Chapter 184: The Most Anticipated Battle Begins [Edited]
After the final matchup on the massive projection screen was completely locked in place, the entire Central Arena first fell into a moment of almost eerie silence.
Then, like a volcano erupting after long suppression, the atmosphere exploded. Countless spectators leaped to their feet as deafening cheers and roars nearly lifted the roof off the arena. Across the countless viewing centers scattered throughout the First Layer of the real world, the crowds likewise erupted into complete frenzy.
If every match before this had merely been to determine who the strongest competitors were, then this battle was the one countless people had been waiting for all along.
On one side stood Humanity’s dark horse, who had yet to reveal his true strength, Zich.
On the other stood the Nullborn Race’s most mysterious contestant, whose identity, abilities, and even real name remained completely unknown, Nameless.
The forums refreshed at a frantic pace. Livestream channels were instantly flooded by an endless sea of comments. Nearly every player was discussing the same question.
"Can Zich... become the first person to defeat a Nullborn?"
More discussions rapidly spread across every major viewing platform.
Players from every race joined the debate as predictions changed almost every second. Some declared the Nullborn Race completely unbeatable, while others insisted that if anyone could end their undefeated streak, it would be Humanity’s mysterious summoner. Even the betting odds fluctuated continuously as countless people changed their predictions at the very last moment.
Inside the contestant area, Zich quietly stared at the figure shrouded beneath the black robe in the distance.
If he could not even see or follow his opponent’s movements, then every strategy would be meaningless.
At that thought, Zich slowly closed his eyes. A faint blue status screen, visible only to him, gradually appeared before his vision.
[Name: Zich]
[Free Attribute Points: 25]
He did not hesitate in the slightest. With a single thought...
[Agility +25]
Buzz...
His Agility instantly increased from 42 to 67.
In this world, physical reaction and immediate danger response were mostly tied to Agility, while mana flow, energy changes, and skill patterns were tied to Intelligence. Because of that, his ability to react quickly in battle depended more on Agility than on any dedicated Perception attribute.
Zich slowly opened his eyes. The entire world seemed just a little clearer than before.
At the same time, a strange sensation unlike anything he had ever experienced slowly rose within him.
"...Still not enough," he murmured softly. "But at least... I can now match his speed."
Alden’s overwhelming defeat had already proven one thing. Attempting to overpower Nameless from the very beginning would only result in being dragged into his rhythm. Before thinking about victory, he first had to survive the opening exchange. Only after understanding Nameless’ movement and attack pattern would he have the chance to counterattack. Every summon, every skill, and every ounce of mana would have to be used at precisely the right moment. One mistake would be enough to decide the entire battle.
Slimy lightly bounced on his shoulder, seemingly sensing the change that had taken place within its master.
High above, on the commentator’s platform, Mithrash took a deep breath. Even with all his professional composure, his heartbeat had noticeably quickened.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I believe I no longer need to explain the importance of this battle."
"Since the knockout stage began, the Nullborn Race has maintained a perfect undefeated record. The strength they have displayed has shattered everyone’s understanding again and again."
"On the other side... Zich. Humanity’s most mysterious player of the first stage. Even now, no one has truly witnessed the limits of his power."
"Will the Nullborn Race continue its undefeated legend, or will Humanity’s dark horse create a miracle?"
"The answer will be decided in this battle!"
Beside him, Count Dragon slowly nodded, his sharp eyes remaining fixed on the center of the arena.
"This battle may very well determine the course of the entire quarterfinals."
"If Zich wins, then the Nullborn Race is not invincible. But if even he falls..."
He did not continue, because everyone understood what came next.
The Nullborn Race would truly become the shadow looming over every young genius of every race.
Mithrash slowly nodded in agreement.
"Every victory the Nullborn Race has achieved so far has been decisive. None of their opponents have truly managed to push them to their limits. If even Humanity’s most mysterious dark horse cannot stop them today, then every remaining contestant will inevitably carry that pressure into the next round. This battle is no longer simply about advancing. It is a battle that may decide the confidence of an entire generation."
Inside Humanity’s VIP suite, Arnold leaned slightly forward. For the first time today, he had voluntarily changed his posture.
The Association executives seated beside him wore equally solemn expressions. No one spoke. Every gaze remained firmly locked onto the white haired young man who carried the hope of humanity on his shoulders.
Inside the most luxurious VIP suite, the silver haired woman quietly rose to her feet. She slowly walked toward the enormous crystal window, her pale golden eyes silently gazing downward.
Since arriving at the Central Arena, this was the first time she had stood to watch a match.
The maid’s eyes widened with surprise because she knew Her Highness had finally become genuinely interested.
The woman softly whispered,
"At last... it begins."
Inside the contestant area, the remaining competitors and those who had already been eliminated were no less focused than the spectators.
Brakka sat near the front of the eliminated contestants’ section, his enormous arms folded tightly across his chest. The disappointment of his own elimination was still visible on his face, but at this moment, even he had temporarily forgotten about his defeat.
Brakka had personally experienced the pressure of fighting on this stage and understood better than most spectators how terrifying the remaining contestants were. Still, even after watching every previous match, he had never been able to determine the true limit of Zich’s strength.
"So this is finally happening," Brakka muttered, tightening his fingers around his arms. "Show me what you’ve been hiding, Summoner."
At the center of the arena, two figures slowly stepped onto the battlefield.
Zich stood on the left. Nameless stood on the right. A hundred meters separated them.
Neither spoke a single word. However, the instant their eyes met, every sound throughout the arena seemed to vanish completely.
Even the air itself appeared to freeze.
The pale blue barrier covering the battlefield slowly rose.
Buzz...
The energy barrier completely sealed the arena.
Arthur slowly rose to his feet, his deep, authoritative voice echoing throughout heaven and earth.
"Both contestants are in position. The final match of the Round of Sixteen will now begin."
A massive countdown slowly appeared in the sky.
[Three.]
Zich slowly exhaled, his right hand gently tightening around his scythe, Frostgrave.
[Two.]
Nameless continued standing there silently. Like all his previous fights, he did not summon any weapon or release the slightest bit of aura.
It was as though even his breathing had completely stopped. Yet precisely because of that, everyone in the arena became even more tense.
[One.]
At this moment, within the Central Arena, across the real world, and inside every viewing center on the First Layer, countless pairs of eyes focused simultaneously on the center of the battlefield.
The decisive battle was about to begin.
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