The only one that knows what happened during their last clash is Soverick. They are all at the zero mark and are not getting any assistance from the world during this challenge. But that doesn't make them equal. He could fight hordes of rank 4 monsters as a rank 0 and kill some of them. So he is much faster and stronger than the other competitors because of the 9 golden orbs on his back.
Ghaster had his own advantages. His bloodline made him very fast while his instincts helped him to utilize the speed to great effect. Unfortunately for him, he is not strong enough to withstand the explosion created by their last clash. He was stunned by the explosion.
Soverick is physically empowered. His speed is just a side effect of that physical empowerment. He can take on more damage than anyone in the competition can so he wasn't fazed by the explosion. He went through it and took advantage of Ghaster's stunned state to attack him. It was the simplest solution. Ghaster is as fast as him so that was the easiest way to kill him without using his eyes or the nullification domain.
Even the spectator of their fight didn't see what happened clearly. The remaining guy from the first group was standing close to Ghaster. He wasn't attacked by the stone empress and Soverick's attack missed him too. He was standing there motionless when Ghaster fought Soverick.
Then both Ghatser and Soverick disappeared. The two of them ignored him and fought all over the city. The man looked left and right but didn't see anyone. So he bent down and picked up the unconscious lady on the ground. Then he escaped with her. It is a good thing too or the collapsing building and the explosions could have killed him.
He didn't run away though. He stopped when he reached a safe distance and chose to watch the fight. Even so, he didn't see how Soverick managed to close the distance between him and Ghaster. He has an inclination about what happened but he can't believe it.
Soverick noticed them but he didn't bother with them. He would rather stare appreciatively at the blade in his hands than try to kill some trash. The two actions don't need much effort but one is more pleasurable than the other.
"Nice blade. Nice quality too." He complimented the weapon as he caressed it. "It is much too good for Ghaster anyway. It is better in my hands."
It is a black metallic blade with a blue crystal edge. There are inscriptions on the metallic part of the blade. The crystal is translucent and it is becoming more translucent as the blue color is fading. It is blue because the last person to use it directed lightning into it. It is changing now that it has changed owners. He uses pure world power so the crystal edge will stay clear. It makes the blade look much thinner than it really is.
He said to the blade, "Now to the first ring. I will slay everything that blocks my path with you. With you in my hand, nothing can stop me from becoming the Last man standing."
Then he resumed his journey to the 1st ring. He has everything he needs so he decided to move on to the next important agenda.
Meanwhile, a lot has changed in the first ring. A lot more people tried to enter the 1st ring but they failed. Their death warned others of the dangers so they stayed in the 2nd ring and waited for something to change. Some began to fight amongst themselves but no one ventured into the 1st ring anymore.
Only ignorant newcomers that think themselves smarter or stronger than the others try to enter the 1st ring. They will sneak and creep along thinking themselves wiser until they go up in flames. The 1st ring has become a death zone. Anyone that enters it dies. Litori held that position with an iron grip and gave no quarter. That all changed when someone with more means arrived.
Salvini went and brought someone that she is sure can usurp Litori's domination. She said to the person as she pointed at Litori. "See, I told you, brother. We have to do something or she will win."
Her brother Salvin is also in this joint arena. Salvini found him and told him about the child of the plane's sister. He was busy enjoying himself by facing large groups and putting his title as the one-man army to the test. He thought it was too early to try and take the 1st ring. It has only been 3 days of the challenge after all. But he followed her when she came to ask him. Any information about the child of the plane interests him. Soverick has beaten him before so he wants to see how good his sister is.
He licked his lips as he gazed at Litori. "The child of the plane's litter seems to be strong. His litter mates certainly match ours in prowess. The youngest one of his litter beat the youngest one of our litter."
Salvini huffed. "She cheated. Her attacks can't be blocked. You better be careful or you will fall here. Her domain is insidious. Anyone within 100 meters of her will be attacked and they will die.
Salvin nodded in agreement. "Yes, yes. I can see that. An ephemeral flame wielder. Very rare. And very dangerous. Thankfully she is suppressed or even I might have no chance."
"I don't think so. The outcome of a battle between you both will be close even if she isn't suppressed. You are both lethal. You might both kill yourself. But I don't think there's a way that she can kill you without a significant chance of her dying herself. Don't forget, you are also suppressed."
Salvin cocked his head. "Maybe that's true. All I am saying is that there's a better chance of victory now that she is suppressed. No one can complain about that in a fight."