Chapter 234: The Brutal Elimination Match!
After Whis explained the rules, he didn't specify who would start first. He simply waited until the full roster of 80 participants was ready, at which point the elimination match would commence directly.
"I trust everyone is prepared?"
"Then let's begin. As long as you step onto the stage, it means you've joined the match."
"Don't entertain unnecessary thoughts, especially when it comes to disregarding the rules. Anyone who violates the rules..."
"...will face the appropriate punishment!"
Whis's voice rang in everyone's ears, causing a shiver to run through the crowd. None of them dared to test the boundaries lightly. After all, this was a matter of life and death!
As Whis's words faded, no one immediately stepped forward.
Seeing this hesitation, Greta was the first to jump onto the stage.
He became the first participant.
His bold action spurred others into movement, and one by one, more people began jumping onto the stage.
In no time, the roster of 80 participants was complete.
As soon as all 80 were assembled, Whis announced the start of the match.
At that moment, all eyes locked onto the stage, as if afraid to miss even the slightest detail.
"Who do you think will win?"
"It's hard to say. With 80 people sharing the stage, alliances might form, and if they do, many will surely be eliminated."
"Exactly. In this kind of chaotic free-for-all, there are too many unpredictable factors."
Initially, the spectators wanted to make some predictions, but considering the unique rules of the tournament, no one could confidently determine the winner.
Even the strongest fighter might struggle to face off against a group. Defeat wasn't out of the question, no matter their strength.
As such, no one dared to jump to conclusions.
Yet, this unpredictability only heightened the excitement. The more uncertain the outcome, the greater their anticipation!
---
Meanwhile, Frieza and his group focused solely on Greta. They ignored everyone else, viewing them as inconsequential. Greta, however, as a Saiyan, drew their full attention.
"These Saiyans are quite arrogant," Frieza muttered, glaring intently at Greta, a sinister plan forming in his mind.
After all, if he personally entered the fray, his chances of emerging unscathed weren't guaranteed. But if it came down to a strategic maneuver...
"Wait for the right moment to act! If it's Kakarot, we can hold off for now."
Frieza planned to employ a strategy akin to "fielding the right opponent at the right time" to deal a severe blow to the Saiyans. He couldn't tolerate always being overshadowed by them; it was an affront to his pride.
Among those Frieza selected for this purpose were his most formidable allies, including Cooler and Bojack.
---
Mu Chuan, however, was unaware of Frieza's scheming.
But just because he didn't know didn't mean no one else did.
Suddenly, the Supreme Kai appeared beside Mu Chuan.
"Mu Chuan, don't underestimate Frieza. That guy is cunning. He's planning to target you all during the elimination match."
The Supreme Kai relayed everything he overheard to Mu Chuan. Though Mu Chuan was slightly surprised, he also wasn't inclined to let Frieza have his way.
Casting a glance at Frieza in the distance, Mu Chuan quickly withdrew his gaze.
"If you want to play games… then I'll play along!"
Originally, Mu Chuan only intended to secure his spot in the tournament. But if someone was deliberately trying to sabotage him, he couldn't let it slide!
Besides… this was a chance to test his recent progress. Battle breeds improvement, and it was time to loosen his muscles and get back into fighting shape.
Not only would he personally step onto the stage…
He would also counter Frieza's moves.
Though he wouldn't eliminate Frieza outright, he intended to make him suffer. Some payback was in order; Frieza's arrogance needed tempering.
---
Back on the stage, the brutal elimination match was in full swing.
Regardless of whether participants knew each other, every encounter turned into a fierce battle. Sometimes, additional opponents would join mid-fight.
Gradually…
The number of eliminated participants reached 40.
And this was only after a few minutes. No one knew how many would remain after 45 minutes.
It was undeniably brutal.
---
Yet Greta seemed to handle it all with ease. He hadn't even activated Super Saiyan yet, relying solely on his Great Ape power!
Though his base form was enough to give him the upper hand, he activated the Great Ape power for insurance.
Every opponent he encountered was swiftly dealt with. His speed and efficiency were astounding.
After all, every opponent was a potential threat. Even a weaker opponent could pose a significant danger if they formed alliances.
On the stage, Greta's performance was nothing short of dazzling. His presence dominated the scene, leaving no room for others to shine.
"9 opponents… 10… 11…"
Someone in the audience was silently keeping count.
"He's too strong. It feels like he's not even using his full strength, yet he's already taken down 11 opponents with ease."
"If a strong alliance formed, we'd see a real spectacle!"
"It seems… he'll definitely secure a spot in the next round!"
The crowd grew more and more impressed with Greta's performance.
The match's brutality was undeniable.
Strength played a crucial role, but alliances and strategies also offered opportunities to turn the tide.
This realization prompted those who hadn't yet entered the ring to scan their surroundings, searching for potential allies to improve their chances.
But Greta's overwhelming display of strength left many hesitant. Even the strongest fighters among the Crystal Race might not guarantee victory against him.
---
After 27 minutes, only one person remained standing on the stage: Greta!
Although the match was scheduled for 45 minutes, if all others were eliminated beforehand, the sole remaining participant would advance directly.
This first round left everyone shocked.
Even the spectators felt chills.
It was over already?
The speed was astonishing. Many believed they'd have a chance if they simply survived for 45 minutes.
But who could've imagined that less than 30 minutes in, all other participants would be cleared from the stage?
How could anyone hope to compete under such circumstances?
---
"With only one person left standing, the first elimination match ends. Only one advances."
"Next, the second elimination match will begin!"
Whis's voice echoed, pulling everyone's thoughts back to the present.
Though the next round was ready to begin, no one dared step forward.
For a moment, an awkward silence filled the air.
But in the next instant, someone stepped onto the stage, causing a collective shift in the spectators' expressions!