Chapter 22: The Competition Begins

The bell tolled deafeningly.

As the bell rang, overwhelming cheers erupted from the mist-shrouded stands.

Bloodthirsty roars and sharp screeches mingled with the cheers.

The giant crystal hourglass in the sky began to count down as it flipped over.

Glowing grains of sand passed through the funnel, forming a glowing line of sand falling to the bottom.

Though the falling sand grains remained at the bottom, the glow on them continued to slide down.

The glow drifted down into the center of the arena, weaving and solidifying.

It condensed into a faceless being, about 2 meters tall, with a slender and tall build, and joints that seemed designed for movement.

Its two arms held two short swords, staggering towards Kane.

A puppet construct?

Kane hesitated not at all and flicked his wrist directly at it.

Two strands of spider silk wound forth, encircling the puppet's legs.

With a strong tug,

the puppet fell with a thud, kicking up a dust cloud.

The fallen puppet tried to struggle to its feet with its mechanically rigid limbs, but its leg joints were bound together by the spider silk, making its movements even more mechanical.

Too strange, is it really this weak?

Though the puppet had a slender figure, it was still an iron construct.

Kane didn't even use much force, yet the puppet fell all the same.

But now, in the midst of battle, since it had fallen, it should quietly exit the stage.

Magic power released, and a transparent bow appeared in his hand.

Drawing the bow, he shot an arrow directly at the struggling puppet on the ground.

The transparent arrow tore through the sky, embedding itself firmly in the puppet's head.

The puppet, having just adjusted its position and was about to stand, was knocked askew and fell by the force of the arrow, a hole appearing in the smooth face where its features should have been, with pitch-black liquid flowing down its face.

Like it was short-circuiting, the puppet's limb joints twitched for a while, then became completely still, as if it had lost power.

Yet the corpse did not disappear.

Why?

Whatever, no need to worry, more puppets were gathering in the arena.

This time, five puppets materialized in the open space, two of them bearing shields, two with spears, and the last holding a crossbow.

A reasonable classic configuration.

But if they were as weak as the previous one, no matter how many, it would just take a bit more effort.

This time, Kane once again took the initiative to attack.

He swung his hand forcefully, casting a large web of spider silk. A glob of silk shot from his wrist, unfolding mid-air, the resilient web adhering firmly to the four close-combat puppets ahead.

The spear-wielding puppet, slightly behind, tried to break free from the web, its backward pulling motion bringing down the shield-bearing puppet in front, causing it to fall on itself.

The uncoordinated struggles of the four puppets allowed the web to envelop them perfectly.

Yet Kane did not rush to finish off the fallen puppets; instead, he drew his bow and released a volley of continuous arrows at the crossbow-wielding puppet.

The long-range attacker should be prioritized.

The ranged puppet was slowly loading its crossbow arrow, unconcerned if its allies ahead could protect it.

The sudden impact disrupted its action.

Three holes appeared in its head, with small iron plates and black liquid shooting out.

Seeing his attack hit the target, Kane conjured an iron hammer with his magic power from the air.

He charged at the struggling close-combat puppets still on the ground.

With the aid of reinforcement, the conjured transparent hammer struck down like a thousand-pound weight.

Yet Kane could wield it with ease, for its weight to him was as light as air.

The four puppets entangled in the web flailed their mechanical arms, trying to break free.

Kane showed no mercy.

He swung his hammer forcefully at the two shield-bearing puppets in front.

The web dispersed at that moment, and the puppets tried to evade, but it was too late.

The two puppets were sent flying into the air, shield and all.

The puppets in mid-air tried to brace themselves with their slender frames against the massive impact, not to mention that the shields in their hands were of no use.

The puppets crashed to the ground in a shapeless heap, surrounded by parts scattered mid-air.

Like a disassembled model thrown out, they lay shattered on the ground.

Kane did not bother with the two puppets sent flying.

He instead turned to the other two trying to rise, smashing down from above.

The huge iron hammer brought with it a forceful impact, striking them hard.

A tooth-grinding sound rang out as the two puppets, offering no resistance, were smashed into the ground, raising another dust cloud.

With the transparent hammer, their miserable state was clear, like Lego toys smashed into the ground and stomped on.

No more body, just a heap of parts left behind.

From the stands around, came intense cheers.

It seemed this brutal method had invigorated them.

The sound was laden with a bloodthirsty, cruel aura.

The cheers were truly grating.

They made him feel like a beast being admired.

This detestable sound.

He slowly retreated to his previous position, quietly awaiting the next wave.

This time, the hourglass did not hastily scatter more glow but waited for a moment before continuing.

And even provided a rest period, how considerate.

A powerless beast cannot deliver a splendid performance.

Blue light descended again.

A form over 3 meters tall began to coalesce.

Heavy armor manifested on its body, and the giant axe puppet materialized in full.

As soon as it took shape, it hefted its axes and charged towards Kane.

Looks like the opponent is launching the attack this time.

Kane stood his ground, unhurried, lifting his long spear at the giant axe puppet.

The giant axe puppet lifted its axes aggressively, aiming to strike Kane's head the moment it got close.

Of course, assuming it could get close.

With a loud bang, the charge of the giant axe puppet was halted, crashing hard into the air.

The shockwave was visible in the air.

The air wall shattered for the first time under the impact.

Of course, the giant axe puppet paid the price, part of its outer armor shattered, exposing vulnerable components inside.

For this type of reckless, straightforward enemy, the air wall was always effective.

But Kane's awaited opportunity was before him.

Stride, lift waist, both hands gripping the long spear: Shielding the Sky.

Channeling all his strength into this single attack.

Aiming at the puppet marked with the Traitor's mark, he thrust with all his might.

The ultimate piercing power, hitting the unguarded side, Shielding the Sky met no resistance.

In just an instant,

the white spear tip pierced through and finally protruded from the back of the puppet's head.

The spear tip was stained with black liquid that resembled oil.

Withdrawing the spear,

the giant axe puppet kneeled, supporting itself with its axes, the large hole gushing liquid and metal fragments.

"I don't know if you can understand, but you aren't strong enough."

He swung the spear shaft, flinging off the black liquid.

In his ears, a deafening roar.