Ascension Protocol: From Trash to Tyrant

Chapter 18: Clash of Titans

The air in the arena turned thick and tension held the students watching as Councilor Vane finally raised his hand while his voice echoed through the arena.

“I hereby approve the challenge!” he declared following the challenge invitation extended to Kai by the giant.

The students gasp in disbelief. Echoes of voices erupted among the gathered council members sitting at the elevated seat. One of them was Councilor Rhis. He stood in protest with his eyes widened in disbelief.

“You can’t approve this madness! He’s a student human! That thing is a monster! How can you expect him to battle that?” He frowned at Councilor Vane's decision. 

Councilor Vane turned slowly. His composed expression laced with venomous calm.

“Kai Draven was thrown into the third-degree prison,” he began with a cold tone and resolute voice. “By academy law, he can be challenged by anyone including escaped prisoners. It is not my fault that the giant chose to challenge him.” He responded with a grin. 

He gestured toward the battlefield, where the hulking figure of Karly Ray - the Giant, stood just to watch their conclusions.

“And besides…” he added, voice laced with hate for Kai, “shouldn’t we allow a battle Kai supposedly can't lose?” He arched his brows. 

The council fell into an uneasy silence. They understood what he meant. No one dared challenge him further - at least not yet. With a heavy breath and fierce gaze, they were ready to watch the outcome of the battle.

As soon as they went silent, Councillor Vane's lips curled with a dark smile - his plan was coming to life.

As the air cleared for battle and the student witnessed what was reached by the council.  Whispers filled the student stands as they disputed who would win between themselves.

“He’s doomed,” one student muttered.

“No way he wins this.” As one group spoke in favor of the giant, a smaller group that was not in agreement spoke up.

“Kai’s different now. He can't lose to him. Don't tell me, you didn't see what he did to Mulan. And Mark, a level 7 combatant, could barely lay a finger on him.” He explained.

“Even though he won those battles. This giant is at level 10, a god tier level. He can't win. If you trust that he will win, let's place a bet.” One of the students supporting the giant echoed.

“Let's go for it then.” Those that believed in Kai responded. 

They went silent as bets were placed. Gold, crystals, and even minor artifacts exchanged hands. This left tension in the hearts of the students. All eyes were on the battleground.

Councilor Vane stepped forward once more. “By the academy decree, this is a death match. Only one will walk away.” He etched his voice in corruption - fulfilling his intent to eliminate Kai once and for all.

The academic student watching hushed in fear for Kai even though they were rooting for him. 

The countdown began as the bell clang, Three… Two… One!

The giant charged on the last count like a living mountain. Kai’s body moved instinctively. He dodged, weaved, and even struck the giant that was two of his size.

But the strike wasn’t enough to knock the giant down. A massive fist crashed into Kai’s side and the force threw him like a ragdoll across the arena. Dust rose as his body trailed through the ground. Blood spilled from his mouth.

Kai groaned in terrible pain, clutching his ribs. But he didn't retreat.

Instead, he surged forward and chanelled all his system power into a radiant strike.

His system echoed, ‘Immortal Spear Pulse: Level 1, Active.’ The blast hit the giant intensely and the entire battle ground filled with smoke.

Everyone was silent as they kept their gaze on what was happening. But when it cleared, the giant stood unscathed.

Even Kai was shocked. He had thought that strike would knock the giant down. 

A mocking grin stretched across his face as he grabbed Kai by the neck and he slammed him to the ground. His voice rumbled like thunder as he spoke, “You’re not using a normal ascension protocol.” He revealed after he had carefully understood his power.

Kai’s eyes widened in horror. “This energy… it’s the Unique Ascension Protocol. The one that was sealed decades ago. But it won't last. I will rip it from your core.” His voice was laced with cruelty. 

In the high seat, Councilor Vane’s eyes lit up with dark realization. He had fought and tried to understood Kai's ascension protocol.

‘That’s why… That’s why he’s progressing so fast.’ He echoed within himself. Jealousy and ambition coiled around him like a snake. ‘If the giant absorbs that protocol, Kai will be erased… and I can trap the giant again, placing him under a dark spell so he can work for me. I will literally be God.’ His thoughts were filled with pride.

The giant raised his hand and a dark spiral of divine energy formed. With brutal precision and calculation, he struck Kai’s Ascension Core and he shattered it.

Kai screamed in pain and collapsed on the ground.  Councilor Vane's lips curved with a smile, ‘finally, Kai is eliminated.’ 

But the system let out a loud chime in his mind.

‘SYSTEM OVERRIDE ENGAGED. You have been critically injured. Override Protocol has been activated. Granting temporary God-Tier Access for 15 minutes.

Objective: Defeat Karly Ray.’ 

Kai could hear the echo of the system in his head as he laid on the ground lifeless. Suddenly, Kai’s body lit with divine energy and a light course through his veins like fire.

The academic students' jaws dropped. Their eyes widened with shock. And murmurs returned - this time with awe and admiration.

“He’s glowing.”

“Wait, he’s matching the giant!”

“How did he even do that?”

“Is that not the God-tier? How could he max so quickly?” 

“No… he’s going to fight back now!” The academic students said different things while they watched.

For the first time, the giant stumbled back in shock. “What’s happening?” He roared. His face lit in confusion and anger. He watched Kai ascend into the Kai… “This can't be possible. How could he scale the God -tier so easily.’ He widened his eyes knowing how much effort it took him to get to that stage. 

On his seat, Councilor Vane’s fists clenched and his mind became troubled.

“Fifteen minutes. That’s all he has. That system shouldn’t exist. It must be destroyed.” Councilor Vane murmured to himself and he watched in disappointment.

And yet, something gnawed at him. Even though he tried to calm himself, his mind became disturbed, ‘If Kai survives… if he wins…He could become unstoppable.’ Councilor Vane's heart hit against in chest. ‘That mustn't happen. Karly must eliminate kai.' His heart panted in desperation to see the end of Kai. 

Kai stood on his feet and his body radiated like a blazing star while he narrowed his gaze at  the giant before him.

The arena held its breath. And some of the academic students supporting Kai expressed, 

“Now… This isn't a death trap for Kai.”

“Bro! I call this a battle of legend.” Another replied to him.

“Yes, for the first time I will be seeing two God-tiers fight each other. This would be memorable.”