Chapter 68 The Ranking Battles (3)



The fight ended with a clear winner. It was as I expected—I didn't even break a sweat to defeat Gene. The victor's euphoria surged through my veins, but I knew I couldn't afford to revel in it for long. A resting period of 20 minutes was granted to me before my next match with Winand Klee.

As I caught my breath, I scanned the surroundings. The auditorium was a grand spectacle, adorned with towering pillars and intricate tapestries. The soft glow of magical crystals illuminated the space as the sun was gradually hiding behind the horizons, casting a vibrant aura over the huge auditorium. Many other matches were currently underway, capturing the attention of the spectators. However, my focus was solely on Winand, who had already arrived and awaited our impending duel.

His presence beckoned my thoughts back to the meticulous plan I had crafted to defeat him. It was no secret that Winand had likely witnessed my previous match with Gene. Even if he hadn't witnessed it directly, the whispers of his friends would have surely reached his ears. I intended to seize this opportunity to catch him off guard with a surprise tactic.

"Attention, Eren Pendragon and Winand Klee, please make your way to arena 3 in 10 minutes," the announcement resounded throughout the arena, urging me to prepare for the upcoming battle. With renewed determination, I set off towards the designated arena, brimming with anticipation and nerves.

Upon reaching the arena, I found Winand already stationed there, exuding an air of confidence and focus. Soon, the staff members ushered us onto the stage, and with a commanding voice, announced the commencement of the match.

"Match Rank 258, Eren Pendragon versus Rank 95, Winand Klee, begin!"

The adrenaline coursed through my veins as I readied myself for the clash of powers. Winand grasped a staff in his hand, instantly erecting a protective barrier around himself while simultaneously beginning to chant and incantation.

"Mana shield."

Right after the mana shield, he was trying to cast a big spell to end the fight as soon as possible.

However, I refused to grant him the opportunity to execute his spell. In a swift motion, I drew a magical power handgun from my pocket and fired directly at him.

Boom!

It was aura, the aura which I had managed to learn in the short time I had.

-Splash!

The wave hit me, pushing me back for about 2-3 meters, but it failed to do any damage to me.

I turned around, facing Winand once again. Determination burned in my eyes as I prepared to continue my advance. However, Winand's smile caught my attention, filling me with a sense of unease. Something was amiss.

"...!"

Alarmed, I looked up.

"Water slicer."

Winand had already chanted another spell, and numerous water blades were fired at me.

"Damn it!"

It was a spell which created water blades by using pressure.

Time seemed to slow as I assessed the situation, my mind racing to find a solution. My sword was enveloped in a black aura as I parried the water slicer, managing to deflect some of the blades, but a few grazed me, resulting in blood gushing from the wounds.

The dust once again rose in the arena, and I found myself in a tattered state, battered but not broken. Winand wore a victorious smile as he started chanting yet another spell, his determination evident. I gritted my teeth, refusing to back down.

"I thought I could win without using any skills," I murmured, my voice filled with a mix of frustration and determination. "But I guess you are strong enough to force me to use them."

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