Chapter 922 (2/2)

With a screech, Randidly’s terrible monster brought its claws down toward the blast of energy.

BOOOM.

The collision shook the arena, waves of dark power reverberation throughout the area. People screamed as a portion of the crowd was hit with the shockwave, but a spectral snake appeared from the VIP section and dissipated the remaining energy with a swing of its tail.

Glendel had to move, huh… Ace thought with a grin. Honestly, he quite enjoyed the feeling of that power smashing against him. It was a like a light slap, just enough to wake him up and get his heart pounding.

If anything, the main other effect of the attack was to darken the sky even further. Whereas the ash Randidly’s phantom made seemed to have dissipated, it was replaced by the shiny blackness that the shadow mage created.

But very soon, a gasp rose up from among the audience as the darkness faded and the great phantom once more condensed above them all. It raised its head to the sky and roared again, seeming to challenge all of Donnyton to come at it. It was invincible. They hadn’t managed to wound it at all.

And the audience had no answer to that.

Ace’s eyes narrowed. But it’s not like we didn’t learn anything from that, right Donnyton? I hope your next group shows us something a bit more interesting.

It took a further five minutes of struggle before the remaining members of Donnyton’s Squads were willing to concede. The greataxe wielding leader was particularly determined, ignoring her wounds and lashing out at Randidly as long as she could. Eventually, however, her body gave out on her and she collapsed in a pool of her own blood.

Which meant the current record for how long a group of two hundred people could stand against Donnyton was about six minutes.

*****

“Did you see that?” Alana asked.

Isabella nodded. “The Skill displaced his image. It was so powerful that-”

“Power this, power that…” Alana waved her hand irritably. “Stop focusing so much on power. This is not a fight where you should ever be challenging Randidly Ghosthound to a duel of power.”

Isabella’s expression was frosty. “I have the utmost confidence in defeating someone who relies on power.”

Hank chuckled and Glendel winced. Alana just sighed inwardly. Damnit, I know some lessons you can only learn the hard way, but… Girl, I don’t want to see Randidly slit your stomach open and leave you bleeding out like a gutted fish…

“Don’t worry, Miss Donal,” Pan said. He stepped forward and put his hand on his sister’s shoulder. “We know our business. When it comes to fighting, we won’t take any chances. Donnyton’s reputation is at stake.”

To that, Alana could only grudgingly nod. She had faced the two of them before, after all. She knew how capable they were. Even though they hadn’t yet crossed the threshold of Level 50, they were able to fight against monsters that neared Level 60. With their leadership and talent, they were slowly gathering supporters amongst the Squads.

Alana saw Mrs. Hamilton beaming behind them, hiding a smile behind her head. I get it, they are the next generation. But you know…

Alana turned and looked out toward the arena. Randidly was walking calmly back to stand at his side of the arena, sitting down to rest and meditate. Do you really think that the current generation is ready to step aside…? And also…

Alana’s hand-formed into claws. For just a second, she unleashed that tightly controlled killing intent she held in her chest. This was the first time she had ever unleashed it purposefully against a person, but when she did, Randidly only looked up and smiled.

His gaze seemed to beckon her forward. Even now, he was dutifully making himself into a monster so that Alana could throw herself at him without worry of killing him. And for that, she was eternally grateful.

And also… I’m not the strongest in Donnyton for nothing. This sort of opponent… Randidly Ghosthound, I’ve been waiting for this. Don’t disappoint me by stumbling too early.