Chapter-243

The official continued his explanations once everyone had a token. "Number 1 will fight Number 2. The winner stays while the loser is eliminated. The victor will then face Number 3, and so on down the line until all 5 have fought. It is same for the Number 6 to Number 10, where numbers 6 and 7 will fight and the winner stays while the loser is eliminated. The victor will then face Number 3, and so on down the line until all 5 have fought. "

Sin pondered the format, strategizing how best to conserve strength. As Number 5, he would have the advantage of seeing 4 fights unfold first, learning his opponents' skills in advance. But he also ran the risk of fatigue setting in before his first bout if the early matches were long. This would require a delicate balancing of observation and rest.

"Fighters 1 and 2, take your positions," the officiant commanded. The first battle was beginning.

A loud horn blew, signaling the start of the frenzied fights. Sin watched as Number 1 and Number 2 charged at each other, both unleashing their most powerful abilities right off the bat. He studied their techniques closely, making mental notes for when it was his turn to enter the fray.

Within minutes, Number 2 was knocked out cold. The victor then immediately whirled around to confront Number 3. The nonstop cycle of fast-paced duels had begun.

"It will soon be time to show my strength, just kidding." Sin thought jokingly as he saw Number 4 smashed brutally into a wall by Number 2. He loosened up his muscles and took a deep breath, waiting for the match ahead. When the dust settled from this ruthless battle royale, only the strongest would be left standing.

As the battle royale matches raged on in different sections of the arena, Sin continued observing intently. The format for this final stage was cleverly designed - five competitors in positions 1 through 5 would duel each other consecutively, while the other five fighters numbered 6 through 10 faced off simultaneously in a separate arena zone.

This meant that while Numbers 1 and 2 battled, Numbers 6 and 7 were clashing as well. Then when Number 1 or 2 took on Number 3, Number 6 or 7 would be up against Number 8. The winners would keep advancing until ultimately, the last man standing from the 1-5 bracket would face the final survivor of the 6-10 bracket.

Sin noted that the contestants randomly assigned Numbers 5 and 10 were the luckiest in some ways. Being the last to fight in their respective brackets, they only had to win one match instead of up to four. However, the tradeoff was they had longer to wait and watch their potential opponents, building nervousness and fatigue. There were advantages and disadvantages to every spot in the unpredictable order.

Glancing around, Sin could see the competition was stiff. Well-trained warriors were demolishing each other with advanced techniques and fearsome magic. To prevail, one had to be skilled, strategic, and able to adapt quickly. Just a single misstep could mean elimination.

Ultimately, if you aspire to compete at the League 1 tier of the Spirits Gods Tournament, you must possess skills and capabilities that transcend mere battle royales. The competition at this level surpasses the typical last-man-standing scenario, demanding participants to reach a higher echelon of excellence. It's not merely about outlasting opponents but excelling in a domain where strategy, mastery, and finesse hold more sway than survival instincts alone. Achieving success in League 1 necessitates a deep understanding of the game's mechanics, intricate tactics, and the capacity to outmaneuver opponents through sheer skill, making it a significantly more challenging and rewarding experience.

The fights raged on, the clangs of weapons and explosions of magic filling the arena. One by one, men were knocked down until they did not get back up. The crowds cheered wildly with each victory.

Soon it would be Sin's turn to step forward. As he watched Number 4 crash down in defeat, his muscles tensed in anticipation. He cast a glance up at Stephen and Marlin, who gave him encouraging nods. With his loyal companions' support, he knew he could defeat anyone who came his way.

When this brutal stage ended, only 20 would remain standing. Sin was determined to be among them and claim his spot in the final championship bout. Even if he had to battle nonstop for hours, he would unleash every last ounce of his skills and powers. The winner would not only triumph in the tournament but would also ascend to the highest tiers of influence and fame. Sin was ready to seize that victory.

The time had finally come for Sin's first match in the high-stakes battle royale for spectators. Across from him stood Number 2, the contestant who had emerged victorious after three consecutive bouts against Numbers 1 through 4.

Though Number 2 was clearly talented enough to have made it this far, Sin could see the exhaustion weighing on the man. His shoulders heaved with heavy breaths, and there was a glazed look of fatigue in his eyes. It was an immense physical and mental strain to fight back-to-back matches with no rest.

"Before we begin, I want to commend you for your impressive wins so far," Sin called out respectfully. "You clearly possess great strength and skill."

Number 2 nodded warily in response, not letting his guard down.

Sin continued, "I can see the nonstop fights have taken a toll on you. If you need a moment to rest and recover your breath first, I don't mind waiting."

At this offer, Number 2's eyes flashed with anger. He snarled, taking Sin's words as an insult.

"I don't need your pity!" the man spat. "I have enough left in me to knock you flat on your back."

Sin held up his hands apologetically. "I intended no disrespect. I merely wanted to give you a fair chance in our match, that is all."

But Number 2 was seeing red. The stress and weariness from his prior battles had frayed his nerves. He was taking Sin's well-meaning offer as a contemptuous affront. 

"The only fair chance will be when I give you a beating you won't forget!" Number 2 roared. With a surge of renewed adrenaline, he charged wildly at Sin.

Sin smoothly sidestepped the enraged attack. As Number 2 stumbled past him, Sin delivered a controlled palm strike between the shoulder blades. The precisely targeted blow knocked all the wind out of the frenzied man. Number 2 crashed heavily to his knees, desperately gasping for air.