Chapter 166: The First Match
Previous Chapter has been Fixed
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[Aric Raine — Human Race.]
[Grom Baruk — Velhari Race.]
The instant both names fully appeared, the entire Central City Arena exploded into chaos like a volcano erupting. Countless spectators leaped to their feet as wave after wave of deafening cheers swept across the arena. Supporters from every race shouted the names of their representatives at the top of their lungs until the entire stadium was completely swallowed by an overwhelming sea of voices.
"It’s starting! It’s finally starting!"
"Hahaha! The very first match is between two races!"
"They aren’t holding back at all. Right from the start, they’re matching up the two races that hate each other the most."
"I wonder who’s going to claim the first victory of the elimination round."
"This is the opening battle. Whoever wins will probably have their name remembered by countless influential figures immediately."
The atmosphere inside the arena continued to climb higher with every passing second as the audience’s excitement reached a fever pitch.
Although it was aaonly the first match, everyone’s emotions had already been completely ignited because they all knew that this battle did not merely signify the official beginning of the elimination stage. It also marked the true opening of the grand stage upon which the younger generation of geniuses would compete for glory.
On the floating commentator’s platform above the arena,
Mithrash looked at the audience below, which had already descended into complete excitement, and the smile on his face widened even further.
Raising the amplification crystal in his hand with practiced ease, his voice was instantly carried throughout the entire arena by the special magic imbued within it.
"It seems our audience can hardly contain their excitement, and the system certainly hasn’t disappointed anyone. Immediately after announcing the rules, it completed the random draw for the opening match. Standing before everyone now is the very first battle of the elimination stage in this year’s Chosen Tournament."
Beside him, Count Dragon nodded slightly before his deep, powerful voice slowly rang out.
"Although this match does not feature any of the tournament’s most anticipated seeded contestants, nor will we be seeing popular favorites like Zich, Lucien, or Braka take the stage just yet, that is precisely what makes this battle even more intriguing. No one can predict whether these two contestants will unleash strength beyond everyone’s expectations and perhaps become famous in a single battle."
Mithrash immediately continued, skillfully introducing both competitors.
"First, we have Aric Raine of the Human Race. According to information provided by the Players Association, he possesses the A Rank class, Gale Swordsman. Throughout the first stage of the tournament, he displayed remarkably consistent performances, relying on his incredible speed and sharp swordsmanship to secure his place among the final thirty two contestants."
"As for his opponent, Grom Baruk of the Velhari Race, his greatest strength lies in his monstrous physical power. It is said that during the first stage, he relied solely on his bare fists, without using any weapon whatsoever, to shatter dozens of beasts one after another, ultimately earning his qualification for the elimination stage."
Count Dragon calmly added, "One represents speed. The other represents power.
"This will be a straightforward clash with no flashy tricks, a battle that will directly showcase the difference in strength between both sides. As for who will become the very first victor of this year’s Chosen Tournament elimination stage... let us witness it together."
As the two commentators continuously fueled the excitement of the crowd, the cheers within the arena grew louder and louder. Many young players were already pumping their fists in excitement, fully aware that every battle from this point onward would be a clash between true elites.
Meanwhile, at the center of the arena, two figures stepped forward from among the contestants at the same time.
Aric slowly exhaled before walking toward the center of the arena, one steady step after another. His right hand gradually gripped the hilt of the sword hanging from his waist. Although his expression remained calm and composed, the slight tension in his body and the increasingly heavy rhythm of his breathing betrayed the fact that he was far less relaxed than he appeared.
After all, this was no longer the chaotic free for all of the first stage.
On the opposite side, Grom carried himself in a completely different manner.
His towering red body, well over two meters tall, advanced forward step by step. Every heavy footfall caused the solid arena floor beneath him to tremble ever so slightly.
His massive arms resembled pillars of forged steel, overflowing with explosive power, while his sharp beastlike eyes remained locked onto the human swordsman before him like a predator staring down its prey, radiating an overwhelming sense of pressure without the slightest attempt to conceal it.
Simply watching him walk toward the center of the arena was enough to make many young players involuntarily gasp.
"That guy..."
"Just his size alone is terrifying."
"If he lands a direct punch, someone’s bones will probably shatter instantly."
"I wonder if that human swordsman can withstand it."
At the same time, inside the VIP lounges reserved for the various races, many influential figures from different factions also turned their attention toward the arena below.
However, unlike the ordinary audience, what interested them was not the outcome of the match itself, but rather the contestants’ combat awareness, fighting habits, and future potential for growth.
Within the contestants’ area, Braka crossed his arms and revealed a grin filled with fighting spirit.
"What a shame... I’m not the first one up."
Mira remained silent, quietly observing the arena as her calm eyes carefully studied every subtle movement made by both fighters.
Jayden merely glanced at the battlefield before calmly closing his eyes once again, as though the match unfolding before him was still not worthy of truly capturing his interest.
Lucien maintained his usual warm and elegant smile, but deep within his eyes, a thoughtful light flickered continuously as he silently analyzed the combat strategies both contestants were likely to employ.
Countless blue particles suddenly rose from the center of the arena. They rapidly connected with one another at astonishing speed and, within only a few breaths, formed an enormous pale blue energy barrier that completely enveloped the entire battlefield, separating the inside from the outside world.
From that moment onward, this battlefield belonged to only the two of them.
Immediately afterward, Arthus’s voice echoed throughout the Central City Arena once more.
"Both contestants have entered the designated battle arena. The match will begin shortly."
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