"The first duel: Arthas versus Snap. Both of you, step inside the barrier," Sir Klien announced while holding the ballots.
The two entered without hesitation, stretching their limbs to warm up. Snap was a Brawler awakener from the Warrior clans, while Arthras was a Paladin awakener of the Guardian clans.
Arthas cracked his neck and knuckles. Without delay, he cast [Iron Defense], then was handed a wooden sword. He followed up with the [Durable] buff on both his sword and his clothes.
[Iron Defense] – A buff skill that makes the user's body as hard as iron.
[Durable] – Increases the durability of the target item.
Snap, still warming up, noticed that Arthas was serious about this fight. Even though it was only a spar, neither intended to lose. They both hated losing and were fully prepared to go all out.
Snap cast [Shattering Strength] and [Speed] on himself.
[Shattering Strength] – Greatly enhances physical strength.
[Speed] – Increases both movement and attack speed.
With Snap's buffs, it was clear he would fight aggressively. Arthas, however, wasn't the type to play passive either. The two stared each other down, muscles tense.
The referee stood between them and gave the final reminder.
"Okay, both of you—no fatal strikes. Don't disable or kill your opponent. I know how intense you two can get, but this is for training. Understood? Let's begin!" the referee declared, his arm slicing the air to signal the start.
Arthas moved first, charging with heavy steps that left the dirt caving beneath his feet. Snap met him with equal force, dashing forward with just his fists and feet. He was faster. Before Arthras could react, Snap's fist collided with his face.
Bang!
Arthas flew backward and crashed against the barrier. The impact echoed across the arena. Spectators winced and covered their ears. Arthas stood up calmly and brushed the dust off his clothes.
"Damn it, Snap! You dirtied my clothes!" he shouted.
Snap, stunned at first, smiled. He remembered now, Arthas was called the Buff Master for a reason.
"Alright, alright! I guess I'll enjoy turning you into my punching bag," Snap said with a grin.
"Hey, not fair! Hold back a little, will you?" Arthas called out, half-joking.
He dashed in again, swinging his sword in a powerful vertical arc. Snap read his movement and parried the strike sideways with his bare hands. The sword slammed into the ground, creating a small crater and scattering dirt everywhere. Snap countered with an elbow strike, then a double-fisted blow to the chest, sending Arthras flying back into the barrier once more.
Arthras coughed, wiped dust from his mouth, and stood again. He activated [Elemental Damages] on his sword and [Physical and Elemental Shield] around himself.
[Elemental Damages] – Imbues the weapon with Fire, Ice, Poison, Electric, Earth, and Wind effects at random.
[Physical and Elemental Shield] – Reduces incoming damage from both physical and magical sources.
Snap knew he was in for a real fight now. Buffs alone wouldn't be enough.
He quickly cast [Gentle and Hard Fist] and [Axe Kick and Roundhouse Kick].
[Gentle and Hard Fist] – Combines shockwave and explosive effects on punches.
[Axe Kick and Roundhouse Kick] – Adds power and momentum to kicks; can be combined with fists.
Snap dashed forward and leaped into the air, initiating an Axe Kick from above. Arthas anticipated it and slashed upward. Their skills clashed—and Fire damage triggered.
Bang!
Smoke and sparks flew. Snap flipped backward, landing awkwardly and feeling the burn on his foot.
"Hey! That wasn't nice!" he shouted, blowing on his foot. "You did that on purpose!"
He stood again, this time with a serious expression.
"I'm done holding back. Here I go!"
With a burst of speed, Snap created a crater behind him. Arthras charged as well. Snap evaded a diagonal sword strike and watched carefully to avoid triggering another elemental effect. Arthas slammed his sword into the ground—this time, Earth damage activated. The ground cracked, and a huge crater formed.
Dust filled the air.
Bang!
A body slammed into the top of the barrier.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
A series of impacts shook the arena floor. Stephen, one of the students watching, could feel the ground tremble with each hit. The dust began to settle.
They saw Arthas thrown into the air, only to be intercepted mid-fall by Snap's Gentle Fist. Arthras flew into the barrier wall again.
Still standing, Arthas swung his sword and unleashed a Wind blast, sending Snap flying across the arena.
Bang!
Arthas then struck the ground, unleashing an Electric pulse that crawled toward Snap like a predator. Snap barely avoided it, but the pulse exploded on the barrier behind him, impressing the crowd.
Snap charged in, faster than before. He appeared in front of Arthas almost like he had teleported. He struck with Hard Fist to the face, followed by Gentle Fist to the waist. Arthas dug his sword into the ground to stop himself, but Snap's Roundhouse Kick followed instantly, catching him on the side.
Bang!
Arthas crashed into the wall, but before he could react, Snap was already above him, Axe Kick in mid-air. Arthas had lost his sword—it was still thrust into the ground.
He raised his arms to block— Bang!
A massive dust cloud exploded upon impact.
The crowd went silent as they waited. The dust cleared.
Arthas stood, feet planted into the ground, arms up, holding Snap's leg. They stared at each other, breathing heavily.
They stepped back in sync.
"Stop! Both of you!" Mike shouted. "Time's up!"
The two combatants looked at him, still itching to continue.
"Huh? Why? We're not done yet!" Snap protested.
The referee crossed his arms. "Snap, you landed way more hits, but Arthas didn't take real damage. He wins in endurance. You win in aggression. But neither of you would surrender even if we waited until tomorrow."
"Tch, like I couldn't beat him," Snap muttered.
"I couldn't damage him either," Arthas added, raising his hands. "It's a stalemate, really."
Klien nodded. "Technically, Arthas took the least damage. Move to the next round."
"The next match will be…" Klien began, glancing down at the next set of names.