Treasure-hunting: Into the Unknown

"The battles between warriors at the fifth grade of Imperial Level are now officially underway! Those whose names are called up, please step forward for the first fight. Each battle lasts an hour at the most, and if neither party is able to defeat their opponent within that time period, I will instead determine the victor!" the fifth group's judge announced, his voice booming loudly in everyone's ears.

Thirty-two warriors who couldn't contain their eagerness waited in the area, fidgeting as they stood restlessly.

"Sean and Voss, please come to the arena," the judge called out.

The other thirty quickly retreated to the edge, leaving the first two competitors standing smack dab at the center stage.

They glared at each other with utter hostility, and without wasting any time, began to strike.

However, everyone knew that after this fight came seven more consecutive ones for each of them. Considering the high possibility of exhaustion if they didn't pace themselves, the two understandably held back their unique skills. At this point, martial energy and physical strength were best left conserved.

As a result, the fight went on looking quite average. Both parties attacked and defended, of course, but they did so in turns and without the use of any powerful killing skill.

It was only when the two warriors soon noticed the time come close to expiring that the whole atmosphere took a sudden turn. Pressures of a stalemate ruling began to pile up, and unable to bear with the fact, both bombarded their opponent with their respective unique skills. In what seemed to be few seconds, the battle went from a snooze fest to a fierce, high-level display of abilities.

In the end, just right before the time expired, Sean won with a successful execution of a skill at the medium stage of Imperial Level. He quietly raised a clenched fist in victory as he walked to the edge, having earned one point.

Almost immediately after the area was cleared out, another pair got called to fight. This time, the battle ended in less than a quarter, much faster than the one it preceded. Apparently, one of the competitors was from a premium stage clan and was an experienced senior at the fifth stage of Imperial Level. Unsurprisingly, he set the tone by instantly going on the offensive and taking out an uncommon weapon. He chipped away at his opponent's footing mercilessly, who in turn could hardly defend, surrendering after only a short period.

This went on for nine more battles, until finally, Zachary was called.

The crowd and other remaining warriors br

move. If you can't withstand it, you will definitely lose!" The warrior broke into a stance and stared solely at Zachary.

"I should be careful then." Zachary smiled.

His opponent then took a deep breath and clenched his fist. His arms turned red like burnt iron pillars, and in a split second, he charged towards Zachary with the aura of a one-man army.

As soon as he did so, Zachary activated his Ice Dragon Hand, which the solid red arms collided against and broke through without a hint of difficulty.

Zachary's eyes narrowed; he was obviously surprised at the success against his counterattack. He swiftly stepped back and activated his protective martial energy. His adversary persevered, armed with power that surpassed even his expectations. They were at a stalemate, or so it seemed.

Bang!

His opponent's arms were suddenly enveloped in a burst of seemingly ungraded golden flames. Without much resistance, he then broke through Zachary's protective martial energy.

Everyone immediately started to think that ever-so-surprising Zachary was defeated, no question.

Zachary crossed an arm over the other. As the golden flames cracked his protective martial energy, he was left with nothing but his bare limbs to protect himself. He flew back a dozen meters the moment he made contact.

Just as all hope seemed lost, something on his wrist glowed into brilliant light—the Holy Bone Bracer! A surge of recoil force poured out and blew his opponent away in return, who landed violently against the ground.

Everyone slowly came to their senses, though they were given barely any time to process the situation. A heated discussion immediately followed about Zachary's stellar posterior strategy.