SSS-RANKED Awakening: Supreme Fate-breaker System-Chapter 30: ’So close...’

The sun now sat high in the sky, casting long shadows over the worn stone arena.

Ethan's match against Karn had been the climax of the first round.

Of course, their population was more than that.

Some people had won, and others had lost.

Those who won rejoiced—even if they'd only advanced one round, they were making a name for themselves. Soon, step by step, they'd make it to the quarterfinals, semifinals, and maybe even win the whole tournament.

But as that wishful thought crossed the minds of those thinking it, Ethan's confident face flashed through their heads. They couldn't help but sneak a subtle glance at him.

Even though they were confident in their own abilities after awakening, Ethan's performance was engraved in their minds. He was domineering.

They could only sigh.

Forget Ethan... there might be a dark horse among them who'd suddenly rise and steal the win.

Soon, the tournament continued. Each fight was fast, ending within a few minutes—so it didn't take long.

As for the audience—some were Guild members, searching for new Awakened to recruit. Some were parents. Others were invited VIPs, like the Labyrinth Conqueror, Gareth Drakethorne himself, here to watch and support the event.

The students had started as a total of 32. The first round had 16 matchups, cutting that number in half. The second round reduced it to 8.

This chapt𝙚r is updated by freeωebnovēl.c૦m.

Now, it was time for the quarterfinals.

Too bad. Only a handful made it through:

Liora Veylan.

Kaelen Stryn.

Ryker Bladewind.

Vaelion Crest.

Ilya Moreau.

Selene Evernight.

Ethan Drakethorne.

David Fangblade.

Let the quarterfinals begin...

In the stands, a mix of guests watched with critical eyes.

A group of robed Guild agents whispered as they jotted names down.

Proud parents hollered encouragement with tearful pride or silent tension.

And at the highest seat, a lone figure sat tall, arms crossed, eyes sharp.

Gareth Drakethorne.

Even seated, the weight of his presence was crushing. He didn't cheer. He didn't clap. He only watched. He was silent. Everyone couldn't help but wonder what was coursing through his mind with his domineering composure.

The arena buzzed with anticipation as the first match of the quarterfinals began—it was Vaelion versus Ryker.

They both stepped into the arena, eyes firm. After making it this far, neither of them was willing to back down.

The audience was thrilled by the matchup. After the first and second rounds, these two had drawn attention in their own ways, and no one wanted to miss a clash of styles like this.

Vaelion stood tall and composed, his longbow cradled lightly in his hand. His white hair fluttered slightly with the breeze, eyes locked on his opponent with the calm focus of someone drawing a line across a map.

Ryker stretched his neck and rolled his shoulders. Broad and solid, he looked like someone carved from stone, ready to break through anything that got in his way.

He cracked his gauntlets together and said in a somewhat lazy voice, "Didn't expect us both to make it, Vaelion."

Vaelion replied calmly, "Neither did I. But I plan to finish what I started."

"Big words," Ryker smirked, stepping into his Viper Stroke stance.

"Let's see if you can back yours up," Vaelion said coldly in reply.

Then came the signal.

Ryker charged, each step like a drumbeat.

Vaelion moved gracefully to the side and loosed an arrow with a snap. It grazed Ryker's shoulder but didn't slow him. Another arrow thudded into his thigh—still, the brawler pressed forward, face grim and determined.

He was fast—but Vaelion was already shifting into something more.

He adjusted his stance. Those watching closely leaned forward—he was preparing something different.

With a sudden pivot and quick, steady hands, Vaelion loosed three arrows in rapid succession. Each came from a different angle—arcs, diagonals, tight snaps of the wrist.

A storm of arrows.

"Third Form..." Vaelion muttered, his voice a whisper carried on the wind. "Ninefold Spiral Execution."

The crowd gasped.

Ryker's eyes widened. He ducked one, spun past another, twisted mid-air to let one sail past his ribs—his agility was shocking for someone his size. He barely managed to weave between the shots, his feet a blur.

Then, in one fluid motion—he caught one of the arrows mid-spin with his gauntleted hand.

The audience roared.

He snapped the metal arrow clean in half and let the pieces fall to the floor.

Vaelion's eyes narrowed. That should've landed.

But Ryker wasn't giving him time to process.

Still moving, he lifted his gauntlet-covered arms like shields.

Another arrow came—Clink!—deflected.

Another aimed at his unguarded side—Clink!—glanced harmlessly off the metal.

He was using his gauntlets as makeshift shields now.

Vaelion stepped back, trying to line up a clean shot—but Ryker had already figured out the rhythm. He advanced with controlled aggression, weaving past arrows and swatting away the few that came close.

He was too close now.

Vaelion reacted fast, flipping his grip on the bow and lunging. Just like he did against Arisya Flintveil, he used both ends of the bow like twin spearheads—sweeping, jabbing.

But Ryker was well-prepared.

He dropped his weight low, twisted, and caught the end of the bow with his gauntlet, stopping the attack cold.

Then the grappling began.

Vaelion tried to backstep, but Ryker surged forward, closing the gap completely. In a blink, he disarmed Vaelion, yanking the bow from his grip and tossing it aside. With practiced technique, he twisted Vaelion's arm and locked him in place.

The crowd leaned in, breath held.

Vaelion struggled—but there was no escape.

"Winner: Ryker Bladewind!"

Ryker released him gently and stepped back.

Vaelion caught his breath, eyes flicking to his discarded bow.

"You almost had me," Ryker admitted, panting lightly. "But you're outta tricks."

Vaelion was too disappointed in himself to say anything. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined losing to the likes of Ryker.

With a regret-filled sigh, Vaelion walked back to his former position.

'So close...'

Ryker was stunned upon seeing Vaelion ignoring him in public. It wasn't too obvious, so he simply shrugged and forgot about it...