, even the best-laid plans often go awry.
In the blink of an eye—
Just as March 7th steered the train into its turn, the bullet inside Kiana's gun finished coalescing. Sensing its completion, Kiana didn't hesitate. She pulled the trigger.
BANG!
A crisp gunshot rang out.
The bullet, infused with violent energy, shot from Kiana's barrel like a streak of lightning, hurtling straight toward March 7th. Its speed defied logic—the moment it left the muzzle, it seemed to warp through space, appearing instantly before March's face.
At that exact moment, March was caught in the awkward transition between actions—her previous maneuver had just ended, and she hadn't yet regained her footing.
Before she could react, the gunshot echoed.
Kiana's bullet struck March 7th square on her snow-white forehead.
Another flash of white light erupted. March stood unharmed, save for a glaring red mark on her forehead. But the disappearance of the mark on her hand told the true story—Kiana's attack had done its job.
March 7th: OUT.
"Wuuu…"
March 7th wept silently in her heart.
If I'd known this would happen, I wouldn't have gotten cocky! Why did I forget to shield myself?!
Brimming with regret, she trudged over to Stelle, radiating misery, and plopped down beside her. Sensing her presence, Stelle wordlessly scooted over to make room.
…
Though the battle had seemed drawn out, it had actually concluded in the blink of an eye, leaving the audience stunned by its abrupt end.
Himeko watched the despondent March and Stelle from the sidelines and shook her head in exasperation.
March… I never thought you'd get this careless. Seems like after Belobog, you've let success go to your head. Time for some special training.
If you keep this mindset, you won't even know how you died when real danger comes.
And here I thought you'd win…
Sigh…
"…"
Dan Heng observed his two companions, the corners of his lips curling upward involuntarily.
Seeing the usually cheerful March like this… truly a sight to behold.
The joy of mischief filled his heart.
"You don't need to be so down, do you? It's just one match," Mei said, her voice laced with sympathy as she watched March and Stelle.
For some reason, seeing March in this state stirred an indescribable pang in her heart.
(March 7th's pseudo-counterpart, Elysia: "My, my, I wonder why that is? Teehee~ (＞＜)☆.")
"Haha, Mei, don't worry too much. March isn't like this because she lost the match," Welt said with a chuckle, casting a glance at March before waving his hand dismissively.
As someone who had traveled with her for so long, he understood her current mindset all too well.
"She's just kicking herself for being too reckless and messing up. Give her a moment, and she'll bounce back."
So that's the reason?
Mei nodded thoughtfully at Welt's explanation before shifting her attention back to the arena. After all, Kiana was still in the next match.
Meanwhile, Zhongli finally snapped out of his astonishment—his Hu Tao had somehow survived until the final round!
To think the young lady made it this far…
But the next match would leave no room for tricks.
I don't expect you to win. Just don't get hurt.
The ever-dutiful "father figure" Zhongli sighed inwardly, his gaze settling on the arena. But the moment he looked—
His usually impassive face twitched, an uncharacteristically odd expression flashing across it.
To his utter surprise, Hu Tao had not only defeated Kiana… but she'd done so in the most absurdly dramatic fashion.
…
Arena
Of the original four contestants, only Hu Tao and Kiana remained, locked in a standoff.
"Hehe, little Hu Tao~ Just surrender already. You can't beat me, and I'd hate to hurt you," Kiana teased.
(End of Chapter)