Hidden Plot?

Two wet sickening thumps sounded out in the underground arena, awakening everyone from their slight stupor.

In what seemed like a blink of an eye, Metal Killer miserably died to Asher.

At the same time, Metal Killer's headless corpse and beheaded head crashed onto the stage, spraying out botches of horrifying blood and guts.

Metal Killer's face could now be seen as Asher's energy decimated his metal mask. And upon his face was a mixed expression of confusion and horror.

There was only a single second of silence before the surrounding audience erupted in their usual roaring applause.

"That was utterly incredible! Is Ghost's physical prowess that high?!"

"That sword and armor were blasted bits! Even that Power amulet Metal Killer used was utterly useless!"

Everyone in the audience actually believes Asher used pure physical strength in his last attack.

Because of the Ghost Lightning already covering Asher's hands, nobody could even tell Asher used Ghost telekinetic energy since it was also the color blue.

All the audience saw was Asher slapping his palms down and Metal Killer's armor and sword combusted into nothingness! This belief that Asher had this tremendous physical strength would prove to boost his already high reputation.

'Hmm….he had to be using that move. The same thing often happened in our spars….' Elsa, on the other hand, had entirely different thoughts than the audience.

She has first-hand experience with Asher's Ghost telekinesis and witnesses several times moves similar to Asher's last attack.

'It hasn't even been too long and yet….oh Asher. You never cease to surprise me.' Elsa couldn't help but be impressed.

Asher still needed at least a couple of seconds to effectively use his Ghost telekinesis in the morning. And now it seems like he can do it essentially instantaneously!

This frightening rate of improvement caused both pride and pressure to swirl within Elsa's mind. Their wide gap can never stop closing in.

As per usual, Asher took in the applause and cheers with utter indifference. He never really took in any joy or satisfaction over crushing people who are entirely unrelated to him. The only time it would possibly happen would be like a revenge case with Jayline.

But though the battle was done, Asher's mind was still on the powers Metal Killer used in their fight.

Despite being significantly weaker, Metal Killer had the potential to pose as a threat greater than even Firestorm!

And it was because of that mysterious energy from that Power amulet. Even when sensing that energy, Asher couldn't perceive it as anything close to Mana energy.

'Ah, that's because it simply wasn't Mana energy. That was some sort of concentrated Magical Power that was stuff inside that amulet.'

After listening in on his thoughts for a bit, Yuki had suddenly decided to speak up. Her tone was uncharacteristically serious, almost like she was trying to figure out this slight mystery as well.

Asher couldn't help but wrinkle his brows. He was keenly aware of various Magical items that can majorly aid someone in battle. Down to talismans, amulets, or other such accessories, most items would be fair game in the Burning Night Pit Organization.

Objectively speaking, Asher should've just assumed Metal Killer simply was desperate to win for his own personal reasons. However, Asher couldn't help but feel there was something off about that thought.

Whatever energy from that amulet that attempted invading his veins seemed far more malicious than simply wanting to win.

After all, damaging one's veins could lead to irreversible consequences that no regular Magical Healing can solve.

Contemplating all of this, Asher turned even serious about these matches. He always had his guard up about this place, but now Asher would be tightly aware of every little detail.

'Yuki….do you know what specific type of Magical Power he tried to use?' Asher further inquired.

'Hmmm….it's a bit too hard to accurately judge since, you know, being deep inside your soul. But, when your axe made direct contact with his sword, I could sense that the amulet Magical Power had strange properties that could easily tank attacks and dish out attacks. Even more so now, Asher, keep your eyes peeled wide open!'

Yuki finished her explanation with a cautious reminder.

Right then, while Asher digested Yuki's words, the announcer suddenly reappeared on stage. Thinking it would be like any other time, Asher didn't pay much attention to the announcer.

However, when he felt the announcer's eyes land on him, Asher almost immediately snapped his attention up. A sudden feeling struck him as if there was a change in how the announcer gazed upon him.

But, when Asher tried to stare into the announcer's eyes, he was a step too late.

The announcer had swiftly snapped his attention to the audience, and his booming voice began to echo out to the whole underground arena.

"Another splendid victory for Ghost! Even with the use of a Power Amulet, Metal Killer stood zero chance!"

Immediately the audience stirred up a greater uproar. From the announcer's words, it really did seem like Asher's prowess was so great it can test against Magical items.

Even if it wasn't a particularly strong Power amulet, that concept was still quite frightening. If Ghost could counter Magical Items by just his own prowess, nobody knows how terrifying he would be in the future.

After all, Asher is only at the Early Stage of the Spirit Tier realm! At higher levels, everybody knows his prowess will only get more spectacular!

In the midst of the audience's bustling cheers, Asher and the announcer finally matched gazes.

This time, Asher didn't feel that sudden strange feeling from earlier. There was interest within the announcer's eye but nothing overt that he should take extra precaution over.

Still, Asher kept his guard high up. Then, wordlessly both he and the announcer began walking off stage after only a second stare down.

They swiftly made it over to the exit corridor, passing by Elsa, who, of course, joined in with them, walking right next to Asher.

Glancing over at her, Asher only saw her nod in bright approval over his recent win.

Even as powerful as she is, Asher knew Elsa couldn't possibly have the ability to precisely detect that exact kind of energy that the Power amulet was using.

But, Asher holds off on discussing this topic for later. Right now, they need to focus on securing their rewards.

Plus, Asher couldn't exactly explain why, but he felt it especially wouldn't be wise discussing it in front of the announcer.

….

After a short while, Asher had received his rewards from his match. It was quite the hefty sum, more than what he would usually receive since he directly clashed with a Power Amulet.

As of now, Asher and Elsa had walked far away from the record room.

Elsa was leisurely thinking about how she should go over her next match and if she would receive a challenge similar to Asher.

Realistically thinking about it, Elsa heavily doubts she would get offered a challenge. Even she could see how terrifying her own might is. After all, she ended all of the matches within one move without using any of her Origin Aura power.

No matter if somebody came extra prepared like what Metal Killer did, it would only be a fool's dream to challenge Elsa.

Suddenly then, Elsa was broken out of her train of thought when Asher gently grasped her shoulder.

"You've actually been deep in thought for some time now. I didn't want to disturb you, but it seemed like you're finally ready to talk now?" Elsa asked as she curiously tilted her head towards Asher.

Indeed, as she got lost in her thoughts, Elsa didn't neglect taking notice of Asher's more somber mood. And with her fine grasp over Asher's personality, she knew it was better to wait until he was done thinking.

That little attention to detail would've usually got Asher to smirk. But he remained completely serious as one concerning thought couldn't leave his mind.

Before he spoke, Asher spread his Aura Sense to his very limit, wanting to make sure they were completely alone. Upon detecting there really was no one near them, Asher began to speak in a slightly grave tone.

"Elsa….during the match, Metal Killer's Power amulet wasn't anything simple. I believe he was actively going out of his way to maliciously harm me rather than simply killing."

"Huh?! This….what do you mean?"

Elsa was genuinely taken aback. She instantly tensed up, already prepared to analyze what Asher had to say next.

In all honesty, Elsa wasn't naive enough to believe they would never get targeted.

But to happen this soon? This was definitely a call for attention.

"The energy from the Power amulet, when I clash with Metal Killer's sword, it managed to latch on to my axe and invade my body. I sensed that energy trying to directly go for my veins and damage them in some way. Thankfully, with my Phasing ability, I came out unscathed. I know it's very little to go off on, but do you have any possible guesses?" Asher asked.

Besides Yuki, the only other person opinion Asher had absolute faith in would be Elsa. She would always have incredibly useful advice and thoughts because of her own experience with High-Class level families and her own critical mind.

Elsa took several moments to think before answering Asher with, "I can only say this could possibly relate to the organization itself. Though your combat prowess is great, you're still just at the Early Stage. There wouldn't be any Middle-Class or High-Class family willing to get invested enough to even care to permanently injure you. Moreover, the staff here doesn't bother to hide their interest in us. Although, I can't understand why they would want to maliciously harm you."

Several flimsy possibilities ran through both Asher and Elsa's minds. They wanted to have a quick understanding of this situation, but nothing that made reasonable sense formed in their minds.

With a slight sigh, Asher put a hold on these thoughts. He knows they can't get too hung up on this, considering the mission tomorrow.

Shrugging his shoulders, Asher told Elsa, "Well, in any case, I only said this to make sure you also have your guard even more up. But let's temporarily put this topic on hold. We don't have much information to go off on, and we have the mission tomorrow. So from now on, no matter the match, let's end it as quickly as we can."

"Hmmm….haaah. I suppose that's all we can do. Alright then, let's quickly finish our business here. I don't want anything unexpected to happen." Elsa had no other choice but to relent.

With their caution raised at an all-time high, Asher and Elsa continued on their way to take as many matches as they can before it was time to go.