Roar!
A tiger's roar echoed, the sound waves flying like sword blades, cutting the barren ground into fragments.
At the same time, as Director Iron Tiger ran, the distant land rapidly turned metallic, becoming as black as iron.
From Lancelot's perspective, it looked as if a giant wave of metal was crashing down on him, with hundreds of metallic creatures of various shapes roaring and charging forward before the crest of the wave.
Seeing this, Lancelot's expression turned serious.
If I remember correctly, Director Iron Tiger's Innovation Skill is called [King of Metal], which possesses more than a dozen metal-related Transcendent abilities, including "Metal Erosion", "Metal Servants", and "Metal Activation".
In his metal realm, everything becomes metal and is subject to his arbitrary manipulation.
Of course, that was during Director Iron Tiger's prime. Currently, Director Iron Tiger in his projection state is only at the Legendary Tier One. Although his abilities are still formidable, they are not as invincible.
With a thought, lightning crackled and flashed, Thunder Dragon Wings unfolded, and in a whoosh, afterimages blurred as Zhan dodged the sharp claws that Chief Iron Tiger was about to strike.
But the next moment, hundreds of sharp metal spikes, each over ten meters long and spiraling in shape, sprouted from the ground, detached from the already metallized earth, and shot straight into the sky like missiles, covering everything.
The world created by the Holy Sword Stairway was extremely realistic. The sharp, piercing sound of metal spikes cutting through the air exploded in Lancelot's ears, causing his eardrums to vibrate violently and even feel as if they were being torn apart out of thin air.
Of course, compared to a metal cone that comes straight at you, sound waves are nothing.
"Thunder Dragon Flash!"
As the development of Wings of Thunder's Ability Energy progressed, Lancelot had already developed several related Combat Skills. After all, his level 40+ Epic Combat Skills were no mere decorations.
With a flash of lightning, Lancelot seemed to transform into a magnificent lightning True Dragon, his agile figure soaring freely through the sky. As if teleporting, he dodged hundreds of attacks from metal spikes, even using the spikes to his advantage to attack the Iron Tiger Chief who was hurtling towards the ground.
Roar!!
The dragon roared deeply, and lightning formed True Dragon that crashed down like a meteor falling from the sky.
Director Iron Tiger roared, and the metallic earth surged in like a wave, forming a thick metal shield that enveloped him.
Thump!!
The two collided, and the airflow expanded to both sides in a circular pattern. The metallic ground was even dented more than 30 Duomi deep and covered with spider web-like cracks. One can imagine how strong this attack was.
However, due to the conductive properties of metal, most of the energy attacks were dispersed by Director Iron Tiger using the metal earth, and simple kinetic energy attacks obviously could not harm him since his entire body was metal.
Laugh!!
Steel tiger claws emerged from the spherical metal mass, their tips gleaming with a chilling light. With lightning speed, they tore through Lancelot's dragon scales, clawed into his heart, and even clenched their five fingers together, attempting to crush Lancelot's heart.
The projections are all made up of real people who have fought here before. Through the projections, you can also see the crazy energy of Director Iron Tiger when he fights. He is quick to expose his innermost feelings. No wonder the Sea Clan from Planet Golden Bridge were like mice in front of a cat when they saw him.
However, Lancelot is no rat; he is True Dragon soaring through the heavens.
Thump! Thump!
His heart pounded, yet the sound was like the beating of war drums, undoubtedly representing Lancelot's inhumanly powerful fighting ability.
Snap!!
A right hand, crackling with lightning and bulging with muscles, grabbed Director Iron Tiger's arm and then pulled him out of his chest with a sudden burst of strength.
During this process, blood splattered, and the remaining metallic power gnawed at Lancelot's chest like a leech, trying to turn his flesh and blood, and even his entire body, into metal. If he succeeded, Lancelot's life activities would cease, which would be equivalent to death.
Lancelot, of course, would not allow such a thing to happen. With a thought, the vast life force dormant within his body surged forth, instantly dispelling the metallic power, and the large hole in his chest healed at a speed visible to the naked eye.
Director Iron Tiger's combat experience was clearly extremely rich. Even though he hadn't managed to extract Lancelot's heart, he was not discouraged at all and continued to press his advantage. His tiger claws were as fast as phantoms, tearing out hundreds of meters long gaseous claw marks in the air that lingered for a long time, creating a spectacular sight.
In contrast, Lancelot defended while simultaneously transforming the Power of Life within his body, converting a portion of it into a highly destructive Power of Decay.
When the first wisp of grayish-brown power entered Director Iron Tiger's body through physical contact, the latter suddenly retreated. The skin of his once strong and full metal arm now seemed as fragile as Kumu after the passage of time, crumbling and falling to the ground with just a light touch.
"Teacher, the second round has begun!"
Lancelot waved, a wide smile playing on his lips, and slowly stepped forward.
As he walked, his entire appearance changed. The Thunder Dragon Wings slowly lost their blue-purple luster, turning dark brown and aged considerably, resembling wood.
His physique was even more noticeable; his muscles seemed to have shrunk, becoming withered and thin, and he instantly lost a lot of weight. However, his eyes grew colder and colder, like the gaze of God of Death.
Roar!!
As if sensing danger, the metal war tiger that Director Iron Tiger had transformed into lowered its body and roared repeatedly, but did not attack immediately. Instead, it circled around him like a feline before hunting, seemingly looking for an opening.
Lancelot, however, paid no heed. He walked slowly, his body exuding a dense aura of desolation and death. Wherever he passed, the metallic ground became shattered and broken. With a casual step, it would crack and crumble, leaving behind a pile of metallic dust.
The two are getting closer and closer!
Finally, Director Iron Tiger's projection, lacking intelligence and relying solely on combat instincts, launched the first attack.
Seeing this, Lancelot's lips curled slightly, revealing a smile that seemed to indicate a successful scheme.
He reached out his hand, and the dense Power of Decay surrounding him suddenly condensed, transforming into a ball of dark brown energy that resembled liquid.
Almost simultaneously, Director Iron Tiger lunged forward, getting stuck right inside the energy cluster.
From a third-person perspective, it looks as if Director Ganghu walked Iron Tiger into a trap.
"Gotcha, teacher!" Lancelot grinned, clasped his hands together, and the energy ball in front of him suddenly exploded.
Dark brown energy shot out, splashing like water, leaving the metallic ground pitted and uneven. Lancelot was naturally within the attack range, but he had already transformed and was almost unaffected.
As for Director Iron Tiger, he fared much worse.
When the energy cluster dissipated, only a skeleton remained, with thick brown smoke rising from its surface, as if it had been corroded by acidic substances. In reality, it was the decay of life characteristics caused by the erosion of Power of Decay.
However, even though it has come to this, Legendary is Legendary, and given time, it can still recover.
As the metal floor trembled, vein-like metal channels bulged, their tips inserting into Director Iron Tiger's body and delivering some kind of nutrient to him.
At the same time, the metal before Lancelot seemed to swell like liquid, attempting to block any attack he might launch next.
However, it was all in vain; how could Lancelot possibly give Director Iron Tiger a chance?
He lightly stomped his foot, and the metal ground within a radius of several hundred meters suddenly bulged, then broke open, sprouting vines that twisted like pythons and were covered with barbs.
The vines appeared with pinpoint accuracy, as if striking key acupoints; instantly, all the metal pipes shattered and sank into the ground.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Lancelot flapped his dragon wings and suddenly rushed out. After arriving in front of Director Iron Tiger, he delivered a whip kick from the side, wrapped in a dense Power of Decay.
Bang!!
Director Iron Tiger, it's exploded!
First, it was eroded by the Power of Decay, making its bones fragile. Then, it was torn apart by a powerful kinetic energy attack, turning into metal slag flying everywhere.
In contrast, Lancelot stood firmly on one leg, slowly retracting the other. This scene, exuding composure and strength, was deeply imprinted in the hearts of all viewers through the live broadcast.
"That's incredible!"
"Invincible!"
"What kind of ability is that? It can even corrode metal into dust. It's terrifying!"
"Although, I still think the metal tiger is cooler!"
The internet was abuzz, with countless netizens posting and discussing the topic.
As for the Transcendent circles, they all remained silent.
Those in the know understand the significance of Lancelot's battle.
Whether it's the development and application of one's own abilities, the control of combat timing, or the calm mindset as if the water of an icy lake during the process, it all gives people a sense of being far beyond one's reach.
What's even more disheartening is that, according to Lancelot's records, he's only been enrolled for two years, and was only at the Tier Four when he first enrolled. Now, he's crushing Legendary in no time. Is he even human?
On the other side, Iron Tiger Kamori was staring blankly at the projection screen when his old nemesis, Boros, called via video call. On the projection screen, Boros, who always appeared cold and aloof, like Slaughter God of Death, was now winking and grinning at Director Iron Tiger, saying with a sly smile, "Tiger, how does it feel to be beaten to a pulp by your students?"
Director Iron Tiger glanced at his old nemesis and said nonchalantly, "Oh, not bad. You wouldn't understand even if I told you. After all, you've never experienced being utterly crushed by students, and most likely you never will."
It has to be said that Director Iron Tiger knows how to hit a nerve; his words left Boros speechless.
Yeah, why would I laugh at someone?
Isn't it a source of pride and glory for teachers to see their students surpass their teachers?
You should be proud to have raised such a student!
Am I just asking to be shown off like this?
Realizing this, Boros silently hung up the communication, his face once again displaying that cold, unapproachable expression.
Lancelot's victory in his first battle against Legendary caused a huge sensation. Friends offered their blessings, while enemies began to plan assassination missions.
In a blood-soaked space, Blood Sea surges, with a layer of white bones floating on the surface. In the central area, a huge coffin floats, as if carved from blood crystal, with a human figure vaguely emerging inside.
Click! Click!
The person who came took a step, bones shattered, and a strong wind blew, causing the cloak to flutter.
"Greetings, Blood Ancestor!"
"What is it?" came an aged yet decaying voice from inside the coffin.
"Just confirmed, a new SSS-level genius has emerged in the Alliance. Should we increase the assassination efforts?"
"Oh? Who is it?"
Lancelot Terra!
"This little guy, didn't you just upgrade his rating a few months ago?"
"This..." The newcomer seemed somewhat speechless, but finally said in a low voice, "His progress is beyond expectations!"
The coffin remained silent for a long time before continuing, "It seems to be another Child of Destiny. Contact the Ashes and try to nip it in the bud, although... the chances are slim..."
The voice gradually faded into inaudibility. The newcomer lingered in place for a long time, sighed, and then turned and walked away. He did not walk fast, as if he were carrying some heavy burden on his shoulders, or some unresolved knot in his heart.
After Lancelot's victory at level 998, ripples appeared in the space around him, and then the scene before him changed once again.
Wasteland transformed into ocean.
The waves surged and rolled, the salty sea breeze blew in from all directions, and every now and then a large fish would leap into the air, its scales reflecting the sunlight and creating a magnificent rainbow that was dazzling to the eye.
On the other side of this seamless blend of sea and sky, where it seems as if the sky and sea meet, a man with blood-red hair and scarlet eyes slowly walks out. He wears a leather trench coat, and his aura is like that of a fierce ghost, making one's heart tighten.
"Sublimation Department, Head of Department, Blood Weeper Boros?"
Lancelot narrowed his eyes, recognizing this powerful figure who was no weaker than Chief Iron Tiger.
"Oh, this is interesting. We just finished beating up Iron Tiger, and now it's the Blood Weeper. Is this bastard going to beat up all the strongest fighters in the entire academy? And in front of the whole Alliance?"
In the living room, Zyra laughed so hard she almost fell over, looking both smug and overjoyed.
Mona smiled helplessly and focused on the projection.
On the other side, when he saw the projection of Boros appear, Director Iron Tiger was also stunned for a moment. Then, he first used his authority to tell the Holy Sword Spirit not to start fighting immediately. Then, he smiled and took the communicator to dial the number of his old nemesis.
"What are you doing?" Boros asked coldly.
"Tsk, you're about to get beaten up by my student, how does that feel?"
Director Iron Tiger looked like an interviewer.
"How do you know he can win before the match even starts?" In front of his mischievous friend, Boros habitually remained defiant.
"Oh, how about we make a bet?" Director Iron Tiger said casually.
Boros frowned slightly.
"Hey, you're not scared, are you? Well, you've always been pretty self-aware, you probably know your projection can't beat my student's, so you're afraid to gamble, right?"
Director Iron Tiger was subtly stirring things up, using the tactic of provocation with remarkable skill.
If anyone else used this move, Boros would simply ignore it and dismiss it, but... if it were Iron Tiger Kamori...
It can only be said that even if you cultivate to the Epic level, there are still people who can blow you up with a single touch. Clearly, for Boros, Kamori is that kind of person.
It's said that enemies are destined to meet!
Director Iron Tiger only made a slight move, but he couldn't hold back anymore.
"Let's bet, who's afraid of who? But I want to draft the terms of the bet myself." Boros wasn't entirely irrational after all, and chose to take the initiative.
"Speak," Director Iron Tiger shrugged, looking like he couldn't do anything about it, but his eyes held a sly smile, as if watching prey struggle futilely in a net.
"Let's bet on who defeats the other first within five minutes!" Boros said.
How so?
"Within five minutes, my projection wins, I win! Lancelot wins, you win!"
"What if it's five minutes later?"
"Then naturally, winning or losing doesn't matter." Boros shrugged.
"So that's what you were planning." Director Iron Tiger laughed.
He understood that Boros's ability system was that of an assassin, best at short bursts of power, like a three-hit combo, after which he was done.
If the battle drags on, the probability of Boros' defeat will increase significantly.
In contrast, Lancelot 'Tree of Life Innovation Skill is recognized as a weapon of endurance, possessing boundless energy and top-notch self-healing ability, but his offensive capabilities are somewhat lacking.
Although the Power of Decay is formidable, it is difficult to control, as its energy is dispersed, much like grains of sand.
Simply put, the Power of Decay is only suitable for close combat. If it is released externally, the distance cannot be too far, otherwise the energy structure will become extremely unstable as the distance increases.
This is in stark contrast to the Power of Life that has a stable structure and can even transform into Life Seed to provide support to others.
This is why the level of the Tree of Life's Innovation Skill is S-.
If the Power of Decay can be projected over long distances and is as easy to control as the Power of Life, this Innovation Skill would definitely be rated S+.
"Just tell me if you're going to bet or not. If not, don't waste my time," Boros said, waving his hand dismissively.
Director Iron Tiger stood up from his seat, "Let's gamble! Of course we'll gamble!"
Snap!
As he spoke, Director Iron Tiger slammed something onto the table.
This object is hexagonal in shape, with an antique texture and serrated patterns along its edges, giving it a profound and mysterious appearance.
"The Annihilation Blood Stone!" Boros's eyes narrowed. "Where did you get it?"
"Never mind that, what about your bet?"
"Here!"
Boros gave a low hum and took out an eye-shaped object that looked like obsidian from his storage ring.
"Metal Life Soul?" Director Iron Tiger's eyes widened, his expression mirroring that of Boros when he saw the Annihilation Blood Stone.
Seeing his opponent's reaction, Boros subtly curled the corners of his mouth.
After a long while, Director Iron Tiger reluctantly withdrew his gaze and looked again at the figure in the center of the projection. "Are you sure you want to gamble?"
"Didn't you suggest it? Using your authority to delay the battle, abusing your power for personal gain, just like you! Bet!!"
"Alright, then we request that the Vice Dean be impartial!"
"Can!"
Vice Dean Louis's image appeared quickly; he truly is a kind-hearted man, always available whenever needed.
"Delayed battle? Why is that?" Lancelot looked at the golden characters that appeared in front of him and the projection that remained stationary in the distance, wondering to himself.
After about two or three minutes, the text disappeared, and the battle officially began.
According to the academy's official information, Director Boros's ability system is "Blood Qi," a Rare profession that integrates perception, willpower, and explosive power. He has strong attack power but weak defense, yet he can fight until death, and injuries do not affect his condition...
As he watched the figure slowly approaching, turning the azure ocean into a raging sea of the Blood Sea, Lancelot's mind was flooded with a wealth of information.
"In that case, it's best to finish this quickly!"
"I'm not afraid of getting hurt!"
What is the most suitable fighting style for a melee master who possesses an immortal body?
Answer: Madness!
In short, it's a trade of injuries!
Thump!!
Facing the Blood Weeper Boros, who is known as one of the strongest attackers of his class, Lancelot launched a fierce offensive!
Everyone was taken aback by his actions, but this did not include those who knew Lancelot well.
"Good lad, you haven't disappointed me. This is the fighting spirit and courage you should have." Director Iron Tiger smiled with satisfaction.
Boros had a bad feeling; he had a feeling that he had been tricked by his old rival again.
"Strong Fist!!"
The deep sound was barely audible in the howling wind, but the Iron Fist, wrapped in the Power of Decay, seemed like a meteorite falling from the sky, breaking through layers of Blood Qi and arriving in front of the blood-red figure.
Bang!
The blood-red shadow shattered, as if a body shell had cracked open.
This is the Substitute Blood Shadow, one of Boros's abilities. It allows him to teleport short distances while enveloping his body in Blood Qi. Even if an opponent shatters the Blood Shadow Stand, they will still be corroded by the Blood Qi. It is an extremely insidious and vicious ability.
As expected, after Lancelot shattered the Blood Shadow, blood-red marks appeared on half of his body, and clear bloodstains appeared on his face.
These marks were like tiny knives, cutting into his flesh with a hissing sound.
Not only that, almost simultaneously, Boros appeared out from behind like a ghost in the darkness, his arms outstretched, liquid Blood Qi flowing down and quickly solidifying into two rapiers, which plunged fiercely into Lancelot's chest.
Heart and lungs were pierced instantly!
Its skin is as tough as Kumu, yet as fragile as paper.
"Such powerful attack! This energy, called Blood Qi energy, pierced through my physical defenses the moment it made contact, and even exploded inside my body..."
"However, I can grow back my skull even if it explodes now, so my heart and lungs are nothing!"
Lancelot smiled indifferently, completely ignoring the two blood-stained swords embedded in his body. He raised his arms, and his fists rained down like a Gale.
The Boros projection was instantly damaged!
The Power of Decay and the Blood Qi fought and devoured each other on his body, causing massive damage in the process.
However, how could someone who is Director Iron Tiger's old nemesis have a gentle fighting style? Besides, his nickname is the Blood Weeper!
As the fists hurtled towards him, Boros dodged with his projection, but never retreated. The blood sword in his hand cut and shredded like a metal sheet in a blender.
Not only that, but blood-red eyes appeared behind him, radiating massive amounts of Blood Qi rays, which, together with the blood sword, turned Lancelot's body into a rag doll.
He himself was certainly not feeling well either.
A withered, Iron Fist is not easy to catch.
After hundreds or even thousands of punches, the body of the projected Boros was also broken and mangled, with flesh Dissolution and cracks all over its bones. It was only because of his special profession that he remained in full strength. If it were anyone else, they would have lost their fighting ability long ago.