I have finished translating this fanfic, IMUC (I Am In Marvel With Unlimited Cards) and have posted all the advanced chapters on Patreon (Last Chapter -- 706). (https://www.patreon.com/c/marvel6395). You can read all the advanced chapters there.
Facing off against the Symbol of Peace, Kyle, it's understandable that Deadpool would forfeit…
Most spectators accepted this outcome without asking any questions.
However, Kyle frowned slightly. He had observed the previous matches closely. Given Deadpool's personality – his reliance on rapid regeneration and an almost indestructible body – even if he doubted victory, he would at least attempt a cheap shot.
This forfeiture was truly out of character.
"Seems you don't want to be alone with me," Kyle muttered to himself as a flicker of realization crossing his face.
Deadpool, despite being a creation of the Extracting Card System, wasn't bound by a master-servant contract like creatures summoned through sacrifice cards. Those creatures were unpredictable, often bizarre and dangerous.
After Deadpool vanished from the duel arena, the God system announced: "The third match of the Top Eight is between Scarlet Witch and Doctor Strange..."
Abilities versus magic!
The crowd erupted in anticipation. This match promised to be spectacular.
But their excitement was short-lived. The God system declared: "Doctor Strange forfeits. Scarlet Witch wins, advancing to the Top Four."
Stunned silence followed. Another forfeit? Were they even going to witness any of these highly anticipated matches?
In the duel arena.
Doctor Strange, still in the midst of his forfeiture gesture, smiled wryly at Wanda. "I know I'm no match for you. Might as well save myself the trouble and find a good spot to watch you and the Sorcerer Supreme later."
"But reaching the Top Eight is a significant achievement for me," Dr Strange replied, "Higher than even Master Mordo…"
With that, Doctor Strange vanished.
He was still in the early stages of his magical studies, only recently delving into the forbidden spells of the library. He hadn't even begun to practice them when Ancient One forced him into the competition. Facing Wanda without that knowledge felt like an insurmountable challenge.
If only he had mastered those forbidden spells…
A tinge of regret lingered.
After three consecutive forfeits, only two remained in the arena, and the Top Eight hadn't even begun.
Hellfire and Gluttony.
The God system remained silent. Gluttony raised his hand in surrender.
Hellfire, a gatekeeper of the Carl Kingdom, was a force to be reckoned with. Even his steed, the Black Flame Horse, had trained countless cardholders. Facing Hellfire himself instilled a primal fear in most.
Three forfeits in a row. The Top Eight matches had devolved into a farce.
The audience couldn't help but laugh. No one had expected this.
Kyle reappeared in the arena.
Looking at the remaining four – Kyle, Ancient One, Hellfire, and Wanda – the audience finally understood. Even within the Top Eight, there was a vast disparity in strength.
These were the true titans of Earth.
And this was the prelude to the final battle.
"Now, the Top Four matches officially begin! Two matches will be held simultaneously in different virtual spaces. The victor of each match will choose the arena for the final battle!"
The God system's voice was cold and mechanical: "The first Top Four showdown will be between Kyle and Scarlet Witch, and Ancient One and Hellfire..."
Random battle scene: Kree Star Altar Hall.
Kyle and Wanda materialized at opposite ends of the hall, eerie torches illuminating the otherwise dark and silent space.
"Kree planet?" Wanda surveyed the hall, surprised by the strange throne, the towering stone pillars, and the intricately carved altar.
"It's a civilization I encountered in the Galaxy," Kyle explained, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "The Kree Empire. Their technology and military might far surpass Earth's. Their ruler, a cruel and powerful alien, sought to dominate the galaxy. He possessed a formidable weapon, the Divine Hammer, which caused us significant trouble."
"What happened next?" Wanda asked, intrigued.
"I defeated him here," Kyle replied calmly, his tone devoid of any boastfulness.
He shared this with Wanda not to brag, but to convey a message.
"Don't limit your vision to Earth. The cosmos is vast, teeming with countless civilizations and incredibly powerful beings."
Wanda lowered her head, struggling to comprehend the battles this man had faced.
Facing his Second World War persona at the test level had been like confronting a god of death, emotionless, a beast driven solely by instinct.
"I want to witness your battle with Ancient One," Wanda said, her voice firm. "I want to truly understand the heights you've reached."
As she prepared to forfeit, Kyle gently interrupted, "Then step forward and experience it. Don't just stand and watch. If you wish to save Lorna, you must fight. I assure you, our future opponents will be even stronger."
Wanda paused as if a profound understanding had dawned upon her. She clenched her fist, her eyes hardening with resolve. "Understood."
Her eyes, ablaze with determination, scanned the hall. A red mist began to swirl around her open palm, a surge of energy distorting the dim light.
'Your supernatural talent is undoubtedly the strongest on Earth!'
Kyle regarded her with a hint of admiration. "But that's not enough. You need drive, obsession, and an unwavering will to overcome any obstacle. That's what it takes to become a true hero, to stand on your own two feet."
This was his expectation for Wanda.
Kyle raised his right hand, a golden flame igniting in his palm. "Let's begin."
The golden fireball shot toward Wanda like a cannonball, leaving a dazzling trail in its wake.
"Ha!" Wanda swiftly raised both hands and the fireball, seemingly disrupted by her power, veered off course, crashing into a stone pillar and melting a gaping hole.
But this was merely the beginning.
Kyle unleashed a barrage of golden fireballs, each one a fiery projectile.
Wanda responded by creating an energy net in front of her, a shield against the onslaught.
The fireballs struck the net, releasing a torrent of heat and flames, engulfing her in a fiery inferno.
Maintaining the energy net, Wanda gritted her teeth, beads of sweat dripping down her face onto the scorching floor.
She had endured the first wave.
A flicker of triumph arose in her heart.
But then, a large hand landed heavily on her shoulder.
Kyle's warm breath and his voice reached her ear. "This is far from sufficient."
''(End of this chapter)''