Prestige Grinding : I Can Reset My Level

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Sora absorbed the notifications, his eyes narrowing slightly as he processed the implications. 'So the second phase determines how high we can ascend in the tower… and only the top four can reach the 20th floor,' he thought.

Above, a glowing bracket materialized in the air, displaying the matchups for the upcoming phase. Only one arena appeared in front of the remaining players, making the format obvious—one fight at a time, with the others watching.

'So, the first seed of each group faces the fourth seed from another group, and second-ranked players battle the third-ranked ones… Why does this feel like the playoff system from the sports I used to watch before the World Update?' Sora mused, the familiar structure giving him a strange feeling.

The realization came quickly: 'This isn't about fairness. This is about entertainment!'

As if confirming his theory, soon, a translucent barrier rose around the competitors, sealing them in. Moments later, ghostly figures began to appear in the stands of the materializing coliseum. His expression hardened as he took in the scene.

Dismissing these thoughts, Sora exhaled deeply and activated his mental power. His focus sharpened, dismissing any distracting thoughts, he even slipped into the [Zone]. Detached yet confident, he became aware of every detail in his surroundings.

Not far away, Kara felt the sudden change in Sora. She turned her attention to the arena, preparing herself mentally for the upcoming battle.

Thanks to [Soul Link], which had fully reformed over half an hour ago, she was not only recovered but had also managed to store some mana for the fight ahead.

The other players reacted differently as the notifications and matchups appeared before them:

Salim, who had ranked 3rd in Sora's group, exhaled deeply, relief evident on his face. 'Thank God I don't have to face him early on. Maybe I can secure a top 8, or even a top 4 position. For someone with no background like me, that would be incredible.'

Emily's expression revealed satisfaction as she read the name of her opponent. Across from her, Morgan wore his signature smile, his confidence unwavering. Pedro seemed nervous, while Clémence had regained her usual composure.

Sora looked at the notification and noticed two players standing up.

'I almost forgot she was in Group A,' Sora thought, his gaze shifting to Kara as she stepped toward the arena. 'And it seems she's the first to fight... Let's hope our [Soul Link] isn't cut off while she's fighting. That could be an incredible asset to her.' He clung to the hope, naively believing the tournament rules might overlook such a loophole.

But his attention quickly shifted to Kara's opponent. It was an orc. Not just any orc, but one he remembered vividly.

The last remaining competitor from the Orc Race, Zodd. This isn't a good matchup for Kara…'

He had seen this player before, challenging talented players who succeeded in their trials, every time he failed in his own trials.

Sora's mind raced as he recalled what he knew about Zodd. The orc's mental defenses were his weakness, but his physical strength was unmatched. 'His energy level is barely above average for his level. And he stood out thanks to his blood control.'

'His control isn't as refined as Emily's, but it's far more domineering. He was cruel too...' Sora recalled how the orc had humiliated and tortured a human player after a challenge on the 9th floor, the memory leaving a bitter taste in his mouth.

Despite being in the [Zone], a faint feeling of fear crept into his body. 'I don't want her to lose… What can I do to help her?'

A shift in attention broke his thought process. Sora turned his head and found Emily watching Kara. She turned her gaze toward him, and a smile appeared on her face.

"Wow, you seem on edge. I barely thought of talking to you, and I find you looking at me," Emily teased lightly, her tone playful, as usual, clearly enjoying poking fun at him.

Sora, aware of too many movements and intentions around him, allowed himself to relax slightly, smiling faintly. "You're right… I don't know why, but it feels like the stakes have suddenly risen. Every floor we're allowed to climb from now on, feels like it's going to matter so much in the future. I don't want to see Kara lose, but I feel helpless, unable to do anything for her."

Emily's teasing smile faltered. For a moment, her expression froze before shifting into something sharper. "Ralph, you've always been vague about your relationship with Kara, but the two of you are together, aren't you?"

The sudden change in tone and the unexpected question left Sora momentarily confused, but he nodded, unsure why she seemed upset.

Emily, who almost seemed offended, paused for a few moments before speaking. "I understand your frustration and feeling of helplessness, but do you really think Kara needs your help right now? Do you see her as some weak girl who needs to be protected? Look around you—can't you see the other players? You've achieved immense success in mental power, so use it. Probe the others and tell me—do they see Kara as someone who needs help? I need to know, Ralph. Do you not see the warrior in her?"

Sora was taken aback by her words. Her words seemed to carry a truth he hadn't fully acknowledged. His gaze swept over the competitors around them, sensing their auras and intentions. Many had veiled themselves with strange abilities to protect them against scrutiny, but Sora's perception was so powerful that no barriers could block him.

Noticing the gaze of Eloj, he could see fear, and deep focus. 'She ranked first in Kara's group A, so she's probably beaten Kara in a fight before. But it seems that she still fears Kara?' Sora was surprised, knowing that Eloj was extremely powerful, probably rivaling Kro Nel.

Seeing the gazes of the other players—some watching with interest, others with fear, worry, or anticipation—Sora felt Emily's words sink in.

'Kara has been incredible in my eyes for years… but somewhere along the way, I stopped seeing her as the warrior who fought by my side and started seeing her only as someone I love. I can't help but want to protect her, but maybe, with how focused she is on her growth, that's insulting to her pride.'

He shifted his focus to Kara, standing tall, but alone, in the center of the arena, her expression calm as she prepared for the battle.

The tension reflected in Sora's body, and the worry in his eyes, slowly melted away, replaced by a quiet belief. A smile began to form on his lips.

"Thank you, Emily," he said, his tone calmer now. "You're right. Kara doesn't need my protection. She will have my support instead."

Emily's frown disappeared, replaced by a look of approval. She opened her mouth to reply but froze as she saw Sora suddenly move.

Sora suddenly flew up, his previously demeanor vanishing in an instant. Drawing in a deep breath, he cupped his hands around his mouth and screamed with all his might, his voice echoing across the arena:

"KARA! YOU'RE THE BEST! DESTROY THAT PIECE OF SHIT!"

The force of his yell startled everyone present, including Emily, who froze, wide-eyed. The other competitors turned to look at him, some with raised eyebrows, others with amazement or quiet amusement.

Salim, watching from a distance, sighed and face-palmed. Without hesitation, he sent Sora a message.

In the arena, Kara flinched, almost scared to death by the extremely loud cheer, before regaining her calm, a smile forming on her face as she absorbed the encouragement. She didn't look back, but her posture straightened, her confidence surging.

Emily continued to stare at Sora, her shock giving way to a mix of awe and exasperation. "That was… very subtle," she said, though the smile on her lips betrayed her amusement. "I'm proud of you, Ralph for ruining the image of our guild. Truly proud."

Sora, noticing Emily subtly inching away from him, chuckled and landed gracefully next to her. "If you're proud of me, why are you running away? Come on, let's watch the duel together," he said with a smile, his mood having improved drastically.