Chapter 213

Su Bei: “…”

His face was filled with disbelief: “No, why me?”

“Your close combat skills are very strong. Houde Ability Academy mainly focuses on close combat, so you can compete with them perfectly,” Lei Ze’en said, feigning righteousness, with a hint of schadenfreude.

Su Bei wasn’t fooled by his sophistry at all and immediately retorted: “The problem is that their abilities are also related to their bodies. No matter how strong my close combat skills are, there’s no way I can compare with those guys who turn into werewolves, lions, or have bodies of steel!”

Skill might be strong, but since ancient times, sheer power has always overcome intricate techniques. If their strength, speed, and even physical toughness far surpassed his, then Su Bei’s superb fighting techniques would be useless.

“But you also have an ability, don’t you?” Lei Ze’en winked at him.

Su Bei’s face was expressionless, clearly unmoved: “What, are you not planning to let me participate in the team battle?”

His ability, like Wu Jin’s, needed to be kept relatively secret. Although its power meant it wasn’t as strictly confidential as Wu Jin’s, if the enemy knew its function beforehand, it could easily be targeted.

Su Bei was referring to the kind of targeting where opponents would go all out to take him down first, like facing Huangfu Mingzhe’s ultimate move. He didn’t want that kind of ‘honor’.

If he entered the arena now, he might not be able to be very useful in the team battle due to targeting, which was why Su Bei asked if they didn’t want him to participate in the team battle.

In fact, after a brief initial shock, Su Bei had already realized that Lei Ze’en might just be joking.

“Alright, such a decisive child.” Lei Ze’en shook his head regretfully. He had wanted to see Su Bei’s shocked expression a bit longer, but who knew he would calm down so quickly?

Just then, Meng Huai walked in and, hearing this, scoffed, “You mean ‘not cute’, right? Alright, stop teasing them. The next one up is Qi Huang. Aren’t they good at close combat? Just make sure they can’t get close to you.”

It was her turn! Qi Huang’s eyes widened in surprise: “Great! Teacher, don’t worry, I definitely won’t disgrace our academy!”

Next was the match between Skydome Ability Academy and Houde Ability Academy, a true clash between close combat and abilities.

Don’t underestimate close combat. Close combat with abilities isn’t as simple as ordinary brawling. People like Meng Huai and Huangfu Mingzhe are the best spokesmen for close combat; when their physical bodies are extremely formidable, many abilities can’t affect them.

Houde Ability Academy first sent out an Ability user with the Hongmeng Bloodline. Just by the name, one could tell their physical quality was extremely powerful. Watching him punch the arena floor and gouge out a deep crack, the referee, sitting on a floating bubble, turned green.

One must know that these damaged arenas needed to be repaired quickly, and that would incur a considerable renovation fee. The referee, being from the venue, naturally felt the pinch.

Skydome Ability Academy won the first match. Their opponent, like Qi Huang, could fly and didn’t allow the enemy to get close, using powerful spell attacks to exhaust their opponent’s stamina.

Everyone expected the flying Ability user to be sent out again for the second round, but unexpectedly, Skydome Ability Academy changed tactics. This time, a girl who could transform into a shadow was sent out.

Houde Ability Academy was led by the nose; they misjudged, thinking the first contestant would be sent out again, so they directly sent up a flying contestant.

Undoubtedly, they were crushed again. Although the Shadow Girl couldn’t fly, as long as she could enter the enemy’s shadow, she could inflict damage by manipulating the shadow. Even flying couldn’t evade it.

“This ability is so strong…” Li Shu rarely showed such a serious expression. “Skydome Ability Academy’s reserve team actually has such an Ability user.”

Qi Huang also frowned deeply. If she had to deal with such an Ability user, unless she could attach flames to her from the start, she might end up helpless, just like Houde Ability Academy’s contestant.

Even spell-type Ability users like her couldn’t deal with her, let alone Houde Ability Academy, which specialized in close combat. If they couldn’t even touch the opponent, how could they leverage their strengths?

The third round would decide the winner. This time, Skydome Ability Academy didn’t change players; the Shadow Girl was still up. Houde Ability Academy, however, sent out their third contestant of the day, a green-haired boy.

Just like the previous match, the Shadow Girl immediately burrowed into the opponent’s shadow. Unless the entire arena was completely devoid of darkness, her ability could be used.

However, in the next second, the green-haired boy and she vanished from the arena.

The spectators stood up in surprise, not understanding what had happened. At this moment, the referee made a gesture, indicating that there was no problem and the match would continue. Zhao Xiaoyu, as the host, then began to explain to everyone.

It turned out that this green-haired boy’s ability was called the Arena Ability. It allowed him to pull people into an arena for a fight. The content of the match inside this Arena Ability was decided by the two people pulled inside.

Houde Ability Academy hadn’t reported the specific method of decision, but judging by their confident expressions, it should give their contestant a significant advantage.

Sure enough, after the two emerged, their expressions indicated that the Shadow Girl had probably lost. She had a cold expression but didn’t say anything, walking off the stage herself.

The referee immediately announced the result: Houde Ability Academy won.

After returning, no one knew what the Shadow Girl told her academy teammates, but the next girl to go up also looked very serious. It was clear this opponent was quite a counter to them.

This girl was the blue-haired girl who had competed against Lan Subing in the first match. The green-haired boy repeated his trick and pulled her into the Arena Ability again.

Su Bei could already hear boos from the audience. This guy’s matches were really boring. It’s fine to pull people into an arena, but surely you have to show what’s inside the arena? Now, everyone could only watch an empty stage and kill time, completely violating the original intention of watching arena matches.

Su Bei glanced at the expressions of his companions. Most were alright, but Qi Huang’s expression was probably the most serious. This was normal; their next match was against Houde Ability Academy. That water-element girl, like her, was an elemental type. If the opponent lost, it meant Qi Huang would very likely also lose in a confrontation with this opponent.

Lei Ze’en and Meng Huai clearly thought the same. After seeing the blue-haired girl lose, Meng Huai said bluntly, “We plan to switch a contestant. Qi Huang, do you have any objections?”

Upon hearing this, Qi Huang pursed her lips. She was still unwilling to give up the opportunity she had worked so hard for, but she also didn’t want the academy to lose a point due to her stubbornness: “Can I go to Skydome Ability Academy and ask how she lost?”

“You can.” Meng Huai nodded. “It just so happens that Little En also needs to gather some information. You two go together.”

After they left, Meng Huai looked at the others: “Houde Ability Academy might still send out this contestant when they compete against us. You can start thinking about who can go up. After they gather information, we’ll discuss the final decision.”

Soon, Qi Huang and Lei Ze’en returned, both looking grim. Lei Ze’en immediately said, “You all really need to train your close combat skills from now on. Who knows when you’ll encounter this type of opponent?”

Qi Huang then told everyone what they had learned: “Once you’re chosen and pulled into the Arena Ability, you can choose the match type and one forbidden item, decided by drawing lots. If he chooses first, he will choose a pure close combat match. And then, no matter whether his eyes, hands, or legs are restricted, with both people restricted, the Arena Ability user can always win.”

Apparently, the opponent had trained extensively for this. No matter what part was restricted, he possessed impressive combat power. Skydome Ability Academy students had always neglected close combat training, so competing against him in close combat was a guaranteed loss.

“And if the opponent chooses a ‘proper’ match type, then that Ability user will disable the opponent’s ability, and then defeat the opponent with rich combat experience. If the opponent chooses a certain type of game, then the opponent will restrict some key points according to the game type.” Speaking of this, even Qi Huang couldn’t help but sigh, “Unless your close combat skills are stronger than his, it’s too unsolvable.”

But in fact, things weren’t as difficult as she thought. Countering the Arena Ability definitely wasn’t limited to having stronger close combat skills. Some Ability users could easily solve the problem, for example, Jiang Tianming.

It was certain that the Arena Ability could at most disable one ability. Jiang Tianming had multiple abilities, so he could easily bypass it. This ability was also useless against Wu Jin; his ability had many passive effects, and even if his active ability was restricted, his stunningly beautiful face would still cause the enemy to become entranced.

However, in order to win the team battle decisively, neither of them could go up. So everyone could only think of the most basic solution: defeat the opponent with close combat.

So, whose close combat skills were the best in the class?

Su Bei: “…”

Seeing everyone’s gazes fall on him, he once again fell silent. This situation really didn’t require using an ability; just good close combat skills would suffice. And with the opponent’s arms and legs potentially restrained by him, Su Bei was confident he could win.

But the problem was, he didn’t want to win at all! Competing in close combat with an enemy, unless the opponent was very weak, he would definitely take a few solid punches. Su Bei would rather compete with abilities than suffer himself.

However, Meng Huai didn’t give him a chance to refuse: “Su Bei, it’s decided! You’re up!”

With the matter settled, Su Bei didn’t bother to resist. Leaning lazily on the sofa, he fought for his last benefit: “I’ll only go up once.”

“No problem.” Meng Huai nodded. He originally didn’t want Su Bei to expose too many of his abilities, otherwise, what would they do for tomorrow’s team battle?

Skydome Ability Academy’s final contestant was Huangfu Mingzhe. That’s right, in just a few matches, he had already recovered completely thanks to his powerful physical constitution.

However, Su Bei thought it was also possible that their academy had specially prepared a matching doctor for him. After all, they had prepared a whole team for him; preparing a dedicated doctor wasn’t a big deal.

“Is Si Zhaohua not better yet?” Seeing Huangfu Mingzhe appear again, Jiang Tianming couldn’t help but ask.

Lei Ze’en shook his head: “His physical constitution isn’t as good as Huangfu Mingzhe’s, who has the Five-clawed Golden Dragon ability. Moreover, their academy’s doctor should have a specialized method to alleviate his skills, which is why he recovered so quickly.”

After a moment’s thought, he added, “But don’t worry, at least he definitely won’t be able to use that skill again for a while.”

That was good news. Si Zhaohua’s ultimate move definitely couldn’t be used, and if Huangfu Mingzhe couldn’t use his either, it meant neither side was at a disadvantage.

With that grand master on the field, Houde Ability Academy still lost the final match. No matter what the Arena Ability user restricted from him, Huangfu Mingzhe could win easily. This was a case of sheer power overcoming intricate techniques; in the face of absolute strength, restricting a certain advantage couldn’t play a decisive role.

After the two rounds of morning matches were over, it was now time for a lunch break.

Bento boxes were sold in the venue, and there was also a cafeteria nearby. However, the cafeteria wasn’t very large, definitely unable to accommodate 1,000 people, and the prices were very expensive. Except for contestants and wealthy people who wanted convenience, most people wouldn’t choose to eat in the cafeteria.

Outside the venue was a commercial street with a variety of restaurants and souvenir shops. Any needs could be resolved there.

Because all contestants needed to eat in the cafeteria to prevent consuming problematic food, the chances of running into others were quite high. While Su Bei and his companions were eating, they happened to run into their next opponents, the students from Houde Ability Academy.

“Mind if we sit here?” The leading student, along with his teammates, sat down next to Su Bei and his group. Although he asked politely, he clearly had no intention of genuinely seeking their permission.

Coming over actively must have a purpose. Su Bei and the others exchanged glances, didn’t answer, and continued to eat quietly.

Sure enough, after only a few bites, the student opposite couldn’t help himself: “Have you already decided on your afternoon contestant? We’re not trying to scout for information, just simply asking.”

Their academy’s choice of contestant was basically fixed, and it was obvious it would still be the Arena Ability user. After all, he relatively countered most Ability users, and among the contestants Endless Ability Academy brought, none looked particularly strong in close combat.

Jiang Tianming glanced at him indifferently: “We haven’t decided yet. You’ll find out then.”

“Haven’t decided yet, huh…” The boy’s eyes darted around, feigning acceptance of the answer, and he didn’t press further, turning to chat with his companions.

Giving up so easily? Jiang Tianming felt something was off. Sure enough, they hadn’t chatted for long before they started discussing the Arena Ability user’s ability.

“Your ability is only afraid of defense types. Luckily, Skydome Ability Academy didn’t send out any defense-type contestants,” a girl said deliberately in a low voice, but with an Ability user’s hearing, at not too far a distance, everyone could hear it.

They didn’t need to underestimate their intelligence like that. Su Bei and the others were speechless. The other side, still not satisfied, added after a while: “How could they send a defense type into a solo match? Just go all out with confidence!”

Everyone: “…”

Unable to bear it any longer, they quickly finished the remaining food on their plates and stood up to leave the cafeteria together. If they stayed any longer, they feared they might actually laugh out loud, and what if those few people then got angry and changed their contestant?

After they left, the green-haired boy who proposed this plan, the Arena Ability user, said smugly, “See how quickly they went back? They must be discussing tactics. They’ll definitely send that defense-type girl to fight me.”

The event organizers had given three hours of rest. At 3 PM, the final match officially began: Houde Ability Academy versus Endless Ability Academy.

Enjoying the last bit of rest, Su Bei followed Meng Huai down. Lei Ze’en had already submitted his name. The opponent, as they expected, was the Arena Ability user.

It’s worth mentioning that Houde Ability Academy’s teacher had specially come over earlier to gather information, wanting to see if Si Zhaohua had recovered, so as not to be caught off guard again like last time.

Upon learning that Si Zhaohua hadn’t woken up, the person who came to inquire looked incredibly happy, as if victory was already in their grasp.

“How do you feel?” Meng Huai asked Su Bei, not minding the drama.

Su Bei curved his lips, saying nonchalantly, “I wish him success.”

Standing on the arena, before the match officially began, the green-haired boy glumly questioned Su Bei: “Why are you here? Aren’t you afraid of my ability?”

What he really wanted to ask was why a defense-type Ability user hadn’t been sent. Had they not fallen for his trap? But if he asked that question, it would be revealing his plan, and a failed plan at that, which would be too embarrassing.

“You’ll know after the match,” Su Bei said indifferently.

The green-haired boy ‘hmph-ed’: “Then we shall see.”

As soon as the match started, the green-haired boy gave Su Bei no chance to use his ability, instantly pulling him into the Arena Ability.

He was also very worried that Su Bei would use his ability on him first. Destiny-type abilities were inherently mysterious and unpredictable. What if he inexplicably lost due to the influence of destiny?

This was an arena that looked somewhat like an octagon cage, half blue and half red. The area wasn’t too large, but it was more than sufficient for combat. Upon entering, both people were fixed outside the arena. Su Bei was on the red side, and the green-haired boy on the blue side. The match could only officially begin after choices were made.

Su Bei was assigned the task of choosing the forbidden item, while the green-haired boy was assigned the task of choosing the match content. He naturally chose a close combat match. After choosing, he smiled at Su Bei across the arena and said, “I hear you’re a Destiny-type Ability user. Can you see what my destiny is right now?”

“The destiny of being brutally beaten by me,” Su Bei calmly said, prohibiting both sides from escaping.

Although he was also very fast, if the opponent realized they couldn’t win and started running away frantically, it would be quite annoying. He preferred an all-out, fist-to-fist brawl; at least it would end quicker.

Actually, he could have also prohibited the ability to perceive pain, but he probably would still feel pain after leaving the Arena Ability. The Skydome Ability Academy student, after coming out of the Arena Ability, looked unchanged on the outside but was grimacing, clearly not feeling well.

Moreover, if the ability to perceive pain was prohibited, the opponent’s surrender time would definitely be prolonged. He might only win if he knocked the opponent unconscious, which would be too troublesome.

“So confident in yourself?” Seeing his choice, the green-haired boy couldn’t hide his surprise. He had only ever seen people impose various restrictions on him, not people who restricted themselves and cut off their own retreat.

Could Su Bei’s close combat skills really be that strong? The boy looked at Su Bei’s fair and handsome face and quickly dismissed the idea. How strong could a pretty boy like this be in close combat? He was probably just holding unrealistic fantasies about his own strength!

Pushed by these thoughts, the two officially began the match.

Then the green-haired boy realized he had thought wrong. How could Su Bei be a ‘pretty boy’? He was clearly a ‘muscle Barbie’!

Not only was he fast and strong, but his combat techniques were also far superior to his own. Even though he himself was a close combat expert carefully trained by Houde Ability Academy, he was completely no match for Su Bei!

How could someone be so good at fighting!

However, what he didn’t know was that Su Bei was different from them; he hadn’t started training only in high school. Since elementary school, Su Bei had insisted on training daily and sparring with his parents. In terms of time alone, he far surpassed his peers, not to mention he was a very talented child.

After being punched in the face again, the green-haired boy’s heart was already filled with thoughts of retreat. He said with a long face, “Buddy, don’t be so ruthless! Don’t hit the face!”

“Anyway, you won’t be able to tell outside, so what are you afraid of?” Su Bei retorted.

When those people fought him in the Arena Ability before, their faces couldn’t have been completely free of injuries. But they looked as if they hadn’t fought at all after coming out; clearly, this was a unique masking ability of the Arena Ability.

The green-haired boy knew Su Bei was right, but he had only said that to try and get hit less. He truly wanted to escape now, at least to hold out a bit longer. From the start of their match until now, only five minutes had passed. If he surrendered immediately, that would be too embarrassing!

But Su Bei had already taken precautions and prohibited their right to escape. As soon as he showed any intention of escaping, he would be directly judged by the Arena Ability as a violation and a loss.

“How about we discuss this? I surrender, we stop fighting, but we wait a bit longer before going out. What do you think?” The green-haired youth tried hard to dodge the inescapable dense attacks, negotiating, “Hiss! My stomach!”

Su Bei was unmoved, sweeping him to the ground with a leg sweep. He didn’t restrain him further; as long as the green-haired boy resisted, Su Bei was confident he could subdue him instantly. This was absolute strength suppression.

Therefore, he merely looked down at his opponent from above, a smile playing on his lips, but his purple eyes held no emotion: “If you don’t surrender now, I’m going to go for a killing blow.”