The Strongest S-Ranker

Unique Gate [15]

The ground beneath them cracked and trembled from the sheer pressure of their colliding auras. The Gate Boss stood tall, his wicked grin widening as his power surged like a tidal wave, distorting the air around him.

Zenon, on the other hand, analyzed the situation, his mind racing. He could feel it—his strength had returned. Somehow, he was standing on equal footing with the Gate Boss. But one question lingered in his mind.

How?

There was no explanation for why his original power had resurfaced, why it pulsed through him as if it had never left. But now wasn’t the time to dwell on it.

I can figure it out later. Right now… I need to win and get some answers.

His grip tightened around his sword—a weapon that had once been his most trusted companion. It was no ordinary blade but a masterpiece forged by the greatest swordsmiths—the dwarves.

The sword’s core was crafted from Voidsteel, a rare metal renowned for its resilience and ability to withstand immense energy without breaking. Its edges were reinforced with Astral Silver, a material that conducted energy efficiently, allowing it to adapt to the wielder’s power without deteriorating.

But its true strength lay in its bond with him. During its forging, the blade had been tempered with a fragment of his own energy, allowing it to resonate with him on an instinctual level. Rather than a weapon that cut through space itself, it was designed for precision, endurance, and absolute control—a blade that embodied his fighting style.

Now, after all this time, it had returned to his hands.

Zenon exhaled sharply, adjusting his grip. The weight of the sword felt familiar, yet at the same time, different. He could sense its energy reacting to his own, as if eager to test its limits once more.

But there was no time to dwell on it.

The Gate Boss took a step forward, crimson eyes gleaming with amusement. "That sword… impressive. So, you’re finally tapping into what lies dormant within you." He tilted his head. "How interesting."

Zenon didn’t respond. He had already learned that the Gate Boss enjoyed taunting his opponents, testing their reactions before making his move. Instead, he lowered his stance, preparing to strike.

The Gate Boss chuckled. "Very well. Let’s see if that sword of yours is worthy of its reputation."

Then, in the blink of an eye, he vanished.

Zenon’s instincts screamed at him. But unlike before, he could follow the movement.

A crimson blur materialized to his right, claws slashing toward his throat.

Zenon twisted his body just in time, bringing his sword up to parry.

CLANG!

Sparks flew as claw met steel, the force of the impact sending shockwaves rippling across the battlefield. Zenon's feet scraped against the cracked ground, but he held firm.

The Gate Boss grinned. "Not bad."

Without warning, he pressed forward, launching a relentless flurry of attacks. His hands moved like liquid, shifting between sharp, precise strikes and unpredictable feints.

Zenon deflected them all, his blade meeting each attack with calculated precision. But he could tell—the Gate Boss wasn’t just testing his strength. He was watching. Studying.

"You’re holding back," the Boss mused mid-strike. "Even with that weapon, you hesitate."

Zenon's eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening. He remained silent, but the words struck a nerve.

Was I… hesitating?

No—he was being cautious. He still didn’t understand why his power had returned, and he wasn’t about to blindly unleash it without knowing the consequences.

The Gate Boss smirked, as if reading his thoughts. "Then let me help you discard that hesitation."

In an instant, his aura surged, the air thickening with a crushing pressure. Then, he activates his skill.

[ Midnight m******e ]

Summons hundreds of blood seeds that hover in the air. After three seconds, they harden into razor-sharp crimson spikes, impaling all enemies within range. The spikes remain for a short duration, making the area dangerous.

Passive : Enemies struck are pulled toward the spikes and restrained, reducing their movement speed and preventing teleportation or dashing for a short time.

Type : AOE

Zenon tensed as he leapt backward, scanning the battlefield. Floating in the air were hundreds of pulsing flesh-like seeds, each oozing a sickly red mist.

A moment later, they hardened.

D*mn.

The entire area transformed into a death trap, the spikes resembling a sea urchin’s bristles—deadly and unavoidable.

Zenon had no way to escape. Every direction was blocked.

But that wasn’t an issue.

He steadied his breath and shifted his stance, focusing on his sword. His energy surged into the blade, and with a swift motion, he unleashed a precise technique.

The air trembled.

SWOOSH!

A single, controlled s***h.

The force of his strike rippled outward, shattering every spike before they could reach him. The battlefield, once littered with deadly spikes, was now reduced to dust and shattered fragments.

Zenon’s eyes glowed as he locked onto the Gate Boss, who stood atop a pile of rubble.

In an instant, he moved.

With a swift diagonal swing, he released an arc of condensed energy, a cutting wave that tore through the air.

Yet, just as swiftly, the Gate Boss dodged, his movements precise.

The monster landed but immediately propelled himself forward, using the momentum to launch a devastating strike aimed straight at Zenon’s heart.

But it was no use.

Zenon saw through the attack and met it head-on. His blade intercepted the incoming claw with unshakable precision.

CLANG!

The two clashed mid-air, their attacks colliding in a storm of sparks. A claw and a sword—both carrying immense power, both refusing to give way.

CLANG!

SWOOSH!

CLANG!

After the final clash, they separated, landing back on the ground.

They stared at each other, both aware of the undeniable truth.

They were equals.

Both in power and technique.

Zenon should have been exhausted by now. A battle of this intensity should have drained him.

But it hadn’t.

His body felt lighter, faster. His energy flowed through him seamlessly, unlike before when he had first entered the Gate.

He clenched his fist, feeling the synthesis of his power within him.

For the first time in a long while… he felt whole.

The Gate Boss let out a low chuckle, his crimson eyes gleaming with amusement. "As expected, I won't be able to take your life easily."

Zenon steadied his breath, keeping his blade raised. "I’m surprised as well. I must commend you—your skills and technique are quite astonishing."

The monster grinned. "Flattery? From an opponent? Now that’s rare."

Zenon remained composed, but the intensity of the fight stirred something within him. It had been a long time since he had clashed with someone on equal footing. The thrill of it, the raw exchange of skill—it reminded him of someone.

His grip on the sword tightened slightly. "To be honest… this brings back memories." His voice carried a faint nostalgia. "My friend and I used to fight like this."

The Gate Boss arched a brow, intrigued. "Do I remind you of your friend?"

Zenon gave a small nod. "Indeed."

The Gate Boss smirked. "Then, I presume your friend was a vampire as well?"

Zenon’s gaze sharpened slightly, but he didn’t answer immediately.

The Gate Boss took a step forward, studying his reaction. "Ah… I see. A silence that speaks volumes." He chuckled. "Tell me, Zenon, how long has it been since you last fought him?"

Zenon exhaled slowly. "Long enough."

The Gate Boss tilted his head. "And? Did you part as allies… or as enemies?"

For a moment, the battlefield fell silent. The only sound was the faint crackling of residual energy in the air.

Zenon’s expression remained unreadable. "That," he said, lowering his stance once more, "is none of your concern."

The Gate Boss laughed, a deep, amused sound. "Fair enough." He raised his claws, his aura surging again. "Then let’s continue. If you’re going to reminisce about your past… let’s make this fight one worth remembering."

Without another word, the battle resumed.