The crowd thundered with cheers, their shouts echoing off every wall of the arena.Those who had wagered on Richard yelled his name with utter confidence, certain they were about to collect their winnings.Then, as if someone had flipped a switch, every voice went silent.Richard was moments away from fusing with his Beast Genetic, gathering the power deep within his soul realm.But in that crucial instant—just when he needed absolute concentration—Alex dashed forward and smashed an open palm into the back of Richard’s head.Boom!Richard, poised on the brink of transformation, crashed face-first into the arena floor with such force that the impact left a crater.His merging process collapsed in an instant, the energy he’d built up scattering like dust in the wind.The once-handsome face that had inspired so many admirers was now pressed flat against the ground, blood trickling from his nose.Hovering beside him was Alex, stretching leisurely, looking for all the world like this fight

After settling the hundred-million-dollar bet, the Bolton Family pulled out as the banker, unwilling to risk further losses.Carmen Lie stepped in to take their place.Because Carmen was now overseeing the wagers, Alex chose not to participate in betting.“Alex, you’d better give it your all,” Carmen said, flashing him a seductive smile. “Over ninety percent of the bets are on the Bolton Family to win, but I’ve put everything I have on you!”She leaned in so close that her soft, pink lips nearly brushed his cheek, her curvaceous figure pressing against him.Her warmth was undeniable, and Alex couldn’t help but notice how she seemed like a mesmerizing temptress. Still, he kept his composure.“Big Sister Carmen, you must be joking,” Alex replied, smiling faintly. “A little money like that won’t matter to someone like you. Even if you lose, it’s no big deal.”She pouted in mock irritation. “I’ve risked my personal fortune on this.”“Well,” Alex shrugged, “then all you can do is pray and

The atmosphere around the arena was electric. The betting stakes for this match were so high that even seasoned gamblers admitted they might never see numbers like this again.Carmen Lie, Director of the Alchemist Association, hosted the bets, calmly recording massive wagers from all corners of the stands.Despite the excitement, Alex appeared indifferent to it all.He knew Carmen was wealthy and influential, and after everything she’d earned for the Alchemist Association—especially through her dealings with him—she could afford any risk without fear of rebuke from her peers.When the crowd’s wagers were finally collected, Alex stepped into the arena once more.Across from him stood Bernard of the Bolton Family, his eyes cold and fierce as he watched Alex’s every move. Bernard reached into his coat and pulled out two pills.“Xavier,” he said, handing the pills to the young man by his side, “take these Doping Pills before the fight. This match is worth three hundred million dollars. We

Miracle City’s King’s Mansion rose like a fortress against the sunset, its sprawling courtyards filled with manicured gardens, sweeping bridges, and shining marble pillars.Guards patrolled every inch of the grounds—each sentry was at least a Silver-rank Fighter, while Gold-rank operatives roamed the perimeter.Rumor held that even Black Gold-rank magicians and fighters lived somewhere within these walls.It was here, at the very heart of Miracle City, that the King had brought Alex, offering the young prodigy a sanctuary from his enemies.The presence of so many elite guards proved how seriously the King valued Alex’s talent.But if anyone believed Alex was simply a grateful guest, they would be mistaken.He had planned this from the start.“Coming here was almost too easy,” Alex mused to himself. “I can focus on training, maybe entertain myself by teasing Sofie, and still have time to scheme against the Bolton Family. Perfect.”Alex recalled his past life: if not for the Bolton Fami

If Alex detonated that bomb, both he and Arthur would suffer wounds—perhaps even death.Arthur could see the terrible resolve in the young man’s eyes.He sensed that cornering a desperate foe would be unwise.Between them stood Sofie, frozen in place, reluctant to abandon either side.Arthur’s voice rumbled in cold contempt. “One year? You truly think you can defeat a Black Gold–level Magician in just one year?”Alex sneered in defiance. “You want to test me? Fine. Give me a year, and I’ll flatten you under my heel.”Arthur narrowed his eyes. “Very well. If you manage to overcome me within a year, I’ll forget today ever happened.”His hard stare shifted to Sofie, though for an instant, a faint softness flickered in his gaze.“Sofie if you fail to reach Gold rank yourself within that time, you’re not allowed to see him again.”With that, he turned on his heel and strode away. “Don’t forget my words.”Alex promptly disarmed the bomb and tucked it away in his dimensional ring.A strangle