Chapter 72: Shadow of Ruin: Bloodied Berserker

Emerald City Stadium buzzed with anticipation after the intense battle between Gabriel and the Skull-Masked man. Repairs to the arena had been swiftly handled, and despite the disruption, the mayor decided to continue the martial arts assessment. The universities were eager to recruit the best candidates, giving Gabriel and his team a flood of attention.

Some schools had already approached them, but this didn't stop the rest from vying for their talents. The universities, especially the prestigious Orarion Academies, were on the hunt for the best and brightest.

In the stands, the crowd murmured excitedly.

"Look, that's the vice-principal of Heaven Orarion University! He's here in person!" a spectator exclaimed, eyes wide.

"And that man in uniform—he's a major general from the Northern Military District! What are they recruiting for?!" another chimed in.

"They're here for the Sword Province students," a tall man with striking white hair explained to the newcomers. "They've already come out of the scoring room. You see, they're not just here to assess but to recruit the top students directly. If you're selected by one of these universities, you're guaranteed admission—no need to wait for evaluations."

The crowd around him gasped in disbelief. The tall man continued, "Those who aren't picked will have to choose their school based on their final scores."

Excitement rippled through the audience. Every year, one academy handled the assessment, and this time it was Blue Fire University—where Celene, Gabriel's sister was enrolled.

The universities themselves were split into three tiers, with first-class Orarion Universities being the most elite. These were divided into A-class, B-class, and C-class, with the top-tier A-class universities being part of the Nine Great Orarion University Alliance, including Heaven Orarion University, Blue Fire University, Storm Wind University, and others that were key to the empire's future.

In the midst of the crowd, a man approached Jane with a confident stride.

"Jane Doe, I've watched your fights. I'm the deputy director of the Assassin Department at Dusk Stone University. You'd be a perfect fit for us. We can offer you first-class resources," he said, his eyes gleaming with admiration.

Dusk Stone University was a top-tier institution, just below the Nine Great Orarion Universities. Jane felt a wave of uncertainty. She glanced at her teammates—Elton, Gabriel, Zhao Kong, and Gareth—unsure of what to say.

Meanwhile, Liu Nannan, another competitor, was receiving a rather different offer.

"Storm Wind University is open to you, but don't expect us to pour resources into you," said a stern representative.

Liu Nannan nodded solemnly, knowing Storm Wind was one of the best schools and that she would have to prove herself.

At the center of it all, Gabriel's team had gathered, and Gareth couldn't help but tease.

"Brother Gab, aren't you the top student here? Why hasn't anyone recruited you yet?" Gareth asked, nudging Gabriel's shoulder with a grin.

"Isn't it obvious?" Zhao Kong interjected with a smirk. "The Nine Great Universities are eyeing him like he's a rare gem. They're probably thinking of the most tempting offer they can give."

Gareth chuckled. "Man, I wish someone look at me like that."

Just as the laughter subsided, a firm hand tapped Gareth on the shoulder.

"Gareth Wade, right?" A middle-aged man in a sharp uniform stood before him. "I'm the head of the Magic Department at Central Plains Orarion University. Would you consider joining us?"

Gareth blinked in disbelief. "First-level, A-class university?" he stammered, awestruck.

The rest of the team looked on, and Jane leaned in toward Gabriel. "What do you think? Should we split up, or stick together?"

Gabriel glanced at his team, a mix of pride and determination on his face. "We'll figure it out together. No one's making any decisions alone." 

The team nodded in unison, the bond between them unshakeable, even in the face of such life-changing opportunities.

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The tension in the stadium seemed to heighten with each passing second. More universities and academies sent representatives to approach Gabriel and his team, creating a flurry of excitement among the spectators.

From the stands, whispers filled the air.

"Is that Zhao Kong over there?" a woman asked, her gaze fixed on the towering figure. "I heard he's an absolute monster on the battlefield."

"Yeah, the Tank of the group! He's unstoppable in defense," another man replied. "No wonder the recruiters are all over him."

Back on the arena floor, Zhao Kong was approached by a broad-shouldered man dressed in the insignia of Western Orarion University, one of the Nine Greats.

"Zhao Kong," the man said, his voice carrying an air of authority. "Western Orarion would be honored to have someone of your caliber in our ranks. With your talent, you could lead our Defense Division to new heights."

Zhao Kong looked the man up and down, his stoic expression unreadable. "I appreciate the offer," he replied slowly. "But I'll need to discuss it with my team."

The man raised an eyebrow, surprised by the response. "Of course," he said, offering a respectful nod before stepping away.

Meanwhile, Jane, still deliberating over her offer from Dusk Stone University, caught sight of another representative approaching Elton, their team's archer.

Elton, typically quiet and focused, listened as a young woman from the Southern University of the Empire spoke to him.

"We've seen your precision in archery, Elton. Your skills are unparalleled, and we believe with our advanced training techniques, you could become one of the best archers in the world," she said, her voice filled with sincerity.

Elton gave a slight nod, his calm demeanor betraying none of the excitement he felt. "I'll think about it," he replied, glancing over at Gabriel for a moment before returning his gaze to the recruiter. "But, like Zhao, I need to talk to my team first."

Gabriel watched the scene unfold, the offers for his teammates stacking up. He knew his own invitation would come soon, but his thoughts were on his team. They'd been through so much together, and the idea of splitting up weighed heavily on him.

A sudden hush fell over the stadium as the vice-principal of Heaven Orarion University, one of the most prestigious academies in the empire, approached Gabriel. The man's aura was intimidating, a quiet strength radiating from him as he stopped just a few feet away from Gabriel.

"Gabriel," he began, his voice low and commanding. "You've shown exceptional skill, not only as a fighter but as a leader. Heaven Orarion University has a place for you, should you choose to accept it. We can offer you resources and opportunities that far surpass any other school."

The crowd leaned in, eager to hear Gabriel's response.

Before Gabriel could answer, Gareth, never one to shy away from a bit of humor, leaned in with a mischievous grin. "Careful, Brother Gab. He sounds like he's ready to propose marriage with an offer like that."

The crowd burst into laughter, and even Gabriel couldn't help but crack a smile.

The vice-principal didn't seem fazed. "It's a serious offer," he said, his eyes not leaving Gabriel's.

Gabriel turned to his team, scanning their faces. They had each received incredible offers, and he could see the conflict in their eyes—loyalty to the team versus the individual opportunities that could shape their futures.

He took a deep breath, then spoke with quiet resolve. "We've been through everything together. If we're going to make decisions, we'll do it as a team. No one here stands alone."

The crowd erupted into cheers, moved by Gabriel's words. In the stands, people were buzzing with excitement.

"Did you hear that? He's not going to leave his team behind!" someone exclaimed.

"I knew it! He's not just a fighter; he's a true leader!" another added.

Jane stepped forward, her eyes meeting Gabriel's. "I'm with you, whatever you decide," she said firmly.

Elton and Zhao Kong nodded in agreement, while Gareth, still grinning, added, "Well, I guess we're all stuck with each other, huh?"

Gabriel turned back to the vice-principal, his expression steady. "Thank you for the offer, but we need some time to make our decision—together."

The vice-principal regarded him for a long moment before giving a slight nod. "Take your time. But know that Heaven Orarion's door is always open for you and your team."

As the representatives from the various universities slowly withdrew, giving the team space, Gabriel gathered them in a tight circle.

"We've got some big choices ahead," Gabriel said, his tone serious. 

As they walked off the arena floor, the crowd continued to cheer, their admiration for Gabriel and his team growing with every step they took.

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Tigram Gray stood at the edge of the stadium, his eyes locked on Gabriel as the crowd cheered for him and his team. The roar of the audience filled the air, but Tigram remained silent, his thoughts drifting back to their time when they were younger . Back then, things had been different—simpler. He was a naughty kid and Gabriel was the studios type.

At Green Leaf Academy, during the time they are there, he thought there was an animosity between them due to their beliefs being not align, however he did not realise tha it wasn't animosity at all. It was rivalry, plain and pure.

He remembered that day at the student assessment of Green Leaf Academy. He mistakenly entered the the den of the Earth Bear on the Dusk Valley. The bear had been ferocious, its hide like stone, but together they had worked as a seamless unit. Gabriel's strategy had been sharp, his strikes precise, while Tigram's, although his raw power that time was not strong to even damage the bear. When they finally brought it down, Tigram had looked at Gabriel and realized something. The distance he had felt wasn't a chasm born of hatred—it was the kind of rivalry that drove him to be better. He had to prove himself, not just to Gabriel but to himself as well.

Now standing on the grand stage of the martial arts assessment, Tigram felt that same fire burning inside him.

Gabriel had grown stronger, surrounded by a talented team, and had rightfully earned the respect of the empire's greatest universities.

But Tigram wasn't far behind. His own journey had been filled with battles, trials, and moments of self-realization. The rivalry hadn't diminished; if anything, it had become sharper, more defined.

As the representative from Heaven Orarion University approached Gabriel, offering him a prestigious place among the empire's elite, Tigram's gaze hardened. Gabriel's path was clear, but so was his.

Moments later, the same representative turned to Tigram. The man's voice was calm but commanding. "Tigram Gray, your performance was nothing short of extraordinary. We at Heaven Orarion University would be honored to have someone of your caliber join us. You've proven yourself on the battlefield, and with the resources we can provide, your potential will know no bounds."

Tigram gave a small nod, his expression unreadable. "I appreciate the offer."

In truth, Tigram had already made up his mind. Heaven Orarion University had always been part of his plan, not as a follower of Gabriel, but as his equal—or perhaps even more. He had come a long way since that day at Green Leaf Academy, where he fought alongside his childhood friend against the Earth Bear.

He thought back to the moment he reached level 15, deep within the Crimson Depths dungeon. The place had been a maze of dark tunnels, treacherous traps, and bloodthirsty monsters. It was there that he encountered the final boss—a towering demon beast with molten rock for skin and eyes that burned with fury. The battle had pushed him to his limits, but in that moment of desperation, something within him had awakened.

His Barbarial Class had evolved into something more— [Bloodied Berserker]—a warrior who thrived in the chaos of battle.

With the new class came new abilities, each more savage than the last. The [Bloodied Berserker] was a force of nature, thriving on blood and fury. This was a hidden class, a reward he gained after his adventure in the Crimson Depth Dungeon.

Not only it was a strong class, but it gave 50% skill points and stats when a character levels up.

His new skills were a testament to that:

[Rending Strike: A brutal attack that tore through his enemies' defenses, leaving them bleeding and vulnerable to further strikes.

Damage: 500% x Sk.Level x [Physical Attack x {1+ PhysPen}]

Bleeding: 1% Hp per second

Duration: 15 seconds

Mana Cost: 500

Cooldown: 10 Seconds]

[Unyielding Fury: A burst of rage that made him unstoppable, ignoring all forms of control and amplifying his damage. And gained blood steal that heals him by 10% damage dealt to the enemy.

Attack Increase: 10% x Sk.Level

Duration: 3 minutes

Mana Cost: 250

Cooldown: 30 seconds]

[Crimson Vortex: A whirlwind of blood and carnage, healing him as he tore through his enemies, feeding off their pain.

Healing: 50% damage dealt to the enemies

Damage: 500% x Sk.Lvl x [Physical Attack x {1 + PhysPen}]

Mana Cost: 400

Cooldown: 5 seconds]

[Bloodthirsty Rage (Enhanced Berserk): When activated, Tigram enters a heightened state of fury, sacrificing his defensive capabilities to drastically boost his offensive power. In this form, every strike drains the life essence of his enemies, converting it into health. His attacks become blood-soaked, faster, and more brutal, with each hit causing deep lacerations that bleed enemies over time. His rage is fueled by the sight of blood, increasing his power with every enemy wound.

Effect: Increases attack speed by 350%, physical attack damage by 450%, Increase HP by 500% and grants a 20% life steal effect on all physical attacks.

Bleeding Effect: Enemies hit by Tigram's attacks take additional 2% of their max HP as damage over 5 seconds (stackable up to 3 times).

Drawback: While in Bloodthirsty Rage, Tigram's defenses are reduced by 30%, leaving him more vulnerable to counterattacks.]

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With this newfound strength, not only he gets stronger, but eliminate the side effects of his berserk talent that depletes his HP over time when he was in battle upon activation.

That dungeon had tested him in ways he never imagined, but it also forged him into the warrior he was today.

As Tigram turned his attention back to Gabriel, he felt that familiar tug of rivalry. This wasn't about hatred or bitterness; it was about proving himself. Gabriel had always been a step ahead, but Tigram had never been content with second place. He wouldn't follow in Gabriel's shadow—he would rise to meet him on equal ground, and when the time came, they would stand as rivals once more.

But for now, Tigram had a new path to forge. Heaven Orarion University had offered him a place, and he would accept, not because Gabriel was there, but because it was where he belonged. Soon enough, the world would see what he was truly capable of.

As the representative left, Tigram glanced toward Gabriel's team. They were close, united, but Tigram had walked a different road, one built on solitary strength. It suited him just fine.

With a final look at Gabriel, Tigram turned and walked away, the weight of his future ahead of him. The rivalry between them wasn't over—not by a long shot.