To earn enough money for 'Evolution Stones', Kael joined the Underground Arena—a place where people fought without revealing their identities. He wore a mask and took the name 'Vanguard'.
His first opponent was a massive man known as 'The Crusher', a Level 18 warrior with Earth magic.
"A skinny brat with a broken sword?" The Crusher laughed, swinging a giant hammer.
The crowd cheered for Kael's death. But Kael didn't move until the last second. He didn't use mana to block; he used his raw speed. He slid under the hammer and struck The Crusher's knee with the hilt of his blade.
CRACK.
[Critical Hit!]
[Passive Skill 'Internal Rupture' Unlocked.]
The arena went silent as the Level 18 giant fell to his knees before the Level 14 masked boy. Kael didn't kill him. He just took his winnings and walked away. He wasn't there for fame; he was there for the grind.