Back in the resting area, Felix had barely settled in when the announcer's voice rang out again. Suddenly, a section of the cliff face seemed to shift, startling everyone.

The southern cliff wall, which appeared to ripple, revealed itself to be something entirely unexpected. It wasn't stone but a person.

Until then, no one had noticed his presence. He had been sitting cross-legged with his head lowered, blending seamlessly with the cliff. One could tell he was no ordinary person.

"Competitor number three, Heath Stanton. Interesting," Felix muttered, a faint smile crossing his lips. Heath's ability to suppress his essence was exceptional. Even Felix hadn't sensed him. Surely, he had to be a powerful opponent.

"I... I surrender!"

The competitor assigned to fight Heath had barely moved the boulder blocking their path when they turned to face him, then promptly bolted.

Heath stood tall at nearly eight feet with a hulking frame that somehow seemed almost harmless. At the declaration of surrender, he calmly retreated to his spot and resumed his cross-legged position.

If one didn't look carefully, it was as though he'd vanished into thin air.

The matches progressed quickly after that.

Each arena had its share of seeded competitors who dominated effortlessly, either overwhelming their opponents with sheer aura or ending the fights in a single move.

One competitor, however, hadn't lifted a finger yet-Wally Ortiz. Anyone who drew him as an opponent forfeited immediately to avoid facing certain death.noveldrama

"Thank goodness Felix and Ronan weren't assigned to Arena Two," Melissa said while patting her chest to calm her nerves. Even as a spectator, the thought of facing Wally was terrifying.

"Actually," Billy chimed in, "wasn't Ronan's friend Milo assigned to Arena Two?"

Realization dawned on Melissa, and she exclaimed, "Oh no! You're right! Milo and I got along so well

earlier... But surely she'll surrender too, right?"

Right after she said that, the ground beneath them shook lightly with a boom.

The booming vibration came again, stronger this time.

"Looks like Felix has to make a move this time. He's up against quite a formidable opponent."

The tremors came from Arena One. As everyone turned toward the source they collectively gasped in astonishment at the sight of Heath's massive and towering frame approaching.

Each step he took sent ripples through the ground, a testament to the sheer power he carried.

"What the... Can Felix even take him on?" Melissa whispered.

Meanwhile, in Arena Four, Aiden lingered after his final match instead of returning to the waiting area. He'd secured his victory and had time to watch the unfolding battle.

He was fortunate that there hadn't

been any overwhelming opponents in his bracket. On top of his strategic alliance with fellow martial artists, his path to the next round had been swift and easy.

"Felix, there's no way you're getting past this round," Aiden remarked smugly.

Even Heath's normal strides caused the earth to tremble. Aiden wasn't sure he could beat Heath, and for Felix, it was even less likely.

Finally, Heath and Felix faced each other on the platform.

When the match began, Heath clasped his hands together in a respectful gesture. His voice boomed like thunder across the arena.

"May the best fighter win!"

The mere motion of Heath's hands

created a gushing shockwave. If not for the quick intervention of the officials, the audience in that direction would have been swept off their feet.

Someone gulped, their eyes wide with fear. How could anyone possibly beat this monster?