Chapter 425

Chapter 425: Facing the Water Spider

"Hiding his strength?" Simon on the stands narrowed his eyes at Midi’s sword strike, then scoffed. "Just a petty trick."

Ulhan, waiting in Group Four, snorted. "If this is his real ability, I won’t even need to lift a finger."

Though not in Group One himself, six other Water Spider Tribe warriors had been placed there. From Midi’s mediocre performance and shabby equipment, Ulhan saw no threat. As an Ice Mage, he still knew basics: a true Demon Swordman shouldn’t let their aura leak during attacks—it wasted energy. Real experts kept their auras tight, focusing magic and demon god power into lethal strikes. Even if Midi *was* hiding power, this sloppy act proved him harmless.

Ulhan had never respected Sethe, Mososbury City’s bully. Simon’s account of their feud sounded like weaklings squabbling. He kept this thought to himself only out of respect for the Death Scorpion family’s status.

To Ulhan, the bonfire gathering’s sole worthy opponent was Risen the Black Dragonkin with his drop of dragon blood. Crushing the Wolfspider Tribe? A simple favor to the Death Scorpion family, nothing more.

"Uday’s in Group One," Ulhan told a servant. "Tell my brother to end that human quickly. Simon’s watching—don’t embarrass our tribe."

While others dismissed him, Midi studied the Horn King Greatsword’s vibrations. His first opponent had been laughable—a higher-level fool who’d underestimated him. The instant victory left him unsatisfied; the sword’s true power remained untested. Yet the unleashed Golden-Red Sword Lights had deepened its resonance, stirring the ancient dragon’s Frenzied energy within. Each battle would strengthen the blade—that alone made today worthwhile.

Round two brought another weakling. Midi flooded the arena with Golden-Red Sword Lights, feeding the blade before striking.

Round three finally offered challenge: a peak Level 62 elemental mage.

No pleasantries—the mage attacked instantly. Firestorms, blazing orbs, and lightning bolts devoured the arena. Only the magic array’s channeling of the magic veins prevented the spells from wrecking the entire stadium. Such force could shred a heavy armored cruiser in the Sea of Clouds.

Midi’s battered greatsword danced weightlessly, carving luminous arcs through smoke and flame. The colossal blade split meteorites and vaporized fireballs without slowing—a steel storm guarding its master.

Even the thunderous lightning, when meeting this greatsword, was cut down in a single strike like a dying candle in the wind!

It was just a big, heavy weapon with a chipped blade and no magic wave—merely hard.

Yet this sword blocked every attack!

For the first time, warriors in Group One turned their gazes toward the human on stage, focusing on Midi’s calm expression.

"Impossible! A Level 62 Demon Swordman blocking my assault?" The elemental mage paled, desperately intensifying his attacks.

But nothing stopped Midi’s advance.

Through magical bombardment, Midi marched forward like a rampaging Behemoth, kicking aside all obstacles until reaching his target.

"You’re too weak to unseal this sword. I’ll spare you." Midi stepped before the mage.

His greatsword swept sideways, stirring scorching wind before smashing into the opponent.

The mage’s shield shattered instantly.

Like Midi’s previous opponents, he sprayed blood and flew away like a broken kite.

"Is this his true power? Not bad." A dark elf Ice Mage nearby remarked, then sneered, "But he’s no match for me. The Chief position is mine, along with a favor from the Death Scorpion family!"

This was Uday—younger brother of Water Spider Tribe’s Great Warrior Ulhan.

A Level 63 Ice Mage!

The highest-leveled in Group One.

While Midi won easily in early rounds, Uday won without fighting.

Opponents surrendered immediately.

One in round two resisted, only to become a shattered ice sculpture from Uday’s skill. After that, none below Level 62 dared challenge him.

The selection continued through fourth, fifth, sixth rounds…

With 105 total contestants and 26 in Group One, the points competition became lengthy.

Unexpected upsets occurred—strong warriors losing due to arrogance or distraction.

By mid-tournament, only Midi and Uday remained undefeated.

Midi seemed overflowing with wild energy yet never tired. Uday radiated killing intent, backed by the Water Spider Tribe and Death Scorpion family, intimidating opponents instantly.

Since top four advanced, most surrendered to Uday rather than fight.

Victories naturally piled up for these two.

As matches continued, Midi’s steady wins drew attention.

What if Midi fought Uday? Group One warriors wondered.

Most favored Uday—Level 63 master versus Level 62 beginner. The famously powerful Water Spider Tribe also dwarfed Midi’s Wolfspider Tribe.

Yet everyone anticipated their clash. After Ulhan’s public threat against Wolfspider Tribe, their conflict was obvious.

None believed Midi could win, but neither would he surrender. Ruthless Uday wouldn’t let him escape unharmed.

A real fight might drain Uday’s magic or injure him, improving others’ chances for top four.

Nobody cared about the Wolfspider human’s fate. Surviving Uday seemed miracle enough.

In round eighteen, they finally met.

"First living human I’ve seen in the Shaded Realm," Uday sneered down at Midi. "Kneel and beg, and I might spare you. Maybe even plead your case to the Death Scorpion family."

Midi responded with a sunny smile.

"Good. Your arrogance removes my hesitation." He nodded. "A Level 63 master makes fine material for unsealing my sword."

"You court death!" Uday’s eyes flashed with killing intent.

He raised his hand, unleashing a bone-chilling tide of white ice that surged like ocean waves!