Chapter 195: Duel of Fates

As soon as the words fell, the entire arena was plunged into silence.

Everyone stared at Yenir in dumbfounded shock—many with jaws dropped, as if they hadn’t heard correctly.

Noticing the inexplicable look in Yenir’s eyes directed at him, Li Xuanguo remained silent, choosing not to say a word.

He had reviewed the list, and he was pleased.

That’s right—although he valued Yenir, it didn’t mean he’d treat Zhang Meng as a sacrificial pawn.

Zhang Meng may have had his own ambitions, but he hadn’t caused any major issues. This matter, if anything, could easily be swept aside.

When Yenir mentioned battling everyone, Li Xuanguo simply assumed that Yenir’s youthful temper was venting his discontent.

It didn’t matter; a little pressure never hurt anyone.

With too much brilliance comes zero tolerance for grievance—how could he ever shoulder great responsibilities? In Li Xuanguo’s eyes, he was only doing Yenir a favor.

Politics is all about mutual compromise and checks and balances. Now wasn’t the time of apocalypse; often, maintaining internal stability mattered more than anything else.

“This kid’s got some nerve,”

“But I like it! That’s the spirit of a real man!”

Standing by Li Xuanguo’s side with arms crossed, General Sun Weiguo raised an eyebrow, watching the scene with a mix of amusement and nonchalance.

Yet, he shared Li Xuanguo’s view, merely considering Yenir’s actions as a bout of rebellious anger.

Nine Third-Stage fighters plus Zhang Yang from the Fire Seed Plan.

They were all newly promoted to the lower Third-Stage. Even if Yenir’s talent was outrageously exceptional, not even a veteran Third-Stage combatant could stand up against a coordinated assault.

Not to mention—a single burst of skill from one person was enough for Yenir to endure.

“Yenir! Don’t be rash!”

“If you’re not up for a death duel, you can refuse! This fight won’t affect your ranking!”

From the sidelines, Zhao Long, positioned near the fringe, couldn’t care less about the propriety of those words; in his haste, he couldn’t help but blurt out a warning.

There was no way he could win! Even if he had faith in Yenir, he couldn’t see even a sliver of chance for victory.

Talent is one thing, but if he lost… well, that would be an utter disgrace!

Though he was dissatisfied with the Military’s methods, he could somewhat guess what the higher-ups were thinking.

If Yenir faced ten opponents, things might really go south!

There was absolutely no need to risk it just to satisfy his temper! In the eyes of the leadership, such a defiant move would only tarnish his command reputation.

So hot-headed, arrogant to the point of oblivion, with no sense of propriety!

Listening to Zhao Long’s caution, Yenir merely shook his head slightly, signaling that there was no need to worry. More words were pointless—soon, they’d see.

Then, his cold gaze shifted to another high-ranking Military officer in charge of this death duel:

“Is there a rule against fighting everyone?”

“If not, then let’s begin immediately.”

With that, Yenir chuckled lightly and drew his specially crafted dual swords for the death duel.

He wasn’t about to waste time over trivialities.

It seemed the Military still hadn’t grasped the true extent of his significance. After all, none had ever seen an SSS-Level talent in action—everyone’s judgment was still based on old assumptions.

But Yenir knew exactly how formidable he had become.

Forget ten opponents…

Against an SSS-Level sword technique, even if ten attacked, he was confident he could take them out in a flash!

No matter how many are useless, they’re still just trash!

In both his past life and now, he had never regarded his equals as true opponents! With divine-level talent combined with the Sword God System, his only goal was invincibility!

If only his strength were sufficient now—he needed time to develop…

With his personality, he could have already cleaved the entire Battle Zone in two with his sword, seizing supreme command! Politics and factions? That’s only because you haven’t reached a level to make everyone despair!

As Yenir’s retort echoed, a Third-Stage Military officer, who had been about to speak, suddenly looked uneasy. After a moment’s hesitation, he scowled:

“The rules don’t impose a limit on the number of opponents.”

“But are you sure you want to do this?”

A few seconds later, seeing Yenir close his eyes and begin adjusting his state, he realized that Yenir was adamant about fighting everyone.

So be it…

With a resigned sigh, he nodded slightly toward the three high-ranking Third-Stage officials on the platform:

“Ensure his safety.”

Unlike before when they had to protect various death duel contestants, this time the order was clearly to protect Yenir.

Facing ten opponents alone could easily result in unforeseen accidents.

Down below, Zhang Yang, who had been momentarily stunned, snapped back to attention and glared furiously at Yenir on stage.

He felt humiliated! He felt insulted!

To him, it was as if Yenir was blatantly ignoring and mocking him! Under such a mass assault, if even a few got hurt by Yenir, it would be a worse disgrace than losing outright! Ten fighters couldn’t defeat one, yet be counterattacked by several…

If word got out, Zhang Yang would forever be the laughing stock!

I’ll kill him! I’m going to kill him!

Burning with hatred to the point of madness, Zhang Yang had already resolved to blend into the crowd during the fight and do everything possible to kill that bastard! And if he couldn’t kill him, he’d at least ruin him!

Next to him, Zhang Meng’s face turned ashen, but seeing Zhang Yang getting too worked up, he steadily placed a hand on his shoulder.

“His recklessness gives you a chance!”

“Let the others strike first to drain his Spirit Energy, and then you move in!”

After a few low, measured instructions, Zhang Meng sneered darkly, his eyes filled with a fierce glint.

Good—he was just worried Yenir might refuse or something.

If he was courting death, then once blades start flying with no mercy, perhaps an unexpected turn might actually occur!

…………

“The death duel is about to begin. Please prepare yourselves!”

“According to the rules, on the death duel platform, life or death is at stake! No one is allowed to use any additional gear or equipment!”

A luminous screen sprang up.

As the countdown began, the high-ranking officials present—and the numerous Third-Stage observers—watched Yenir on the duel platform with rapt attention.

The scene was eerie, even bordering on absurd.

On one side were ten Third-Stage fighters, already channeling their talents and abilities, their combined Spirit Energy forming a wall-like mass.

On the other side stood Yenir alone, eyes closed as he adjusted his state, his dual swords in hand giving him a solitary, forlorn look.

Such an absurd scene had virtually never been witnessed in the history of Huaguo.

….

“How many seconds do you think it will take to finish this fight?”

“Three to five seconds… or maybe two?”

“What’s the point? With one strike from him, even a lower Third-Stage can’t handle it. He really treats his opponents like nothing more than cabbages…”

“I wager 10 seconds. Yenir ranked first in both the Agility Trial and the Physique Test. I think he can hold out a bit longer.”

“There’s nothing to watch here. I heard the higher-ups want to test his combat practicality—what’s the use of a test like this?”

“Maybe it’s to check his response under siege? But honestly, his actions are far too rash.”

Amid the chaotic chatter from the stands, as many high-ranking officials and Third-Stage fighters debated, some thought Yenir was too arrogant while others admired him. Yet, no one expected this fight to last long.

“Keep a close eye on him! Absolutely no mishaps allowed!”

Unlike the casual onlookers, the three high-ranking awakened Third-Stage referees watched Yenir with intense focus. At the slightest sign of life-threatening danger, they would intervene without hesitation.

“This kid is really giving us a huge headache…”

With a bitter smile, Lu Wanzhou sighed softly, his muscles tense, always ready to step in and save Yenir. A death duel was one thing, but actual fatalities would be disastrous.

“Buzz!”

As the countdown ended, the protective barrier separating the two sides on the platform vanished.

The next second, Zhang Yang, who had been waiting, roared in anger, signaling the other Third-Stage fighters to charge in.

“Attack!”

“There are so many of us—let’s wear him down completely!”

Before the rest of the Third-Stage combatants could rush forward, Yenir at the opposite end of the platform suddenly opened his eyes. In an instant, a dazzling silver light burst forth.

At the mere point of his sword, countless, densely packed sword streams erupted like a raging storm.

Sword Storm!

Sky Rift Radiance!

Double Impact!!