Chereads / The Terror of Option / Chapter 857 - 18

Chapter 857 - 18

The Academy Ground was once again filled with an electrifying atmosphere as students gathered for the highly anticipated race. On one side stood the noble students, their faces displaying a mixture of nervousness and anticipation. They clutched their hopes tightly, praying for victory in this crucial round.

"Will Ren be able to defeat him?"

"I can't decide. It's so confusing."

"I highly doubt even Ren can defeat him."

Meanwhile, on the other side, the commoners were reveling in the thrill of the competition, fully appreciating Anon's exceptional efforts. Their cheers and support resounded through the air, urging him to triumph once again, just as he had in the previous rounds.

"Anon, just one more round. You can do it!"

"Go Anon, go! Defeat him!"

"I have a feeling we'll be celebrating tonight, huh?"

"Absolutely! It'll be my treat if Anon emerges victorious in this round!"

"Wooohooo!"

In the heart of the Celestria Kingdom...

Anon and Ren stood side by side at the starting line, their eyes fixed on the track before them. The tension was palpable as they awaited the race to commence. Ren's gaze shifted to Anon, a hint of uncertainty crossing his face.

Unbeknownst to the spectators, Ren clandestinely withdrew a bottle from his right pocket. It contained a thick, crimson liquid—a doping agent. From his left pocket, he retrieved an injector, revealing his intentions to enhance his performance through unconventional means.

"Ladies and gentlemen," announced Landon, the official commentator, his voice resonating through the arena. "We have an important announcement to make. Anon and Ren have decided to partake in a no-skill race, where they will rely on doping agents for propulsion rather than their inherent abilities."

A murmur of surprise rippled through the crowd. The use of doping agents in races had become scarce due to the risks involved.

"Oh, a no-skill race. It's been years since I've seen anyone resort to doping agents. It's a dangerous path," commented Seraphina, an astute observer of such events.

"Without further delay, let the tournament begin. Ren and Anon, please prepare your doping agents and injectors," proclaimed Landon, his voice booming with authority.

Ren, well-prepared, already held the doping agent and injector in his hands, his resolve unwavering. In contrast, Anon reached into his left pocket, retrieving a small bottle containing a vibrant blue liquid, along with an injector. The crowd watched in anticipation as the competitors readied themselves for what promised to be an extraordinary race.

"Position the doping agents behind the injectors and activate the spell," Seraphina instructed, her voice carrying a commanding tone.

Ren and Anon meticulously followed her guidance, inserting the bottles of doping agents behind their respective injectors. They invoked a spell, causing air pressure to build within the injectors' chambers.

"Now, at the countdown of 2, inject the solution into your bodies, and start running on 3. Are you ready?" Landon's voice reverberated, filled with excitement.

Both Ren and Anon nodded in unison, their right arms extended, fists clenched with determination. Ren positioned the injector above a prominent vein in his left arm, poised to inject the potent substance upon the commentator's signal.

As Anon replicated the same process, an unexpected phenomenon unfolded. Countless blue and green veins coursed through his hand, a testament to the intricate reconstruction his body underwent after each class upgrade. Anon's expression shifted from anticipation to surprise as he observed the pulsating network of nerves.

"Now, let's begin... 3," Landon initiated the countdown, his voice echoing through the arena.

Anon's mind raced, grappling with the dilemma at hand.

"What should I do?"

"No.300, where are you?" Anon mentally called out.

"Master, I am assisting Madam Sephie in her lab," No.300 responded.

"Ask Sephie which nerve I should inject the doping agent into. I need an answer, quickly," Anon urgently relayed his query.

"Yes, Master," No.300 acknowledged before relaying the message to Sephie.

No.300 asked sephie.

"In humans, the doping agent should be injected into the left vein. However, if you're wearing the Troll's Locket, you can inject it into any vein, as no doping agent possesses the power to harm you," Sephie promptly informed.

"Do you have the Troll's Locket on?" No.300 inquired.

"Yes."

"In that case, you can inject it into any vein you desire, as Madam Sephie suggested," No.300 relayed the crucial information.

"That's what I've been waiting to hear," Anon responded with newfound confidence.

Without hesitation, Anon injected the syringe into one of his random nerves, ensuring that the doping agent flowed directly into his vein. A surge of energy coursed through his body, though no external changes were visible. Anon's pure doping agent granted him power without any side effects or visible traces of its administration, setting him apart from Ren.

"I knew it! That was a counterfeit. Get ready to pay the price, Ms. Letti," Seti declared, her tone shifting from amusement to determination as she cast a stern gaze toward Letti.

Doping agents were considered pure and effective when they produced no visible side effects upon entering the human body. Ren's body emitted a radiant red glow, indicating the release of heat—a telltale sign of impurity. Conversely, when Anon injected the doping agent, no such reaction occurred, signifying its purity.

Seti believed that Anon's lack of physical response confirmed her suspicions. He had employed a fake doping shot, and Letti's earlier claims were nothing more than empty bravado.

While Seti wrestled with her disappointment, Anon experienced an incredible sensation. He felt weightless yet invigorated, propelled forward by an indescribable surge of power—a feather equipped with an invisible rocket engine.

"This power... it's diabolical," Anon muttered, a mix of awe and determination in his voice.

"And 3... Both of you, RUN!" Landon's booming voice echoed, marking the commencement of the race.

With explosive speed, Anon and Ren burst forth from the starting line, their legs a blur as they propelled themselves forward. Anon's pure doping agent gifted him swiftness that surpassed Ren's, and within a mere two seconds of the race's commencement, he had already established a considerable lead.

Confusion clouded Seti's face as she watched Ren fall behind.

"What's happening? How can Ren be trailing?" Seti's expression transformed from elation to grim concern.

Despite investing her saved funds in the doping agent, her student was still failing to secure victory. Doubt began to creep into Ren's mind.

"How can this commoner run so fast?" Ren questioned himself, bewildered as he witnessed Anon's remarkable display of speed.

"I must win. I cannot afford to lose. I am from the Denver House of Justice," Ren resolved, fueling his determination to reclaim his position. The race was far from over, and Ren would fight until the very end.

"Ladies and gentlemen, as we can all see, Anon has taken the lead in this race, with Ren trailing behind. It's hard to predict who will emerge victorious, but the excitement continues to escalate," Landon announced, his voice carrying a hint of anticipation.

"Anon can secure the win if he maintains this pace, but Ren still has a chance to turn the tables with a strategic move," Seraphina chimed in, her voice projecting determination.

Seti's expression changed instantly upon hearing this, a grim mask replacing her previous composure. Thoughts raced through her mind, wondering why a commoner was surging ahead while Ren seemed to be struggling. She stared at the screen before her, her gaze intense and serious.

"Hmm, looks like someone's about to lose another bet," Letti remarked with a mocking smile, her eyes fixed on Seti.

Seti's gaze hardened as she directed it towards Letti. "You insolent woman," she muttered under her breath.

"Did you say something, Mrs. Seti?" Letti inquired with a raised eyebrow.

Seti forced a smile, her voice dripping with feigned politeness. "Oh, nothing at all. Absolutely nothing," she replied, her tone laced with a veiled threat.

Meanwhile, Ren, from the Denver House of Justice, muttered to himself, "I can't lose like this. I come from a prestigious lineage." He withdrew another doping shot from his pocket, its contents shimmering in a brilliant golden hue.

"Goodness! Ren has decided to use another doping shot. Can you believe it, Seraphina? He could he endanger his life so easily, he is the only son of the denver house?" Landon exclaimed, his voice carrying a mix of shock and concern.

"Well, we can't stop him, can we?" Seraphina responded with a note of resignation.

Using a second doping shot while already under the influence of one can have two outcomes.

Firstly, it grants an unimaginable 500% boost in strength and endurance, but once the effects wear off, a 50% debuff in those attributes persists for two days.

Secondly, Instant Death.

Ren retrieved another injector, carefully inserting the vial inside. Without hesitation, he injected himself.

"Fuck!" Ren exclaimed, a golden radiance emanating from his body as a surge of enhanced speed propelled him forward.

In the depths of a forest in Celestria, a voice echoed through the trees. "Shall we proceed, ma'am?" asked one of the women hidden within.

"No, we will wait a little longer. Once he reaches the designated location, we shall strike," the same woman replied, the one who had accepted the contract to kill Anon on behalf of Seri.

"Yes, ma'am," three or four women nodded in agreement, their loyalty unwavering.

Back at the academy, seraphina's voice cut through the tension. "Landon, what is this? Upon reviewing the contract provided by Mrs. Seti, I noticed it states that a student can only use a doping agent once during the race. Ren has clearly broken the contract," she announced.

"Wait, really? So, the contract is now null and void?" Landon questioned, seeking confirmation.

"Yes, and that means Anon can also use another doping agent if he chooses to," Seraphina replied, her voice filled with a mix of realization and intrigue.

Letti approached Seti upon hearing this revelation and spoke directly to her. "He has violated the terms of the contract, and you know it," she stated firmly.

Seti feigned ignorance, her gaze averted. "Hmm? What contract are you referring to?" she responded, pretending to be unaware.

"Very well, I understand," Letti replied before walking away.

"As we can see, Ren has caught up to Anon, and it appears he is about to leave him behind at any moment," Landon declared, his voice carrying a sense of impending victory.

"Why did they sign the contract if they intended to break it?" a commoner student interjected, his voice filled with frustration.

"They were planning to cheat right from the start," another student chimed in.

"Damn it! Does Anon know the contract has been breached?" someone exclaimed, their anxiety palpable.

"No, he probably thinks the contract is still in effect," another person responded.

Commoners immediately began criticizing Seti and the nobles for yet another underhanded scheme.

Letti retrieved a crystal ball from her handbag, channeling mana into it. It was a one-time contact crystal ball.

As Ren ran alongside Anon, he surpassed him at one point, crossing his path.

"Damn it! I had a special grade doping shot. How is he still winning?" Anon uttered as he watched Ren surge ahead.

"Unbelievable! Ren has just surpassed Anon. Was the contract a ploy by the nobles? Is this what they intended from the start?" Seraphina announced, her voice tinged with disbelief.

"Will Anon be able to regain his position in the race, or will the commoners face defeat at this crucial moment? Who will inform Anon about the broken contract? Does he possess any more doping shots?" Landon pondered aloud.

Suddenly, Anon felt a strange mana signal emanating from his inventory. He swiftly rummaged through it, retrieving a crystal ball similar to the one Letti possessed.

Injecting his mana into the crystal, Anon spoke into it. "Yes, Letti?"

"Anon, the contract has been breached! Do you hear me? The contract is no longer valid," Letti urgently conveyed.

"How did this happen?" Anon inquired.

"He used another doping shot. Do you have any more?" Letti questioned, her voice tinged with concern.

Anon came to an abrupt halt, his mind reeling from the news. "What is happening? Why did Anon stop running? Has the doping shot's effect worn off?" Seraphina asked, her voice filled with confusion.

"No, it seems his teacher, Ms. Letti, just informed him about the contract breach. I believe he's shocked upon learning this," Landon responded, trying to make sense of the situation.

"I don't possess another doping shot, Letti," Anon uttered, his voice laced with disappointment as his countenance turned somber.

Upon hearing this, every commoner student and even the audience members outside the academy, who were also commoners, felt a sense of sadness and empathy.

"Anon, you must remain calm," Letti attempted to console him, but her voice was abruptly cut off as Anon shattered the crystal ball.

"Damn it! Fuck this shit!!!! I can't see this anymore," Letti exclaimed, tossing the broken crystal to the ground before storming towards the academy's exit.

"Why did I ever believe that commoners could rise to the same level as nobles? These despicable swine will only cheat, and no one will hold them accountable. Today, I made another student suffer like me. I should have never encouraged him to win this competition," Letti thought, tears streaming down her face.

"Sob-sob Why am I crying?" Letti muttered, wiping away her tears.

Within the Dragon House of Flames, in the 7th ring...

"Well, it was a fair game until overconfidence took over. If only he had been a bit smarter and chosen the simple race instead of resorting to doping," Silk remarked as she set the screen aside and retrieved her sword.

Just as she was about to strike the immortal dummy, a sound emanated from the screen.

[YOU HAVE OVERCHARGED]

 

Anon, do you hear me?" Letti's voice echoed through the crystal ball, brimming with urgency and concern.

Anon's brow furrowed as he listened to her words. "The contract is breached, Ren has used another doping shot. Do you have any extra doping shots?" Letti's voice trembled with a mixture of fear and desperation.

Anon took a deep breath, his voice steady but filled with determination. "No, Letti. I don't have another doping shot."

A rush of thoughts flooded Anon's mind. Was this breach of contract part of Ren's plan all along? Or was it a desperate move in the face of defeat? Anon's expression hardened as he contemplated the gravity of the situation.

Letti, unaware of Anon's thoughts, tried to soothe him. "Anon, you should calm down

—"

But before Letti could finish her sentence, Anon's rage surged within him like a tempest. He smashed the crystal ball with a furious swipe of his hand, shattering it into countless shards. The realization of how he had been manipulated by the nobles fueled an intense anger, and a vengeful frenzy consumed his mind.

"You want to play dirty, huh?" Anon's thoughts hissed with venomous intent. "Let me show you what playing dirty truly means. Now that the contract is broken, I can do whatever I damn well please."

An unsettling smile crept across Anon's face, the embodiment of a vengeful menace.

"M-Master, you should calm down. You're generating too much negative mana. Remember when I told you that anger is not always the answer—" Link, Anon's loyal companion, tried to reason with him.

"Shut the fuck up, Link," Anon snapped, cutting him off. "I will decide what the answer is now. Let's push the limits of this troll locket, shall we?"

With a resolute voice, Anon commanded, ", ."

As the words left his mouth, an array of transparent windows materialized before him, displaying vital information and enhancements.

[You Have OVERCHARGED]

[YOU HAVE RECEIVED A 750% POWER BOOST FOR 4 HOURS AND 45 MINUTES]

[Warning: Once Overcharge Ends, your body will experience immense pain as a consequence of overuse.]

[Warning: Body tissues have become overcharged and will begin to burn away.]

Anon's body tissues started to burn, yet the troll's locket swiftly regenerated them at an astonishing rate, preventing his demise.

Suddenly, an intense burst of energy emanated from Anon's body. The once crimson flames engulfing him transformed into ethereal blue, casting an otherworldly glow.

Above, the clouds began to swirl in a mesmerizing dance, crackling with bolts of lightning. Anon became the epicenter of a brewing storm.

As the crackling clouds unleashed their power, a colossal lightning bolt struck Anon, causing his blue flames to blaze with a radiant golden hue.

[The Demon God Razethor, the god who controls the dark elements of nature, acknowledged Anon as the worthy. Bestowing his divine authority, Razethor blessed Anon with the title of 'Demon Child of Lightning and Thunder.']

In front of Anon, a half-transparent screen materialized, displaying a wider grin on his face.

Letti, who was making her way towards the academy's exit, abruptly halted in surprise. Her eyes widened as she stared at the screen, shock etched on her face.

"Fuck, no, Anon! What have you done?" Letti's voice echoed with despair as she sprinted toward the teleportation portal room.

Meanwhile, the golden flames enveloping Anon intensified, growing in strength as the energy within his body surged to explosive levels.

The enchanted clothes provided by the academy disintegrated, and his hair defied gravity, flowing upward in a display of sheer power.

At this moment, Anon exuded an aura of raw badassery and irresistible charm that could make any woman in the kingdom instantly agree to marry him without a second thought.

Lightning crackled through his eyes and danced across his fingertips.

"Hahaha! This power is no joke," Anon proclaimed, his voice filled with exhilaration. "I can single-handedly bring this kingdom to its knees."

Anon took a step forward, and the sand beneath his feet instantly transformed into a mirror-like surface, unable to withstand the scorching heat of his flames.

In that moment, Anon shone with such brilliance that he resembled a miniature sun on Earth.

"Let's see how fast I can run now," Anon challenged, his voice teeming with confidence.

As he propelled himself forward, his figure vanished from the naked eye, leaving behind a trail of high flames as he sped toward the academy.

Anon felt weightless, empowered by an explosive energy capable of providing electricity to a large city for fifteen years.

"Hahaha! This is diabolical!" Anon exclaimed, reveling in his newfound abilities as the world around him seemed to slow down.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Landon's voice boomed, filled with awe and admiration. He rose from his chair, tears glistening in his eyes as he witnessed Anon's desperate resolve to win at any cost. "Anon, my boy, you have just overcharged. Today, on this sacred ground, you have proven your worth among the commoners. You have sent a message to every noble in the kingdom: 'I am ready to fight and die, but I will die only after I emerge victorious.'"

Landon's emotions overwhelmed him, and Seraphina attempted to console him. "Landon, you should calm down."

"No, Seraphina. This is epic," Landon declared. "A kid just overcharged."

Seventh Ring, Martial House...

"Sir, please wake up!" Helix rushed down the hall, clutching a screen with a grave expression on his face. He stood before a grand wooden door, embellished with a lion carving.

Creak The doors swung open, and the family leader of the Martial House emerged, gripping a pair of spiked gauntlets in his hands.

"Tell me, who has intruded upon our house? I shall tear them limb from limb," the family leader bellowed, casting a piercing gaze at Helix.

"Sir, it's not that. Do you remember Anon Agreil?" Helix asked.

"Ah, yes, that kid. I already told you to bring him tomorrow, didn't I? Are you forgetting things with your increasing age?" The family leader's voice softened with a hint of amusement.

"Sir, that's not the issue. I don't think I will be able to bring him back in one piece anymore," Helix explained, his tone laced with worry.

"Why? What happened?" The family leader's surprise was evident in his voice.

"Sir, please have a look at this," Helix urged, handing the screen to the family leader.

"Hmm? What is this?" The family leader examined the screen with growing intrigue.

"Sir, did you see it?" Helix inquired.

"Yes, why did he overcharge for a mere race?" The family leader questioned, his curiosity piqued.

"Sir, he will die afterward if no one saves him. We can't marry a dead man to Lady Luna, can we?" Helix explained.

"Oh, shit, you're right. Let's go and save him!" The family leader dropped the spiked gauntlets and hastily turned to Helix.

Putting on his coat, the family leader raced towards his mount—a desert lion.

[Desert Lion]

[The Desert Lion is a majestic and formidable creature, known for its unparalleled speed and endurance across vast desert landscapes. With a sleek and muscular build, it stands tall and proud, exuding an air of regality. Its coat is a blend of sandy hues, mirroring the dunes it traverses, enabling it to blend seamlessly with its surroundings.

This magnificent creature possesses extraordinary agility and strength, allowing it to effortlessly navigate treacherous desert terrain. Its paws are specially adapted with thick, padded soles, enabling swift traversal of shifting sands without sinking or losing momentum. Its sharp claws help maintain traction on the uneven surface, ensuring stability even during sudden turns or bursts of speed.

The Desert Lion's most remarkable trait is its unparalleled speed. With powerful hind legs and a streamlined body, it can reach astounding velocities, covering vast distances in mere minutes. Its quickness is especially pronounced on sand, where it glides effortlessly, leaving a trail of swirling particles in its wake.]

"Let's go, my friend. We need to save someone," the family leader spoke to a golden-haired lion resting in his room.

Raaaawr

The lion let out a mighty roar upon seeing the family leader, bowing down for him to mount.

The family leader swiftly climbed onto the desert lion and left the house immediately, followed by an army of 10,000 martial soldiers riding on desert lion cubs.

"I can't let him die. I must repay the debt of saving my daughter. The Martial House doesn't ignore anyone's debt," the family leader declared, tightening his grip on the lion's reins.

Dragon House of Flames...

"Hahaha, this guy is simply unpredictable. He found a way to win the race without caring about his own life. It's time for me to enter this live show and catch a glimpse of my future husband," Silk remarked with a smile, leaping out of the third-floor window.

"KELLLLLY...." Silk shouted loudly.

Cheeeeeee

A deafening screech filled the air as a large eagle materialized out of thin air.

The eagle caught Silk mid-fall and swiftly ascended, heading towards Anon's racing track.

House of the Witches...

"Mother, Anon just overcharged," Jake said, showing the screen to Marinda.

"This is the perfect opportunity. Once the overcharge ends, you shall kill him and avenge your sister's trauma. Take the elite mystical owl with you for swift transportation," Marinda instructed.

"As you wish, Mother," Jake replied, kneeling before her.

"You must bring me his head, or never return," Marinda commanded.

"I will not disappoint you, Mother. Please believe in me".

In the Dark Desert of Celestria...

This Desert was notorious for its darkness and bone-chilling cold, but today an intense beam of light pierced through its shadows, defying the usual gloom. The air crackled with anticipation as the atmosphere shifted. Anon, a figure shrouded in mystery, surged forward with incredible speed, leaving a trail of shattered glass in his wake. Every step he took echoed determination and raw power.

A wide grin adorned Anon's face as he cut through the air like a deranged lunatic, his movements both graceful and chaotic. The dark desert quivered beneath his thunderous footsteps, bearing witness to his relentless pursuit. His eyes glinted with a fire fueled by his insatiable thirst for victory. This race was not just a competition; it was a battleground where only the strongest would emerge victorious.

Though saddened by the impending danger, the commoners within the academy watched Anon with pride, their hearts swelling with hope. They knew the risks he faced, the potential sacrifice he had willingly undertaken. Anon had overcharged, pushing his limits beyond comprehension, all for the sake of the commoners' triumph. Whispers of admiration filled the air, intertwining with a deep sense of gratitude.

"He overcharged for us. He wanted the commoners to rise above."

"How cool! He shines like the sun itself."

"He embodies the spirit of a true warrior."

The commoners immediately began showering Anon with praise, their voices rising in unison, unaware that his motives ran deeper. Anon had a hidden agenda, a personal vendetta fueling his every move. It was not merely the commoners he fought for, but also the desire to right the wrongs committed by the nobles. Revenge simmered in his veins, propelling him forward with unwavering resolve.

Meanwhile, on the nobles' side, Seti, a figure of authority, engaged in a hushed conversation with Ren, a noble torn between duty and regret. The revelation of Anon's overcharge struck Ren like a bolt of lightning, eliciting a mix of surprise and apprehension.

"What the hell? Are you telling me he overcharged because I broke the contract?" Ren exclaimed, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Seti's gaze held a somber intensity as she nodded. "Yes. I'm afraid the odds are not in your favor anymore. Anon's determination knows no bounds."

Ren clenched his fists, his mind racing to find a solution. The crystal ball in his hand cracked under the pressure of his frustration, shards scattering across the ground like fallen stars. Doubt seeped into his thoughts, challenging his belief in his own abilities.

"Why would you overcharge, Anon? Your audacity will cost you dearly," Ren seethed silently, withdrawing another crystal ball from his inventory. His resolve solidified. Anon's audacious act would not go unpunished.

"Stop him and, if possible, kill him," Ren commanded, his voice laced with a mix of fury and desperation, his words conveyed through the mystical crystal ball.

"As you command, my prince," a voice replied, emanating from the crystal ball, its tone devoid of hesitation.

The race announcer, Seraphina, a captivating presence in her own right, couldn't help but commentate on the unfolding events. Her voice rang out, carrying a mixture of curiosity and admiration.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Anon has overcharged, his speed reaching unprecedented heights. I wonder, if he were to push himself just a bit further, would we even be able to witness his blinding velocity with our naked eyes?" Seraphina mused, her words capturing the collective wonder of the spectators.

Landon, a seasoned observer of the race, responded with a blend of pride and sorrow. "Well, I cannot say for certain, but what I do know is that this kid has chosen to embrace his own demise in exchange for victory. Today, he will etch his name in history."

Seraphina's voice softened, tinged with a touch of melancholy. "We can do nothing to change his path, Landon. Anon made his choice, and we must respect it."

As Anon continued his sprint, Ren, burdened by a rising heat and a growing sheen of sweat, questioned the doping agent coursing through his veins. Doubt crept into his mind, adding another layer of challenge to the already arduous race.

"Frustrating! What kind of cheap doping agent did she give me?" Ren muttered to himself, his body drenched in perspiration as if caught in a torrential downpour.

Ren pressed on through the darkness, his senses heightened by the anticipation of impending defeat. Suddenly, a glimmer of light caught his attention, radiating from behind him. His curiosity piqued, he turned to investigate the source.

"What is that?" Ren questioned, his voice laced with a mixture of astonishment and trepidation.

In the blink of an eye, he found himself face to face with an overwhelming brightness, emanating from Anon's figure rapidly closing in. The biting cold of the environment seemed to retreat in the presence of Anon's warmth, lending an otherworldly aura to the scene.

A triumphant smile stretched across Anon's face as he addressed Ren, his voice laced with mockery. "Hello, cheater. Keeping up with your doping shots, I see?"

"F-ck off!" Ren retorted, his voice strained, his face drenched in sweat, and the scorching heat emanating from Anon's body becoming unbearable.

"We shall meet again in the academy, you cheating scoundrel," Anon declared, his tone dripping with a mix of contempt and determination as he effortlessly passed Ren, leaving him in his dust.

Landon's excitement bubbled over as he witnessed the scene unfold. "Seraphina, look! Anon has surpassed Ren, and I dare say Ren won't be able to reclaim his position."

Seraphina's voice held a note of finality. "No, Landon... Ren's chances have dwindled. Anon has seized this moment, and we must bear witness to his triumph, even if it leads to his demise."

The scene shifted to a different part of the desert, approximately one kilometer away from Anon's current position. A woman draped in black cloth, exuding an air of authority, stood poised at the end point of the desert, her gaze fixed on the approaching figure.