Chapter 888: Winner of the 2nd internal competition Chapter 888: Winner of the 2nd internal competition From MC’s Perspective: Duel Platform: Luna was mere inches away, her eyes locked on mine.
“Lightning Drop” In a flash, I raised my hand, channeling the electric energy within.
A crackling ball of dense purple lightning materialized in my palm, its energy humming with raw power.
With a battle cry, I slammed the lightning orb onto the platform right beside Luna’s feet.
The ground erupted in a blinding flash as the sphere detonated.
A web of crackling purple energy surged outwards, a tempestuous storm contained within a single, explosive moment.
Luna, caught in the maelstrom, yelped in surprise.
The shockwave slammed into her, her emerald hair whipping around her face as she was thrown backward.
Her light flash sword technique, forgotten in the face of the sudden assault, flickered uselessly at her side.
A deafening boom resonated across the platform as Luna crashed against the far wall.
Smoke and dust billowed around her, momentarily obscuring her form.
Pfff!
Luna expelled a mouthful of blood, her face contorted in agony.
This time, the blow had landed with brutal force.
Her katana lay discarded on the ground, a testament to her fading strength.
Her legs trembled, unable to bear her weight.
That final, desperate strike had been her last gamble.
Argh!
A muffled groan escaped her lips as she mustered the last of her strength to rise.
The cold realization washed over her – any further delay would prove fatal.
The shockwave dissipated, leaving behind a haze of dust and acrid smoke.
I surveyed the duel platform, my gaze fixed on Luna.
Her body was a canvas of crimson, a stark contrast to the grim determination etched on her face.
It was time to end this duel.
Instead of relying on the volatile power of lightning, I opted for a swift and decisive strike.
With a blur of motion, I closed the distance between us.
In an instant, my sword was at her throat, the cold steel a stark reminder of my victory.
With a calculated kick, I sent her katana clattering away, leaving her utterly defenseless.
Luna blinked slowly, her gaze fixed on the blade at her throat.
Finally, defeat seeped into her consciousness.
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“I admit defeat,” she murmured, her voice devoid of emotion.
A thunderous roar erupted from the spectators, their cheers amplified by the arena’s speakers.
The protective barrier around the dueling platform began to descend.
A wave of relief washed over me.
This small victory was a testament to my abilities.
I hoped it would satisfy the federation head.
As the barrier vanished, the referee stepped into the arena to assess Luna’s condition.
The medical team swiftly arrived to transport her to the infirmary.
“The final winner of this competition is Zack Lockwood!” the referee announced, raising my left hand in triumph.
The crowd’s cheers reached a crescendo, my name chanted rhythmically in a euphoric cacophony.
I acknowledged the cheering crowd with a wave before stepping off the platform.
As I made my way towards the exit, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of adrenaline.
Meanwhile, in the exclusive viewing box, Lowell stood up with a triumphant grin.
His student had once again emerged victorious, this time against a formidable group of Senior Warriors.
He was confident that the Federation Head would be thoroughly impressed by Zack’s performance.
The Arena Manager and other officials offered their congratulations.
The Manager had witnessed firsthand the underhanded tactics employed against Zack but was equally amazed by the young warrior’s resilience and skill.
Shortly after, Lowell emerged from the box.
“Zack, you’ve done exceptionally well.
I’m proud of you,” he said warmly.
“Thank you, Teacher,” I replied, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
We made a hasty retreat before the crowd could overwhelm us.
Upon arriving at the headquarters, we were greeted by a throng of congratulatory lobby staff.
After acknowledging their well wishes, I joined Teacher Lowell in the elevator.
We soon reached the top floor.
The office door creaked open as we approached.
Federation Head Ben sat calmly behind his desk, his expression serene and expectant.
I couldn’t shake the feeling that he had been anticipating our arrival.
“I knew you two would be here,” Ben stated matter-of-factly.
His gaze shifted from Lowell’s evident pride to my face.
It was clear that he was impressed by my quick thinking and strength.
“Kid, you’ve impressed not only me but also people at Star University,” Ben stated calmly.
A bolt of lightning seemed to strike me.
“Star University?” I exclaimed, astonishment evident in my voice.
Even the usually composed Lowell looked stunned.
He couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
Ben noted the shock on our faces.
“It’s true.
I received a response from Star University yesterday.
They’re interested in recruiting you sooner rather than later.
Until then, they want you to maintain your excellent performance,” the Head explained.
I gasped, my breath catching in my throat.
This was beyond my wildest dreams.
I had assumed I’d need to reach General Rank before even being considered for Star University.
“Head, did they specify anything else?” Lowell asked, his voice filled with curiosity.
He was well aware of the stringent enrollment criteria for such prestigious institutions.
Ben understood Lowell’s skepticism.
“I was equally surprised by their response.
I expected them to assess Zack before extending an offer.
It seems there are unusual circumstances on their end.” “Whatever the reason, I’m certain they’re serious about this.
It’s just a matter of time before Zack is enrolled,” Ben assured us.
“But for now, Zack, you must focus on your next goal: the SSS-ELITE Rank Top List Competition,” Ben emphasized.
“I will do my best, Head,” I replied, determined.
Lowell nodded in agreement.
He clearly trusted Ben’s assessment.
After a few more minutes of discussion, we left the office.
As the elevator descended to my floor, Teacher Lowell turned to me.
“I think you deserve a short break.
After that, you can visit Jonathan,” he suggested.
“Alright,” I replied, feeling a mix of excitement and exhaustion.
We parted ways, and I headed straight for a shower.
A few minutes later, I collapsed onto the bed in fresh clothes.
Meanwhile, news of Zack Lockwood’s victory spread like wildfire.
Even Federation members on distant missions were informed.
The elders of the Eclipse and Giant Tower Academies were also made aware of the astonishing feat.
When the news reached the Blood Shadow Force, the elders experienced a complex array of emotions.
Their repeated attacks on Zack Lockwood had been unsuccessful, making him a high-priority target.
The failure of their missions had prevented them from discussing the incomplete mission, adding to their frustration.
A rumor was circulating among the elders that their leader, Rupert, was handling the incomplete mission.
Meanwhile, Rupert was recuperating in his room.
The injuries sustained in his previous duels with the two monsters had lingered.
Despite finding a space crack after the battle, it was small and showed no signs of expansion.
Such cracks typically healed over time.
He turned his attention to the online news, scrolling through several pages before coming across an image of Zack Lockwood.
The accompanying headlines filled him with surprise.
This kid has won their second internal competition,” Rupert muttered to himself, a hint of unease in his voice.
He knew he needed to eliminate this threat before it grew into something more formidable.
The Blood Force had already established animosity with the young warrior, and ignoring him would be a grave mistake.
Unfortunately, his current condition prevented him from taking any immediate action.
A sudden beep interrupted his thoughts.
As he read the message, his expression transformed dramatically.
It was an emergency signal from the same boundary where he had encountered the monsters.
“It’s happening again,” he murmured, a sense of dread creeping into his voice.
He tried to rise immediately, but a sharp pain shot through his body.
A muffled groan escaped his lips as he ignored the agony and swung his legs over the bed.
His face hardened with determination.
Without delay, he left his room and headed for the teleportation platform.
Activating the device, he stepped onto the platform and vanished in a flash of light.
When Rupert materialized, he found himself within the Tier-4 boundary.
A shadowy figure was moving through the dense forest.
His eyes narrowed as anger flared within him.
It was likely the same monster.
With a swift movement, he vanished into the undergrowth, pursuing the monster.
The pain in his body intensified with each stride, but he gritted his teeth and persevered.
Drawing a pair of daggers, he activated the “Bleeding Cut” skill, causing a crimson glow to emanate from the blades.
Spotting the monster, he disappeared once more.
In an instant, he reappeared behind the creature and plunged his daggers into its back.
The monster let out a blood-curdling screech as green blood spurted from the wounds.
Rupert’s face twisted in disgust.
His body was still recovering, yet this creature had disturbed his rest.
Rupert was completely pissed off.
He wants to finish monster as soon as possible.
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