Chapter 82: Battle with Pei Luo

Looking at the elderly man, Link nodded slightly in acknowledgment and then spoke in a deep voice, “Patriarch Fitch, our five contestants are ready. Let’s begin the inspection.”
“Of course, Executive Link,” Fitch replied, gently clapping his hands.

As Fitch’s applause rang out, several burly men, each over six feet tall, rose behind him. Their robust frames and fierce expressions formed a formidable line as they strode onto the arena.

In the context of this tournament, the fighting space was confined to a small area. Within such an environment, those who had evolved in the domains of magic or psychic abilities could not effectively employ their ranged attacks, and their combat effectiveness would be reduced by at least half. As for those specializing in perception or support abilities, their powers were never suited for solo combat, and they were even less likely to participate in such arena battles. Thus, both factions had dispatched ten contestants, all evolved in the domain of close combat.

After the five contestants from the Pano family entered the stage, the five representatives from Black Hawk Corporation, including Zhang Ran, also ascended to the arena.

Once all ten participants had arrived, Link and Fitch each approached the opposing faction’s contestants, carefully sensing and probing their abilities.

“No issues,” Link confirmed.
“Yes, no problems,” Fitch agreed.

A few minutes later, the inspection was complete. Both nodded in confirmation, and the contest officially began.

The opening match featured two contestants, each possessing the strength of a Level 1 Evolver. After selecting their weapons, they entered the arena from opposite sides and commenced their duel.

Zhang Ran had no opportunity to witness this bout, as he had already been escorted to the armory to choose his weapons and armor for his own upcoming battle.

According to the rules, no firearms or ranged weapons were permitted in the wagered duels. Both sides could only rely on their abilities or cold weapons. To ensure fairness, the weapons’ materials were all crafted from a Level 2 alloy known as Silver Pattern Steel.

After careful selection in the armory, Zhang Ran chose a ninety-kilogram greatsword, two military daggers, and a combat suit made from Level 2 materials. He then meticulously inspected his gear.

Although the Pano family was unlikely to tamper with these weapons—lest they be caught and left with incriminating evidence—these were, after all, weapons provided by the Pano territory. If there were any hidden tricks, Zhang Ran would suffer in battle.

He thoroughly examined his chosen weapons, even employing his chip to scan them. Once assured there were no issues, Zhang Ran left the armory and walked to the entrance of the arena.

Another five minutes passed. The previous match concluded, with the Pano family’s contestant claiming victory. At that moment, the heavy doors of the arena opened, and a staff member signaled Zhang Ran to enter.

Gripping his greatsword, Zhang Ran walked steadily up the ramp and entered the arena. Behind him, the massive iron gate at the entrance dropped shut once again.

Stamping lightly, Zhang Ran noted the arena floor was forged from Level 1 alloy, its surface covered with a thin layer of Level 3 alloy—more than adequate for battles beneath Level 6 Evolvers.

As Zhang Ran stepped onto the stage, his opponent entered from the opposite side.

This adversary was a giant, towering at two meters twenty, with a hulking frame and bulging muscles. He stood like an iron tower, exuding a powerful sense of oppression. Beyond his imposing physique, a palpable aura of bloodlust radiated from him, sending chills through any ordinary observer.

He was clad in thick Level 2 alloy armor. Though he was a close combat evolver, instead of opting for a lighter, more agile combat suit, he had chosen heavy armor offering astonishing defense.

On his head sat a helmet, leaving only a pair of fierce eyes exposed, brimming with menace and pressure. In his hands, he wielded a spiked heavy mace, its surface studded with jagged spikes that gleamed coldly.

“From the Pano territory, Level 2 Evolver, Pano Peiro! Prepare yourself!”
Staring at Zhang Ran from across the arena, the giant stamped his foot and issued a challenge in a booming, deep voice.

“Black Hawk Corporation, Level 2 Evolver, Zhang Ran. Prepare yourself!”
Zhang Ran gazed coolly at Peiro, responding unhurriedly. At the same time, he silently instructed his chip to scan Peiro’s data.

“Name: Peiro
Age: 21
Rank: Level 2 Scavenger (Level 2 Evolver)
Ability: ??? (Primary Domain: Close Combat)
Strength: 5.7
Constitution: 5.3
Agility: 4.7
Mental: 4.4”

As Zhang Ran focused, a silver flash appeared before his eyes, and an information window materialized. On one side, the chip displayed its predictions for Peiro’s attributes—potentially off by no more than 0.1 point. On the other, it projected a diagram of Peiro’s body, marking hidden attributes such as cell vitality, explosive power, and weaknesses.

Among Level 2 Evolvers, Peiro’s stats were certainly formidable. Coupled with his Level 2 alloy heavy armor, weaker Level 2 Evolvers would struggle to breach his defenses, let alone harm him.

Yet, before Zhang Ran, all this was meaningless. Even Peiro’s greatest asset—strength—was still inferior to Zhang Ran’s, while his lower agility and mental attributes lagged by nearly a full point. Not to mention combat skills and related abilities.

“Let the wagered duel begin!”
As Zhang Ran analyzed Peiro, the referee’s voice rang out, announcing the start of the battle.

“Hahaha! Little man, prepare to die!”
At the sound of the referee’s words, Peiro erupted in wild laughter, his fierce eyes ablaze with murderous intent. He stomped forward, his steps thundering, transforming into a black shadow—charging at Zhang Ran like a mad bull.

“You’re the one who’s doomed!”
Unfazed by Peiro’s onslaught, Zhang Ran advanced swiftly, greatsword in hand.

Their figures crossed paths at the center of the arena. Peiro’s spiked mace lashed out, sweeping menacingly toward Zhang Ran with a gust that chilled the heart.

With a slight adjustment of his step, Zhang Ran effortlessly evaded the blow. Even before Peiro had struck, Zhang Ran had already anticipated the trajectory and dodged with ease.

Simultaneously, his greatsword swung, slicing toward Peiro’s waist with a gust of force.