Rising Tension
Jiang Chen left the battle arena, his sharp gaze scanning the crowd. The tension in the air was palpable—his victory over Wang He had been too decisive, too overwhelming.
The murmurs of the spectators followed him like whispers in the wind.
> "He's not just strong—he's a monster."
"A Skull Ghost Ape that ignores poison? What kind of evolution is that?"
"Someone will come for him. Strength like that… it doesn't go unnoticed."
Jiang Chen ignored the noise. His mind was calm, but deep down, he knew that this battle had changed everything. He wasn't just another student fighting for recognition anymore. He was a rising force—and in a world where power dictated everything, that made him a target.
Ghost walked beside him, its skeletal form casting an eerie shadow under the dim arena lights. Its aura had thickened, growing more oppressive with every battle.
The system notification flashed before his eyes.
---
Ding!
> Battle Victory!
Silver-Eyed Viper (Elite-Tier, Level 19) Defeated!
EXP Gained: 1500
> Ghost has leveled up! (Level 17 → Level 18)
---
Jiang Chen clenched his fist. Ghost was getting stronger at an astonishing pace.
(Just a little more… We'll reach Commander-tier soon.)
But before he could dwell on it further, a voice called out.
> "Jiang Chen."
He turned.
A young man stood before him, arms crossed, exuding a powerful presence. His silver hair gleamed under the lights, and beside him crouched a Shadow Panther—its dark fur shifting like a living shadow.
Jiang Chen recognized him immediately.
Bai Ye. Rank #2 in the academy.
> "That undead beast of yours… It's interesting."
Jiang Chen's expression remained indifferent.
Bai Ye smirked.
> "You're strong, but strength makes enemies. I wonder… how long can you hold onto that beast of yours?"
Jiang Chen's gaze turned cold.
Bai Ye chuckled and walked away, leaving only a single remark.
> "Let's see how far you make it in this tournament."
Jiang Chen exhaled slowly.
(The tournament isn't my only problem.)
Ghost let out a low growl beside him, as if sensing something unseen.
Jiang Chen narrowed his eyes. A storm was coming.
---
A Dark Conspiracy
Deep within the academy, in a hidden chamber, a meeting was underway.
Several figures, their identities concealed by cloaks, sat around a stone table.
> "That Skull Ghost Ape… it has the potential to reach Lord-tier."
"If we let Jiang Chen continue, he'll become unstoppable."
"Then we strike before he gets any stronger."
The leader of the group leaned forward, his voice carrying a dangerous edge.
> "We need to steal that beast. Tonight."
Silence. Then, a voice filled with malice.
> "Leave it to me."
In the dim candlelight, a shadowy figure smiled.
---
A Silent Hunt
Night had fallen over Blue River City. The academy was silent, but within the shadows, danger lurked.
Jiang Chen sat in his residence, eyes closed in meditation. Ghost rested beside him, its breathing steady but its aura watchful.
Then, without warning—
CRACK!
A faint noise. Almost imperceptible, but Jiang Chen's eyes snapped open instantly.
(They're here.)
Ghost let out a deep growl, its empty eye sockets glowing with eerie light.
A figure slipped through the window—silent as a phantom.
Before they could react, Jiang Chen spoke.
> "You picked the wrong target."
A cold killing intent filled the room.
And in the darkness, the hunt began.