Chapter 183: The Final Fight
As the staff swiftly completed the repairs to the arena, the shattered ground was restored to its original state, while the massive energy barrier covering the entire battlefield slowly rose once more. Countless runes lit up across its transparent surface before gradually fading from sight, signifying that the arena had once again returned to perfect condition.
The previously noisy central arena gradually fell silent as two figures slowly stepped onto the battlefield. Conversations that had filled the spectator stands only moments earlier quickly died away, replaced by an atmosphere of anticipation.
Even the countless viewers watching from projection screens across the world instinctively focused their attention on the arena, unwilling to miss a single moment of the upcoming match.
Standing on the left was Helen.
Standing on the right was Mira.
Both were Human. Both were among the brightest young geniuses of the First Layer, and before the battle had even begun, countless spectators couldn’t help but sigh. No matter who won or lost, Humanity was destined to lose one of its greatest young powerhouses ahead of time. For many Human supporters, this was undoubtedly the most bittersweet battle of the Round of Sixteen, because regardless of the outcome, one of their greatest hopes would inevitably be eliminated.
The countdown soon appeared in midair.
Helen slowly raised her staff as the fire elements within her body began to circulate. She could clearly feel that her mana had not yet fully recovered after her previous exhausting battle.
Although the healing magic had restored most of her injuries, the depletion within her body still lingered, preventing her from returning to her absolute peak. Even so, she had no intention of underestimating the mysterious farmer before her.
Arthur’s calm yet authoritative voice echoed throughout the entire arena.
"The match... begins."
Just as everyone believed both contestants would make their move in the very next second, Helen spoke first.
"Mira." She looked at the young woman opposite her with a serious expression. "Don’t hold back just because we’re both Human. Fight with everything you’ve got."
Hearing those words, Mira slowly raised her head. She remained silent for a moment before gently shaking her head.
"I forfeit."
Just three simple words, yet they exploded across the entire central arena like a bolt of thunder.
"What?"
"She forfeited?"
"Did I hear that right?"
The audience instantly erupted into an uproar. Countless Human spectators stared blankly at the battlefield, unable to believe what they had just heard, while the various VIP sections exchanged equally astonished looks. Across countless viewing centers throughout the real world, discussions exploded almost immediately as people questioned whether Mira had truly surrendered before the battle had even begun.
Not only did the audience erupt into chaos, but even Helen was visibly stunned. She had never imagined that this would be the answer awaiting her.
Feeling their confusion, Mira calmly explained, "I never liked fighting. Compared to fighting and killing people every day, I’d rather plant trees in the forest, cultivate plants, and watch them slowly grow."
She lowered her head to look at her hands. Her voice remained as gentle as ever.
"And besides... you just went through a very difficult battle. If we fight again, even if you’re the one who wins, you’ll only consume even more of your strength."
"If that happens... you’ll be much more likely to lose in the next round. So there’s no need."
The entire arena fell into brief silence. No one had expected her reason for giving up the match to be so simple.
Mira gently looked toward the trees surrounding the distant edges of the arena.
"I’ve always preferred watching life grow. Watching a tiny seed slowly become a towering tree brings me far more happiness than defeating someone in battle."
"I’ve never understood why everyone enjoys fighting so much."
Her tone remained soft from beginning to end, as though she were merely stating an ordinary fact.
Helen quietly looked at the young woman who always preferred to be alone. She suddenly realized that while everyone else had been obsessed with strength and rankings, Mira had never once changed. Even after reaching the Round of Sixteen, she was still the same quiet girl who preferred tending plants over competing with others.
After a long moment, Helen suddenly smiled. It was a genuine smile from the bottom of her heart.
"I see. It seems... I never truly understood you."
She slowly lowered her staff. For the first time, genuine admiration appeared in the way she looked at Mira.
"Thank you."
Mira merely gave a small nod before quietly turning around and walking off the battlefield without another word.
High above the arena, Mithrash remained silent for several seconds before revealing a gentle smile.
"To be honest, after serving as a commentator for so many years, this is the most ’selfish’ surrender I have ever witnessed."
"She never considered glory."
"She never considered becoming the champion."
"She never considered what other people would think of her."
"She simply chose the life she truly wanted."
"And I believe that kind of conviction deserves just as much respect."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"Throughout countless Chosen Tournaments, I have seen competitors sacrifice everything in pursuit of victory. Some abandoned friendships. Others risked their lives for glory. Yet this young woman walked away from all of it simply because she refused to betray her own heart. That kind of determination may not lead someone to become a champion, but it is certainly worthy of respect."
Dragon Count nodded lightly.
"Becoming champion is not everyone’s goal. Some pursue power. Some pursue glory. And some..."
"Simply wish to live life in their own way."
As Arthur officially announced Helen’s advancement by default, the Round of Sixteen gradually drew to a close. The remaining matches quickly concluded one after another as the tournament steadily approached its final stages.
Among them, the most regrettable outcome undoubtedly belonged to Brakka. The Human genius who had bulldozed through every opponent with overwhelming physical strength finally encountered an exceptionally powerful Velhari warrior. The two fought fiercely for a long time, exchanging blow after blow in a battle that pushed both contestants to their limits. In the end, despite his incredible resilience, Brakka was narrowly defeated after an exhausting struggle.
With that, Humanity lost yet another of its greatest young talents.
The remaining matches produced few surprises. Lucien defeated another formidable opponent through his magic spells, once again displaying why he was regarded as one of the tournament’s finest mages. Meanwhile, the remaining three Nullborn contestants continued their undefeated streak, each advancing into the quarterfinals without revealing much of their true strength.
After the final ordinary match came to an end, the enormous projection screen hanging high above the arena slowly changed. The list of sixteen contestants gradually disappeared, replaced by the names of the final eight competitors.
Quarterfinalists
Nullborn — Nameless
Nullborn — Arnos
Nullborn — Ainos
Jayden
Lucien
Helen
Helros
...
Finally, everyone’s gaze turned toward the last remaining unlit position. The entire central arena fell silent once more, because everyone knew the battle that countless spectators had been waiting for since the tournament began was finally about to unfold. Countless discussions instantly came to a halt as every eye fixed itself upon the enormous projection screen.
The enormous screen high above slowly revealed the final two names.
Zich — Human
Nameless — Nullborn
At that instant, not only the central arena, but also countless viewing centers across the real world erupted into complete frenzy. The long awaited battle between the most talked about person in this tournament and the mysterious Nullborn prodigy had finally arrived.
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