The next group of twenty stepped forward, each fighter carrying their own reputation, ambitions, and combat styles. With only three slots for advancement, the pressure was immense.
As they took their positions, the arena trembled slightly. The formations around the battlefield activated, locking them in. There would be no escape until seventeen combatants were eliminated.
This group consisted of a wide variety of warriors, each prepared to prove themselves:
Kael Draven – A dual-bladed fighter known for his relentless offense.
Selene Veyron – A wind-element cultivator whose agility made her nearly untouchable.
Viktor Hale – A brute-force powerhouse specializing in body reinforcement.
Kieran Solas – A staff-wielding tactician who combined precision and deception.
Aziel Duskbane – A flame-wielding prodigy with devastating area attacks.
Saria Riven – A dagger-wielding assassin known for fast, lethal strikes.
Elias Varn – A defensive specialist with a towering shield, difficult to move or break.
Isolde Wraith – A cold, calculating water cultivator with exceptional control over fluid movements.
Reiner Korr – A reckless berserker whose strength increased as the battle dragged on.
And many others, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses.
The announcer’s voice thundered through the stadium.
"The second elimination round begins—NOW!"
The battlefield exploded into action.
Kael Draven dashed forward, his twin blades leaving streaks of light as he struck down the first opponent with rapid slashes. A second fighter tried to engage—only to be cut down instantly.
Selene Veyron moved like the wind, avoiding attacks while countering with swift, razor-thin air blades that forced multiple combatants back.
Viktor Hale stood firm, his reinforced body allowing him to absorb incoming attacks with ease. He threw an opponent aside with a single punch, sending them crashing into the arena wall.
Kieran Solas kept his distance, using his staff to knock enemies off balance before delivering precision strikes to pressure points. He aimed for efficiency, conserving energy while letting others tire themselves out.
Aziel Duskbane unleashed a surge of fire, forcing weaker fighters to retreat. He burned away projectiles mid-air and created barriers of flame to limit movement.
Saria Riven disappeared into the fray, appearing behind unsuspecting fighters and eliminating them with precise dagger strikes before vanishing again.
Elias Varn held his ground, his massive shield blocking multiple attacks at once. He absorbed the impact and retaliated with powerful shield bashes that sent opponents flying.
Isolde Wraith summoned a torrent of water, shaping it into whip-like tendrils that snatched weapons out of her enemies’ hands. She remained poised, dismantling threats one by one with fluid efficiency.
Reiner Korr let out a savage roar, his muscles swelling as he absorbed damage and converted it into raw strength. Every second he fought, he grew more dangerous.
Within minutes, eight fighters were down—some unconscious, others yielding after suffering critical injuries.
The remaining twelve quickly realized they had to either form temporary alliances or fight even harder to survive.
Kael clashed with Selene, his twin blades slicing through the air, but her wind-enhanced reflexes made her too slippery to land a decisive blow.
Viktor faced off against Aziel, fire meeting raw strength. While Aziel's flames singed Viktor’s skin, Viktor’s sheer durability allowed him to push forward.
Saria attempted to take down Kieran, but he read her movements too well, deflecting her daggers with his staff before countering with a heavy blow to the ribs, forcing her back.
Elias and Isolde found themselves surrounded by multiple opponents. Rather than fight separately, they worked together—Isolde’s water attacks forcing enemies into Elias’s range, where his shield crushed them.
Reiner Korr, now at his peak strength, stormed through the battlefield, grabbing opponents and slamming them into the ground with overwhelming force.
The weaker fighters fell one after another.
As the dust settled, only five combatants remained:
Kael Draven, his twin blades dripping with the energy of his past battles.
Selene Veyron, still fast, but showing signs of fatigue.
Viktor Hale, his reinforced body holding strong despite minor burns.
Isolde Wraith, her water cultivation still precise but slightly slower.
Reiner Korr, standing in the center, his body pulsing with power.
With the final elimination looming, none of them hesitated.
Kael and Selene clashed again, this time with full intensity. She dodged every strike—until Kael adjusted, predicting her movement and landing a decisive slash across her shoulder.
Selene staggered, unable to continue.
Selene Veyron eliminated.
Isolde turned to Viktor, sending a high-pressure water blast aimed at his joints, but Viktor powered through, taking the hit and closing the distance before delivering a devastating elbow strike.
Isolde fell, unable to stand.
Isolde Wraith eliminated.
Now, only three stood: Kael Draven, Viktor Hale, and Reiner Korr.
They had won.
Winners Declared
The floating screens displayed the final results.
"Kael Draven, Viktor Hale, and Reiner Korr—advance to the next round!"
The crowd roared in approval as the victors stood amidst the fallen.
Each had proven their strength, but they knew the real battle was yet to come.
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