Legend of the Divine Archer

Morning arrived, and with it came the muted buzz of excitement within the lower levels of Babel Tower. Word of the challenge had spread quickly, and the arena on the 10th floor was expected to draw a larger-than-usual crowd.

The betting booths were bustling, as residents eagerly sought to capitalize on the rare opportunity to make Babel Points—a rarity in the lower levels, where the system was usually stagnant, offering little change in odds.

The odds were heavily in favor of Duan Da, 1:5. As a veteran of the 10th floor, Duan Da had been its leader for so long that many believed the only reason he hadn't ascended to higher floors was his strategy of hoarding of Babel Points.

"Duan Da's been sitting pretty on the 10th floor, just raking in points," one warrior commented.

"I heard the new guy bet a thousand points on himself," another chimed in.

"These rich kids think they can just buy their way to the top. Can't wait to see him get trashed!"

"Let me put a hundred on Duan Da," someone else said, eager to take what seemed like an easy win.

Yan Jin's name was already a whisper on the lips of many—a newcomer daring to challenge the strongest of the 10th floor with barely a day's preparation.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Stepping out of his quarters, Yan Jin was a vision in an all-black robe, with a white regal cape draped over his shoulders, giving him the appearance of a delicate prince. His tall figure, crowned with the mysterious mask, added an aura of enigma to his presence.

Zhang San and Wei Xi waited for him at the entrance, flanking him silently as they made their way to the arena.

The arena was already packed with over a thousand spectators from various floors. Ten stages hosted simultaneous fights, and cheers erupted for the battles nearing their conclusions.

Lee Ann spotted them and hurried over, her face a mix of concern and determination.

"Let me lead you to the waiting hall. I managed to negotiate a center stage fight," she informed them, guiding them through the bustling facility.

The waiting hall was filled with over twenty warriors, each preparing for their turn in the arena—stretching, sharpening weapons, and mentally preparing for combat. As they made their way through, a tall, muscular man stepped forward, blocking their path.

"You must be the new guys," he said, his tone condescending.

"Sir! Zhong, we're heading to the arena. Maybe…" Lee Ann began, trying to avoid any unnecessary conflict.

"Shut up! I wasn't talking to you, whore," Zhong Yuan barked, cutting her off.

Yan Jin remained unphased. "And you are?" he asked calmly

"Zhong Yuan, rank 2 on the 10th floor. I don't…"

"Silence. You're disturbing the atmosphere. I was thinking of finding you—nice that you're here. Let's set a duel for tomorrow," Zhang San interjected, cutting him off.

"While we're at it, the rank 3 should step up too. There's a challenge for you as well," Wei Xi added loudly, addressing the room.

The other combatants turned their attention to the trio, their curiosity piqued by the newcomers' audacity. Lee Ann, standing at the side, felt her anxiety spike. What was wrong with these people? Did they really need to antagonize their opponents this much?

"You people are really cocky! New calves not afraid of the wolves," another man stepped forward, amused by their bravado.

"So you're the rank 3?" Wei Xi asked.

"Yes, I am, kid. I'm going to enjoy tearing you apart on stage," the man replied, accepting the challenge with a grin.

"Lee Ann, go register the fights before they tuck their tails in later on," Yan Jin instructed calmly.

"Hahaha, I can't wait to see Thunder Legs Duan crush you on stage," Zhong Yuan taunted, clearly enjoying the spectacle.

"Be careful what you wish for," Yan Jin shot back, his tone ominous as the group continued their march toward the stage.

--

The atmosphere in the arena crackled with anticipation as the main event approached. The announcer's voice boomed through the speakers, cutting through the murmur of the crowd.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we are approaching our main event of the night, a spectacle we haven't seen in Babel Tower for 50 years: a new recruit challenging the top warrior of the 10th floor. This promises to be electrifying. Please welcome to the stage the fastest feet in the lower 20 floors, with 200 fights and 190 victories: Duan Da!"

The crowd erupted in cheers as the spotlight focused on Duan Da. He leaped onto the stage, his light armor glinting under the arena lights. His chest was protected by a sleek chest plate, with additional bracing on his shoulders and forearms. Blood tools on his ankles, likely designed for speed enhancement, hinted at his incredible agility. He raised his hand to the crowd, soaking in their adulation.

A fighter card flashed on the screen:

Name: Duan DaAge: 25Bloodline: Thunder LeopardBloodtype: BRank: 1/10th FloorWins: 190/200Particularities: Extremely fast

The crowd's excitement was palpable. Duan Da was clearly a fan favorite, and the energy in the arena reflected his status as a top fighter.

"Now, let's usher in his adversary, the rookie who dares to challenge him! Make some noise for Huangggggg!"

As Yan Jin made his way to the stage, the energy in the arena shifted. A stunned silence fell over the crowd as they took in his appearance: the delicate cape still draped over his shoulders and the mysterious eyeless mask concealing his face.

The screens displayed his fighter card:

Name: HuangAge: UnknownBloodline: UnknownBloodtype: BRank: 100/1th floorWins: 0/0Particularities: Blind

Murmurs of disbelief swept through the crowd. "Are you serious? Is this a joke?" "The tower is messing with us!" "We paid for a good fight, not this."

Boos and jeers grew louder as Yan Jin ascended the stage. His calm demeanor stood in stark contrast to the discontent from the audience.

The announcer stepped forward, raising his voice to regain control. "I will now repeat the rules of the fight. This is a one-on-one match. Any external intervention will result in the fight being considered void. Killing an opponent will incur a fine of one thousand Babel Points. The winner will receive two thousand points as initially agreed.

If anyone has objections, voice them now."

Silence followed as the crowd absorbed the final instructions.

"Good, let the fight begin!"

The gong signaling the start of the match echoed through the arena, and the spotlight focused on the two combatants as the crowd held its breath, eager to witness the clash of these two very different warriors.

THIS CHAPTER UPLOAD FIRST AT NOVELBIN.COM