There were differences in strength even among grandmasters. And the gaps between each minor level were challenging to bridge.
“Sir Bolts, it seems like you have overestimated this young man.” Theodore chuckled and shook his head.
“If I’m not mistaken, after Sir Reeds’ recent seclusion, his skills have ascended to another level. So he should only need three moves to deal with Dustin.”
“Oh? Is that so?” Woody raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised. Ronald had already attained the status of a grandmaster several years ago. If he had made further progress, he was on the verge of becoming an ultimate grandmaster.
If that were the case, the Martial Arts Union would have to reevaluate his value.
“Dustin, you should never have challenged me. I already offered you a chance back in the Black Forest. But it seems like you’re determined to dig a grave for yourself.
“No one will be coming to your rescue today!” Ronald continued to advance. His terrifying presence intensified as it surged forth like a tsunami. Under the intense pressure, Dustin’s energy field began to show visible signs of strain.
It looked like a massive sheet of glass on the verge of shattering. The cracks expanded rapidly and multiplied like a sprawling spider’s web.
The Celestial Blade wrapped in cloth behind Dustin vibrated intensely. It produced a faint resonance. The blade seemed eager to join the battle.
Dustin reached out and gently patted the sheathed blade, calming its restlessness. It wasn’t time yet.
“Dustin! It’s time to die!” After he pushed Dustin back to the limit, Ronald took a swift step forward. With a high-pitched explosion, Dustin’s energy field shattered instantly. It broke apart into pieces.
“Go to hell!” Ronald seized the opportunity with all his might. He took another step and propelled himself forward, turning into a streak of white light.
In his wake, the air was cleaved, emitting a shrill howl. Even the solid platform of the arena was etched with deep grooves.
The astonishing speed and force resembled a destructive missile. It was capable of eliminating everything in its path.
“Bring it on!” Dustin’s gaze hardened. Refusing to show any weakness, he also turned into a stream of light and charged headlong at Ronald.
At that moment, neither side showed signs of retreating. It left only an inevitable head-on collision. After a brief sprint, the two human projectiles ultimately collided with each other with tremendous force. A loud roar reverberated, and the earth shook beneath them.
The entire arena began to shake, and the ground was blown apart. It left behind a huge crater with cracks that splintered outward around the edges.
From the point of impact, a surging wave of energy swept outward in all directions. Wherever it passed, debris filled the air, and dust clouded the scene.
The audience instinctively covered their ears and hunched forward. They channeled their internal energy to resist the howling wind that rushed toward them.
Even when they had prepared themselves, the assault of the violent gusts still left them with hair standing on end. Their entire bodies trembled, causing them to struggle to maintain their footing.
The moment Dustin and Ronald collided, deep rifts brutally tore the circular arena apart. Both of them were also sent hurtling away.
Dustin was pushed back several feet by the impact, creating deep grooves into the ground. In stark contrast, Ronald ascended and descended gracefully. He seemed unaffected by the collision.
The glaring difference in their strengths was displayed for all to witness.
