Zombie Survival System-Chapter 137: The moment

The air was freezing, and despite the faint rays of sunlight piercing through the dark clouds, the glacier's surface glowed with a deep, almost surreal blue. The twenty-one students, still dazed by the sudden fracturing of the iceberg, struggled to remain standing. Their torn and frozen clothing clung to their skin, and their breath formed small clouds of vapor with every exhalation. Some, completely exhausted, had fallen to their knees, staring numbly at the scene unfolding below.

At the center, the highest ice platform now formed an improvised natural arena. On this limited space, only two silhouettes stood: Alexandre and Drak. Slightly behind them, Jack Blade stood calmly with arms crossed, his face unreadable. Without uttering another word, he made a simple gesture, allowing the ring to fall onto the ice, landing only a few meters in front of the two competitors.

The already oppressive silence intensified when another huge chunk of the iceberg broke away with a deep, rumbling sound, isolating the combat zone even further. The students, clustered on the more stable portion of the glacier, observed the scene below with a mixture of awe and excitement. Their eyes reflected extreme exhaustion, yet a spark of curiosity still lingered, like a last burst of strength allowing them to witness this unexpected duel.

Drak stepped forward. His breathing was slow but labored, each inhale betraying the effort required to remain upright on the slippery ice. Frozen water ran down his torso, solidifying into crystalline patterns on his skin. Despite his visible injuries, he emanated a primal energy, amplified by his eyes blazing with determination.

Alexandre, for his part, felt his heart pounding furiously, even though he carefully concealed it. His face was tense, his jaw tightly clenched. Although he did not feel pain in the same way others did, he remained acutely aware of his physical exhaustion. Facing an unknown adversary like Drak, any error could prove fatal. Moreover, the thought of battling on unstable ice, where one misstep could mean disaster, heightened the tension of this critical moment.

Jack Blade, calm and impassive, took a step backward, clearing the space for the two fighters. With an almost imperceptible gesture, he indicated the ring that glinted faintly in the pale winter sunlight. His face remained inscrutable, but a silent challenge clearly shone in his eyes.

Jack Blade spoke sharply:

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— "The first one to grab it wins," he repeated coldly, as if sealing the rules of the confrontation.

Marlon, still partially sprawled on the ice below, painfully propped himself up on one elbow, his face twisted with worry. He desperately wished he could help Alexandre somehow, but every muscle in his body screamed with pain, making even the smallest movement agony.

In truth, everyone held their breath. Most of the first-year students already knew Alexandre; indeed, he had distinguished himself multiple times and, more importantly, was currently at the top of the rankings—a vital detail in a point-driven system that determined their futures. Knowing how far they were from the top student was absolutely crucial.

Jack Blade commanded abruptly:

"Begin!"