An ice-cold palm formed from mist landed squarely on Sebastian’s back.

*Thud!*

Snowflakes drifted from his chest to the ground, followed by a spray of blood he coughed up.

*Crack!*

A sound like shattering glass echoed from Sebastian’s back. The scattered snowflakes on the floor coalesced into a human shape.

Hooded and alone, the figure shouldered an ice-forged War Spear, slowly turning to glance at him mid-air.

Elementalization—a unique Supernatural Ability of Nature-types in the Ability Division.

*Snap!*

Lin Zhong flicked his fingers. The airborne figure dropped like a puppet with its strings cut. Newton’s coffin lid seemed nailed shut—Sebastian plummeted without a chance to resist.

"It’s over."

The War Spear in Lin Zhong’s hand dissolved into ice crystals. Sebastian lay motionless on the ground.

*Cough… cough…*

"Your protective suit saved you. Move again, and you die."

Lin Zhong kept his back turned but heard Sebastian’s ragged coughs and fingers scraping the floor.

"Cough… Am I not even worthy of making you draw your weapon…?" Sebastian’s voice was weak, yet every broken word reached Lin Zhong.

"Correct."

Lin Zhong didn’t hide the truth. His ice spear was barely low-grade refined gear—and it had nearly killed him. Had he used Snowfall Thousand Chills, not even that suit would’ve saved him.

"I see…"

Sebastian raised a trembling hand to cover his face. Had Lin Zhong turned, he’d have seen the bitter smile beneath.

"Draw your weapon. Grant me a final strike. It’s all that’s left of my dignity…" Weak but resolute, his voice carried unyielding defiance.

"A Sword Wielder’s pride? Interesting."

Lin Zhong raised his hand. The stone coffin reopened. Biting cold flooded the arena, Snowfall Thousand Chills’ aura intensifying.

*Whoosh!*

The elegant spear shot from the coffin, embedding itself before Lin Zhong. Frost spread instantly from its tip, coating the ground.

*Clang!*

Lin Zhong yanked Snowfall Thousand Chills free. The cracks left by the spear sealed beneath fresh ice.

"Good luck."

He turned, pale hands gripping the spear. He leveled it at Sebastian’s prone form.

Flower Dance Thousand Soul Slay!

A faint golden glow replaced the spear’s icy sheen—radiant yet freezing, undeniably ice, not light.

Lin Zhong vanished as a streak of white light, flashing past Sebastian. Pale pink petals scattered along his path.

One second behind Sebastian, the next he stood before him.

Petals still fell, now blanketing the entire arena.

*Snap!*

Lin Zhong flicked his fingers. Every petal shattered into ice dust. As for the arena?

*Boom!*

The intact battleground became rubble. Deep gashes scarred the walls. Sebastian lay untouched on the ground—but utterly unconscious.

"I held back."

Lin Zhong flicked his spear, flipping Sebastian off the platform toward Aester and the student council.

"I know."

Aester nodded. She’d seen clearly: the spear never touched him. He’d fainted from Snowfall Thousand Chills’ pressure alone.

"I won."

"I know."

Aester smiled as council members lifted Sebastian onto a stretcher.

"Hn."

Lin Zhong nodded. A new stone coffin materialized before him.

Snowfall Thousand Chills slid back inside. The crimson-black coffin sank into the floor.

"Was that a bit excessive?" Aester murmured as Lin Zhong passed.

"I won’t waste time on every overconfident fool."

"I know."

Aester smiled. Lin Zhong’s strength was undeniable. True power silenced challengers by showcasing its might.

Otherwise, top-tier ‘players’ like her would drown in endless duels.

Few in this school liked Lin Zhong. With the White Reaper bounty now active, they’d swarm him.

This duel served both their purposes…

Yet she knew it had drawn other eyes too.

Aester glanced toward the arena’s far side—where seats stood orderly, unlike the chaotic crowd.

*Those Monsters noticed. This won’t be simple.*

She turned away after one look.

*Tap. Tap.*

Outside the arena’s rest area, a girl leaned against the wall, arms crossed, beaming. Passersby gave her a wide berth.

Behind her swirled palpable resentment—and an aura far more chilling than Snowfall Thousand Chills’.

"You’re here~ darling!"

Su Han’s smile brightened as she spotted Lin Zhong’s stiff gait. She stepped forward, looping her arm through his.

"Shouldn’t you say something?"

Her grip clamped like iron. Her chest pressed against his arm—no comfort, only pressure. In seconds, Lin Zhong wondered if his arm had flattened.

"Uh…"

He scratched his cheek. Forming a Club was necessary, but he hadn’t told her.

"Yes~?"

Su Han’s voice dripped honey, her smile radiant. Yet her aura made sweat bead on Lin Zhong’s temple—a stark contrast to the student who’d just crushed a Martial Arts Division elite.

"Sorry! I was wrong!"