đź“– Chapter 42: The First True Test
The air didn't move.
Aren stood still.
Waiting.
Across him—
the rival took a step forward.
"…So this is it," he said.
"No system."
"No limits."
Aren didn't answer.
His eyes stayed locked.
Calm.
Focused.
"…Good," the rival smiled faintly.
"Now we fight for real."
WHOOSH!
He vanished.
Faster than before.
Sharper.
Deadlier.
But—
"I see you."
Aren moved.
CLASH!
Their fists collided.
The impact shook the ground.
But this time—
no explosion.
Only pressure.
Pure force.
The rival pushed harder.
"…You're different," he muttered.
Aren didn't move back.
"I told you."
His grip tightened.
"I'm not the same anymore."
BAM!
He pushed forward—
forcing the rival back.
The ground cracked under their feet.
The rival slid—
but didn't fall.
"…Good."
He wiped blood from his lip.
Then—
his aura changed.
Darker.
Heavier.
"You broke your limits…"
"…so I'll break mine."
The air trembled.
For the first time—
Aren felt pressure again.
Real pressure.
"…Finally," Aren said quietly.
He stepped forward.
Not rushing.
Not reacting.
Advancing.
The rival charged again.
Faster.
Stronger.
BOOM!
Another collision.
This time—
the shockwave split the ground.
Aren's arm shook slightly.
"…So you can still push me," he thought.
The rival smirked.
"You're not alone at the top."
Silence.
Then—
Aren smiled.
"…Good."
Energy gathered—
not wild—
not chaotic—
Perfect.
Controlled.
He lowered his stance.
"This is my first real fight…"
A pause.
"…as myself."
The wind exploded outward.
BOOM!!!
Both vanished—
And the battlefield shattered.
🔥 End of Chapter 42