Floating Island - Triple S Talent

The muscular man did not attack immediately. Instead of charging in aggressively as expected, he moved to the side, his steps heavy yet measured. His eyes never once left Viola. Though his build resembled that of a brawler who relied solely on brute strength, his actions suggested something different—caution.

His gaze was fixed on a thin slash mark across his chest, a wound that might seem insignificant but was enough to make him think twice. How fast had that attack been? How deep could the wound have been if he had made a mistake? He knew that even the smallest error could lead to defeat.

Viola remained in place, silent and unaffected. The arena's wind blew, causing strands of her hair to flutter gently, yet her gaze remained sharp, as if piercing through her opponent's mental defenses. The sword in her hand gleamed, surrounded by a black aura that clung like a creeping fog, weighing down the air around her. It was as if the void itself was lurking, waiting for an opening to tear her opponent apart.

The muscular man felt an immense pressure, not just from the sword but from Viola herself. She wasn't just an opponent—she was a threat.

His fingers tightened around the hilt of his mace, the muscles in his arms tensed. His breathing remained steady, but beads of sweat began forming on his temples. This was no ordinary duel—this was a battle where mistakes were not an option.

And Viola… she was simply waiting.

"Carter?" Viola murmured softly, her eyes catching sight of Carter standing beyond the arena's protective barrier.

Their gazes met for a brief second before Carter averted his eyes, focusing on the muscular man before Viola.

"Tch… what's wrong with me? Am I not interesting in his eyes?" Viola muttered in her heart, slightly annoyed. But she quickly dismissed the thought. Carter was always like this. There was no point in dwelling on it.

Her focus returned to the opponent before her. The muscular man remained still, only shifting slightly to the side, carefully observing Viola's every move. There was no sign that he would attack first.

"Coward… I'll end this."

Without hesitation, Viola activated her sword skill. The black aura surrounding her blade suddenly erupted, transforming into a raging dark fire.

The crowd roared in excitement. All eyes were locked onto the battle, eagerly anticipating how the muscular man would respond to this devastating attack.

BOOM!

Suddenly, the man slammed his massive mace onto the platform floor. Large cracks spread from the impact, and in an instant, chunks of stone flew into the air. With monstrous strength, he punched each fragment, launching them at Viola like cannon-fired projectiles.

Slash!

Viola effortlessly slashed through the flying debris. Her black flames burned through the air, slicing each projectile as if they were nothing more than butter under a hot knife.

"Such powerful flames…" the muscular man muttered, though there was no fear in his voice—only admiration.

A faint smile crossed his lips. He stood upright, slowly extending both arms, tracing circular motions in the air. His muscles began to pulse, his body trembling slightly, and then, gradually… he grew larger. Every fiber of his muscles expanded, reshaping him into an even more fearsome figure.

"A giant?" Carter murmured, eyes widening.

His gaze shifted immediately to Viola, a wave of concern washing over him. Compared to the man who had now grown into a three-meter-tall giant, Viola's figure seemed so small, so fragile.

Yet something felt off.

Viola slashed in every direction, but none of her attacks seemed to have any effect. The audience began murmuring in confusion.

"What is she doing?"

"Has she lost her composure?"

From the other side of the arena, spectators from the Cui race, who were rooting for the giant, began cheering and shouting for Viola's defeat.

ARGH!

The giant roared, stomping the ground so hard that the entire platform trembled violently. Then, with a massive leap, he soared into the air, raising his colossal mace high above his head.

One strike—this single blow could crush Viola in an instant.

Carter clenched his teeth, his body tensing outside the arena.

"Viola…!"

Viola stared up at the descending giant, his body ready to slam down with unimaginable force. But instead of fear, a faint smirk appeared on her lips.

"Release."

The moment the word left her lips, streaks of sword light flashed through the air. Sharp lines of energy traced across the giant's body as if fate itself had carved them. For a brief moment, his movement froze mid-air, then—

BOOM!

The duel platform shook violently, cracks spreading from the impact site. Blood began seeping from dozens of slashes covering the giant's body, his flesh torn open, his breath ragged.

His eyes widened, filled with sheer shock and fear. "H-hot…" he muttered, his voice hoarse with pain. These weren't ordinary cuts—he could feel the dark flames crawling over his wounds, burning not just his flesh but his very will.

Viola lowered her sword, her expression indifferent. "Surrender… or you'll be nothing but scraps of meat."

There was a hint of pride in her voice, as if her victory was absolute. Yet for a brief moment, her eyes flickered toward the outside of the arena, searching for someone.

Carter.

The man was watching her with an unreadable expression—perhaps awe, perhaps a hint of fear. Viola caught that gaze, and for some reason, a flicker of warmth stirred within her chest.

On the other hand, Carter let out a long sigh. "Tch… she's such a pervert," he muttered under his breath, more to himself than anyone else. He always knew Viola was strong, but seeing her fight firsthand? That was a different level. His eyes scanned the giant's wounds—Viola's strength didn't just physically overpower her opponents; it crushed them mentally as well.

What if this woman became my wife!?

The thought surfaced out of nowhere. Instantly, a chill ran down his spine.

Viola narrowed her eyes as if she could read his mind. "Huh?" Her sharp gaze held suspicion.