I Was Born With A Bloodline That Ended The World-Chapter 96: Shattering Force

Rhian narrowed his eyes as Randy charged forward, his movements fueled by brute strength.

Rhian caught a glimpse of the rocky, cracked texture crawling up Randy’s skin.

It wasn’t fully formed, but it was enough to see he was tapping into an earth-aligned ability.

Probably something that bolstered his physique, made him harder, tougher. Stronger.

Rhian didn’t slow down. If anything, he pushed his speed even harder, his boots kicking up dust as he ran straight at the mountain of a man.

When they were only a few feet apart, they both drew their fists back. There were no tricks or illusions at play at the moment. Just raw power meeting raw power.

They slammed forward, fists colliding in a single, perfect clash.

The sound was a deafening boom, like two boulders smashing together in a mountain pass.

Dust exploded around them, swallowing the two figures in a thick cloud that sent a wave of dirt and pebbles out in all directions.

The students in the stands flinched, some leaning forward to try and see, others stepping back instinctively. The ground beneath them vibrated from the impact.

For a moment, all anyone could see was that swirling dust and the echo of that single, massive blow.

Then, as the haze slowly began to clear, the two figures emerged.

Their fists were still locked together, neither backing down. Rhian’s arm was tense, his muscles coiled and straining, his face a mask of calm intensity.

Randy’s massive arm was shaking. His brow was furrowed, teeth bared as he tried to overpower Rhian.

But then they all saw it.

A thin, jagged crack had formed in Randy’s forearm, snaking across the skin like a spiderweb.

Rhian’s punch had driven straight through that rocky enhancement, and the force hadn’t just been enough to shatter the surface.

With a sickening pop, the bone inside Randy’s forearm gave way. A white shard of bone pierced through the skin, jutting out and glinting faintly in the light.

Randy’s eyes widened in horror. The pain was instant and brutal, his whole arm going numb as he staggered back, clutching the injury.

Blood dripped down from the wound, dark and thick, splattering onto the dusty arena floor.

The crowd fell silent for a moment, the shock of the sight freezing everyone in place.

Rhian didn’t move, his fist still half-raised. His breathing was steady, his gaze fixed on Randy with a quiet, almost clinical focus. There was no joy in his expression, no gloating.

Just a flicker of resolve. A simple understanding that he’d met strength with strength and had come out on top.

Randy dropped to one knee, gasping, his hand trembling as he tried to push the jagged bone back in. He looked up at Rhian, eyes wide with a mix of disbelief and grudging respect.

"...You... You’re a monster," he rasped, his voice hoarse.

Rhian tilted his head slightly. "You shouldn’t have held back," he said, his voice calm and cold. "You had your chance."

Randy couldn’t reply. He just clenched his teeth, sweat and blood mixing on his face as he tried to keep the pain from overwhelming him.

The referee stepped forward, waving his hand sharply. "STOP!" he called out. "The match is over!"

He turned to Rhian. "Winner: Rhian Locke!"

The crowd was dead silent, stunned into speechlessness by the sight of Randy’s broken arm and the easy calm on Rhian’s face.

Some shifted awkwardly, some clutched their seats, and a few looked away entirely, unsure whether to cheer a cursed or just keep quiet.

Rhian didn’t mind. He didn’t need their cheers or their recognition.

But then he heard it—one voice cutting through the silence, loud and clear.

"THAT’S IT! BEAT HIS ASS, RHY!"

He glanced over and saw Ash standing up, his hands cupped around his mouth as he bellowed his approval. Ash’s grin was huge, wild with excitement, his voice echoing off the arena walls.

Rhian couldn’t hear every word, but he caught enough to know it was more than just noise.

And it made him smile, even if only for a moment.

He gave a quick nod in Ash’s direction, a silent thanks for the shout, then turned his attention back to the match official, who was helping Randy to his feet and leading him away.

Rhian took a breath, rolled his shoulders once, and let the energy of the arena settle into his bones. He was ready for the next fight.

Rhian joined the other contestants waiting near the edge of the arena, slipping back into the crowd.

The moment he walked in, the room quieted. Eyes followed him, some lingering, some looking away quickly, unsure of what to make of the cursed student who had just broken a man’s arm like it was nothing.

He didn’t pay them any mind. He moved straight to where Nia was leaning against the wall, her arms crossed, her eyes steady and bright.

She smirked as he approached, tilting her head slightly. "Show off," she said, her voice low but amused.

Rhian let out a small chuckle. "Not wrong," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "Could’ve finished it early, but... what’s the point if it’s not a challenge?"

Nia’s eyes narrowed slightly, but her smile didn’t fade. "So you’d rather put on a show for them?"

"Not for them," Rhian said, his tone calm, his eyes meeting hers directly. "For me."

She looked at him for a moment, then let out a small laugh and bumped his shoulder lightly. "You’re such an idiot," she said, but there was no malice in her voice. Just... understanding.

Suddenly, the announcer’s voice boomed through the arena.

"NIA CENTRIS VERSUS NOAH OSBORNE!"

A cheer went up, excitement buzzing through the air. Rhian felt Nia tense beside him, but only for a second.

He gave her shoulder a light pat, his fingers lingering for a moment. "Your turn. Good luck."

Nia smirked and tilted her head slightly, the glint in her eyes fierce. "I don’t need it," she said, her voice calm and sure.

She stepped forward, her stride smooth and confident as she made her way to the arena floor.

The crowd’s roar rose around her, but Nia didn’t seem to notice. She was focused, every step bringing her closer to the fight.

Rhian watched her go, a small grin pulling at the corner of his lips.