CHAPTER 98: S-RANK SHOWDOWN: KYRION VS. RONNY

The fire from Veltra took the form of a tiger, leaping toward Asta. Ice and fire collided in a spectacular clash, steam hissing and light flashing. The ice dragon’s form was strong and precise, and it seemed to consume the fire tiger, melting it away instantly. The attack surged forward, closing in on Veltra.

Veltra tried to turn and run, but the ice struck him. He fell to the ground, his movements slowing as frost spread across his hand and leg, ice growing within his body.

"I surrender," Veltra gasped, defeated.

The crowd erupted into cheers. The winner was Asta.

Asta moved forward and touched Veltra gently. The ice melting instantly from his body, Veltra was freed from the frost’s grip.

Asta helped Veltra to his feet, and the two shook hands, mutual respect shining in their eyes. The crowd erupted in cheers, the sound echoing across the arena.

"The winner is Asta!" the emissary announced.

As both contestants walked out of the arena, the next match was called. "Now, for the second match, the participants are Kyrion and Ronny," the emissary declared.

Kyrion and Ronny emerged from the participant’s path, moving toward the back of the arena where the contestants usually waited.

"Wow, that was a tough fight. Those two were incredibly skilled, not the kind of talent you see every day," Nolan said, watching Asta and Veltra exit.

The emissary added, "For the next fight, the royal mage will place a protective barrier so that no attack reaches the civilians or the audience."

A man stepped forward, a staff in his hand and a white robe flowing behind him. He raised the staff, and a shimmering barrier formed around the arena, protecting everyone outside.

"Wow, he’s not just an ordinary mage—he’s extremely skilled. Look at that barrier," Nolan said, eyes wide.

"Yeah, you’re right. It’s very strong," Lyra replied, watching intently.

Nolan blinked and turned toward her. "Wait... Lyra? What are you doing here? Since when did you get here?"

"I left my seat when I saw you and came here," Lyra said calmly, settling into the participant section where spectators usually watched

"Master, Kyrion is actually going to fight. Let’s see how strong he really is. It’s finally time," Linda said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

The crowd’s murmur faded as the emissary’s voice boomed across the arena. "Participants, step into the arena! Let the next match begin!"

"Yeah... it’s time to see. Let me see what he’s made of. But I just know... if I fight him, I’m going to win," Nolan said confidently.

Lyra tilted her head, curiosity in her gaze. "Oh... is this Kyrion guy you’re talking about? Did he do something to piss you off?"

"Yeah... oh, you didn’t know?" Nolan’s voice was calm but carried a sharp edge. "It’s like he challenged me. Let’s just say... he specifically challenged me. And I have a feeling our fight is going to be one where neither of us holds back."

"No kidding," Lyra said thoughtfully, her eyes narrowing. "Looking at him, I can tell he’s strong... very strong. And even if you think you’re strong, don’t let your guard down. There’s something... sneaky about him. I can sense it."

"Standing here is someone who has earned the title BattleGod, an S-Rank adventurer... Kyrion!" the emissary announced, his voice carrying across the arena.

"His power is said to rival even the hero himself. And his second name... Calamity Lightning... was earned because of his incredible speed. But that’s not all—he is also capable of wielding Conjugation Lightning, a technique feared by even the strongest warriors. And yet, despite all this, he is still considered only a mere blitz adventurer by some," the emissary continued, building suspense.

"Now, stand and cry out loud!" he commanded.

The crowd erupted into a deafening roar, their excitement shaking the very walls of the arena as Kyrion stepped forward, his presence radiating power and confidence.

"What? So he’s an S-Rank adventurer... lightning skills... identifying orders. Wow," Nolan muttered to himself, feeling a rush of excitement. "I’m about to go out there... my heart is racing... my blood is boiling. I want to fight him. Let me teach him a lesson." He smiled, eyes fixed on Kyrion.

Kyrion turned to Nolan, a confident smile on his face. He raised his thumb to his own neck, signaling that if they were to fight to the death, he wouldn’t hesitate. Nolan chuckled, then Kyrion’s gaze shifted away, cool and unreadable.

"Now, the second participant—step in, Ronny!" the emissary called, as the gates opened.

Ronny walked in, strong and imposing. He, too, was an S-Rank adventurer, renowned for his raw, brutal human strength. One punch from him had earned him the title that now preceded his name.

The crowd erupted in cheers. Both Ronny and Kyrion faced each other, circling slightly, their eyes locked in silent challenge.

"Oh, and one thing you should know," emissary added, his voice carrying across the arena. "Ronny isn’t just a guy full of muscle. He’s fast—extremely fast, able to move and attack while maintaining full control of his body."

The crowd roared again as tension crackled in the air. Both S-Rank warriors were ready, every muscle tensed, every instinct sharpened. The fight was about to begin.

"Well, I can tell from his stance... right now he’s ready for battle," Nolan added, eyes sharp.

The two participants moved back slightly, circling, tension thick in the arena. Kyrion breathed in deeply, then exhaled. In one fluid motion, he drew his sword.

At first, he walked forward, testing the distance. Then he started running. Faster... faster... until his movement became a blur, too quick for the audience to follow with their eyes.

In the blink of an eye, Kyrion closed the gap and struck. His fist slammed into Ronny’s stomach. The force sent Ronny leaping back, his legs scraping the ground as he twisted mid-air, raising his hands to shield his face.

Kyrion and Ronny locked eyes, a silent challenge passing between them. In an instant, they both sprinted toward each other, their speed blurring the ground beneath their feet