The conference room was dead silent. Everyone except Kaioh Kaku stared in stunned disbelief at Sol Mirek's arrogance.
They glanced at Kaku, who seemed completely unfazed, and silently wondered just how powerful this so-called ultimate weapon really was.
I should have completely disrupted the script by now, Sol thought, checking his system panel. His Transcendent Value had climbed from 357 to 421.
Although the value currently only helped him traverse worlds, who knew what other uses it might hold later? Even if its sole purpose was world travel, a higher Transcendent Value meant more opportunities for evolution — and Sol, driven by the desire to become an ultimate being, would never let it slip away.
Retsu Kaioh followed him out, worry etched across his face. "Sol! Do you realize what you're saying? On the other side are Yujiro and Oliva! Those two are monsters tracked by satellites to prevent them from going on a rampage. Even if you defeat one, you won't last against the second after a fierce fight!"
Sol paused, a small, playful smile tugging at his lips. "I know. That's exactly why it's interesting."
He resumed walking toward the lounge, his silhouette confident and reliable under the corridor lights.
Retsu stood frozen, fists clenching involuntarily. He hated it. Hated that he couldn't share the burden for his friend. Hated that all the pressure of the Great Raitai Tournament rested on a high schooler's shoulders.
Sol… you must win, he silently prayed.
Meanwhile, in the foreign fighters' lounge:
"Do you think they're seriously going to let that ultimate weapon fight until the end?" Oliva's brow furrowed. Could their so-called ultimate fighter really take on both him and Yujiro alone?
King Jikai sneered. "He's strong, yes, but five opponents alone? Impossible." His gaze shifted unconsciously to the silent, looming figure of Yujiro.
Baki leaned against the wall, worry flashing across his face. "Retsu doesn't joke. They really mean it. Sol will fight until the very end."
"Then why bring Kaku Shunshei and Ron Shobun?" King Jikai asked, confused.
"Backup, in case the kid fails. No one's watching here, they can deny it later," Samwan Haiwang muttered, breaking his silence.
A knock echoed.
"Did they regret it and come to withdraw the challenge?" Samwan sneered and went to open the door.
But the figure outside was unexpected — Doppo Orochi, the God of Martial Arts from Japan, entered.
"Hi~" he greeted, raising the hand Dorian had previously severed and reattached.
"Mr. Doppo," King Jikai stepped forward respectfully, knowing Doppo's high standing in Japan.
"I was called by Sol to strengthen your team," Doppo explained, stroking his bald head. "He said to replace your weakest fighter, to give him some real challenge."
"There are only five slots, and they're full. Step aside. There's no one weaker than you here!" Samwan blocked him.
"You're joking, right?" Doppo smiled. With a single hand chop, he knocked Samwan unconscious and casually dragged him into a corner.
"Now you have a more suitable candidate," Doppo said, his gaze flicking briefly to Yujiro.
Baki, still concerned, stepped forward. "Mr. Doppo, are you really… facing Yujiro?"
"Quiet, Baki," Yujiro interrupted, a feral grin spreading across his face. "Doppo, since you're here, let's give that arrogant kid a lesson. I'll be last to fight tomorrow."
After seeing Sol tempered by four fighters, Yujiro decided patience would make the eventual fight more satisfying.
Doppo chuckled. "Yujiro, still arrogant as ever. Sol's strength isn't simple."
Baki's worry deepened. "Mr. Doppo, you're really joining them against Sol?"
Doppo patted his shoulder. "Baki, I came to see how strong Sol became after training with elite fighters. I had no intention to fight him."
"But he invited me," Doppo continued, serious now. "He wants to see our full strength. If one avoids challenges, one cannot become the strongest. Giving our all is the best way to help him."
"This is his unique path of martial arts training," Doppo said with reverence. If Sol could overcome them all, he would claim not just victory, but the title of the strongest being in history.
Baki nodded, understanding, but said nothing more.
Oliva, stretching, added, "Interesting. Tomorrow's match will be unforgettable."
King Jikai remained silent. The more confident Sol appeared, the more uneasy it made him feel.
Yujiro smirked. "Everyone, prepare yourselves. That kid won't make it through easily."
With that, he turned and left the lounge.
The others glanced at each other before dispersing, a mix of tension, anticipation, and dread hanging in the air.