Chapter 235

Chapter 235: The Performance of an Expert

The arena was encircled by a containment magic array. The sky bone crab, having suffered past injuries from such barriers, cautiously focused its attention on Midi standing at the center.

Driven by its bloodthirsty nature and half-night starvation, the beast readied itself to charge at the human. Yet aside from a lightly sweet scent, an aura radiating from Midi filled the crab with primal fear. Though this level 54 magical beast possessed basic intelligence, it hesitated, raising its massive shell several meters high on eight spindly legs while emitting a threatening hissing roar.

Midi stood motionless, watching with an amused smile.

The Dragon’s Blood within him naturally emanated an intimidating aura even without active effort—how could a lowly creature like the sky bone crab dare challenge a dragon’s might?

The expected roles reversed: the crab cowered while the human remained relaxed. Minutes dragged on, draining the audience’s initial excitement like cold water dousing flames.

They’d paid to witness frenzied attacks and desperate screams, not this standoff. The crab waved its claws without advancing, while Midi smiled as though facing a harmless kitten.

Impatient spectators began shouting curses—not at Midi, but at the Sky Arena’s managers.

“Sir, what do we do?” Administrators turned to their superior as chaos brewed.

The well-dressed Dragonkin manager glared at Midi before growling through clenched teeth, “Inject the sky bone crab with Berserker serum. Now!”

“Berserker serum?” The administrators paled. While the serum amplified a beast’s abilities and suppressed fear, its vicious side effects meant certain death. Past arena battles using it always ended with magical arrays obliterating the crazed creatures. Sacrificing a rare level 54 sky bone crab seemed wasteful.

“This concerns the arena’s reputation!” snapped the Dragonkin manager. “If word spreads our beasts retreat from humans, we’ll become laughingstocks—or worse! Administer the serum!”

The order reached the frontlines. Amidst roaring crowds, a heavy crossbow emerged from hidden stands. Four administrators loaded a hollow bolt filled with viscous red serum mimicking Berserker skills.

The archer fired.

With a thud, the specialized bolt pierced the crab’s defenses, injecting serum like venom from snake fangs. The beast collapsed trembling, drawing gasps—then sprang up moments later, shell flushing blood-red as it unleashed an earth-shaking roar.

Frenzy!

The abrupt transformation reignited the audience’s fervor.

Only the wealthy or noble could enter the Sky Arena. Even those without awakening below level 50 possessed sharp judgment. As the giant sky bone crab radiated bloodlust, how could the audience miss these obvious signs?

Yet Midi’s expression remained calm as ever.

He had noticed the arena’s tricks long ago. Intercepting the hidden arrows to prevent the crab’s frenzy would’ve been simple.

But Midi not only allowed it – he welcomed their scheme. What better way to showcase his power than defeating an enhanced prey?

A normal sky bone crab paled in comparison to one driven to full berserk potential.

Now that their trick had taken effect, Midi finally gripped his sword hilt.

Time to demonstrate true strength.

He hoped the audience would spread word of this shocking performance far and wide.

The crab began spewing toxic foam, claws thrashing wildly. Its black eyes turned bloodshot as powerful limbs scraped trenches across the arena’s white stone floor – like gruesome scars.

The berserker serum finally shattered its reason. The fifteen-meter behemoth leapt up like a crazed bull, smashing stone pillars and terrain alike in blind rage.

Spotting Midi at last, it charged with earth-shaking fury reminiscent of armored knights’ assault – a sight Midi knew well from commanding countless battles.

But now, as an Awakened Expert beyond Mortals, he needed no army. His sword alone would carve a new path.

The mountain-like beast crashed toward him.

In that instant, Midi drew his crystalline blade with inhuman speed. A single downward slash cleaved the colossal creature in two!

Demon Swordman skill: Moonlight Slash.

The Black Sky sword – Fina’s gift – hung as a necklace-sized keepsake through alchemy. His true weapons now were the Twin Swords "Sun" and "Moon", forged by King Bacal of the Tyrant Dragon himself from White Crystal Essence.

Enhanced by draconic strength and White Crystal magic, even an ironclad ship would fall to these blades.

The bisected carcass slid forward until crashing against the containment magic array.

Blood rained down like crimson storm, yet none touched Midi – deflected by an invisible barrier.

Standing motionless in the scarlet Sea of Blood, black hair fluttering, he’d annihilated the level 54 Behemoth in one strike.

Silence engulfed the arena as if struck by mute magic.

None expected this outcome to the biased "combat test". A Lower Realm human defeating the Sea of Clouds’ most feared beast? Impossible!

Yet the metallic stench and lingering sword intent burned into every witness’ mind. Even closed eyes couldn’t erase the black-haired youth’s lethal aura.

Unfathomable power!

"I hope you enjoyed the show." Midi strode through gore toward the exit.

Outside waited the Dragonkin manager and First Layer staff in neat rows – a stark contrast to their earlier contempt.

Prejudice against Lower Realm humans wouldn’t vanish overnight. Future applicants might still face mockery.

But for Midi Asreks? Perception had shifted entirely.

In this strength-worshipping Sea of Clouds, personal power trumped all. And the profit-driven Sky Arena recognized goldmine potential when they saw it.

"Well? Did I pass?" Midi’s gaze fell on the sweating Dragonkin.

"Absolutely! Uh…" The manager bowed deeply, suddenly realizing he’d never asked the victor’s name.

"Call me Blade." The simplest alias sufficed.