Black snow. Apocalypse

"How do I beat someone who can see my next attack?" Josh thought, eyes narrowing as the eerie, eyeless Damien stood calm and unmoving. Tension pulsed through the arena. The crowd murmured, waiting to see what the Rank SS prodigy would do next.

Josh's eyes flickered with resolve.

> System Command: Activate Fog Mist.

System Ping: Fog Mist Level 3 Activated.

A thick wave of mist swept over the battlefield like an ancient storm. The fog curled around Josh's body, hiding him from sight.

Josh smirked, whispering to himself, "Since your strength is sight... then try fighting without it."

Damien, caught off guard, stepped back and used a wind spell to clear the fog, his arms slicing through the air. But just before his vision returned, Josh—charged with Soul Fist boosted to 75%—burst forward like a ghost wrapped in purple flame. His punch slammed into Damien's chest with explosive force, sending the opponent flying as blood sprayed from his mouth.

Damien groaned but landed on his feet, defiant. "I'm not done yet…"

His body shimmered, then mimicked the Soul Fist. With a battle cry, he lunged at Josh.

But the Fogbeast Armor shimmered, absorbing the blow like it was nothing.

Josh grinned through the steam. "You're not really smart, are you?"

He vanished again. This time, he used light speed to circle Damien, water spiraling around the eyeless warrior before freezing solid into a towering wall of ice.

Damien growled, unimpressed. "Copy."

With a flick of his wrist, he replicated the ice spell, shattering the barrier around him with ease. From the shattered mist, he formed a jagged ice spear lit with fire, and in a streak of blazing movement, launched himself at Josh.

But as the spear struck, the Fogbeast Armor flared once more, nullifying the attack.

Josh's eyes gleamed. "I was counting on that."

Suddenly—the ground beneath Damien exploded in fire. Hidden below the stage had been two elemental arrays, placed the moment Josh first cast the fog. One array froze the ground beneath Damien, while the other stored flame energy—waiting for the perfect moment.

The blast sent Damien flying out of the stage with violent force, smoke trailing from his robes.

Josh lowered his hand, voice echoing through the arena. "The fog was never just for cover… it was a trap."

A stunned silence swept the audience—then came roars of applause. The crowd chanted his name as though he were a legend reborn.

> System Ping: Victory Achieved. Status: Soul Fist Copy Block Confirmed. Armor Stable.

The formless figure hovered onto the stage, voice ringing out.

> "The winner is… Josh!"

Josh stepped off the stage, the cheers echoing behind him like distant thunder.

He made his way toward Kaen, a hopeful look in his eyes.

But Kaen… cold and distant… walked past him in silence.

Josh's smile faded. The victory felt hollow.

---

Up Next… Kaen vs Drake

The formless figure rose again, his cloak rustling in the arcane wind.

> "Next match… Kaen vs. Drake!"

The crowd erupted.

Two powerhouses. One stage.

Drake stepped forward, tall and brooding, flame dancing between his fingers. Kaen walked slowly, his aura charged with silent electricity. The air pulsed with tension.

As they faced each other, the crowd knew—this next clash would shake the arena to its roots.