Dimensional Descent

The clanging of metal sounded as the Bear Rose faction members stripped down from their armor. Piece after piece clanged to the ground, resounding throughout the quiet arena.

It felt as though every action taken in during this Selection had a deeper meaning, as though every battle should put them at their edge of their seats. Even the audience didn't understand why this was, but it still felt like the metal pieces were crashing against their hearts rather than the stone platform.

Though the Bear Rose Faction member didn't say a single word, the action of being forced to take off their armor was humiliation enough. It felt as though, simply by standing there, Leonel was smearing their faces.

Compared to Dune, though, this Bear Rose Faction member was far calmer. By the time he tossed off his helmet, revealing the expressionless visage within, the audience had already seen his battle worn body through and through.

Though this faction member was a level beneath Aphestus in terms of muscle definition and fast twitch fibers – maybe even two or three levels, in fact – the strength his body was bursting with was undeniable. Even the scars that ran across him didn't detract, but rather added to this perceived strength, leaving those watching on holding their breaths.

At that moment, there were many in the crowd who suddenly recognized the young man before Leonel.

Quite ironically, this was a young man who had had a falling out with Hero Peak as well. But, rather than not joining any Peak like Leonel had, he rather chose to join the Peak of their direct competitors.

Those that knew him called him Jeren the Scythe… Despite the fact he didn't wield a scythe at all.

Leonel stood with his arms crossed across his chest, not moving an inch as he watch Jeren take his armor off. Even though the battle had technically started already, Leonel didn't seem to care.

The stones beneath his feet began to ripple, beginning to glow a faint red.

last piece of Jeren's armor fell to the ground. His palm flipped over, revealing a katana of outrageous length and with a curve just as obscene. Even with Jeren's strength, he allowed it to rest on the stone before him, but the gentle action alone

touch, the stone was split in two, plunging the four meter

"Leonel Morales, is it?"

His heartbeat grew steady as a mountain, its every thump sending a surge of blood through his body.

the strength of

Abethor can't be here to deal with you personally for the slight of taking his family's heirloom, and quite frankly, can't be bothered to deal with you personally. I will be the one to send you on your

"Are you done?"

fine ripples of space discharging in every direction. On first sight, it looked as though fine lines of black rain were falling through the

Leonel spoke again,

quaking became more harsh,

me to kill you? Would it make you feel better if I put your heads on a pike? If I desecrated

palms grew sweaty outside of his control, soaking

hell. The flames around him caused the air to crackle and pop, whatever moisture there had been being burned

question." Leonel's words

screamed, frying his nerves. He felt as though he was facing an Oryx Chief. Somehow, Leonel's body

took a heavy step forward, pushing his fear down. He had seen too

around his body, his eyes lighting up with

streaks of crackling