"Congratulations, Host! You have obtained the D-level Advanced skill, Angelic Light Slash!"
"Continue!"
"Congratulations, Host! You have obtained the D-level Advanced skill, Frost Dragon's Breath!"
As the system's notifications echoed, Velen's mind became filled with casting insights for these skills.
Immediately, his gaze toward the formation of hundreds of people grew more determined and eager.
"Come on, let me test out my new attack skills on you!"
Velen stretched his muscles and formed a hand seal in front of his chest. A strange ripple of thunder spread outward from him. Above his head, silver serpentine lightning began to roar and crackle, striking toward the formation in front of him!
Bang! Bang!
Bolts of lightning as thick as arms crashed into the barrier, emitting deafening thuds. The formation of over two hundred people began to shake slightly.
"Thunder element?!"
"He actually wields dual-element mana, and the power of this attack skill—how can it be so terrifying?"
Everyone within the formation was struck with shock.
Before they could fully voice their astonishment, they suddenly saw a massive white angelic silhouette appear behind Velen. Its wings gleamed like sharp blades of light, slashing forward and radiating a blinding brilliance.
"Light element? How is this possible?"
"What kind of monster is this guy? He's controlling so many types of elemental mana, and these attack skills are insanely powerful!"
"Wait, there's also ice element! He just summoned an ice dragon—it's so cold!"
Velen's mana surged through his body as he unleashed three D-level Advanced attack skills to their maximum potential:
The dense lightning crashing down from above!
The radiant slashes from the enormous angel!
The colossal frost dragon, as towering as a snow-capped mountain!
All of these combined exerted overwhelming pressure on the crowd.
The outer-circle members were utterly dumbfounded.
Each of Velen's attack skills exceeded their wildest imaginations!
Was this really something an Apprentice Rank Lv. 9 awakener could accomplish?
What's more, Velen had unleashed four entirely different attack skills, each infused with distinct elemental mana.
This clearly demonstrated the unparalleled strength of his talent!
Additionally, all these skills were high-tier attack abilities, and yet Velen had activated them all at once, showcasing the immense depth of his mana reserves.
Other prodigious awakeners lacked the mana reserves to execute so many powerful skills consecutively.
Faced with Velen at full power, they finally felt as though they were confronting an insurmountable mountain—endless and unreachable.
The pressure on everyone's hearts was immense.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
As Velen's skills simultaneously struck the formation, deafening explosions erupted.
Chaotic magical elements surged, creating ripples that swept out in all directions.
The strain on those maintaining the formation grew heavier.
Many weaker awakeners were already affected, coughing up blood and appearing drained.
The radiant barrier of the formation dimmed significantly, and cracks began to spiderweb across its surface.
Soon after, more awakeners were overwhelmed and sent flying, spitting blood.
In an instant, the formation of over two hundred people shattered like glass.
The assistant steward, watching this unfold, widened his eyes in disbelief.
While he knew Lady Anastasia's standards were exceptionally high—recognizing only a handful of peers even within Ducal Manor—he hadn't expected this.
For so many talented youths of Ducal Manor to join forces and still be defeated by Velen was utterly inconceivable!
How many elements of mana did Velen control?
How dense was his mana?
Furthermore, the battle skills he had just demonstrated—while the others couldn't fully discern them, the assistant steward saw clearly that three of them were at the D-level Advanced tier.
These were skills that even Adept Rank awakeners typically only began to learn.
Velen's level of comprehension was astonishing!
Previously, the assistant steward thought that if Velen could endure a single combined attack from the group, he might scrape into the Battleboard rankings.
But now, judging by Velen's performance, he likely already had the qualifications to rank in the top ten!
Bang!
At that moment, the defeated awakeners crashed to the ground across the plaza, one after another, emitting muffled thuds as if it were raining.
Meanwhile, brimming with confidence, Velen stepped forward, scanning the crowd before shouting from the depths of his soul:
"Who else?!"
As he spoke, silver lightning descended from the sky, the angel of light flapped its wings, and the frost dragon roared into the heavens, breathing icy mist.
The domineering sights surrounding Velen, combined with his audacious words, exuded an overwhelming sense of supremacy—"Above all, beneath none."
The awakeners who had barely stabilized themselves after falling to the ground stared at him in shock.
Despite just engaging in such an intense battle, Velen showed no signs of fatigue. Instead, he seemed to grow stronger as he fought!
"Velen truly is a monster!"
"If he continues like this, he'll undoubtedly become a dazzling star on the Battleboard!"
At this moment, everyone present looked up at Velen, his invincible figure etched deeply into their minds.
Meanwhile.
In the central plaza of Ducal Manor, five young figures had gathered. They appeared to be around the same age as Velen, each radiating a formidable presence.
At this moment, they exchanged glances, curiosity evident in their eyes.
They had been in the middle of normal training when Duke Michelstein suddenly summoned them to convene here.
These five individuals were the core of Ducal Manor's elite. Unless it was a matter of great importance, the Duke would never call them together.
"Congratulations to all of you. You're about to gain an exceptionally talented companion."
"Although he's currently only Apprentice Rank Lv. 9 and may require some extra care from you, having him join your ranks will bring unimaginable benefits!"
As Duke Michelstein arrived, he smiled warmly at the five youths before him.
These five were the future of Ducal Manor!
Hearing this, the five exchanged frowns, puzzled by the Duke's words.
They were all renowned geniuses on the Battleboard, with boundless potential.
Why was the Duke suddenly assigning them a companion?
And at a level they considered nothing more than a burden!
After all, as Battleboard elites, they far surpassed ordinary individuals in every aspect.
Still, since this person had been personally recommended by the Duke, Hael, the leader, furrowed his brow and asked:
"My lord, the places we go are extremely dangerous. Isn't it unwise to bring along someone who would drag us down? Does he have any extraordinary talents?"
In response to Hael's question, Duke Michelstein replied seriously:
"He has a lot of money!"
"A lot of resources!"
"And he's very generous!"
Hearing this, the five couldn't help but wonder if the Duke was joking.
How were these qualities extraordinary?
Gold coins?
While it was true that leveling up required substantial resources, as Battleboard prodigies, their sects and families fully supported them.
Gold coins meant little to them.
As for cultivation resources, their ties to Ducal Manor ensured they had plenty.
And generosity? That just seemed like a joke.
Before they could question further, Anthony suddenly spoke, his tone cautious:
"Once you become companions, you must maintain a calm mindset. Otherwise, his displays of wealth might make you want to punch him."
"???"
The five young men looked at one another, confusion evident in their expressions.
What kind of absurdity was this?
Anthony sighed helplessly at their lack of understanding.
Some things, he thought, they wouldn't grasp without experiencing them firsthand.
"You won't understand even if I explain it now. You'll figure it out later."
"Just know this—treat him well. The things you'll gain from him could change your futures forever!"
Anthony grew increasingly passionate as he spoke.
These five were the talents he valued most.
If they stayed close to Velen and benefited from his unimaginable resources, their futures would be boundless!
The rabbit that had been following Velen was a prime example.
Initially, it was utterly ordinary.
But now, not only had it evolved toward becoming a spellbeast, it had also mastered the Eye of Hell!