Dimension System: SSS Rank Talent Awakening

Chapter 117 The Rigged Match

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The third day of the tournament....

The energy in the arena was tense as yesterday Dabi and Leonel Vantore faced off.

Dabi could feel the weight of the entire stadium's gaze upon him, especially from the VIP section, where Reniel and other noble allies sat with bated breath.

The next match is between Dabi and Reniel's, his confidence in his ability was obvious, and Dabi knew that this fight would be anything but straightforward.

As Dabi prepared for the match, his spirit pets, Fen, Whity, and Nyx, stood ready by his side.

But just before the announcer signaled the start, Dabi sensed something strange the familiar but subtle manipulation of the arena's energy fields.

The interference was heavier than ever, designed to skew the match in Reniel's favor.

Dabi's insight skill picked up on the abnormal fluctuations almost immediately.

It was clear that the arena's enchantments had been altered, making it harder for him to use his abilities fully. But he steeled himself, determined to face whatever came his way.

The announcer's voice boomed, "Begin!"

Reniel charged forward, his movements unusually swift and calculated.

Dabi moved to evade, but the altered energy fields threw off his Phantom Steps slightly, causing him to narrowly dodge instead of his usual seamless evasion.

Reniel's fist grazed his side, a close call that forced Dabi to refocus.

"Is something wrong, commoner?" Reniel taunted, his voice dripping with contempt. "You look a bit off-balance."

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Dabi didn't respond, choosing instead to summon Nyx, who moved to intercept Reniel's next attack. Nyx's shadowy tendrils whipped out, aiming for his legs, but Reniel sidestepped smoothly, his movements eerily precise.

Dabi realized that Reniel's reflexes and speed had been enhanced by some kind of external force. The enchantments weren't just affecting Dabi; they were actively bolstering his opponent.

"Fine," Dabi muttered to himself. "If this is how they want to play, then I'll adapt."

Knowing he needed to conserve energy under these altered conditions, Dabi adjusted his strategy.

He called on Whity and Fen, who flanked Reniel from both sides, creating a barrier of constant movement that forced Leonel to defend on multiple fronts.

Reniel sneered, summoning a burst of fire that scorched the ground around him.

The flames forced Whity to retreat momentarily, but Fen lunged forward, undeterred.

The powerful wolf's jaws snapped inches from Reniel, causing him to stumble.

Dabi seized the opening, using his Dimensional Summon skill to bring forth a powerful beast from another realm.

The creature, a shadowy bird with razor sharp wings, dove at Reniel, its cries echoing across the arena.

The audience gasped in awe as Dabi unleashed his summons, the raw display of his abilities defying the interference.

Reniel growled, visibly irritated by the constant barrage of attacks. "Is this all you've got?" he shouted, unleashing a powerful pulse of energy that sent Dabi's summons staggering back.

But Dabi remained calm, analyzing the energy patterns in the arena and gradually attuning his own magic to the interference.

Little by little, he began to negate its effects, synchronizing with the altered field and reclaiming control over his abilities.

Reniel allies watched with narrowed eyes as Dabi adjusted to the interference. He turned to Marius Hadrian, his frustration evident.

"Why isn't this working?" Reniel muttered. "He's adapting."

Marius's expression was equally tense. "He's more resilient than we anticipated. We may need to escalate things if we want to ensure his defeat."

Lady Althea Illyrian, sitting a few seats away, overheard their conversation. She smirked, folding her hands in her lap as she continued to observe.

It was clear that Dabi's resilience intrigued her, and the desperate plotting of the other nobles seemed almost amusing in comparison.

She leaned over to an Illyrian attendant, whispering, "Let's make sure he isn't overwhelmed. A fair fight is what this tournament is meant for, after all."

Her attendant nodded, understanding that Lady Althea intended to discreetly counteract the interference.

The noble families might think they had free rein to manipulate the match, but Lady Althea's silent influence began to subtly balance the arena's energy fields.

Back in the arena, Dabi noticed a subtle shift the interference lessened, if only slightly. It was enough for him to regain full control over his Phantom Steps, and he wasted no time in exploiting the opportunity.

"Nyx, Fen, Whity let's finish this," he commanded.

The three spirit pets coordinated with precision, each attacking from a different angle.

Whity darted in with blinding speed, Fen lunged with brute force, and Nyx struck from the shadows, each move designed to overwhelm Reniel's defenses.

Reniel's confidence began to falter as he struggled to keep up with the relentless assault.

His enchanted speed was no longer enough to give him the upper hand, and Dabi's summons capitalized on every opening.

In a final act of desperation, Reniel unleashed a powerful energy blast, sending a wave of force across the arena.

But Dabi countered with a dimensional rift, redirecting the blast and dissipating it into thin air.

The audience erupted into cheers, their excitement building as Dabi maintained control over the fight. The tide had turned, and Dabi knew victory was within reach.

Seeing Reniel staggered, Dabi seized the moment. With a focused mind and calculated movements, he channeled his remaining energy into a coordinated strike.

Nyx immobilized Reniel with shadow tendrils, pinning him in place, while Whity lunged at his legs, unbalancing him further.

Fen moved in for the final blow, his powerful jaws clamping down on Reniel's enchanted armor, shattering it with a resounding crack. Reniel gasped, his strength failing as the crowd watched in awe.

Dabi stepped forward, raising his hand in a final display of power. With a precise, controlled blast of spatial energy, he sent Reniel crashing to the ground, the force of the impact sealing his victory.

The arena fell silent for a moment, then erupted in thunderous applause as the announcer's voice echoed, "Victory goes to Dabi from Astral Heaven Academy!"

Dabi stood in the center of the arena, catching his breath as he surveyed the crowd. The cheers were deafening, a clear sign that his victory had captured the hearts of the spectators.

In the participate section, Reniel Vantore's expression was a mixture of rage and disbelief.

His carefully laid plans had failed, and Dabi had emerged triumphant despite every obstacle. Reniel clenched his fists, glancing at Marius and Vladimir.

"This isn't over," Reniel growled, his voice barely audible over the crowd's cheers. "We'll find another way."

Marius nodded, though a hint of doubt flickered in his eyes. "We'll need to be more subtle. If Lady Althea continues to intervene, we may have to approach this from a different angle."

Lady Althea, watching from nearby, observed their frustration with quiet amusement.

Dabi's performance had impressed her, and she had no intention of allowing the other nobles' schemes to succeed. Her subtle influence over the arena's energy fields had given Dabi the chance to win fairly, and she saw no need to interfere further.

Back in the waiting area, Zen and the other team members greeted Dabi with wide smiles and congratulatory slaps on the back.

"That was amazing, Dabi!" Zen exclaimed, unable to hide his excitement. "You've shown everyone what Astral Heaven Academy is capable of!"

Dabi smiled, though his thoughts remained focused. "Thanks, Zen. But I don't think the interference is over. Reniel and his allies won't give up so easily."

Zen nodded, his expression sobering. "Then we'll need to stay alert. But if anyone can handle it, it's you."

Their conversation was interrupted by a message from Professor Farak, who had been watching closely.

"Dabi," he said, his tone filled with pride. "You've done exceptionally well. But be prepared the final rounds are coming, and the stakes will only get higher from here."

Dabi met his teacher's gaze, determination hardening in his eyes. "I'll be ready."

As the stadium cleared and the day's matches concluded, Dabi returned to his quarters.

He was reviewing his strategy for the upcoming rounds when he sensed a presence nearby. Turning around, he found himself face to face with Lady Althea Illyrian.

"Lady Althea?" Dabi asked, surprised by her sudden appearance.

She smiled faintly, her eyes sharp and discerning. "You've impressed me, Dabi. Few have the resilience to withstand the interference you've faced. But I wanted to warn you your success has made you a target."

Dabi nodded, his expression calm. "I expected as much."

Althea's smile deepened, a hint of respect in her gaze. "Good. But know this I won't stand by if they continue to manipulate the matches. You've earned the right to compete fairly."

I want I invite you join my family, I will give you good positions. What do you say? Dabi!

Dabi said I don't plan on joining Any family or government I have other things to do before I think about that. She tells me offer is open. If you want to joi, just let me know.

With that, she turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Dabi with a renewed sense of resolve.

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