Elimination Round
Meanwhile, Topaz stood respectfully before Grandmaster, recounting Johnny's remarkable feats.
"Alright! I could tell from the start that he's a top-notch fighter!" Grandmaster exclaimed with a strange excitement upon hearing Topaz's report.
"But it's unfortunate that the clash between Red Hair and Johnny didn't happen in the gladiatorial arena, where it rightfully belongs! Topaz, get Johnny into the knockout rounds pronto. I can hardly contain my anticipation!" Grandmaster's excitement translated into a directive for Topaz.
Soon after, Johnny, just returned to his quarters, received notice to partake in the inaugural knockout bout, delivered by Larter.
"Johnny, this is a 100-person elimination bout, the grandest of its kind. All you've got to do is endure for an hour or until there are thirty combatants left in the arena, and the bout concludes," Larter briefed Johnny, brimming with confidence in him.
"I've got it," Johnny replied, equally eager for the challenge.
Prior to receiving Grandmaster's summons, he had already invested 100 Devouring Points to elevate his fire control skills from level 1 to level 3, significantly enhancing his mastery over flames.
After some basic preparations, Johnny headed to the preparation area to select the necessary equipment and weapons. Adjacent to the fighter area, this space provided direct access to the arena.
Amidst the clamor of countless spectators echoing from the arena, Johnny encountered numerous fellow participants upon arrival at the preparation area.
Hailing from diverse planets and races, these fighters boasted varying appearances and demeanors, united only by their formidable presence.
Whether volunteering for gladiatorial combat or compelled by exile to Saka, participants in the Battle of Champions were rarely lacking in strength.
Observing Johnny's seemingly nonthreatening demeanor, many contestants with fierce countenances regarded him with disdain.
Despite the widespread tales of Johnny's showdown with the red-haired adversary, few had actually witnessed the confrontation firsthand.
Thus, upon encountering Johnny's unassuming guise, a number of competitors began scheming against him, their eyes betraying their hidden intentions.
In a knockout match, every fallen opponent increased one's chances of survival significantly.
In everyone's minds, Johnny was the one expected to be lying on the ground. But Johnny, contrary to expectations, paid little heed to this. Instead, he strolled around the preparation area, scouting for suitable weapons.
The array of weapons was diverse, all categorized as cold weapons to ensure fairness in the battles. Alongside the weaponry were shelves stocked with armor and protective gear, catering to various races.
Yet, after his inspection, Johnny felt a pang of disappointment. Both the weapons and protective gear seemed too crude for his liking.
Given his current physique, standard protective gear would hinder rather than aid his fighting prowess.
Johnny opted for a spear and a massive buckler crafted from an unfamiliar metal. The spear towered over two meters, dwarfing Johnny, while the shield offered full-body protection.
"Boy, if you fear death, this championship battle isn't for you. That shield won't save you. It'll only expose your foolishness and cowardice!"
A man clad in leather armor sneered, brandishing a long knife. He eyed Johnny twice as he passed, noticing the absence of the "exile" mark on Johnny's body, prompting a laugh.
Johnny simply glanced at him, opting not to engage.
His choice of the Contradiction card stemmed from his consumption of numerous God's guards in the God's Domain dungeon, each equipped with conflicting combat skills.
In the grand fighting arena, spectators from various galaxies and star systems eagerly awaited the championship battle's knockout round.
The Clash of Champions always drew packed crowds, each battle a spectacle.
Searchlights danced to the rhythm of music, converging over the arena as a colossal figure appeared before the audience.
"Haha... Esteemed audience, it's a splendid night and an extraordinary performance. Are you thrilled?" The figure, dressed flamboyantly, was none other than Grandmaster.
At that moment, Grandmaster wore a smirk. Peering through the projected shadow, he soaked in the exhilarated faces of the countless spectators, feeding his vanity.
In his almost endless existence, only combat could momentarily fill Grandmaster's void. The championship battles were his sole solace.
"Let's give another round of applause to the fighters about to meet their end in today's first knockout match!" Grandmaster's voice boomed, dripping with provocation.
"Let's make this journey worthwhile, just like me!"
As his inflammatory words reverberated, the cheers swelled in the arena.
Beneath the crescendo of intense music, numerous doors on the arena's lower level swung open abruptly, each revealing a fighter.
The fighters streamed into the arena, brandishing weapons high or pounding their chests, releasing deafening roars.
Among the raucous throng, one figure stood out.
This man, wielding a spear and shield, remained composed amid the tumult, his gaze steady as he observed the boisterous fighters and jubilant crowd.
Grandmaster's eyes lingered on him, a glint of intrigue dancing within.
"Ladies and gentlemen, by now you're all familiar with the rules of the 100-man elimination tournament. The battle lasts an hour, or until only thirty fighters remain standing. Let the games... begin!"
Grandmaster's voice crackled with excitement. With the declaration, the massive light and shadow vanished, focusing all attention on the arena.
"Fight! Fight!"
Salvos of gunfire rang out, heightening the crowd's fervor.
In the arena teeming with hundreds of combatants, the infectious atmosphere spurred passionate fighters into action. They roared and clashed with their nearest adversaries.
....
Want to read more exciting chapters, then join my Patreon right now and get access to 60+ premium chapters.
Free members get 2+ advanced chapters for free.
JOIN NOW
Link: pa#treon.com/KittyLovesMilk (Remove the #)