Dimension System: SSS Rank Talent Awakening-Chapter 237 The Tides Shift

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The arena's frosty remnants faded as the tournament facilitators reset the battlefield. Dabi and his team stood at the edge of the neutral zone, taking a brief moment to regroup after their hard -fought victory against Team Frostbite. Despite their win, there was little time to celebrate. Sixteen teams remained, and the tension was only growing thicker with each passing round.

The arena's announcer, a faceless but commanding voice amplified by magic, echoed above them: This is the first time an announcement was made. Before that all teams were in dark. They didn't know how many teams were remaining.

"Round one concludes! Competitors, prepare for the randomized drawing for the next round!"

The towering projection of the tournament bracket shimmered into view for first time, displaying the remaining teams and the matches yet to come.

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"We don't even get a break?" Kiba muttered, crouching to stretch his legs. "What do they think we are— machines?"

First they teleport us without saying anything. Then we were fighting in dark, not knowing about other team. Now suddenly an announcement and projection began. The crowds are watching now. Suddenly, We are now inside and arena.

Dabi says, the want to eliminate four team first from the twenty teams. Now that only sixteen team remains, I think they will make us fight each other and eliminate eight more teams. Setting the stage quarter finals, I guess.

"Stop whining," Jeni said to Kiba, though her tone lacked its usual bite. She was leaning against her staff, clearly drained from the last battle. "We knew this wouldn't be easy."

Althea knelt beside Jeni, placing a glowing hand on her shoulder. "Hold still. Let me restore some of your energy."

A soft hum of magic surrounded Jeni as Althea worked, and Dabi crossed his arms, surveying their surroundings. Teams were scattered across the neutral zone, many showing signs of wear and tear from their recent battles. However, their next opponents could be anyone— and that uncertainty was more exhausting than any physical confrontation.

"Dabi," Zen said quietly, stepping beside him. "You're unusually quiet. What's on your mind?"

Dabi glanced at Zen before returning his gaze to the bracket. "This tournament isn't just about strength. There's something else going on here." The headmaster Raghnall Ferrin already warned us. We have stay sharp more than we were before.

Zen frowned. "What do you mean?"

Before Dabi could answer, the bracket shifted again, names swirling in a blur of light until they settled into place.

"Round two- Match one: Team Sol magna versus Team Obsidian!"

Previous years 1st runner up team Sol magna can I hear some cheers for them? The announcer asked.

The crowd erupted in cheers as the two teams began moving toward their assigned arena.

Dabi's eyes narrowed as he caught sight of Team Sol magna. Their leader, Seraphine, radiated an aura of confidence, her golden armor glinting under the artificial sunlight. She has one of the loudest voices as she motives her team.

Dabi and other team watch her with curious eyes, her full body is full of muscle not a single part of body look give a girl. She looks like a lady Hercules, very tall big muscle and short hairs wearing golden armour.

"Looks like they're up next," Jeni muttered, her tone neutral but her eyes sharp. "We should watch."

Dabi nodded while thinking. I was right they will make us fight. So the artifact collection was only to make us fight and eliminate four teams. Or maybe they has some other reason for that?

Then Dabi say, "Keep an eye on their strategies. If we face them later, we'll need every bit of information we can get."

The battle between Team Sol magna and Team Obsidian began with an explosion of light and darkness. Seraphine wasted no time unleashing her magic, filling the arena with searing beams of golden energy. Her team moved like a well- oiled machine, each member complementing her power with devastating precision.

"Her magic is incredible," Althea whispered, her voice tinged with awe. "It's like she's drawing power directly from the sun."

"She's more than just raw power," Dabi said, his eyes fixed on Seraphine's movements. "Look at how she coordinates with her team. Every attack she launches creates an opening for someone else to strike."

Zen crossed his arms, his expression grim. "Team Obsidian's struggling to keep up. If this keeps going, they're finished."

It didn't take long for Zen's prediction to come true. Within minutes, Team Sol magna overwhelmed their opponents, leaving the battlefield littered with scorched craters and unconscious bodies.

As the announcer declared their victory, Seraphine turned toward the neutral zone, her gaze locking onto Dabi. A small, knowing smile curved her lips before she led her team away.

"She's targeting us," Jeni said, her tone flat.

"Let her," Dabi replied, his voice steady. "We'll be ready."

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As the team prepared to rest, Dabi's communicator vibrated against his wrist. A single message flashed on the screen:

"The tides are about to shift. Be ready."

It was from Raghnall.

Dabi frowned, his fingers tightening around the device. Raghnall's cryptic warnings were becoming more frequent, but this one carried an unsettling sense of urgency.

Massage: Dabi, there might be enemies who wants to harm you and your team. Be careful.

"What is it?" Althea asked, noticing his expression.

"Raghnall," Dabi said simply, showing her the message.

Kiba leaned over to read it, his brow furrowing. "What does that even mean? Is he talking about the tournament?"

"Possibly," Dabi said, slipping the communicator back into his pocket. "But knowing Raghnall, it could be something much bigger."

The tournament facilitators wasted no time announcing the next set of matches. Dabi's team tensed as their names appeared on the bracket alongside their new opponents.

"Match two: Team Dabi versus Team Stormrider!"

Note: I address team astral heaven as team Dabi.

The arena shifted once again, transporting them to a new battlefield. This time, they found themselves on a rocky plateau surrounded by dark, swirling storm clouds. The air was thick with electricity, and the ground beneath their feet was uneven and treacherous.

"This terrain isn't natural," Althea said, her voice tinged with unease. "It's been modified to amplify lightning magic."

"That explains the name," Jeni said, nodding toward their opponents.

Team Stormrider emerged from the storm clouds, their leader— a burly man with wild silver hair —crackling with lightning energy. His teammates exuded similar power, their movements sharp and confident.

"This will be fun," Kiba said, cracking his knuckles.

"Focus," Dabi said, his tone firm. "They have the terrain advantage, but we've faced worse. Stick to the plan, and we'll get through this."

The leader of Team Stormrider wasted no time, raising his hand to summon a massive bolt of lightning that struck the ground between the two teams. The explosion sent shockwaves rippling across the battlefield, forcing Dabi's team to scatter.

"Move!" Dabi shouted, dodging a second bolt of lightning.

The air was alive with electricity, each step charged with potential danger. Jeni retaliated with a wave of ice, attempting to neutralize the storm clouds, but the lightning was too strong, melting her magic before it could take hold.

"They're countering everything we throw at them!" Jeni called out, frustration evident in her voice.

Dabi gritted his teeth, his mind racing. They needed a new strategy—and fast.

"Althea, can you disrupt the clouds?" he asked.

"I can try," she said, planting her staff into the ground. "But it'll take time."

"Do it," Dabi said. "Kiba, Zen—buy her some space. Jeni, focus on defense. I'll handle their leader."

Kiba and Zen moved as a unit, their coordinated attacks keeping the Stormrider members on their toes. Kiba's agility allowed him to weave through the lightning strikes, while Zen's blades deflected the bolts with calculated precision.

Meanwhile, Althea concentrated her magic, summoning a wave of golden light that began to push back the storm clouds. The battlefield slowly brightened as the oppressive electricity weakened.

Dabi closed in on the Stormrider leader, dodging bolts of lightning with an almost preternatural grace.

"You're persistent," the leader growled, his voice crackling like thunder.

Dabi didn't respond. He launched himself forward, his fist glowing with energy as he aimed a powerful strike at the leader's chest.

The impact sent the Stormrider leader skidding backward, his expression shifting from confidence to shock.

"This isn't over," he snarled, summoning a final, massive bolt of lightning.

But Dabi was faster. He raised his hand, absorbing the energy into a glowing sphere before hurling it back at the leader. The resulting explosion knocked the Stormrider team off their feet, sealing their defeat.

As the storm clouds dissipated, the announcer's voice echoed across the battlefield:

"Team Stormrider has been eliminated. Fourteen teams remain."

Dabi's team regrouped, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and determination.

"That was close," Jeni admitted, her breath coming in short bursts.

"But we made it," Althea said, her voice steady.

Dabi nodded, his gaze distant. Raghnall's warning echoed in his mind, a reminder that the challenges ahead would only grow more dangerous.

"We're not done yet," he said, his voice resolute. "Let's keep moving."