The Grand Hunter Arena trembled with excitement.
Thousands upon thousands of spectators filled the colossal stadium, their voices merging into a thunderous roar that echoed across the towering structure.
Above the battlefield, massive holographic screens floated in the air, broadcasting every detail of the event to millions watching across Aetherion.
The World Hunter Tournament had officially begun.
And the first battles were about to start.
Inside the underground waiting hall beneath the arena, dozens of powerful hunters stood silently.
Each competitor radiated a dangerous aura.
Some leaned calmly against the walls.
Others stretched their muscles while preparing for battle.
In one corner stood Kael Varyn.
He leaned against a pillar, quietly observing the other participants.
Lightning occasionally flickered around Kaizer Stormborn, who stood several meters away.
Nearby, an elegant woman surrounded by faint cosmic energy stood with her arms crossed.
The system identified her instantly.
Astra Valeris.
One of the strongest young arcanists alive.
The competitors were monsters.
Each one had survived countless battles.
Each one wanted to become champion.
Suddenly, a massive screen lit up inside the hall.
A loud voice echoed through the chamber.
"Competitors, prepare yourselves."
"The first round of the World Hunter Tournament will now begin."
Names appeared across the holographic display.
One of them glowed brightly.
Round One
Kael Varyn
VS
Talon Grimfang
A deep laugh echoed behind Kael.
"Well well…"
Kael turned around.
Standing there was a massive man with wild hair and glowing crimson eyes.
Talon Grimfang.
His body was covered in scars from countless battles.
But the most noticeable thing about him was the violent aura surrounding his body.
It was the aura of a berserker.
Talon cracked his neck and grinned.
"So you're the Abyss Breaker."
Kael shrugged casually.
"That's what people are calling me lately."
Talon laughed loudly.
"I like you already."
He leaned closer.
"But I'm still going to crush you."
Kael smirked.
"We'll see."
Moments later, the massive gates leading to the battlefield opened.
Blinding light flooded the entrance tunnel.
The announcer's voice echoed across the stadium.
"Ladies and gentlemen!"
"Welcome to the first battle of the World Hunter Tournament!"
The crowd erupted.
"The first fighters entering the arena…"
"A rising berserker who defeated the ruler of the Crimson Abyss!"
"KAEL VARYN!"
The stadium exploded with cheers.
Kael walked calmly into the arena.
Thousands of eyes watched him.
Cameras focused on him from every angle.
The massive battlefield stretched before him.
The ground was reinforced with spirit-infused stone capable of withstanding devastating attacks.
Then the announcer continued.
"And his opponent!"
"A savage warrior known for his brutal fighting style!"
"TALON GRIMFANG!"
A giant figure stepped into the arena from the opposite gate.
The ground shook with every step.
Talon rolled his shoulders as he walked forward.
The two fighters stopped twenty meters apart.
The atmosphere immediately became heavy.
System Analysis
Kael's system activated automatically.
Opponent Identified
Name: Talon Grimfang
Bloodline: Berserker — Beast Variant
Level: 41
Threat Level: High
Kael raised an eyebrow.
"A beast berserker…"
Talon grinned.
"You look disappointed."
Kael shook his head.
"Just curious."
Talon stretched his arms.
"Good."
"Because I've been waiting for a real fight."
A barrier of glowing energy formed around the arena.
This barrier prevented the fighters' attacks from damaging the audience.
The referee raised his hand.
"Fighters ready."
Kael rolled his shoulders.
Talon cracked his knuckles.
"Begin!"
BOOOOOOM.
Talon moved first.
His speed was shocking for someone his size.
He crossed the entire arena in a single leap.
His fist shot toward Kael's head like a cannon.
Kael reacted instantly.
Skill Activated
Battle Instinct
The system predicted Talon's attack.
Kael stepped aside.
Talon's fist smashed into the arena floor.
CRASH.
The reinforced stone shattered instantly.
The crowd gasped.
"That power…"
"Insane!"
Kael countered immediately.
His gauntlet glowed red.
Skill Activated
Rage Burst
Kael's fist slammed into Talon's ribs.
BOOM.
The impact echoed across the arena.
Talon slid several meters across the ground.
But instead of being hurt…
He laughed.
"Hahaha!"
"Good!"
His body suddenly began changing.
Dark red fur spread across his arms.
His muscles expanded.
His eyes became completely crimson.
The crowd gasped.
"He activated his beast form!"
Talon roared like a wild animal.
Beast Berserker Form
His aura exploded violently.
"Now this is a fight!"
He lunged forward again.
This time his attacks were even faster.
CLANG.
CLANG.
CLANG.
Talon's fists slammed against the Worldbreaker Gauntlets as Kael blocked the strikes.
The force of the attacks created shockwaves across the battlefield.
The crowd watched in amazement.
"Two berserkers fighting head-on…"
"This is insane!"
Kael exhaled slowly.
"Guess I should stop holding back."
His system responded.
Skill Activated
Berserker Form — Stage 2
Crimson energy exploded around Kael.
The ground beneath him cracked.
His muscles tightened as power surged through his body.
Talon's grin widened.
"YES!"
"That's what I wanted!"
The two berserkers charged at each other.
Their fists collided.
BOOOOOOM.
The shockwave shook the entire arena.
Cracks spread across the battlefield.
Spectators leaned forward in excitement.
Because this battle had become a brutal clash of raw strength.
And it was only getting started.
High above the arena in the competitor lounge, several fighters watched the battle on massive screens.
One of them stood silently with lightning flickering around him.
Kaizer Stormborn.
He watched Kael carefully.
"…Interesting."
He folded his arms.
"Let's see how far you can go."
Because if Kael won this match…
The two of them might meet in the next rounds.
And when that happened—
The battle would shake the entire tournament.