[143] "Jiwoo v/s Glant"

Subin descended from the arena and stepped into a dark tunnel, where Wooin, Gangseok, Sucheon, Jisuk and Jiwoo were waiting for her.

"It's my turn" Jiwoo announced with a smile before taking a determined step to cross the tunnel.

"Good luck" Subin and Jisuk wished him in an encouraging tone.

Jiwoo returned the smile and advanced through the tunnel, feeling the expectant gazes of the spectators filling the stands. With a confident stride, he planted himself in the center of the arena, aware of the whispers spreading through the crowd.

A few seconds later, Glant emerged from the tunnel at the opposite end of the arena and stood several meters away from Jiwoo.

The tension in the atmosphere was palpable.

The vice director, with precise gestures, created a spatial isolation barrier and then blew the starting whistle. "Begin!"

Glant's body abruptly transformed, his muscles bulging, tearing his clothes into shreds. Red fur covered his arms and part of his shoulders, while his eyes turned completely black with a glowing crimson hue.

A red aura radiated from his upper body.

With a powerful punch, Glant made contact with the sand, unleashing a series of impacts that caused the surface to crack and shatter into pieces.

Glant adopted a boxer's stance, his arms forming a firm guard, not moving an inch.

This unmoving attitude left Jiwoo completely astonished.

"Is this a joke?" muttered Jiwoo with disbelief in his voice. His eyes remained fixed on Glant's impenetrable stance, unable to believe the situation before him.

Seconds passed without Glant showing any sign of movement, leaving Jiwoo stunned at the unusual situation.

"Aren't you going to attack?" asked Jiwoo with a hint of bewilderment in his voice.

The silence in the arena was overwhelming, as Glant offered no response

Jiwoo advanced confidently on the cracked ground and voiced aloud. "I hope your skill has something to do with defense because otherwise I don't understand your attitude." His words echoed in the ears of everyone present.

With a tap of his foot on the ground, Jiwoo's figure disappeared and reappeared in front of Glant at an astonishing speed.

A murmur of amazement spread among the spectators, who were stunned by Jiwoo's speed.

Wasting no time, Jiwoo launched a flurry of blows, and Glant concentrated on resisting them, demonstrating the hard strength of his body as the impacts echoed off his guard.

Jiwoo increased his speed to astonishing levels, leaving only fleeting flashes and the shocking sound of his punches connecting. Glant concentrated on his defense, recognizing the unfavorable situation he was in.

In an attempt to turn the tide of the fight, Glant threw a powerful punch towards Jiwoo, who deftly managed to dodge it at the last moment. However, the force of the blow generated a surprising gust of wind that shocked Jiwoo. Without hesitation, Jiwoo increased his speed once again, moving at breakneck speed to avoid the gust of wind and keep the pressure on Glant.

Jiwoo appeared behind Glant and threw a powerful punch that connected with his back, sending him crashing to the ground hard.

Glant quickly picked himself up off the ground, but his gaze was filled with caution as he saw Jiwoo enveloped in an aura of electricity.

Anticipating Jiwoo's next move, Glant instinctively took cover, preparing to meet the impending attack.

Jiwoo disappeared in a flash of blue, leaving a crack in the ground in his wake. His figure suddenly reappeared right in front of Glant, who was concentrating on his defense. An intense blow impacted Glant's guard, causing electricity to shoot out in all directions.

Glant was thrown backwards with devastating force, crashing into the stands and destroying them in the process. He was knocked unconscious, covered in dust and badly burned by the electricity.

The combat arena was plunged into complete silence. The young men in the top 10, as well as the teachers and spectators present, were stunned at the incredible speed and skill demonstrated by Jiwoo.

"The winner is Jiwoo Seo!" the vice principal announced with a smile on his face.

The doctors rushed Glant to the medical room as the space isolation dissipated, returning everything to its original state.

Jiwoo could not contain his joy and raised his fist in the air in triumph before returning to the tunnel.

From the bleachers, hidden from everyone's gaze, Kayden, Kartein and Ares watched the fight unfolding in the arena intently.

"Didn't the combat seem strange to you?" posed Ares with a serious look on his face.

Kartein nodded thoughtfully. "All Jiwoo's opponent did was defend himself? I heard rumors that the World Academy was in decline - how far has it fallen?"

Kayden maintained an unperturbed silence, but his expression reflected a deep seriousness.

"I know the top 10 are advanced for their age, but it is said that they only challenge someone when they are absolutely certain of winning, they are not willing to risk it for nothing," Ares commented.

Kayden responded coolly. "Their fears have made it clear how pathetic they are right now, and in time, they will understand even more. They cannot compare to my disciple," he concluded before turning and walking away.

Kartein and Ares watched Kayden walk away in silence.

"This battle really disappointed me," Ares expressed regretfully, then continued with a worried expression. "I don't see how this kind of confrontation can be beneficial to Jiwoo."

Kartein nodded firmly and added. "Exactly, it was an unusual battle. Jiwoo was the one who took the initiative, while the opponent's strategy was limited to defense, patiently waiting for an opportunity to Jiwoo. However, when he tried to attack, it was he who showed an opening, and Jiwoo wasted no time in finishing him off with his powerful technique."

"It was appropriate for Jiwoo to conclude the bout immediately, he would have learned nothing from a low level awakened like him. It wasn't worth prolonging it." scorned Ares, as he turned and walked away disdainfully.

Kartein surveyed the arena, which was still completely silent, and nodded in agreement with Ares' words before walking away.

....

[A few hours later]

[Student Council]

Leah was sitting at her desk, reviewing some documents, when she suddenly heard footsteps approaching at high speed.

One of the members of her organization came running toward her.

"President," the young man uttered, with a tone of urgency in his voice.

Leah looked at him, waiting for his information.

"Jiwoo Seo notified that his fight against Elay will take place tomorrow morning," the young man communicated.

Leah abruptly stood up from her seat and slapped her hands on the desk in surprise. In an altered voice, she asked. "Are you sure he said that?"

The young man nodded with a visibly shocked face.

Leah frowned with a serious expression as she looked down at her desk. "You're dismissed," she said firmly.

The young man bowed and withdrew.

Leah sat back down and reflected. 'I know he's the disciple of that man rumored to be a maniac for fighting, but because he must be just as hot-headed as his master.'

'He crushed Glant before he could do anything, even though his style is very defensive. That has made him one of the strongest Awakened Ones in this academy'.

'If he intends to keep challenging others, he could endanger all of us.'

'I have to find a way to stop him from continuing to challenge the other top ten.'

....

Sucheon, Gangseok, Jisuk, Wooin and Subin were sitting on various couches, while Seongha and Inhyuk remained standing.

"Have you heard yet that Jiwoo will have another challenge tomorrow?" commented Inhyuk seriously.

Wooin, Jisuk, Subin and Gangseok nodded solemnly, while Sucheon nodded coolly.

"I'm surprised at their determination to keep fighting," Seongha commented.

Inhyuk frowned and added. "His situation is different from ours, he has much more to prove."

Sucheon clenched his fist, his face reflecting seriousness.

"I'm worried about his condition," Subin said.

"Relax, Jiwoo is strong," Jisuk commented.

"Yes, but I'm still worried," Subin added.

Wooin spoke seriously. "We don't have to worry about him, he has support. Our job is to make sure Jiwoo doesn't have to worry about us."

Everyone present frowned at this statement.

Jisuk clenched his fist and declared. "I want to challenge one of the top ten in this academy. I can't allow Jiwoo to fight alone."

Jisuk's words surprised everyone.

Gangseok, Wooin, Sucheon and Subin responded in unison. "We agree. We also want to challenge them."

Seongha and Inhyuk were surprised, but then smiled, and Seongha asked. "Are you sure?"

"Yes," they all replied.

"Then, after Jiwoo's showdown tomorrow, I'll let them know about your challenge to the teachers," Inhyuk commented.

"Give it your all, you have our support," Inhyuk said, showing his support towards them with his words.

....

[Student Council]

The members of the academy's Top 10, with the exception of Glant, occupied the comfortable armchairs in the room, while Leah leaned on her desk.

"Leah, you seem to be getting used to summoning us whenever you please," Laura reproached, visibly annoyed, as Jean nodded in agreement.

"I wouldn't have summoned you if it weren't for an important reason," Leah commented.

"Then talk to us at once," Laura said.

Leah, undeterred, turned her gaze to Elay and stated. "Jiwoo Seo wants the challenge to take place tomorrow."

Elay frowned as all eyes turned to him.

"I went to talk to him, and he confirmed that he wants to face you tomorrow, moreover, he intends to challenge each of the Top 10 members in the future," Leah commented. This news made everyone's faces turn somber, and Arthur's carefree attitude disappeared completely.

Duke clenched his fists in anger and thought to himself. 'Jiwoo Seo... I don't like you at all. Get ready because when I can use all my power, I will crush you.'

"What?" exclaimed Laura angrily and then added. "Are you so arrogant as to claim that you will take on every one of us?"

"Does he really think he can beat us all?" said Laura angrily.

"His master is a strong Awakened One, known to accept any challenge without hesitation," Leah commented.

"What do I care about his master? He can't compare to our families. We just need to make him understand his place," Laura said angrily as she got up and walked away.

Everyone watched Laura as she left, and Leah sighed before saying. "I hope you won't accept any more challenges from him." Her words caused some to frown.

"We can't let him do whatever he wants here. He supposedly came as a guest, but his attitude seems like someone who is in his own home," Leah commented.

Elay stands up and states. "I'll be sure to put an end to his streak."

....

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