"
Simultaneously emerging from the right is Dabura Shia, his strides resonating with quiet yet palpable assurance. Poised and ready, his posture exudes the grace of a warrior in every movement. A faint sheen of sweat upon his brow speaks of anticipation, while his unwavering gaze reflects resolute determination, unwavering in the face of the impending clash."
The air crackled with anticipation as the crowd erupted into a chorus of screams and excitement.
This tournament held immense significance within the upper echelons of humanity, capturing the curiosity of many. Unbeknownst to most, the upcoming battle featured I, the expert of the True Acquired Realm, against Dabura Shia, who only stood at the middle stage of the Acquired Realm.
"Jack Gautama, you're that nerd who came first in trial 1. I respect you but you humiliated my brother-in-arms in front of that prince. I'll avenge him"
"I don't care who you are but I'll pay back the humiliation you threw at him"
"I don't even know you," I said in a surprised tone.
At the moment, Dabura Shia appeared to be in a state of confusion and behaving in an irrational manner.
It was unexpected, yet I could understand the reasons behind his behavior.
He believes that the stupid brute lost due to me and the prince provoking him and since he can't do anything to the prince, he's taking out on me.
I am still completely flabbergasted because he should have an awareness of life and death given he cleared the trial 1 and 2.
He should be mature and have an understanding of the balance between life and its consequences.
I glanced around and noticed everyone attentively observing us amidst the resounding outbursts of Mr. Dabura Shia.
I wasn't particularly invested in the situation, but observing the serene and composed countenance of the sect leader was intriguing. I could tell he was utterly shocked and terrified despite his outward calm.
The Sect Leader emitted a radiant golden aura, signaling the umpire to commence the battle, effectively halting any further argument between us.
I enjoyed it. I was curious, and my curiosity at that moment brought me immense joy.
I gave him a sly, fox-like smile and cast a condescending gaze upon him.
He couldn't withstand the disdain in my expression and lunged at me with a highly advanced sword, enveloped in crackling plasma.
I could have effortlessly repelled it through Qi's telekinesis, but such a retaliation seemed rather petty.
Instead, I chose to employ a Formation art: the Infinite Dimensional Barrier.
*Clank*
Naturally, it did not affect me.
"What? You're capable of using formation arts?" he questioned, clearly taken aback.
"He's using some sort of barrier—unbelievable!"
"I've never seen formation arts executed by such a young expert!"
"Dabura Shia doesn't stand a chance against Jack then!"
The crowd murmur was loudly heard by me
Everyone's shock was understandable because manifesting formation arts required extensive knowledge, exceptional skills, and a very high investment of time, despite it being only a one-time use technique.
Moreover, only the individual who created the formation could activate it.
This display highlighted that my background and skillset were not to be underestimated.
I now simply grabbed his hand.
*Crack*
His wrist bone completely cracked and as I pulled my hand, his skin was forcibly peeled back.
The blood dropped from his hand.
I imagined myself sipping coffee as I saw the system screen popping up informing me of stacking achievement points from others' emotions directed toward me.
"Hey, did you see the way he grabbed Shia's hand? That was brutal!"
"He's playing with him—like a cat with a mouse!"
"Don't underestimate Dabura, look at his hand, it's almost healed."
The dumb crowd screamed in excitement.
I snapped myself back to reality and saw his hand completely healed.
"Your actions continue to intrigue me," I remarked, acknowledging his abilities."
"That should be my line"
Dabura Shia said back, confident in his ability.
I walked toward him slowly.
Every step I took increased the gravity on him tenfold causing him to drop onto all fours.
"I'll kill you since no you won't die inside this barrier around us but simply be thrown out of the stage," I told him giving the least scary smile, I could muster.
He wasn't shaken aback even a little bit with my threat.
He closed his eyes accepting his defeat, I in response looked at the judges and signaled to them, to stop the match but they only looked at me giving no response indicating----we don't give an F.
They were very heartless and I couldn't lessen the gravitational pull toward him as he might attack me back.
"I'm not a very cruel person. Do you give up?"
He nodded.
I lightened the gravity.
As I calculated, he pushed himself from the ground and charged at me like a Sabre Horned lion.
"You betrayed my trust" I telepathically communicate about the betrayal I felt.
The distance was less between him and me so I produced a vortex of wind through my Qi-telekinesis which tore him to shreds, completely gouging him apart.
All that remained was an unrecognizable pile of flesh.
The fight ended, leaving speculation among onlookers.
"So Cruel."
"Not only he is cruel, but even his background seems unfathomable..."
Most people were horrified at looking at the scenery, many sighed in relief since Dabura Shia didn't actually die as we fought inside the barrier.
But All of them were busy in thought speculating and guessing my background.
Many experts had only one thought--------We need to recruit him.
After today there might be some inconvenience I can face if I travel alone, which I can't even if I want.
I walked back to my room disappearing from there to avoid giving some interviews to reporters.
it goes without saying that I need rest since my next battle will naturally be scheduled in the evening since only a handful of people cleared trial 2.
Well, I also confirmed it through the sect leader.
***
Meanwhile, in the palace, a woman with a face so fair and bright that it could blend into the atmosphere was having a large feast all by herself while being attended by many maids who wore scared expressions.
She was dressed in black Imperial clothes, and her silvery hair was shiny like a tassel, extending to her waist.
Her lips were like the petals of a rose in full bloom, and her deep red vampire eyes showed a deep, cold anger to the world. Her anger was so intense that it could tremble the entire universe.
She was the Noble Vampire princess of the Middle Vampheim realm, wedded to Ji Yan to signify an alliance with the Upper Human realm.
She was in a very foul mood and only wanted to meet Ji Yan to drink his blood but couldn't help but stop when she was nearly killed just by the pressure radiated from Hui Ying.
She also hated that she had to marry into the Human realm rather than having Ji Yan marry into the Middle Vampheim realm.
Vampire society from the lower realm to the upper realm was a matriarchy, so it was very shameful that she was marrying not only a human (Which she herself technically wanted) but also losing her status to compete to become queen.
She was still obsessed with Ji Yan, as vampire blood made them extremely attached to their significant other, but her obsession should not be confused with love.
"I'll need to meet him at least once; I really need to drink his blood," Augustine Nobleheart pondered internally.