After the quarterfinals, it was time for a break. With noon approaching, contestants and spectators needed food and water to recharge.
An hour later, the venue was buzzing. with excitement again as Oron stepped onto the battle ring. He was accompanied by a Sacred Wrym Summit disciple, who carried a black box filled with numbered balls.
“It’s almost time. I’d like to invite the top four contestants to the ring to draw lots,” Oron announced as he surveyed the crowd.
Amidst a wave of enthusiastic applause, four figures ascended the battle ring one after another. First in line was Glenn, with Fenley right behind him, followed by Abigail and Dustin.
“Sir, we’re in the semifinals. Good luck! “Abigail winked playfully at Dustin as she stepped into the ring.
“You too,” he replied with a smile.
Given Abigail’s strength, her odds against Glenn were slim. However, if she faced Fenley, she would have a solid chance at victory.
After all, Fenley had only just broken through to the ultimate grandmaster level. In contrast, Abigail had been at that level for nearly a year.
With her Phoenix bloodline fully awakened, her abilities were at their peak. If she were given a few more years to develop, the possibilities for her future would be limitless.
“Glenn, I hope we’re paired together for a decisive showdown.” Fenley’s gaze was sharp and filled with fighting spirit.
Abigail and Dustin were insignificant in his eyes. Instead, Fenley regarded Glenn as his sole rival. If he could defeat Glenn, the championship title would be within his reach.
“You’d best abandon that thought, or you’ll face a crushing defeat,” Glenn replied impassively. To him, Fenley wasn’t a worthy opponent.
At that instant, Dustin sparked his curiosity. He had learned that Dustin was Seth’s disciple. 1
Glenn was also aware of the tension between Seth and the Sword Union. A year ago, he had gone out of his way to challenge Seth, but the outcome had been disappointing.
Now that he finally met Seth’s disciple, Glenn felt a surge of competitive fire and an urge to test his skills against Dustin. After all, Dustin’s recent performances had been impressive. It
was something Glenn couldn’t afford to overlook.
“Hmph! I know you’re strong, but defeating me won’t be easy,” Fenley spat coldly. With his ultimate grandmaster skills and the unpredictable Four Elements of God’s Technique, he was ready to face any opponent.
He thought, “So what if you topped the Legendary List? Today is the day for a new champion.”
“You’ll see the difference between us soon enough.” Glenn’s words were clipped and cold. He preferred action over idle chatter. To him, strength would be decided on the battle ring, not through empty words.
“Semifinalists, please draw your lots,” Oron announced loudly.
The match-up rules remained the same -the first number against the last.
“I’ll go first!” Fenley stepped forward and reached into the black box to pull out a numbered ball.
Unlike before, he didn’t hide it this time. Instead, he raised the ball above. his head for everyone to see. He had drawn the number four. After drawing his number, he stepped aside.
Abigail looked around and noticed that neither Dustin nor Glenn stepped forward. So, she walked forward and pulled a ball from the box.
“I got number three.” She raised the number ball without hesitation.
Fenley suddenly remarked, “Good thing you’re not up against me. At least now you have a chance at the finals.”
According to the matchup rules, contestant number one would fight contestant number four, while contestant number two would face contestant number three.
“Look who’s talking. You’re the weakest here, yet you’ve got the loudest mouth. Do you even know what ‘reality check’ means?” she shot back sharply.
Dustin and Glenn stood at the top of the Legendary List, while she was ranked second. On the contrary, Fenley ranked fifth.
He was the weakest of the four, yet he dared to be so arrogant. It was shocking how utterly oblivious he was to his own shortcomings.
“Hmph! Short-sighted fool!” Fenley glared at Abigail. Before his breakthrough, he might have felt uncertain about his abilities. But now, with his newfound strength, he was brimming with confidence.
After Abigail finished her turn, Dustin stepped forward to draw from the box. When he saw the number on it, he sighed helplessly.
He had drawn the number two, which meant he would face her in the ring. They were essentially in a mentor-and- student relationship-getting matched against her was far from what Dustin had hoped for.
Dustin had drawn the number two, which left Glenn with the number one. Glenn showed his number, and the spectators buzzed with anticipation.
Contestant number one would take on contestant number four. This meant the opening match in the ring would be Glenn against Fenley.
Both were the favorites to win the tournament. With the first match set to decide the victor, the excitement in the crowd was electric.
“Glenn! Finally, we can face off and determine who’s the best.” Fenley grinned, and he felt a rush of adrenaline surge through him. Even before the fight began, he was already fired up.
Glenn remained stone-faced. “You’re unlucky for having to face me,” he said.
“Really? I’d say it’s lucky. Once I defeat you, I’ll claim the top spot on the Legendary List.” Fenley was filled with fighting spirit.
“Dream on,” Glenn replied coldly.
“Words are useless. Let’s settle this in the ring.” Fenley’s eyes burned with determination.
Seeing the tension between the two, Dustin and Abigail quickly stepped off the battle ring to make room for them.
Now that the opponents had been decided, there was no need for theatrics -only action was awaited.
“Are both contestants ready?” Oron looked at them.
Once they both nodded, he raised his hand and announced, “Semifinal match one-Glenn Hadley versus Fenley Hudson. Let the fight begin!”
