Chapter 1518 (2/2)

Dunnnnnnnnn!

The arena was cut with the sound of two spears colliding. For a brief instant, both the Ghosthound and Overseer Helen were brought to a standstill. That enormous shadow had shrieked and expended itself, finally stopping the Ghosthound’s advance. Even more shocking, all of the bubbling, potent power of the crimson tides in the surrounding area suddenly turned sluggish; Head Drill Sergeant Ghosthound had completely suppressed an entire image Domain with just a Gatekeeper’s worth of Nether and so much physical power that Charlotte couldn’t believe it.

It was the only even exchange of the entire challenge.

Charlotte’s eyes were locked on Overseer Helen’s shifting muscles. She could practically feel the heat of the blood pumping through her body as she struggled to retain her balance.

Congratulations! Your Skill A Warrior’s Poise (R) has grown to Level 204!

The Ghosthound recovered from the frozen moment first, moving with a preternatural smoothness that more rightly fit his more monstrous body than the humanoid form he currently wore, Nether or no. Once more, his spear became a blur. Blood spurted out of her side as Overseer Helen struggled to adjust her guard. By the time her eyes widened in pain, the Ghosthound was moving past her.

With a roar, Overseer Heiffal leapt in from the side and-

BOOOOOM!

-was smashed into the ground with enough force to bounce him a full meter back up into the air. Behind them all, the pieces of the shattered hammer continued to tumble through the air. The Ghosthound’s spear once more settled back into a singular, fearsome entity within his right hand.

In the next instant, the Ghosthound crossed the distance to the final Overseer standing next to Vizzeret. The Nether flowing through him followed him like a cloud, corroding the images in the surrounding space.

“Go!” Charlotte couldn’t help but whisper as she saw Overseer Helen, leaving a shining trail of blood through the air behind her, caught up to the Ghosthound. The bearwoman’s heart was pounding as she saw the gathering shadow…

...not next to Overseer Helen, but beneath the Ghosthound’s feet; it seemed the brilliant Overseer had planted a trap there, perhaps understanding what sort of foe they faced in the Ghosthound. His pale emerald eyes turned downward.

The shards of the hammer finally hit the ground, tinkling lightly.

Congratulations! Your Skill A Warrior’s Poise (R) has grown to Level 205!

There was no surprise in the Ghosthound’s expression as he regarded the gathering shadow beneath his feet, just a mechanical recognition of the appearance of a threat. Yet somehow, that expression was exactly the most chilling glance that Charlotte could imagine; she had often seen a similar expression on Commandant Wick’s face when he was contemplating certain unsavory matters.

BOOOOM! Crack!

The shadowy image was smashed to bits by the Ghosthound with raw, physical force. Charlotte didn’t need heightened senses to detect that feat; the very ground beneath her feet shook from his stomp. Then he twisted around and slammed the butt of his spear against Helen’s side. She adjusted and blocked, but her spear still splintered from the strike and she was sent flying.

Just as the last Overseer’s image was rising, Head Drill Sergeant Ghosthound thrust his spear forward, with no discernable time pause between his strike against Helen and his thrust. The Overseer was skewered and tossed to the side.

Congratulations! Your Skill A Warrior’s Poise (R) has grown to Level 206!

There was an extended moment when Vizzeret raised his grey head and met the pale eyes of the Ghosthound. In the next moment, there was a splatter of blood left on the ground and the huge animal was skidding across the ground, its limbs broken and limp. The golden dogs were shredded like paper.

Time seemed to stand still as the Ghosthound stood with his spear raised, gazing after his recruit as the VIP in this challenge tumbled across the ground to a stop. Charlotte’s mouth felt very, very dry. Overseer Helen’s image, which had become a constant crimson hue cast over the entire event, gradually faded; it was clear that the result had been decided.

The Ghosthound frowned over toward the inert form of Vizzeret. “You have failed to survive for the required five minutes. According to my Skill… you have managed to endure for four entire seconds. By all possible metrics, it can be considered an embarrassing failure.”

Then the Ghosthound folded his arms and turned away. He raised his eyes to the sky. His expression was mild; he didn’t even seem disappointed. “However, you were still the trailblazer who dared to turn in the Darkstar Coin first. For that ambitious display… Overseer Helen, please provide him with another Darkstar Coin. An opportunity… to redeem yourself in my eyes. In the future. Perhaps… far in the future.”

Without another word, the Ghosthound opened a portal and vanished. As the overt heaviness of his presence gone, the watchers gradually relax. Next to Charlotte, Benjamin shook his head. “That is… a cruel reward to receive.”

Raymund nodded in agreement. The vulpine had a complicated expression on his face as looked toward the broken form of Vizzeret. “Only four seconds, huh.”