(Zack's POV)
The movement of white energies slowed as the blood essence began to dry. My skeleton's red line mark becomes more dazzling. I'm getting a Dred vibe from Red Mark.
"Boom," a muffled sound burst from my body. The surrounding dense energy poured crazily into my body.
"I finally made it."
"Initial- Special Trainee – Physical Strength"
My physique has broken through; I can feel my meridians widening and my veins strengthening. As a result, it can withstand powerful lightning current in my veins.
My veins were filled with a warm energy. Every cell in my body was pulsing with energy. I can feel a lively feeling, it's almost mystical. In joy, I clenched my fist. I can crush Luke with just my body strength. With each level increase, my confidence grows.
After experiencing a breakthrough, I began adjust my strength. Time passed as I focused on adjusting my breathing. I eventually forgot the time.
Afternoon arrived,
My sci-fi (scientific) watch flashed with a notification. Hearing that sound, I opened my eyes. I recognised it as a reminder notification for the duel as soon as I glanced at it. I got up from the meditation mat after I confirmed it.
...
Luke, on the other hand, is preparing for the duel as well. "I'm not sure?" How did he previously killed those people? But today, I'll make certain that he suffers the same fate," Luke sneered in his heart.
Even Zack possesses middle-level power. He won't be able to withstand his fist. He has already ascended to the Peak level of Trainee Apprentice Warrior. As a result, he is unconcerned about today's duel. All he wants is good rewards from the Masked Man.
He hasn't contacted him in a while due to uncertainty. Even today, he is unsure whether he will oppose Zack. The duel has a random selection. But he has a feeling he'll be up against Zack today.
As a result, he immediately dialled the number for the Masked Man.
As the phone call connects, he hears an impatient voice say, "What is it Luke, I'm busy today." I told you not to call me for trivial matters." The masked man responded quickly.
Hearing his words, Luke has black lines on his forehead. He's already prepared some questions, but he's forgetting them right now. For a brief moment, he adjusted his breathing.
"Ahmm, Today is a life or death battle for the position of seed candidate. I might get to fight Zack today." Luke spoke in a solemn tone.
Masked Man's eyes glimmer with surprise on the other end of the line. He had almost forgotten about Zack's existence. But when he heard from Luke, he was unimpressed. His hands were already tied due to an ongoing matter. His organization's elders were scoffing. In order to find that unknown enemy, everyone is working harder. They were not sparing the organization's resources.
Their organisation is just one of many in the dark world. There are other organisations doing similar work as them.
Some of them were also contacted by the head of his organisation. In the hopes of locating their adversary, he also delegated the remainder of the work to Assassin Ed. As a result, he focuses on locating that bastard (unknown enemy).
"Boss"
"Boss"
Luke, on the other hand, utters his name, believing that the Masked Man will not be able to hear him. As a result, he yells in the call.
When he hears the words "Boss," the masked man returns to reality. However, he was unconcerned about Luke and Zack. He had already given the order to Assassin Ed. It's not a good sign if Luke intervenes and demands a reward. Nonetheless, he replied, "Okay, you contact me after the duel."
Because it's a life or death fight. He'll die if he loses that duel. Even if he is successful, he can hire assassin Ed to deal with him.
The masked man then abruptly terminates the call.
Luke's face turned green on the other side. The masked man didn't give him a straight answer from start to finish. He also has a bad feeling about the masked man. Because it isn't his place to ask him. As a result, he didn't dare to inquire. All of his resentment turned to rage against Zack.
He wouldn't have registered for the life or death duel in the first place if it hadn't been for Zack. Earlier, The Masked Man enticed me to kill him with few rewards. However, his tone has changed and he now appears unconcerned. Luke clenched his teeth in rage.
In any case, it's impossible to know anything about the situation there. He made the decision to deal with the situation at hand.
Because he struck another bargain with Elder Jensen. When he remembered that, he smiled, he felt relieved that he had not declined elder Jensen's request. Now, Elder Jensen will give him his reward.
Time passed, and when the time came for the duel, he made his way to the underground batter arena.
Elder Jensen returned to the Jensen building a few days ago. He'd already heard about Luke's prowess from his battle with May Ford Academy.
He also found out about his participation in the life-or-death duel. He felt it was a good opportunity after learning that. Because it's a life or death fight. Elder Jensen thought it would be a good idea to entice Luke with more rewards.
Otherwise, Luke will be lacking in motivation to kill Zack. It's his best chance at vengeance. He doesn't know if he'll get another chance if he misses this one.
But he has to do it alone. Nobody should be aware of his activities. As he plans the calculation, a ruthless glint flashes in his eyes.
"It's not a good idea to talk to him when there are so many prying eyes around here." Elder Jensen mumbles something under his breath. He knew Arthur appeared to be innocent, but that fellow would inform Elder Thornton about his activist. He needs to meet Luke privately.
Elder Jensen eventually met Luke outside of Red Stone City, as expected. He informed him through one of his lackeys. He is able to converse with him in this manner. Luke was unsurprised, but he had already guessed in his heart. That this could be related to the death of his grandson. He waited patiently for his explanation.
Elder Jensen's eyes, on the other hand, shine brightly. It's as if he no longer feels grief. His current weapon for killing Zack is Luke. As a result, he had a lively spirit. Then Elder Jensen told Luke flatly that he must kill Zack, no matter what the cost.
Hearing that Luke's heart was filled with resource greed. He immediately put conditions in place. His condition is far too severe. Elder Jensen, on the other hand, was unconcerned. He wasn't even aware of his condition. Even if Luke demands ridiculous terms, his heart is set on vengeance. He'll give you a nod.
Luke demanded free resources from Elder Jensen until he achieved Elite status. Elder Jensen immediately nodded his head when he heard that.
Luke became dissatisfied at the sudden realisation that he should have demanded more resources from him. However, he kept it in his heart. He assured Elder Jensen that he would undoubtedly kill Zack.
…
A few minutes earlier for the life-or-death fight.
Ms. Adeline Key comes into the monitoring room. Mr. Arthur was already in the room waiting for her. Aside from that, Mr. Arthur and his staff perform routine checks on the underground battle arena's condition.
Sensors, lighting, and shield defence level are all included.
Mr. Arthur greeted Ms. Adeline Key as she entered and asked her to take a seat.
Then Mr. Arthur paused for a moment and inquired, "How is your sparring session with Zack going?"
Ms. Adeline Key's face lit up with an unnatural smile when she heard that.
"What happened?" Mr. Arthur asked, visibly stunned. "Did that brat fail the class?" Mr. Arthur was curious.
Ms. Adeline Key sighed and replied, "Zack is learning quickly." "At times, it appears that he is already skilled enough that he no longer requires sparring sessions."
Mr. Arthur's eyes light up with surprise. "How is that possible, he has no real-world experience?" It's nothing like what he does here." He said this in a perplexed tone.
When she heard his words she laughed. "Why did you think that?" "I felt strange answering that question." With a smile, she said.
Mr. Arthur responded by laughing and shaking his head.
Ms. Adeline Key abruptly stopped smiling, and the atmosphere became rather solemn as a result of that brief conversation.
"is that Luke is powerful enough to hurt Zack." Ms. Adeline Key inquired, her voice worried.
Mr. Arthur's brow furrowed when he heard that. After watching the video of the difficult duel, he, too, has this question in his mind. Mr. Arthur sighed and replied, "Luke is a strong man. But I believe Zack has a sufficient number of hole cards."
Ms. Adeline Key's heart relaxed after hearing his words. Mr. Arthur, on the other hand, is unsure of his words. He was unaware of Zack's abilities.. This makes him feel uneasy.