She lowered her head and glanced at her hand.
Her skin was perfectly intact, without a single burn mark.
Only the dark gold patterns swirled slowly across it.
’So this is the Child of the Earth Veins trait, and the transformation from the Earth Tyrant Potion I merged with last night.’
She raised her head, her gaze fixed on the Blazing Tooth Flame Bear as it struggled to rise from the dust and smoke.
Deep within her dark-cyan pupils, patterns of dark gold and silver intertwined. She looked at it as if it were an animal waiting for slaughter.
"The first one... Time to end this," she murmured to herself.
The words had barely left her lips when her figure flickered and vanished once more.
All that remained in her place was a deep footprint!
The next second, she reappeared in front of the Blazing Tooth Flame Bear.
Her left hand shot out, her five fingers curled like a hook.
SQUELCH!
Her fingertips plunged unimpeded through a crack in its Magma Armor, clamping down on the thick bone of its neck!
CRACK!
The sharp snap of bone breaking was especially jarring in the dead-silent Beast Fighting Arena.
The Blazing Tooth Flame Bear’s crimson pupils dilated abruptly, and its massive body crumpled to the ground.
THUD.
It crashed onto the yellow sand, kicking up a cloud of dust.
Aidele released her grip and flicked the magma from her fingertips.
Her movements were as casual as if she’d just crushed an insect. She turned to face the Elder Wizard on the high platform.
"Next."
The entire arena fell silent.
Only the whistle of the wind sweeping through the Beast Fighting Arena could be heard.
In the stands, everyone stared blankly at the arena floor, at the fallen Blazing Tooth Flame Bear.
They stared at the figure in the dark-cyan battle robe, completely unscathed.
Suddenly,
ROAR!!!
The clamor exploded like a flash flood.
"She... She killed the Blazing Tooth Flame Bear?!"
"One punch! It only took one punch!"
"What kind of Power is that?! That’s a Level Two Late Stage Body Refining Wizard, at least!"
"Isn’t she a Level Two Middle Stage Elemental System Wizard?!"
"Cheating! She has to be cheating!"
In the VIP section, Edmund slowly rose to his feet.
His expression was grim, his eyes thoughtful.
’Bloodline Body Refinement... It must be a Magic Potion. How unexpected.’
Rodney kept his head down, his fingers clenched into tight fists.
"Sir... This was my oversight."
Nearby, Adrian’s expression was thunderous.
He glared daggers at Aidele in the arena, then shot a look toward Ian in the Guest Minister’s Seat.
His lips moved, silently forming a few words.
’A Bloodline Potion... and an extremely rare Tier Two one at that.’
He understood now. He had recognized the change in Aidele at a single glance.
That pure, almost primal Power of the Earth was impossible to gain through Cultivation in such a short amount of Time.
’Marcus...’
A murderous glint flashed in Adrian’s eyes. ’You actually dared... to ruin our plans.’
In a corner, Ashia’s tightly clenched fingers finally loosened.
She let out a long breath, a complex mix of emotions flashing in her eyes.
There was shock, relief, and also a hint of... inexpressible envy.
"Aidele..." she murmured.
"You really found yourself a good Honored Guest Elder."
「In the Guest Minister’s Seat.」
Ian’s eyes were still closed in meditation, but the corners of his mouth, hidden beneath his hood, turned up in a slight smile.
He could feel the shocked and uncertain gazes from the audience, the cold, murderous stares from the VIP section.
And... beneath the Beast Fighting Arena, the Crystal Stones of the "Hate Guidance Array."
Right now, they were spinning frantically, trying to incite the hatred of the second Demon.
’It’s useless,’ Ian sneered inwardly.
’The Child of the Earth Veins trait is a natural counter to this kind of Low-Level Guiding Array.’
’The Earth itself will block out all outside interference.’
He opened his eyes, his gaze falling upon Aidele on the arena floor.
He watched as the Rock-like patterns on her arms slowly faded.
"This is only the first match..." Ian murmured.
"Next, it’s time to show them... what a true ’Child of the Earth Veins’ really is."
On his shoulder, Gaga poked its little head out from the depths of his hood.
Its small eyes were filled with excitement. "Ian, Aidele is amazing!"
"She is," Ian said, rubbing its small head. "But this is just the beginning."
He looked up toward the west side of the Beast Fighting Arena, where a second Metal gate was slowly rising.
From behind the gate, the low roar of a Thunder-Striped Fierce Ape could be faintly heard.