"99.1%..." Ron felt the charging of the Transformer’s Skin slightly increased, but it was still short of being fully charged.
Holt’s command clearly had an effect.
The remaining contestants, although reluctant to fully trust each other, at least formed a temporary understanding—keeping their distance, harassing from a distance, and depleting the Scorpion’s stamina.
Ron seized the opportunity and unleashed Sound Wave Vibration again, this time targeting the joint of the Scorpion’s front limbs, successfully rendering one of its front paws temporarily immobile.
"Everyone, attention!" He started to look for opportunities to organize the others:
"Its burst phase is over; now it’s looking for an energy source. If we can continue to deplete its stamina, it will eventually be weakened!"
The surviving contestants, upon hearing this, revitalized like grabbing onto a life-saving straw.
Although they still didn’t fully trust Ron, the current situation left them no choice but to try this plan.
Trish struggled with all her might to support the poisoned Li Yue, occasionally using Plant Entanglement to restrict the Scorpion’s movements.
Her attacks were precise and efficient, hitting the Scorpion’s weak points every time.
"Didn’t expect his understanding of battle to be so deep, what a pity..."
The brown-haired girl felt a bit regretful for not listening to Ron’s advice to retreat further earlier.
Ron didn’t know Trish’s mental activity; he just continued to focus on his tactics.
He knew that it was crucial to lead the Scorpion into its weakest state, preparing for the final charging of the Transformer’s Skin.
The ensuing battle was like a carefully choreographed dance.
Each contestant found their place and role, forming a loose but effective attack network.
The Scorpion grew more and more irritable, but also increasingly weak.
Its attacks were still fierce but no longer able to maintain the previous high speed and accuracy.
More importantly, it began to frequently seek out blood prey, obviously in desperate need of energy replenishment.
"Just hold on a little longer!" Holt shouted, his Earth Elemental Golem almost disintegrating but still persistently standing at the frontline.
Ron seized the opportunity, releasing the strongest Spiritual Interference Wave.
This invisible attack acted directly on the Scorpion’s Spiritual Core, causing it to let out a painful howl.
"It’s now!" He signaled to Dale.
The Little Sea Siren immediately understood her master’s intention. She dove down from the sky, her hands crossing.
Water Element gathered around her, forming dozens of Water Swords, shimmering with a cold light.
——Thousand Water Blade Attacks!
This was Dale’s strongest skill, also the killer move designed by Ron specifically for her.
Dozens of water swords simultaneously shot at the Scorpion, each one accurately piercing its vital spots.
The Scorpion let out a shrill howl, its body wobbling as if it could fall at any moment.
The Scorpion was now at the end of its strength, its movements extremely slow, and the light in its eyes almost extinguished.
"The final blow!" Holt shouted, maneuvering the Earth Elemental Golem, which was almost down to half its body, to launch the final charge.
The Golem slammed into the Scorpion’s chest, knocking it to the ground.
The other contestants saw this and launched their strongest attacks.
Various energy beams shot toward the Scorpion from all directions, firmly pinning it to the ground.
The Scorpion let out one last weak hiss, then completely lost its life signs.
The moment the battle ended, the entire arena fell into a brief silence, followed by deafening cheers.
"It’s time." Ron thought silently and quietly activated the Transformer’s Skin’s last energy absorption.
The remaining Soul Energy from the Scorpion’s corpse was quickly absorbed, and the Transformer’s Skin began to heat up slightly, emitting a faint buzzing sound.
"99.5%...99.7%...99.9%...100%!"
An unprecedented energy fluctuation came from the Transformer’s Skin; Ron could feel it was undergoing some essential change.
[Charge Complete!]
[Rare Artifact - Transformer’s Skin can now advance to: Glorious Legacy - Thousand Transformations]
"Succeeded!" Ron felt joy in his heart but maintained a calm exterior.
This was a key step in his plan, but not yet the final victory.
On the high platform, the Masters were conducting the final scoring and discussion.
"Extremely outstanding performance." One Master commented with appreciation in his eyes:
"Especially that Alchemist; his calmness and tactical analysis skills are remarkable."
"Not only that." Soron, standing beside, began to supplement because it was his favored Apprentice, and he naturally had the opportunity to say a few good words:
"According to my observation, his Sea Siren exhibited a unique Water and Wind Dual Attributes ability, which is clearly the result of careful Modulation. It seems his talent in Bloodline Modulation is also quite exceptional."
"This is not surprising." Yuni appropriately interjected at this moment, as if coordinating with Soron in advance:
"He himself is an outstanding Alchemist, and these Extraordinary Skills have many things in common. Someone with talent in Magic Potion Making can often excel in Bloodline Modulation too."
Vice-Dean Hayek was silent for a moment, finally speaking:
"This test has achieved the expected goals. Based on each one’s scores and my observations, the final ranking and rewards distribution will be announced next."
His gaze lingered on Ron for a moment, with a hint of complex emotion flashing in his eyes.
"What a pity, such a rare all-round genius, snapped up by Soron and Yuni."
Hayek secretly thought:
"However, the School’s quota equal distribution system has its reasons. When a genius distributes too much, the benefits will fall short. After nurturing Corina last time, I really should let the opportunity go to them."
Hayek walked to the edge of the high platform and loudly announced:
"The final of the Bloody Gladiatorial Games is over. Please all participants return to the designated area to await the final judgment and reward distribution."
Ron calmly retreated to the edge of the field, with Dale landing beside him, her water wings already dissipated.
The Little Sea Siren looked exhausted but excited, clearly satisfied with her performance in the battle.
"Well done, Dale," Ron softly praised, as the plan in his mind had already moved forward another step.
The Shapeshifter’s skin could advance at any time to the "Glorious Legacy: Thousand Transformations."
Next was to strive for the Stand-In Puppet, along with the Active Demon Sword refined from Soul Steel.
The day when his "Melting Furnace Concept" would become a reality might not be too distant.
And all of this would be the foundation for his path to supremacy.
......
Hayek’s voice echoed across the arena as all the surviving participants quietly awaited the final judgment.
After the life-and-death battle just now, only six participants remained on the battlefield.
Among them, Holt’s Earth Elemental Golem was almost crumbling and could barely maintain form;
Trish’s Li Yue was barely clinging to life under the erosion of poison, requiring immediate treatment;
The combat slaves of the other participants were also battered, with only Ron’s Dale remaining relatively intact, despite the water wings’ maintenance consuming much of her stamina.
"According to the scores from each master and my observations," Hayek announced:
"The final ranking of this Bloody Gladiatorial Games is as follows: First place, Ron Ralph!"
This result left many present showing expressions of surprise, yet it was not unexpected.
The calm judgment and precise tactics Ron exhibited throughout the battle, along with the unique abilities Dale displayed, truly stood out.
"Second place, Holt! Third place, Trish! Fourth place..."
Hayek continued announcing the rankings, then turned to reward distribution:
"According to tradition, the first place will receive the special reward of this gladiatorial games—the Stand-In Puppet, eight complete Magic Stones, and the choice of any one book from the school’s precious collection.
The second and third places may choose three advanced Magic Potions or one advanced Alchemy Item, and will receive a reward of five and three Magic Stones respectively. The remaining participants will receive corresponding Magic Stone rewards according to their ranking..."
Ron’s heart sped up slightly, but he remained outwardly calm.
The Stand-In Puppet was precisely his main objective for participating in the gladiatorial games.
"All rewards will be distributed tomorrow. Now, all participants please leave the field to receive necessary treatment and rest."
With Hayek’s announcement, the Bloody Gladiatorial Games officially ended.
The participants gradually left the arena, with some Healing Apprentices from the school already waiting at the exit, prepared to provide necessary treatment for the injured participants and combat slaves.
Ron walked towards the exit with Dale, feeling numerous gazes focusing on him, filled with surprise, admiration, and, of course, jealousy.
"Congratulations, Ron." Holt approached, extending his hand to him: "Your performance truly deserved first place."
"Thank you for your critical help, Senior Holt."
Ron touched his hand briefly, then let go: "Without your Earth Elemental Golem holding off the Scorpion, the situation could have been more dangerous."
Holt shook his head:
"It was just a temporary measure. In such a circumstance, everyone knows that only cooperation can increase survival chances. Moreover, your observation and judgment truly turned the tide."
He glanced at his nearly disassembled Earth Elemental Golem and smiled wryly:
"Looks like I need to cultivate a new combat partner."
After exchanging a few words, Holt left with his broken Earth Elemental Golem.
As Ron was about to leave, he heard Trish’s voice calling from behind: "Ron, wait a moment."
He turned to see Trish supporting the weakened Li Yue approaching.
The Panther Woman’s arm still had an unhealthy purple hue, but it was no longer spreading, clearly having received preliminary treatment.
"You foresaw the Scorpion’s traits, didn’t you?" Trish directly asked, eyes filled with inquiry.
Ron nodded to admit: "Abyss creatures on land usually act this way—having a short burst period, they need to replenish power by devouring blood or absorbing energy attacks."
"No wonder you maintained distance, only conducting remote harassment," Trish mused:
"This tactical analysis ability doesn’t seem like what a regular Alchemist should possess."
Ron chuckled softly: "Everyone has their own secrets, don’t they?"
Trish gave him a look, seeming to want to say something, but eventually just nodded:
"Congratulations on achieving first place. That Stand-In Puppet is indeed a valuable prize; I hope it proves useful."
"Thank you," Ron politely replied: "How is Li Yue’s injury? Does she need a Special Antidote?"
"It’s under control," Trish shook her head, declining his offer:
"There are masters who master Healing Magic in the school specifically responsible for these matters, so there’s no need to trouble you."
After a brief farewell, Ron left the arena with Dale.
"Master, we won!" As soon as they exited the arena, Dale couldn’t contain her excitement, cheering softly.
"Yes, we became champions," Ron smiled, patting her head:
"Your performance was excellent, especially that final Water Blade, which almost dealt a fatal blow to the Scorpion."
Dale’s face flushed, clearly overjoyed by her master’s praise:
"I was just acting on your guidance; your tactics were the true key."
"It’s our victory together," he shook his head with a laugh, ruffling the Little Sea Siren’s silver hair, holding her hand as they headed towards the workshop.
The battle was over, though the phase of claiming rewards and calculating rank points had to wait until tomorrow.
After all, after a tough battle, everyone needed rest...