Chapter 221 Zerim Ignis

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Due to the third contestant backing out, the atmosphere in Kieran’s portion of the platform grew incredibly tense.

After exhausting all of the Hunt stacks numerous times, he could no longer acquire them from his surroundings.

However, Kieran found solace in the remaining duration increasing to over 600 seconds. That meant he had 10 minutes remaining on his Predatory Form.

Considering his opponent’s strength, he needed every advantage he could claim if he didn’t wish to waste skills like Dread Culling and Deranged Spirit.

Zerim stood before Kieran, wearing a set of armor the color of flames. The sleek design offered the best mobility armor could provide, and the color wasn’t too obnoxious, instead giving insight into Zerim’s presence.

The colorway complemented Zerim’s features well.

His scarlet eyes shone with subtle confidence as his gray hair swayed across his face. His fingers danced across the handle of his silver broadsword. The blunt design specialized in destructive force rather than slicing like normal longswords or greatswords.

「Lv.50 Zerim Ignis, The Torrential Flame (Epic NPC)

Class: Flame Razer

Health: 28,900,000/28,900,000 (100%)

Affiliation: «War Deity Council» 」

‘Level 50,’ Kieran thought to himself. His grip on Crimson Ashrune subconsciously tightened due to Zerim’s level. Lv.50 indicated a special state for denizen Intermediate Beings; it was the intemediary threshold.

Unlike players, an NPCs level wouldn’t change without first completing their advancement.

In this regard, Kieran was more similar to an NPC and not a player, thanks to his Zero Loss of Potential trait. It acted as a toggle switch to switch his leveling experience from that of a player to that of an NPC.

It had its drawbacks, but it also possessed immense benefits.

Although he could no longer obtain Unassigned Attribute Points or Skill Points due to his frozen level, it gave him time complete tasks that most players would otherwise forget if their level surpassed the permitted range.

With a frozen level, Kieran’s Experience would be stored in a pool for later access while he continued with his normal activities. And despite the temporary loss of UAP and SP, all hopes weren’t lost for Kieran.

He was well aware of a few extraordinary sources. For example, one could obtain the First Clears of more Dungeons or obtain the Firstblood of superior bosses. His path to additional points without leveling up wasn’t sealed as long as he could fulfill the criteria.

After falling silent for a few seconds, Zerim was the first to speak. “You’re the inheritor of Commander Scar’s power, right?”

“I am,” Kieran nodded.

The angle of his sword attack shifted, creating the image of a flaming beast. The beast’s presence wasn’t the focus of this technique; the true focus was the claws of the beasts—sharpened and giant, made to resemble the weapon in Zerim’s grasp.

“Ordinance of Protection!”

Kieran activated the Item Ability attached to the Shaman’s Bracelet of Ordinance. It only sufficed for one attack, but Kieran rushed through the aftermath of the flames with the ability’s protection.

‘A truly difficult opponent. I’ve yet to place a single Bleed stack upon him despite the disparity in our speed,’ Kieran thought.

Due to the passives in play, Kieran’s Attack and Movement Speed surpassed Zerim. However, his adept usage of his Fire Element filled the gaps in their speed. If used properly, any element could produce unquestionable superiority.

Although it was lauded for its capacity to destroy, the Fire Element could be utilized in various ways. Zerim’s method of applying the Fire Element was merely one of many.

During times like these, Kieran disliked his lack of an Element. Even if it didn’t make a significant difference damage-wise, the auxiliary properties were too great to ignore.

‘Unfortunately, outside paths that intersect with Mages, naturally acquiring an element is extremely difficult. If I meet with Agrianos soon, I should ask him how he accomplished such a thing,’ Kieran thought to himself.

A second later, he stepped to the side and Zerim’s attack.

“I can see your mind traveling elsewhere during the battle. That is a sore mistake.”

Kieran’s eyebrow arched as he felt this situation was laughable. ‘Oh? I’m being schooled in the ways of combat?’

The light in Kieran’s eyes changed, becoming deeply focused. The sudden switch of demeanor surprised Zerim, but it was nothing abnormal in his eyes. Zerim had fought against several people of extreme combat ability.

As long as he kept his cool, Zerim felt he could overwhelm Kieran. He had noted Kieran’s Mana usage, or rather the lack thereof. He perceived this as a direct sign that his Mana capacity was sub-par.

‘I’m sure Commander Scar has taught him destructive techniques. But, the fact he hasn’t revealed them means his sights are set on the future. Unfortunately, I will make you reveal them. We should all know the extents of our strength before attempting the impossible.’

“I can tell you desire to go far. But that is impossible without the prerequisite strength. We must suffer through grueling circumstances to even consider the notion of standing above all,” Zerim said.

Kieran’s eyes narrowed as he sensed a hidden meaning in Zerim’s words. ‘Is he saying I can’t emerge victorious?’

As someone who defied odds once before, Kieran felt Zerim’s opinion was incorrect. In Kieran’s eyes, while strong, Zerim wasn’t an obstacle that could stop his inevitable uprising.

“Flame Practice: Razing Torrent,” Zerim called out.

Zerim drew back his sword with his arms crossed. After drawing his weapon back far enough, the blade ground against his armor, creating a spark that grew into an outrageous flame.

A second later, Zerim released the attack with a thrust of his broadsword.

The torrent of flames engulfed more than half of the stage, robbing Kieran’s ability to evade the attack. If he wanted to deal with it, he would have to use a skill of similar power.

Based on the flame’s intensity, this attack rivaled an A Rank Skill or an exceptional B Rank Skill at the very least.

‘Trying to leave no way out for me? Unfortunately for you....’

Kieran lifted his palm as his body exuded an imperious aura. “I am known to make a way even when the odds seem impossible.”

Bang!