Chapter 6: Hidden Power Unleashed
The sun hung high in the sky, casting golden rays upon the grand arena. The battle between Elton Solman and Cedric Vanthor was about to begin. The crowd buzzed with excitement—two young geniuses clashing was always a spectacle worth watching.
Cedric Vanthor stood with an air of nobility, his silver-tiered Ki radiating confidence. His family name carried weight, and his skill proved he was no ordinary competitor. He smirked at Elton, sizing him up.
"You know, Solman," Cedric started, flipping his crimson-lined dagger in his hand, "I've been watching this tournament closely. There are a few strong ones here, but you… you've caught my eye."
Elton raised an eyebrow. "Should I be flattered?"
Cedric chuckled. "Maybe. But don't let it go to your head. Strength isn't just about potential—it's about dominance. And I plan to dominate this fight."
Elton rested his hand on the hilt of his sword but didn't draw it yet. "That so? Because from where I'm standing, you sound more like someone trying to convince himself than me."
Cedric's smirk twitched. "Hmph. Arrogant. Let's see if your sword can back up that mouth of yours."
The referee raised his hand, his voice booming across the arena.
"Let the match begin!"
The Battle Ignites
BOOM!
Both fighters shot forward like lightning, weapons drawn. Clang! Sparks flew as Cedric's dagger clashed against Elton's sword, the force sending a shockwave through the stage.
The crowd gasped.
Elton twisted his blade, redirecting Cedric's thrust and countering with a sharp slash. But Cedric was quick—he ducked, spinning with a sweeping kick that Elton narrowly dodged.
They exchanged a flurry of blows—Cedric's dagger strikes were like a viper's fangs, swift and precise. Elton's movements were fluid, parrying each attack with practiced ease.
The intensity of their fight left the audience in awe.
Zoro stood with arms crossed, a small smirk on his face. "He's taking his time with this one."
Christy, watching with a relaxed yet focused gaze, smiled slightly. "Elton's still holding back. But Cedric isn't an easy opponent—this is interesting."
Cedric took a step back, his eyes narrowing. "Not bad. Your swordplay is sharp."
Elton exhaled, rolling his shoulders. "You're not bad yourself. But I was expecting more from a 'genius' of the Vanthor family."
Cedric's expression darkened. "You talk a lot for someone barely keeping up."
Without warning, he lunged forward, his dagger glowing with Silver-Tier Ki Essence.
"Let's change that!"
Elton met him head-on, their weapons clashing with thunderous force. Each impact sent shockwaves through the arena.
Cedric's attacks became more aggressive, forcing Elton onto the defensive. His dagger weaved through the air like a serpent, slashing dangerously close.
Elton blocked and dodged, but Cedric's battle strength was evident—he fought on the level of a true Silver-Tier 3.
For a moment, it seemed as though Elton was being overwhelmed.
The crowd was on edge.
Zoro's smirk widened. "How long are you gonna let him play around, Elton?"
Elton gritted his teeth as he barely deflected another heavy strike. His feet slid back, leaving deep marks in the arena floor.
His inner voice stirred, its tone filled with amusement and irritation.
"This is pathetic. You're a Silver-Tier 1, yet you still struggle? You disgust me."
"You're fighting like a fool. You could've ended this already."
Elton took a deep breath, ignoring the taunts. He wasn't in a rush—this fight was useful. It let him refine his control and keep his true strength a secret.
But it seemed Cedric had enough of waiting.
Cedric flipped back, landing gracefully. He twirled his dagger, and suddenly, it began to glow with a deep red aura, pulsating with power.
The air around him crackled with intensity.
The crowd murmured in excitement.
Christy's eyes narrowed. "Here it comes."
"This," Cedric said, raising his dagger, "is my family's treasured technique. Consider yourself honored to witness it."
He lowered his stance, his dagger humming with raw power.
"Scarlet Fang Rend!"
Cedric vanished.
A blur of crimson shot toward Elton at terrifying speed.
Elton's eyes widened slightly.
This attack was strong.
But—
He was stronger.
Elton sighed, gripping his sword tighter. "I didn't want to do this."
Then—
BOOM!
A sudden explosion of Ki Essence erupted from Elton's body, far surpassing what he had shown before. The ground beneath him cracked. His sword glowed with an electric-blue aura, surging with power.
Cedric's pupils shrank.
"What—"
Elton's speed doubled.
He sidestepped Cedric's deadly attack with effortless grace.
Before Cedric could react—
SLASH!
Elton's sword struck.
Cedric gasped as a deep cut tore through his armor, pain shooting through his chest. He staggered back, his dagger trembling in his grip.
The crowd was dead silent.
Then, Elton spoke.
"You're strong, Cedric. But you're not strong enough."
The Final Blow—Lightning Star Collision!
Cedric's face twisted in frustration. "Not yet! I can still—"
Elton didn't let him finish.
Lightning crackled around his sword, the air itself trembling from the energy buildup.
With a sharp exhale, he vanished—reappearing directly in front of Cedric.
"Lightning Star Collision!"
BOOOOOM!
A devastating slash of lightning-infused Ki erupted forward, colliding head-on with Cedric's final desperate attack.
The resulting explosion shook the entire arena.
Cedric was sent flying—his body slammed out of the ring, landing with a heavy thud.
His dagger lay shattered beside him, his armor split. His breathing was ragged, eyes filled with disbelief.
Elton landed softly, his sword humming before he casually sheathed it.
The referee gulped, then raised his hand.
"Elton Solman wins!"
The arena erupted in cheers.
"He defeated Cedric Vanthor?!"
"What was that final attack?! That was Silver-Tier 3 strength at least!"
"Is he actually just Silver-Tier 1?!"
In the stands, Christy was still smiling, but her golden-red eyes gleamed with intrigue.
"He's even more interesting than I thought."
Zoro let out a chuckle, shaking his head. "Took you long enough, Elton."
Elton, meanwhile, stood at the center of the stage, his gaze lifting toward the higher stands—where powerful figures were now watching him with great interest.
His inner voice chuckled darkly.
"Now you've done it. The real hunt begins."
Elton sighed.
"Guess I couldn't stay hidden forever."