Brawl

The final test had arrived, where the remaining candidates would battle each other for the chance to be chosen by the witch. As the voice ceased, I found myself instantly transported into an arena. Standing before me was a boy who appeared much larger than myself, his hand transformed into a blade-like weapon, and one of his eyes emanating a fiery red glow. His body bore numerous wounds, evidence of a fierce encounter with the golem. Despite his injuries, I could sense his formidable strength. The voice declared that we were free to use any means necessary to defeat our opponent, emphasizing that the fight had already commenced the moment we entered the arena.

To gain an advantage, I commanded my slime companion to leave my arm and burrow into the ground, heading towards the boy. However, in that instant, I felt a blade severing my head from my body. I hadn't even witnessed his movement. As my head tumbled to the ground, I realized that the motionless figure before me was nothing more than a decoy—a fake clone meant to deceive. Revival came swiftly, but the experience of dying remained excruciating, accompanied by the disdainful gaze of the phoenix, mixed with a subtle satisfaction that her successor possessed strength.

Returning to consciousness, I found myself in the same spot. The other boy, believing he had emerged victorious, began boasting to the heavens about his triumph and questioning why I still stood there. However, as his attention shifted back to me, he suddenly collapsed, ensnared in the sticky trap my slime had created. Seizing the opportunity, I flew towards him with tremendous speed, employing the flaming claws of my claw strike skill, tearing and scorching his face mercilessly. Yet, his body proved resilient, unnaturally tougher than expected.

Still trapped and unable to escape the grasp of the slime, his legs began to dissolve into the viscous substance which allowed me to absorb part of him and acquiring the skill, Steel Blade. Sensing his imminent demise, I activated the newly acquired skill, Steel Blade, causing my hand to transform into a hardened blade reminiscent of steel. However, I knew this alone would not be sufficient to kill him. Drawing upon my flame manipulation, I heated the blade to a searing temperature, then swiftly impaled his head. Utilizing absorption, I absorbed his essence and gained additional skills: Body Strengthening, Steel Blade enhancement, and Fading Strike. Furthermore, my mastery over Aura improved.

The battle concluded, leaving only four candidates remaining in this grueling contest. I stood there, a mixture of triumph and weariness, prepared to face whatever challenges awaited me next.

Ah, so that's the purpose behind the enigmatic red eye. Now, let's take a look at the blue screen and assess the situation. Three candidates still remain, indicating that the battle is far from over. One of them has yet to emerge victorious. Interesting.

Ah, the power of Body Strengthening, amplifying my already immortal self to unimaginable levels. Truly, I have become a force to be reckoned with. And now, it's time to test the capabilities of Aura. Ah, the radius of its influence is significantly expanded, causing even the birds to scatter in its wake. A formidable ability indeed.

I have just realized why my slime companion is taking an extended amount of time to return. Given that I only absorbed the opponent's head, the remainder of his body remains rooted to the spot, ensnared by the slime's grip. Ah, there it is, finally making its way back to me. My arm, once again reunited with its rightful place. Quite amusing, isn't it?

Now, all that's left to do is wait. Ten minutes pass by, and at last, I hear the voice once more. The last two candidates, it declares, wishing us both luck in the impending battle. With anticipation coursing through my veins, I am swiftly transported to yet another arena, ready to face the final challenge that awaits.