Awakened Talent: 10,000 Exp Converter!

With Greg knocked out cold, only nine students remained to face 'The Alpha'.

Vincent had no clue how their rankings would be decided simply by fighting Arnold. However, instead of feeling anxious, he was filled with excitement at the prospect of battling such a powerful Origin Warrior.

Despite his eagerness, Vincent didn't rush to attack. He lacked information on Arnold's abilities and fighting style. He discreetly moved to the back of the group, unnoticed by the others.

The tension hung in the air. Vincent and the other students stood still, watching as Arnold smiled confidently, his gaze fixed on them.

"No one's making a move?" Arnold's voice broke the silence.

In response, the students tightened their grips on their weapons, bracing themselves for what was to come.

Arnold's expression shifted slightly, a hint of disappointment crossing his face before his eyes hardened. 

"Since no one's stepping up, I guess I'll start."

Still smiling, he took a single step forward and seemed to disappear, reappearing in front of Dmitri Volkov.

Dmitri, a muscular, tan-skinned student with crew-cut hair and advanced technological armor, barely had time to react. Before he could raise his arms to block, Arnold's fist connected with his face, sending him flying.

The others, now fully alert, launched a series of counterattacks.

Leading the charge was Elric Baelius. His wild red hair blew in the wind as his arms, covered in crimson serpent scales up to his elbows, swung toward Arnold's back. He shouted as he threw a heavy punch.

"Ha!"

The others followed suit, attacking simultaneously.

But before any of their blows could land, Arnold vanished again, this time reappearing behind Sara Chen, a tall, lean girl with tanned skin.

He whispered in her ear, "Why aren't you joining the fun?"

Sara shivered, goosebumps rising all over her body. She swung her heavy steel club in panic, but it met only empty air.

Arnold disappeared once more, materializing several meters away, unharmed.

While Vincent carefully observed Arnold's movements, Dmitri, who had been knocked down earlier, got back to his feet. He frowned as he stared at Arnold, but despite the direct hit, he appeared unscathed. His Physical Enhancement Talent was clearly no joke.

Arnold smirked, pleased with himself. 

"Is this really the best the top students of this school have to offer? Pathetic!"

The words sent a wave of anger through the crowd of students watching from their seats. Their faces darkened as they began shouting.

"Come on, Senior Elric! Beat that bastard!"

"Kick his ass!"

"Make sure his own mother won't recognize him!"

Even Dean Thorne, seated at the high podium, was visibly displeased. Although he kept his face neutral, it was clear he wasn't happy about the disrespect shown toward his school.

Sara, her fury barely contained, turned to Elric. 

"Elric, what's the plan? I'm ready to crush that old man!"

Her casual tone suggested the two shared a close relationship.

Dmitri chimed in, massaging his cheek where Arnold had punched him. 

"Elric, we can't fight him one by one. We need to work together. What do you have in mind? I owe him a punch."

Elric kept his gaze locked on Arnold. His face was serious as he responded, not bothering to look at the others. 

"He's fast, and his punches are no joke, but..." He paused, glancing at Dmitri, "You took his hit pretty well."

"So, what's the plan?" Dmitri asked.

Elric didn't answer immediately. His eyes shifted to Ana Blackwings, another student whose abilities he wasn't fully aware of, and then to Vincent, who seemed stronger than his known talent suggested.

"Are we doing this together?" Elric finally asked.

Vincent exchanged a glance with Ana, who nodded, and then gave Elric a curt nod in agreement.

After a brief discussion, the group had a plan.

Arnold, who had been watching them in silence, finally spoke. 

"Done talking? Ready to fight?"

Dmitri cracked his knuckles and shot back, 

"Are 'you' ready to get your ass kicked, old dog?"

At the insult, Arnold's smile didn't waver, but the pressure he exuded intensified.

"Show me what you've got, then," he sneered. 

"Let's see just how pathetic you all are."

"Now!" 

Elric shouted, and the group sprang into action.

Dmitri led the charge, activating his talent. His muscles bulged as his body swelled, growing from a well-built man into a towering giant. His height shot up from 180 centimeters to over seven feet, towering above Arnold, who stood at 6'6".

His feet slammed into the floor, leaving deep imprints as he charged at Arnold with a menacing grin. 

"Take this, old dog!"

Dmitri's massive fist swung through the air toward Arnold, and the sound of their fists colliding echoed across the platform. But before Arnold could follow up, thick tree branches burst from the ground, wrapping around his legs and pinning him in place.

"Nice one, Loy!" 

Franco Bullocks called, standing beside Loy Mesins, who had used his Nature Affinity Talent.

"My turn!" Franco declared, raising a rifle. 

"Time to die!"

Azure energy gathered at the barrel of his gun, and with a thunderous crack, the shot was fired, its destructive power clear as it hurtled toward Arnold.

Arnold frowned as the deafening blast hit, engulfing him in a thick cloud of smoke.

"Got him!" Loy exclaimed.

But Elric wasn't so quick to celebrate. 

"Don't celebrate yet!"

As the smoke cleared, Arnold emerged unharmed, but his body had changed. His arms were now covered in fur, ending in sharp, wolf-like claws. He bared his fangs in a wide grin. 

"Not bad, but you'll have to do better than that!"

With both his arms and legs now resembling those of a wolf, Arnold lunged toward Franco, eager for revenge. But once again, Loy's tree branches shot up, halting his advance. Sharp stones followed, piercing his body.

"Yes!" 

Luke Collins cheered internally as his attack seemed to land.

But before a drop of blood could fall, Arnold's wounds healed instantly, leaving the group stunned.

And just as they recovered from their shock, a silver streak of light zipped toward Arnold — Ana Blackwings' signature attack.

Arnold broke free from Loy's bindings just in time, dodging the silver light with ease.

Before Arnold could recover, Vincent, who had been waiting for his moment, appeared like a ghost behind him, ready to strike.