Chapter 40: The Duel of Titans

Chapter 40: Chapter 40: The Duel of Titans The day of the duel arrived with a heavy dawn. Beijing’s outskirts had been transformed into a fortified arena—a colossal complex built explicitly to withstand the power of Earth’s elite Hunters. The walls were reinforced with layered magical seals and anti-rift barriers. Surrounding the battlefield, massive viewing screens were set up, projecting the entire event live to millions. Evon Wang stood quietly outside the arena’s entrance, dressed in his black combat attire emblazoned with subtle silver runes. His silvery eyes scanned the towering battlements and the gathering crowd beyond. Unlike most Hunters who craved the spotlight, his expression was calm, unreadable. Commander Jaun Huang approached him, giving a brief nod. "All the top hunters are assembled. The media is live. The world is watching." Evon said, voice steady but low, "I know. Let’s begin." Inside, the grandstand seats were filled with representatives from the Hunters Association, government officials, and high-ranking militia commanders. Security personnel controlled the perimeter while media teams buzzed with anticipation. On the massive central stage, a cryptic pattern was etched into the ground: a massive circle inscribed with intertwining sigils representing the five elemental powers—the marks of Naia, Lyria, Sythara, Veyra, and Yena. Evon stepped onto the center platform, taking in the charged atmosphere. The hum of magical energy filled the air—as did the tension. One by one, the 31 S-rank Hunters filtered in. Each displayed their own signature powers: blazing swords, invisible stealth, arcane glyphs, and elemental conjurations. They formed a semi-circle, eyes fixed on Evon but guarded, measured. Behind them, the nine SS-rank Hunters made their entrance—legends of their crafts. They carried the weight of decades of power, refined and tempered by countless battles. Their presence alone caused whispers of awe and apprehension. A calm voice echoed through the arena: the official announcer. "Welcome, citizens, Hunters, and guests. Today marks a historic moment—the duel to unify strength and leadership within China’s elite ranks. Evon Wang, our 32nd S-rank Hunter, has called for this contest not out of pride, but necessity." Lights dimmed slightly as giant screens highlighted Evon’s past feats—gate clearing, the fusion with his Fated’s powers, and the rise to his current form. The announcer continued, "Now, Evon will face all 40 of our highest-ranked Hunters to demonstrate the true extent of his power—and to claim the authority to lead Earth’s defenses against the coming darkness." The crowd roared with mixed excitement and tension. ### The Duel Begins Evon stepped forward, hands unclenched at his sides. "Let’s start," he said plainly. Instantly, the 40 Hunters launched forward in a coordinated wave. The air exploded with energy. Flames, wind blades, shadow strikes, and thunderous shockwaves converged on Evon like a tidal wave. Evon’s eyes flashed silver, activating his **Eyes of Fate**. Instantly, he saw the flow of each Hunter’s attack—the angle, their slight muscle tics, the gaps in their energy. With fluid precision, he moved. A blinding flash of True Fire engulfed the area before him, turning one Hunter’s ice lance into steam mid-flight. Another charged with sword drawn, but Evon sidestepped, bringing down the Blade of Fate wrapped in Immortal Glacier energy, freezing the ground under his opponent and toppling him. From his wrist, cybernetic drones manifested—extensions of Veyra’s power. They intercepted shadow arrows, bursting them in electric blue bursts before reaching him. The SS-rank Hunters began to show their skill. One, a master of arcane storms, sent swirling vortexes of wind and lightning. Evon leapt high, riding a dragon-shaped gust from Sythara’s essence, closing distance midair. His sword blazed with holy light from Yena, shredding the vortex shield. Another SS-rank Hunter’s earth-shaking stomps sent shockwaves. Evon planted one foot firmly, summoning Naia’s water around him to absorb and diffuse the force. The duel was not a mindless brawl—it was a test of skill, anticipation, and subtle manipulation of his five goddesses’ powers woven into his blade and aura. The Hunters soon adjusted tactics. Coordinated strikes, layered assaults. One grouped duo attempted a pincer move: an S-rank with unseen teleportation powers and an SS with corrupted shadow fire. Evon anticipated, countering with a Destiny Prison, fate-chains spun outward, freezing space for a moment. The teleporting Hunter was halted mid-step; the shadow fire dissipated as the chains burnt into the fabric of the attack. The Hunters hesitated. Evon raised his voice, calm but resonant. "This duel is not merely combat. It’s to unify us against extinction, nothing less." Some Hunters lowered their weapons slightly, exchanging glances. Evon pressed on. "You cannot defend Earth divided. True power is a force to lead, not to dominate out of ego." Sensing cracks in their confidence, an SS-rank Hunter renowned for elemental storms stepped forward. A hundred-foot storm raged—lightning crackling, wind raging. Evon closed his eyes briefly. The Blade of Fate pulsed in response. He summoned the full synergy of Naia’s glacier and Lyria’s fire, blending ice and flame in a controlled tempest. He sliced through the storm—sending a slash of holy light that purified the chaotic energy. The storm collapsed in radiant mist. The battlefield shifted. Hunters who once attacked now defended, dodged. Whispers spread: "He really does possess the Five Fated’s might." A once-defiant S-rank Hunter staggered back, "This... This isn’t just strength. It’s fate itself." Evon moved steadily, conquering angle after angle. Eventually, the nine SS-ranks convened silently, signaling a pause. Commander Jaun’s voice echoed, "Halt." The Hunters ceased attacks. Evon sheathed the Blade of Fate, steps deliberate. He looked across the field, voice calm, steady. "The duel is not just proof. It’s a call." He gestured. "We must unite,not as rivals,but as defenders." One SS Hunter, an older man with gray hair and piercing eyes, nodded slowly. "If you lead, we stand with you." Others murmured agreement. The announcer’s voice returned, resonant. "Ladies and Gentlemen, the duel ends with Evon Wang demonstrating undeniable supremacy—not in brutality but in leadership." The association immediately began preparations to formalize Evon as the Commander of Joint Hunter Forces for Earth’s defense. Later, in a private chamber, Evon met with Commander Jaun and the newly instated council of top Hunters. "Earth faces threats no one can face alone," Evon said. "We have the combined strength now we need." His voice softened slightly, "But the seals still remain. We must find them." Jaun nodded gravely. "We start operations tomorrow." The sun set quietly over Beijing, but a new dawn had truly risen for Earth’s Hunters. A united front, led by Evon Wang—the wielder of the Five Fated’s power and Earth’s greatest hope against the enigmatic Master from beyond. _______________________