In the massive arena at the heart of Meta City, crowds of spectators poured in to witness the battles. Outside, shops broadcasted the competition across Meta—and even to other planets. This tournament was being watched across the universe, as overseers everywhere monitored the fights closely. Eugene and Kai had entered the competition.
The battle announcer's voice boomed:
"Welcome, everyone, to the tournament for a grand prize of over ten thousand units! This round features four final matchups. Let the games begin!"
Fireworks erupted across the arena in celebration.
Fwoooosh… Bang! Bang! Bang! Boom!
"Contestants, please take your positions in the arena!" the announcer commanded, the words echoing across the stands and transmitted live throughout the galaxy.
"Our first match: Eugene of Wrath versus Thos of Infernal Flames!"
Eugene stepped onto the arena floor, all eyes following him from the stands, while cameras broadcasted every move.
"Hmm… Infernal Flames, huh? Wonder how strong this one really is," Eugene muttered under his breath.
At that moment, a man appeared. Wearing brown pants and a black tank top, Thos was completely engulfed in roaring flames, his eyes fixed on Eugene with pure rage. Eugene remained calm, eyes unblinking.
"Hahaha… I'll burn you to ashes, you redhead!" Thos bellowed.
The announcer shouted:
"Let the first match begin!"
BOOM! Explosions rocked the arena as sparks shot high into the air. The crowd gasped at the display of raw power.
Thos immediately launched a massive fireball at Eugene.
Eugene stood motionless, letting the flames hit him directly.
"How's that? Feeling the heat of my flames?" Thos shouted triumphantly.
BOOM! Dust and smoke filled the arena.
When the haze cleared, Eugene remained standing as if nothing had happened. His eyes glowed red, and flames now enveloped his entire body.
The announcer interjected excitedly:
"What is this?! Fire versus fire! Who will prevail? Let's find out!"
Eugene, unfazed by the attack, spoke coolly:
"Hmph… That's the best you can do? Watch the flames of a true warrior!"
Engulfed in fire, Eugene shot forward like a rocket, leaving a trail of blazing fire in his wake. He struck Thos, sending him flying into the arena wall.
CRASH!
Eugene didn't pause—he grabbed Thos's head and dragged the massive man across the wall until he stopped moving. Seizing the moment, Eugene kicked Thos hard, sending him tumbling across the ground violently.
Thos struggled to stand but could barely maintain his balance.
Eugene then reshaped his flames into a giant arrow, launching it straight at Thos.
BOOM!
Thos froze mid-motion and collapsed to the ground, completely defeated.
"Eugene of Wrath moves on to the next round!" the announcer declared.
Eugene walked off the arena floor, a slight smile on his face mixed with a frown.
"Ugh… That wasn't very fun. Already won the first round… this is getting too easy," he muttered.
He returned to the stands beside Kai, who was snacking on treats bought from outside the arena, while still keeping an eye on the battlefield.
The announcer's voice rang out again:
"Without further delay, let's move on to the next round! Round two: The Mysterious Woman versus Marina, the Spear of War! Let the battle begin!"
BOOM! Explosions rocked the arena once more as the second match commenced.
Marina charged at the cloaked woman, thrusting her spear toward her face. The mysterious woman caught the weapon with both hands, deflecting it with a swift spin of her arm like a propeller.
Fwoooosh!
Marina's body was flung through the air, crashing hard against a stone wall.
CRASH!
The arena shook violently. Debris flew everywhere as the impact caused severe structural damage. Spiderweb-like cracks appeared along the walls. Marina's body slipped from the wall, hitting the ground with a heavy thud!
She lay still, unconscious immediately.