Unlike the other guild team leaders, Arnold didn’t hesitate to accept Ethan’s challenge even though he already knew many guild leaders had chosen to give up and lose.
However, his ability as a warrior was undeniable. He had led many expeditions into towers and dungeons with his current guild team.
He always managed to complete missions, and thanks to that skill, Arnold was appointed Head Officer of the Warrior Division in the Star Heaven Guild.
That was the name of Arnold’s guild.
With all the skills he had, he was confident he could easily defeat Ethan. That was because he had experience as a warrior even before the VR Full-Drive implementation happened.
Elle turned her head, her face showing a worried expression as if she had a bad feeling about this tournament.
Helena walked up to her, trying to calm her down.
"We have to admit that Ethan might be strong, but don’t underestimate Arnold’s power."
"A fight between two warriors. From their base class alone, it’s already balanced," Helena replied.
"I believe Arnold has a chance to win. But still, I can’t shake off this bad feeling."
Ethan agreed and walked away from the village center, heading straight toward the wide open field that served as the main arena for the tournament.
Other players followed the two participants, gathering at the battle arena with all eyes focused forward.
Arnold and Ethan stood far apart in the arena, locking eyes with sharp stares. The silence between them created a tension that felt incredibly heavy.
Arnold summoned his sword—an Epic blade with blue lightning along its edge.
Ethan watched him closely. That blue sword wouldn’t be able to kill him.
"Got anything to say before you lose?" Arnold asked firmly.
Ethan stayed silent, then looked at Arnold’s status screen, showing that he was level 54. Ethan smiled. He thought there was no harm in showing his true level to everyone.
"I’ll give you all a little surprise."
He opened his personal panel and switched his level display from [Private] to [Public].
[Show Level: Private → Public]
[Level: 60]
Arnold narrowed his eyes, unsure what Ethan was doing. But the other spectators paid close attention.
Right above Ethan’s head, his level suddenly appeared, shocking everyone.
"H-He’s level 60?!" one player shouted.
"No wonder he beat Norton and the other guild leaders. The power gap around level 50 is huge," another player said.
"Arnold’s level is 54, while Ethan’s 60. Ethan already has the upper hand, not to mention he’s wielding the Legendary sword, Bloodblade Ashura."
"Arnold’s done for."
Ever since Ethan made his level public, everyone began doubting Arnold’s chances. They were convinced Arnold had no hope of winning since Ethan outclassed him in every way.
Elle gasped, shocked that Ethan had leveled up so fast. Helena felt the same—thankfully she hadn’t provoked him yesterday; that had saved her life.
"Well? Do you like my surprise?" Ethan asked.
"HAHA!"
"Impressive! No wonder you beat six other guild team leaders before."
"But I’m not like them!" Arnold shouted.
Now it was Arnold’s turn to reveal his item. He opened his inventory and pulled out a red crystal cube that floated before his face.
Ethan froze. The power inside that cube felt familiar, though he couldn’t yet tell what kind of power it held.
"I was saving this for a life-or-death situation," Arnold said, "but against you, my pride’s on the line."
"I won’t let you live, Ethan!" he yelled.
I never did anything to him. Why does he hate me so much?
Ethan instinctively glanced to the side, toward the audience. While Arnold raged and absorbed the red crystal’s energy, Elle’s worried gaze was focused not on Arnold—but on Ethan.
Even though Arnold was her lover, her concern wasn’t for him.
That realization made things clear to Ethan. There was a reason for Arnold’s hatred, even though they’d never clashed before.
Oh, now I see why.
"I’ll protect Michelle with my life if you die. After all, I was the one always there for her when things were tough," Ethan said.
Helena was shocked, and Elle’s face turned red, her eyes welling up as she looked at Ethan emotionally.
Arnold grew even more furious. He roared, releasing a terrifying red aura that no one had imagined before.
Ethan watched Arnold’s rage with a faint smile. His guess was right—Arnold hated him because Elle loved Ethan, not him.
"I’ll kill you—not just here, but outside too!" Arnold shouted.
He charged forward, swinging his sword in a diagonal cross strike toward Ethan.
Ethan planted his sword and formed a sword barrier. But to his surprise, the protective dome cracked and shattered upon impact with Arnold’s furious slash.
Damn it!
Even though the shield broke, Ethan managed to dodge—but the impact destroyed his white mask.
He jumped back to keep his distance. Cracks spread across the mask until it broke apart, falling into fragments before dissolving into magic particles.
He destroyed my mask? How did his power rise so suddenly?
Ethan pulled down his black hood, revealing his real face to everyone.
The male players fell silent, trying to remember who EthanArk really was. The female players reacted differently.
A strong jawline, black hair, blue eyes, pale skin, and a sharp gaze—he had all the traits of a handsome man.
Elle froze. It had been a long time since she’d seen Ethan’s face. His looks hadn’t changed—if anything, they’d grown sharper, stronger.
Was it because of that red crystal? Is it a Rage Item? If it is, then it must have a time limit.
Five minutes? Too long. Three minutes? Maybe. One minute? Most likely.
I just need to hold out for one minute. The backlash from the Rage Item will cut Arnold’s HP in half.
"COME HERE, DAMN YOU!" Arnold shouted.
He dashed across the arena, swinging his sword at Ethan. Ethan met him head-on, their blades clashing with equal strength.
Arnold pushed Ethan back, but Ethan managed to dodge at the last moment.
Ethan was tired. Even though Arnold hadn’t landed a single hit, the Rage effect absorbed HP, regenerating Arnold’s health every time he struck.
Just a few more seconds.
Arnold’s attacks grew fiercer. Ethan had to stay defensive, dodging and blocking just long enough for the Rage effect to wear off.
"I-I didn’t expect the Star Heaven Guild leader could match EthanArk!"
"Looks like we’ll get a winner today!"
Some spectators grew hopeful seeing Ethan cornered by Arnold’s rage-fueled power. They cheered, urging Arnold to finish him off.
But Helena and Michelle didn’t cheer. They knew what was coming.
If Arnold didn’t finish Ethan within the next few seconds, the Rage Item from that red crystal would wear off—and he’d be at a huge disadvantage.
Ethan leapt back, watching his HP drop slightly from Arnold’s absorption effect.
It’s time.
He raised his head and looked forward. Arnold suddenly froze—his red aura vanished, and the glow in his eyes faded. Blood spilled from his mouth as he dropped to his knees.
"Arnold!" Helena shouted.
"Fighting you was a pain when you were in Rage mode," Ethan said.
Helena, Elle, and Arnold widened their eyes in shock. None of them had realized Ethan knew anything about Rage mode.
"Because that crystal’s small, its effect could only last a minute."
"My guess was right. Your power only lasted one minute," Ethan stated firmly.
The cheering crowd fell silent when they saw Ethan standing before the weakened Arnold, still holding Bloodblade Ashura tightly—ready to strike.
"You’ve got no strength left. Will you surrender?" Ethan asked.
"Screw you, Ethan!" Arnold yelled.
Ethan swung his sword sideways, ready to decapitate Arnold—but then a voice stopped him.
"Don’t kill him, Ethan!" Elle shouted.
Ethan and Arnold both turned to see Elle running toward them. Ethan’s blade was still beside Arnold’s neck, just waiting for the next move.
"Arnold can’t keep fighting. According to the rules, the loser has to hand over their Star Essence," Elle said.
Surprisingly, Elle brought out the Star Essence her guild had collected during the Thousand Stars Event.
"Don’t give it to him, Elle!" Arnold yelled.
"I won’t let you die and fail. We still need you. I still need you," Elle said firmly.
Hearing those words softened Arnold. He bowed his head, apologizing to Elle, Helena, and his teammates.
Arnold’s defeat brought shame to the Star Heaven Guild. He knew he couldn’t escape the punishment their guild master would give him.
Ethan reached out and accepted 10,435 Star Essence from the Star Heaven Guild, handed over by Elle herself.
[Thousand Stars Event]
[Team Name: Sword Liberation]
[Rank: 17]
[Star Essence: 52,386]
Rank 17. That meant the top ten probably had over 80,000 Star Essence.
I need to find a way to collect more Star Essence. Maybe targeting the big three guilds will get me plenty.
Alright then—time to hunt for Silver Stars!