Chapter 17: The Meaning of Defeat – A Ranker Rises
Just 1 minute and 15 seconds into their clash…
Lee Hwan's fused blade shattered.
Elira's ice magic overwhelmed even his Dragonfang Blade.
A final slash of cold severed the last of his resistance, and Lee was slammed into the chamber wall.
HP: 0.3%
System Alert: Critical Condition – Survival Mode Activated
Despite the brutal loss, Lee stood up, coughing but still conscious. Blood trickled from his lip, yet a faint grin curved across his face.
[System Alert – Ranker Evaluation Complete]
You have passed the Ranker Qualification Trial.
Reason: Sustained combat for over 1 minute against a Ranker 122 levels higher.
Bonus: Adaptive Aura Fusion – Unique Skill recognized.
Rank Achieved: Mid-Tier Ranker
Privileges Unlocked: Access to Ranker Missions, Ranker Market, and Monarch Trace List
Elira sheathed her sword, walking toward him. "You lost," she said bluntly.
Lee, still kneeling, chuckled. "Yeah… But I made you use 12% of your power."
Elira's eyes gleamed with respect. "You're insane… but promising. That blade fusion… no one else has done that under level 150."
The other Council Rankers murmured, impressed. One of them, a man with lightning tattoos across his arms, smirked. "Welcome to the battlefield, rookie Ranker."
[New Title Gained: Dragonblood Challenger]
You've challenged someone vastly stronger—and survived. Your body adapts 5% faster in future duels against stronger foes.
Lee's body was broken, but his spirit was rising higher than ever.