"Yes, she was outstanding. She performed at the level of a Rank B—or let me say, a Rank C," Tharion said.
"So just imagine how powerful our master would be," Lyra added.
Tharion turned his head back, eyes narrowing as he focused on the arena.
"Now, step in, an S-Rank adventurer from the Empire, and one of the strongest there is—Johnny, also known as the Fire God. One of the greatest S-Rank adventurers, and the second person in the Empire to defeat a lesser dragon," the emissary announced.
The gates lit up as Johnny strode in, fire seemingly radiating from him. The crowd erupted, cheering and shouting his name. He was well-known, even among spectators who rarely followed tournaments. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ novel•fire.net
"Now, for the second contestant: Nolan Thorn, Rank E. Not much is known about him," the emissary said, scanning his paper. Another set of gates opened, and Nolan stepped into the arena.
"Wait, is this the guy they say is Rank E? That suit... a Rank E couldn’t possibly wear that. I know that suit," someone in the crowd whispered.
"Yeah, that’s the famous Malric’s design. He fought alongside the hero 30 years ago. Rank E? Impossible!" another shouted.
The crowd murmured, debating fiercely. "Even if he’s not truly Rank E, can he really beat Johnny, the S-Rank?"
Everyone fell silent as Nolan and Johnny stared each other down from opposite ends of the arena.
"One... two... go! Fight!" the emissary called.
Nolan thought to himself, Do I need to pull out my sword? No... I don’t need to do that. They need to do that.
Johnny surged forward, covering his body in flames. The crowd gasped as they felt the heat through the arena’s protective barrier. He leaped, his sword ignited, striking toward Nolan.
Nolan moved effortlessly, dodging, jumping back, and slamming his fist into the empty ground. Should I end this? he thought. Tharion showed what he’s capable of, Kyrion showed what he’s capable of... now it’s my turn. No time to waste—let me finish this.
Johnny charged again, aiming to cut Nolan down. Too slow, Nolan thought. In an instant, it was as if he vanished, reappearing in front of Johnny and landing a solid punch to his stomach. Johnny flew backward, slamming into the arena wall.
"What... what just happened?" Johnny muttered, catching his breath. "That strength... he pushed my entire body back? This is... amusing. But now, it seems like an affront."
Johnny walked forward, flames still flickering faintly around him. "Champion. You are a champion indeed. State your name. I want to hear it from your very mouth."
"I’m Nolan," Nolan replied calmly.
"Good. I shall remember that name. They said you were Rank E? I’ll take that as a joke. You are actually on my level," Johnny said, his eyes narrowing.
Who is this fools? Nolan thought. He think I’m as weak has he. I’m holding back. If I go all out, even his skeletal bones won’t stay intact.
"So, champion... are you ready?" Johnny asked.
The crowd was in shock, murmuring amongst themselves. "Unbelievable... a Rank E... to move that fast?"
"Is he... what is he?" someone whispered.
Nolan had pushed the Fire God—Johnny—back against the arena wall, slamming him into it. The sheer force alone left the audience in awe.
"But... will he really defeat the Fire God of the Empire?" the emissary asked, tension heavy in his voice.
"No... he can’t. It’s impossible," the crowd shouted.
Johnny’s reputation was well-known. He wasn’t just strong; he loved testing himself against opponents of equal or greater power. He had never been defeated by someone he considered worthy, which gave him an unshakable confidence—a burning desire to face the strongest, because he believed he would always win.
"So, before I defeat you, try to make it fun for me. I’ll entertain you properly because I’m not holding back," Johnny said with a grin, rolling his shoulders as flames flickered across his body.
"Okay, you’re looking for entertainment? Come on. Don’t worry, I’ll entertain you—but it won’t take long," Nolan replied calmly.
Johnny charged, closing the distance in a flash. He swung his flame-covered sword at Nolan, who barely moved back, dodging just enough to avoid the strike.
Why can’t I hit him? Johnny thought, frustration creeping in. Is he too fast?
"Hey! Stop running and fight!" Johnny shouted.
"Since you insist," Nolan replied, filling his hand with fire. As Johnny swung again, Nolan used his flaming hand to block the strike. Sparks flew, and the crowd erupted in awe.
"Wow... that suit... nothing should be able to pierce it!" someone exclaimed.
"The weight of my attack should have shattered your bones, but you’re still standing?" Johnny said, eyes wide.
"Well... I can’t say the same about you," Nolan replied. With a flick, he deflected Johnny’s sword and then dashed forward faster than the eye could follow. Johnny couldn’t even see him move.
Before Johnny could react, Nolan landed an uppercut. Johnny flew into the air, soaring so high it seemed he’d passed the arena itself. A bird flew by, and Johnny’s eyes followed it, stunned.
"What... what is happening? How is he this fast?" the crowd whispered.
Nolan struck again, this time using the back of his leg to kick Johnny downward. Johnny raised his shield to block, but the impact was overwhelming. The shield shattered, and the arena floor cracked, forming a hole in the shape of Johnny’s body.
Silence fell over the crowd as Nolan landed gracefully on the ground, stretching his hand upward.
"That was actually fun," Nolan said.
"Hey... what happened? Is Johnny dead?" someone whispered.
"I’m sure he’s not dead. I held back. He’s probably unconscious but alive," Nolan murmured.
Two healers jumped into the crater left by the impact and carefully carried Johnny out. After checking him, they confirmed he was unconscious but alive.
Wait... how is this a Rank E? He just defeated a Rank S! the emissary exclaimed, wind compressor device in hand.
The crowd erupted, shouting, "Outstanding! Incredible! Did you see that move? Was he flying?"