Morca nodded. He had gained valuable knowledge today, but more importantly, he had gained direction. From now on, his path was clear, he would push forward, no matter the obstacles, until he stood at the peak of power.
---
The clone spoke in a firm yet suggestive tone, "You need to be more careful in battle next time. Also, make sure to find time to go through the technique your brother gave you. It will help you control your breath and suppress your aura."
At that moment, Morca recalled the cold metallic card Emmett Lee had given him the day he awakened. Emmett had handed it over after Morca revealed his 'class' to him, but he had not paid it much attention until now. Hearing the warning from his clone, Morca nodded silently, deciding to take action as soon as he was done with the two-day ring battle.
"And also," the clone continued, "during your battle with the ten one-star+ monsters earlier, you were on the verge of a breakthrough. Had you succeeded, you would have attracted the attention of the heavens. That would have been disastrous in your current pathetic state. You would have died."
For some reason, the tone of the clone shifted. A dark aura, thick and oppressive, emanated from its body, pressing down on Morca like a crushing weight. This was no longer a warning, it felt like a threat.
Morca broke out in a cold sweat. The first part of the clone's statement had already sent chills down his spine, but now, an even greater danger stood before him—his own clone. Although he knew the clone couldn't kill him, the sheer intensity of its aura suggested otherwise. It felt as though he were facing an entity whose very existence was on the line.
Then, something clicked in Morca's mind. He recalled something peculiar the clone had said while explaining the battle of the awakened in the Unique Domain: "By defeating your 'other self,' you gain the recognition of your unique domain." The way the clone had referred to itself... 'other self' rather than a mere clone, hinted at a deeper mystery. It did not see itself as just a clone but as an independent being.
'I must grow stronger to uncover my secret,' Morca reminded himself.
The clone merely sneered, as though aware of Morca's thoughts, but it didn't bother to comment further.
"You should return now, or they will assume you're dead," the clone said.
Morca frowned. 'How long have I been here?' he wondered.
"Exactly 12 hours, 37 minutes, and 24 seconds. You have 1 hour, 23 minutes, and 36 seconds before your battle with the two-star monster begins," the clone responded with precision.
Morca's face twisted with worry. "How do I go..."
Before he could finish his sentence, his vision blurred, and then, darkness consumed him.
---
In the grand hall of the Dark Avengers Club, excitement and laughter filled the air. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. Groups of three or four sat together, animatedly discussing the previous battle while keeping their eyes fixed on Battle Ring 004... or rather, the lone figure sitting on it.
One young woman, who appeared to be in her twenties, spoke with enthusiasm. "You should have seen how Crimson-Black challenged forty-nine 1-star monsters alone. It was mind-blowing!"
Another woman beside her added, "That wasn't even the best part. You should have seen how he took down ten 1-star+ monsters without moving an inch! It was the most awe-inspiring thing I've ever witnessed."
Their eyes sparkled with admiration as they recounted Morca's performance to those who had missed it.
"Well, we may have missed yesterday's fight," another person chimed in, "but today should be even more interesting. He'll be fighting a 2-star- monster!"
Meanwhile, at the far side of the hall, five figures wearing red masks sat together. One of them, No. 2, frowned as he gazed at the battle ring.
'What's wrong with him? Why can't I sense his breath? Something feels off... He was fine after yesterday's battle, so what changed?' No. 2 couldn't shake the feeling of unease.
Noticing his concern, No. 1 asked, "Are you alright, No. 2? You seem worried. Do you think he can't handle the monster?"
"It's nothing. I'm fine," No. 2 replied, his face expressionless. Clearly, he didn't want to explain further.
No. 1 turned his gaze toward the figure at the center of the battle ring. 'That kid hasn't moved an inch since yesterday. Strange... If we had someone like him at the academy, we wouldn't have to worry abo...'
His thoughts were interrupted as the referee suddenly appeared, hovering over the battle ring.
"Today, we will witness the Unvanquished Crimson-Black in action! Be ready for an exciting event as he faces a two-star monster. Will he surprise us once again? Place your bets wisely, the battle begins in 15 minutes!"
With that, the referee vanished into the sky.
At another part of the hall, a long line of people formed, eagerly placing their bets. Some, still believing that Morca could last at least five minutes against the 2-star monster, wagered on his survival. Others, convinced he stood no chance, bet against him. However, there was one betting option that no one dared touch: 'Will Crimson-Black defeat the monster?'
No one dare bet on Morca's victory.
After all, how powerful was a 2-star monster? In simple terms, it was strong enough to wipe out a hundred peak awakened experts with ease.
Then, as the betting frenzy continued, a young girl of about 15 or 16 approached the betting table. Unlike the members of the Dark Avengers Club, her mask was distinct, a sleek black mask adorned with intricate designs. She was dressed in all black, her attire blending with the shattered black-and-red strands of her hair. A stylish black hat concealed most of her features.
Without hesitation, she placed her bet, on Morca's victory.
As she walked away, her movements were graceful yet exuded an air of mystery, her dark aura captivating. Every pair of eyes in the vicinity followed her until she disappeared from sight.
Murmurs spread through the crowd.
"Is she insane or just reckless?"
"Could she be a secret admirer of Crimson-Black?"
"That must be it."
"No sane person would have that kind of blind faith."
Although her face was concealed, had Morca been present, he would have immediately recognized her identity... Noe Laura, the girl with whom the system had bonded to him. The Black Scale Oblivion Dragon.
---
A/N
Like it, Add to Library!