Chapter Forty-Three: Quarterfinals

Feng Xiao Yue launched another charge, pressing forward, but her opponent sidestepped nimbly to avoid her attack. She spun around and slashed with her sword, only for her opponent to raise a round shield and block once more. Feng Xiao Yue grew anxious; as soon as her strike was deflected, she leaped back and unleashed a heavy blow, but again the opponent met her attack with the shield. A damage value of -10 flashed across the screen, accompanied by a gust of air swirling across the arena floor.

Seeing this paltry damage, everyone was astonished. I knew Yan Ri's attack power well, yet this was all she could manage? The gap between them was simply too vast. Feng Xiao Yue then launched a flurry of strikes at Huan Yue, but her adversary handled them with effortless poise, blocking or dodging each attack, never giving Feng Xiao Yue another chance to inflict even a single point of damage.

Feng Xiao Yue struck again, but her opponent evaded, circled behind her, and delivered a knife-hand blow to the back of her neck. A damage value of -100 appeared, and she was thrown to the ground. Though she managed to stand again, she was gasping for breath, her sword movements slowed. Now, her opponent didn't even need to block; a simple sway to the left or right sufficed to dodge her attacks. Her next attempt was easily avoided and she was tripped, crashing to the ground once more.

After a minute of labored breathing, she managed to stand, her hair disheveled and her face darkening with frustration. Yet she refused to admit defeat. Whenever she faced such moments, she would bravely charge forward, determined to fall with honor upon the arena, even if she lost. Just then, Feng Xiao Yue dashed forward, Yan Ri thrusting towards her opponent. Huan Yue remained motionless until Feng Xiao Yue came within reach, then struck with the shielded fist, landing a punch to Feng Xiao Yue's chest. A damage value of -200 appeared, and Huan Yue retreated with a leap. Blood dripped steadily from Feng Xiao Yue's chest, and Huan Yue drew the greatsword from his back. Feng Xiao Yue anticipated, raising Yan Ri. With a shout, she rushed forward, but Huan Yue lifted the sword and brought it down. A crimson flash erupted across her chest, and a damage value of -2101 floated up. She fell backward into a pool of blood, and the system promptly announced Huan Yue's victory.

Watching this match, I finally understood true power and strength. Before this person, Xiao Yue was toyed with. If Huan Yue were to face me, could I possibly win? I trembled involuntarily. At that moment, Long Xin grasped my hand and smiled at me, bringing me back to myself. I realized I was feeling a hint of fear towards Huan Yue, but thankfully, Long Xin helped steady me.

As Feng Xiao Yue left the arena, we gathered around her. I asked first, "How was it?"

She took a deep breath and replied, "I admit defeat. That person is too strong, far beyond what I expected. The gap between us is enormous. The hope of our Dragon Studio rests on you siblings now. Do your best and aim for the championship."

I said, "We'll do our best, haha."

The break ended, and the second match began. This time, Sword Dust faced the Snow Night War God. The match began quickly, with Snow Night War God standing opposite, his expression full of disdain.

"I hear you're a master," he said. "I can't see what makes you so special. Today, let me test your skills."

Sword Dust sneered, "I'm not that extraordinary, but compared to you, I'm stronger."

Snow Night War God snapped, "Don't be so arrogant. Soon, you'll be speechless."

With the system prompt, the match began. Both raised their lances and charged at each other. If my own charge were dodged by his flicker move, he'd surely grow even more arrogant.

As they crossed paths, their swords sparked. Snow Night War God hesitated for a moment, then spun and thrust his sword, but Sword Dust evaded lightly and counterattacked swiftly. His movements were fluid and far faster than the average warrior.

Snow Night War God endured the attack and immediately launched a heavy blow at Sword Dust, landing with a resounding "bang"—a damage value of -629 flashed. His attack power was indeed high, but Sword Dust's health bar still showed plenty of vitality. Sword Dust, using his running to cover, charged again and slammed into Snow Night War God, stunning him.

Sword Dust then slashed his chest fiercely, and a -986 damage value appeared. His opponent's health dropped to half—he had decent equipment. But Sword Dust followed up with a heavy strike and a combo, stripping more than 2,000 health from Snow Night War God, clinching the victory.

I thought this person was formidable. When he started running, he used a skill—not a charge, but a dash, which was similar. Both were instant acceleration skills, but one had attack power and the other did not. Charge simply accelerated, while dash, when striking the opponent, induced a brief stun. Combined with high attack power, if caught in this sequence, the only outcome was defeat.

Next was my match. Recalling my opponent's terrifying summoned beast, I knew this battle would be fraught with danger. We stood face to face on the stage. Little Bird said, "Wei Wei Dragon, I've heard of someone who single-handedly reached the Human-Faced Demon Spider. That must be you. Your strength must be considerable, and in previous matches you easily eliminated your opponents. Quite an imposing aura, quite a fierce presence. There aren't many high-level players in Dragon City, but with your strength, you definitely rank among the top experts. I'm glad to face a player of your caliber, and I'll be even happier when I defeat you."

I smiled, "Is that so? Then let's have a cheerful PK match."

Little Bird replied, "Alright, let the fight begin. Today, it's Little Bird versus Wei Wei Dragon. Both sides are willing, no complaints about injury or death."

I said, "Let’s start." As the system prompt announced the beginning, a long green staff appeared in his right hand. His eyes shone like lightning, locking onto me without blinking. In that instant, I felt a distinct pressure and murderous intent enveloping me.

My heart sank. This person, like myself, excelled at close-quarters combat as a summoner. Today would be a real fight. Little Bird smiled slightly, habitually reaching with his left hand to tousle his messy hair, then donned a helmet. He touched the iron helmet atop his head and grinned, "Good, let’s see who’s the best close-range summoner."

I smiled. The Hurricane Wolf King appeared at my side, its icy eyes fixed on Little Bird, ready to deliver a deadly strike. I was confident in my own single-target strength. Though Little Bird didn't seem weak, I didn’t believe I would lose.

Both I and my beast locked onto Little Bird, focusing all our attention on him. "Your summoned beast has evolved to this level," Little Bird said, stroking the green staff in his hand with a faint smile, unconcerned by my presence.

"I know you're a summoner too. Summon your beast," I said.

He replied, "Heh, I'll summon when the time is right. For now, I don’t need it." Little Bird was so arrogant, daring to underestimate me. I had to show him what I could do.

Though I didn't understand why he was so bold, I felt a surge of curiosity. I wanted to see if he truly had some astonishing skill, or was just an empty braggart.

"Hurricane Wolf King, take him down and let’s see what he's really capable of!" I shouted. The Hurricane Wolf King howled, its jaws opening, and a spiral hurricane shot toward Little Bird.

He rolled to avoid it and charged straight at me. I had anticipated this; the Hurricane Wolf King and I were connected in mind. Instantly, its forepaws, glowing white, lifted and slashed forward with a sound that tore through the air.

Little Bird dodged swiftly, his agility no less than my own. With a tap of his toes, he darted aside. Yet the Hurricane Wolf King continued its furious growl, activating its rage ability, boosting its attack power. Its nimble movements, combined with its claws, unleashed a barrage of strikes. The Wolf King, angered by Little Bird's arrogance, launched a relentless assault, slashing repeatedly. Little Bird barely avoided three attacks before being caught by the heavy claws and sent flying.

A damage value of -750 appeared. The Hurricane Wolf King pressed its advantage, striking with both claws, determined to crush this arrogant opponent. Clearly, in both attributes and strength, the Wolf King surpassed Little Bird by far. But his swagger surely hid some secret killer move.

Suddenly, a towering tree sprang up beneath Little Bird’s feet, enveloping his body. The Hurricane Wolf King's double claws struck the tree with explosive force.