The crowd reeled, struggling to process the sudden outcome. Everything had transpired too swiftly, leaving onlookers stunned and bewildered.
Why had Jax unleashed his wind-attribute martial skill, only to be effortlessly punched off the stage by Anos? The two were evenly matched, both at the Qi Building Realm's ninth star.
Jax stumbled to his feet, shock etched on his face. How could Anos's power be so terrifying? It surpassed the ninth star, possibly even rivalling the tenth!
Yet, Anos's released energy had registered at the ninth star level. Jax's mind raced, seeking answers.
Was it a unique martial technique? Anos's mastery defied understanding.
Regret washed over Jax. If he had known, he wouldn't have stepped forward, inviting humiliation.
But it was too late now.
...
Anos's consecutive victories left the crowd stunned. Robert, underestimating Anos, hadn't even unleashed his martial technique full power. But Jax, the fifth-ranked Intermediate class master, had utilized his full arsenal – martial techniques and spiritual energy – yet still fell to a single punch.
The implications were clear: Anos was formidable.
Defeating Jax in one move meant Anos could potentially overwhelm even the Intermediate class's top-ranked master. No one could comprehend how Anos, at the Ninth Star of the Qi Building Realm, possessed such extraordinary strength.
The answer lay hidden. Anos had accessed the system store, acquiring the Attribute Exchange upgrade. This 100% power boost allowed him to transcend his Ninth Star limitations.
With his amplified strength, Anos had effortlessly sent Jax flying.
---
Sofia watched, perplexed. That punch, unmistakably at the Ninth Star of the Qi Building Realm, shouldn't have defeated Jax so effortlessly. Yet, if Anos possessed a higher level, it defied logic that he'd only unleash Ninth Star energy.
In the machine test, Anos's exceptional control allowed him to simultaneously manage two distinct energies, unfazed by external pressures. However, in a real battle, such finesse was impossible.
Either Anos should have revealed his true, higher level or unleashed proportionate power. Sofia's confusion deepened.
She couldn't grasp Anos's hidden secrets, but her intrigue grew. Anos's enigmatic strength captivated her.
---
'Ding... gained admiration of 31 young ladies. Scumbag Value +50,000.'
The crowd's perception of Anos shifted dramatically. Previously displeased girls now gazed at him with reverence, as if beholding a deity.
On 'Horizon Down' World, strength was the ultimate currency. The ironclad rule: might makes right. Fist size equaled argument size, and fist size equaled respect.
Anos's image underwent a stunning transformation. Once an ignored, insignificant figure, he now commanded awe.
By defeating Jax, the Qi Building Realm's ninth-star and fifth-strongest intermediate class master, Anos proclaimed his dominance.
As a newcomer to Sky Martial Court, Anos demonstrated unparalleled strength, proclaiming himself a force to be reckoned with in the Intermediate Class.
---
"Next!" Anos declared, standing nonchalantly on the stage, his gaze sweeping over the crowd below. His expression betrayed no excitement, no triumph. Only a hint of boredom.
The crowd fell silent.
Ethan pointed at Anos, his voice ringing out. "Anos, perhaps you possess a spirit weapon or secret technique to temporarily boost your strength beyond Qi Building Realm 9-star. But taking on ten opponents alone? That's absurd!"
"Know your limits, young man," Ethan cautioned. "Overconfidence will be your downfall."
Anos shrugged nonchalantly. "Come on, then. I'll give you a chance to take me down, ten against one. Either step up or concede. Right now, I'm the Intermediate Class's number one!"
The crowd erupted.
"This guy's lost his mind!" someone exclaimed. "He thinks he's above the Intermediate Class!"
"Take him down! Screw our reputation, we can't let him disrespect us like this!" another shouted.
"Ethan, Jax, Hitachi, go! Defend the Intermediate Class's dignity!" someone urged.
Ethan, Jax, and Hitachi exchanged determined glances, their faces set.
The top ten of the Intermediate Class had reached their limit, fueled by outrage and wounded pride.
...
The experts exchanged glances, then turned to Sofia, seeking her approval.
Sofia's expression remained indifferent. "As long as no one is killed or severely injured, proceed."
Ethan's face lit up with determination. "Today, I'll put aside my pride. Numbers will be my advantage. Your arrogance ends now, Anos!"
With that, Ethan leaped onto the stage.
"I won't let you hog the spotlight!" Jax shouted, following suit.
One by one, the top ten experts of the Intermediate Class stepped onto the stage, their eyes fixed on Anos.
The air thickened with tension as the crowd held its collective breath.
...
Sasha and Mia approached, fresh from their own match, and were met with a shocking sight: Anos facing off against ten opponents.
Their eyes widened in astonishment. What was happening? Since when did the rules allow ten-on-one matches?
Sofia observed Anos with intrigued curiosity, a hint of a smile on her lips. "Let's see what makes you so confident."
.....
A woman in a flowing white dress approached, her gaze bypassing the seductive woman as she asked, "What's the commotion?" Her eyes remained fixed on the Intermediate Class arena, her expression unreadable.
The seductive woman, still enthralled with Anos, smiled. "This young man from the Intermediate Class is quite fascinating. If he wins, the Sky Martial Court's dynamics will shift... Unfortunately, he's too far away; I can't make out his features. I wager he's stunning."
The woman in white raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. "One against ten?" she murmured, her gaze intensifying.
...