The competition arena was no longer just a battlefield—it had become the very center of a clash between two overwhelming powers. Waves of spiritual energy trembled through the air. Even the prisoners standing on the ground could feel those vibrations in their bodies. With every collision, the atmosphere grew heavier. The duel between Lily and Shon Yakshini had reached its peak.
In the spectator stands above, Master Jins' brows slightly furrowed. His experienced eyes were not merely watching the battle—they were reading it. He said in a slow but clear voice,
"I… don't feel right about this duel. Shon Yakshini… is hiding something."
Those words struck Snehwal like a sharp blade cutting into his mind.
For a moment, his heart seemed to forget how to beat.
Just then—Liora glanced around and said,
"Lith… and Jury are not visible."
The atmosphere suddenly became even heavier. Snehwal immediately looked toward Master Jins. Their eyes met.
But—without saying a single word—Master Jins turned his attention back to the arena.
As if right now… the only thing that mattered was Lily.
Perhaps Liora understood something too. She said nothing further—and quietly continued watching the fight. But inside Snehwal, a cold wave of unease had already begun to rise.
At that very moment— in the center of the arena— Shon Yakshini suddenly stepped back a few paces. She created distance from Lily.
And then— Flash!!!
With a green burst of light, her body rose into the air. She stood suspended in the void—as if gravity had no effect on her. The very next moment—spiritual power surged violently around her. The air trembled. And then— in the sky— thousands of green spiritual vines appeared. They were not ordinary vines—their structure resembled the roots of some ancient tree… thick… alive… pulsating… as if they possessed consciousness. Green light dripped from them.
Shon waved her hand—and screamed, "Go!!!"
The next instant— all those spiritual vines shot toward Lily at lightning speed. Their intention was clear—to bind her… crush her… devour her.
But— Lily calmly extended her palm forward.
And— Thump!!!
Flames appeared in her hand.
Not just a flame, a living fire.
Red… golden… blazing…
with waves of heat spreading in all directions.
Seeing this— Shon's eyes filled with bloodlust.
"You… stole my fire technique!!!"
"This is why my growth has stopped."
"Because of you… I remained stuck for years… YEARS!"
Her voice trembled with rage. Lily smiled. That smile was both provoking… and confident.
"I bought it… not stole it," she said calmly.
"And the account of that dispute… was already settled."
Shon's face twisted.
Veins bulged across her skin.
"That day… Jins saved you…"
she roared,
"but today… I will kill you!!!"
The next moment— a spark flashed in Lily's eyes.
And then— Boom!!!
An ocean of fire spread in all directions.
Flames rose from the ground… spiraled into the air… and turned the entire arena into a circle of inferno. All the spectators stepped back. The guards panicked.
This was not ordinary fire—this was spiritual flame. Shon also pushed her vines forward with full power—trying to bind Lily.
And then— The two techniques collided.
BOOOOOOM!!!!!
A terrifying explosion erupted. Waves of energy spread everywhere. The ground cracked. The air shook violently.
For a few moments—nothing could be seen.
Then— slowly, the smoke cleared.
And everyone saw— the fire… had won.
Shon stood at a distance—her body burned in several places. Her skin had turned blackened. Her face was red with rage—but covered by the darkness of smoke, making her look even more terrifying. In her eyes now burned not only anger… but humiliation.
Lily slowly exhaled. For a brief moment—relief appeared on her face.
Above, Snehwal also unconsciously felt relief. His fists loosened.
But— on the stage, Humbha Yakshini's expression… had changed. Her smile had disappeared.
Her face was still. Very still.
So still… that anyone experienced could immediately understand— something… was still left. And perhaps— the real game… was only just beginning.
Shon swept her gaze across the surroundings. The air still carried the smell of smoke and burnt spiritual energy. The ground was cracked in many places, and the remaining flames of fire were still smoldering. She assessed the condition of her body—burned skin… heavy breathing… yet there was no sign of defeat in her eyes.
The very next moment—she angrily manifested her staff into her hand.
Flash!!!
Green light began swirling around her weapon. Her voice trembled with rage,
"You… killed my pet…I lost my host in the last battle. All because of you."
Her grip on the staff tightened further.
"You injured my guardians too… and even… wounded me…"
A manic gleam rose in her eyes.
"I will not let you leave so easily!!!"
Her words echoed throughout the entire arena. Hearing this—Lily looked at her carefully. Her brows furrowed slightly, as if she was trying to understand what Shon was about to do next.
"She still… has the capacity to fight…?"
The thought flashed briefly through her mind.
Then—suddenly—something began to change all around them.
The arena ground… the air… even the broken fragments of rock… Slowly… began turning green.
As if some invisible spiritual force was taking control of the entire environment.
Seeing this scene—the people standing in the spectator stands were startled. Guards stepped back. Fear spread across the faces of the prisoners.
On the stage above, a faint glimmer appeared in Humbha Yakshini's eyes. And on Master Jins' face—for the first time—clear, serious concern became visible. Because the experienced ones immediately understood— Shon… had not been using her true power until now. And now— Something dangerous was about to happen.