Chapter 39: Dominance of True Power

Chapter 39: Chapter 39: Dominance of True Power Two months had passed since Evon Wang officially became the 32nd S-rank Hunter of China. During that time, his routine of gate clearing and solo missions progressed steadily, but more importantly, his connection to the elemental goddesses—the Five Fated—had deepened. Evon stood quietly in the training room of the National Hunters Association’s Beijing headquarters, the early morning light filtering through tall windows. His posture was calm, eyes closed. Yet beneath that calm exterior, an intricate symphony played. The passive ability he now fully controlled: Destiny Resonance. It was a link to his Fated lovers—not distant echoes or flickers of memory—but their full powers, accessible and mutable through his will. Water poured softly around his fingertips, shaped by Naia’s endless calm. A flicker of flame sparked on his palm, warm but controlled—Lyria’s True Fire. A subtle hum of cybernetic energy revolved around his wrist, Veyra’s presence. The faint pulse of holy light radiated from his chest, Yena’s nurturing power. And a soft, rumbling strength vibrated in his feet—Sythara’s dragon essence. Evon opened his eyes, the silvery glow steady and unshakable. He was no longer just a man with powers; he was a nexus, a conductor of five divine symphonies. The following morning, Evon arrived at the grand entrance of the National Hunters Association building, his black coat perfectly pressed, face unreadable. Inside, the polished walls reflected the seriousness of the organization, a nexus for Earth’s strongest defenders. Today, he was here for a different reason—not for a mission, but for a statement. Evon requested a meeting with the Chairman of the Association himself, Fang Jihai. Fang Jihai was a living legend. One of only seven SSS-rank Hunters worldwide, each a representative of one of the seven great continents. Together, they were Earth’s true pinnacle of power and authority—the protectors of the planet’s fate. A few minutes later, Evon was ushered into Chairman Fang’s spacious office. A place lined with trophies, relics, and screens streaming security feeds from every gate worldwide. Fang Jihai sat behind a desk, calm but vigilant. His sharp eyes immediately fixed on Evon the moment he entered. "You requested to see me, Wang," Fang said without preamble. Evon inclined his head slightly. "I did." Fang’s gaze narrowed in curiosity. "How can I help?" Evon’s voice was steady, controlled. "I have fully adapted to my powers. I have mastered Destiny Resonance, and my connection to the Five Fated is complete." Fang nodded slowly. "I sensed the shift. Your recent missions displayed a significant jump in ability." Evon leaned forward, hands resting on the polished wood. "This is why I have come. I ask the Association to officially announce my second awakening to the public." Fang blinked. "Second awakening?" "Yes. Not just a return to power, but a new ascension. They must know I have surpassed the limits of the official S-rank. But I propose something more." Fang folded his hands, leaning back with subtle interest. "I want the Association to arrange a grand duel." Evon’s gaze was sharp. "A contest — Evon Wang against the combined might of the 31 S-rank hunters and the 9 SS-rank hunters of China." Fang’s eyes flickered with surprise but masked no judgment. "To be clear, this is not an insult to our hunters. But a demonstration. Only by proving true dominance can I command every strong force needed to find and unseal my Fated lovers." He paused. "By showing the essence of power beyond titles and politics, I will gain the necessary respect and the authority to unite." Fang considered carefully. "Earth’s situation is growing dire. The master of the middle realm continues to devour worlds. If you cannot grow stronger and lead this resistance, we will fall." His voice was low, heavy with the weight of impending calamity. "You think the other hunters will accept this?" Evon’s eyes gleamed with determination. "They will. They must. The fate of this planet will overshadow personal pride." Fang regarded Evon’s calm conviction. "Very well, Wang. I accept your request." He tapped a few commands on his desk terminal. "We will send the announcement to every major news outlet and hunter guild." "Preparations will begin immediately to coordinate the duel within the month." Fang’s expression darkened slightly. "Remember, your task is not just a personal trial—it is a pivotal moment for Earth’s Hunters." — Within hours, the news exploded across all media. ### National Broadcast — Evening News Headline: "China’s 32nd S-rank Hunter Evon Wang Awakens Anew — Calls For Grand Duel Against Nation’s Elite" Anchor Wei Ming: "The National Hunters Association has confirmed today that Evon Wang, the recently registered 32nd S-rank hunter, has undergone a second awakening, ascending beyond previous limits. He has formally requested a grand duel against the combined forces of the 31 other S-rank hunters and the 9 SS-rank hunters within China." "This unprecedented challenge aims to establish a clear hierarchy of power and authority, paving the way for leadership that can unify Earth’s defenses against increasingly dangerous dimensional threats." "The date and venue of the duel will be announced soon." ### Social Media Frenzy The hashtag #EvonAwakens trended instantly. Hunter forums and casual netizens exploded with debate. Hunter forum post: "Is Evon really ready to stand against them all? That’s almost suicidal." Comment: "He’s not just ready. If rumors are right, his power is not comparable to mere S or SS-rank hunters anymore. He controls something beyond." Speculation thread: "If he truly commands the Five Fated, then we’re witnessing a legend. This duel might decide Earth’s future." Casual gamer tweet: "Evon Wang vs 40 hunters? Sounds like an epic boss fight. Who’s placing bets?" The public’s fascination mixed skepticism with hope. ### The Hunters’ Reaction Within the association, the atmosphere was tense. The 31 S-rank hunters and the 9 SS-rank hunters gathered, their expressions guarded but respectful. Many approached Commander Jaun Huang for details, whispers echoing: - "Is this challenge genuine?" - "We need to be prepared—this isn’t normal." - "Evon’s power might eclipse even our own." Jaun calmed nerves with terse assurance: "Evon Wang’s abilities surpass known boundaries. This duel isn’t about rivalry. It’s about proving leadership against the world’s greatest threat." ### The Countdown Begins For the next weeks, Evon spent every day pushing his limits. No longer did he merely wield his powers; he synchronized fully with each elemental goddess through Destiny Resonance. He practiced: - Channeling Yena’s holy light to heal and reinforce allies remotely. - Shaping Veyra’s cyber warriors for coordinated defense. - Manipulating Naia’s water to create barriers and offensive bursts. - Wrapping enemies in Lyria’s True Fire, burning with a spiritual intensity. - Unleashing Sythara’s dragon force to strike fear and disarray in enemy ranks. He tested every facet of the Blade of Fate, deliberately controlling the blend of elements, learning the tranquil subtleties as much as the raw destructive power. Though the duel loomed, his focus remained clear: to become strong enough to command, to unify, and ultimately to find the seals hiding his Fated lovers. ### The Morning of the Announcement Evon stood outside the Association once more, watching the city stir below. Commander Jaun approached, nodding. "The Association has finalized the event venue—a secured complex in the outskirts of Beijing, reinforced for safety and broadcast." Evon merely nodded in response. "Are you prepared?" "I am." Jaun offered a rare smile, his usual stern mask softening. "You carry the hopes of Earth on your shoulders. But remember, you’re not alone." Evon’s silver eyes met Jaun’s steady gaze. "Not alone. But first, I must stand above." The sun rose higher, casting long shadows across the sleek cityscape. The duel—a spectacle unheard of in Hunter history—was about to begin. ___________________