The battlefield trembled.
Cracks spread across the reinforced stone floor of the Grand Hunter Arena as two terrifying forces collided in the center of the arena.
One radiated crimson berserker energy.
The other emanated a savage, beast-like aura.
At the center of the destruction stood Kael Varyn and Talon Grimfang.
Their fists were locked together.
The pressure between them created a violent shockwave that blasted dust and broken stone outward.
High above, the audience erupted into wild cheers.
"THIS IS INSANE!"
"Two berserkers going head-to-head!"
"They're destroying the arena!"
The announcer's voice boomed through the stadium.
"Ladies and gentlemen, what a battle we're witnessing!"
"A pure clash of physical power between two warriors of the Berserker Bloodline!"
Talon's beast form had fully awakened.
Dark crimson fur covered parts of his arms and shoulders.
His muscles had expanded, becoming even more monstrous.
His eyes glowed like burning coals.
"HAHAHAHA!" Talon roared.
"This is what I came here for!"
He pushed forward with overwhelming force.
Kael slid back several meters, boots grinding against the stone floor.
The system reacted immediately.
Combat Analysis
Opponent Strength: Increasing
Warning: Berserker Rage Escalating
Talon's grin widened.
"You feel that?"
"My bloodline grows stronger the longer I fight!"
He slammed both fists into the ground.
BOOOOOM!
The entire arena floor shattered.
Chunks of stone launched into the air as a violent shockwave erupted outward.
Kael jumped backward just in time.
The system flashed again.
Skill Detected
Beast Berserker Ability
Beast King Rampage
Kael narrowed his eyes.
"Rampage skill…"
Talon lifted his head slowly.
Then he roared.
The sound shook the entire arena.
"RRRAAAAAAAHHHH!"
His aura exploded outward like a raging storm.
The air around him distorted under the pressure.
Talon's speed suddenly multiplied.
Before the audience could even react—
He vanished.
CRASH!
A fist slammed into Kael's side like a meteor.
Kael flew across the arena.
BOOOOOM!
His body smashed into the reinforced wall, creating a massive crater.
The entire stadium gasped.
"That attack…"
"Was he just teleported?!"
"No, that was pure speed!"
Dust filled the battlefield.
Talon walked forward slowly.
"You're strong."
He cracked his neck.
"But you're still too slow."
The dust cloud slowly cleared.
And then—
Kael stepped out of the crater.
Completely calm.
The crowd fell silent.
Inside Kael's mind, the system displayed new information.
Combat Data Recorded
Opponent Combat Style Analyzed
New Skill Available
Kael blinked.
"New skill?"
Skill Unlocked
Savage Counter
Type: Berserker Combat Skill
Description: Converts enemy attack force into amplified counter-damage.
Kael smiled slightly.
"Perfect."
Across the battlefield, Talon noticed the expression.
"You're smiling?"
He laughed loudly.
"Good!"
"That means you're not finished yet!"
Talon bent his knees.
Then launched forward again.
BOOOOOOM!
The ground exploded beneath his feet.
His speed was even faster this time.
The audience could barely follow his movements.
His fist aimed directly at Kael's head.
But this time—
Kael didn't dodge.
Instead, he stood still.
The system activated.
Skill Activated
Savage Counter
Talon's fist landed.
CRASH!
The impact shook the entire arena.
But at the moment of impact—
Kael grabbed Talon's arm.
Talon's eyes widened.
"What—"
Kael twisted his body.
Using Talon's own momentum—
He slammed the massive berserker into the ground.
BOOOOOOOOM!
The arena floor collapsed under the impact.
A huge crater formed in the center of the battlefield.
The crowd exploded with cheers.
"WHAT A COUNTER!"
"He used Talon's own power against him!"
Dust and broken stone filled the air again.
For several seconds, the battlefield remained silent.
Then—
A laugh echoed from the crater.
"Heh…"
"Hehehe…"
Then Talon stood up.
Blood dripped from the corner of his mouth.
But his grin was wider than ever.
"Now THIS…"
"…is a real fight."
His aura surged again.
Even stronger than before.
High above the arena, the elite competitors watched the battle closely.
One of them leaned forward slightly.
Astra Valeris.
"…Interesting."
Beside her stood Kaizer Stormborn.
Lightning flickered across his arms as he watched.
"That guy…"
He pointed at Kael on the screen.
"He's adapting mid-battle."
Astra nodded.
"Yes."
"And that's extremely dangerous."
Because fighters who could evolve during battle were the most terrifying opponents.
Back in the arena, Talon wiped the blood from his mouth.
"You know what?"
He rolled his shoulders.
"I think it's time to end this."
His aura suddenly compressed around his body.
The air vibrated violently.
Kael's system immediately reacted.
Warning
High-Level Berserker Skill Detected
Talon's eyes glowed brighter.
"Let me show you…"
"…my strongest attack."
The ground beneath him began cracking again.
Energy gathered around his fists.
The crowd watched in tense silence.
Even the strongest hunters in the arena were paying attention now.
Because everyone could feel it.
The next attack would decide the battle.
Talon raised his fist.
Kael tightened his gauntlets.
Both berserkers prepared to unleash everything they had.
And then—
They charged.