MTLNOVEL Chapter 284: Chapter 284: Air Refraction, Mirage?
"It doesn't consume much aura, but the effect is impressive."
"Is this the result of the Son of the Dragon's special training?"
"It works well against the Son of the Beast."
"But against me, it's useless."
The Son of the Star quickly analyzed the situation in his mind. He took a deep breath, steadying himself.
As the prodigy of the Fiora Kingdom in this era, the Nirvana Conference held immense importance for the three of them. The tournament's rankings would significantly impact their future.
The higher the rank, the better the rewards in the third stage of the Nirvana Conference.
Son of the Star's gaze shifted toward Kaizen in the audience.
"What's the background of this Zoldyck family member?"
The Son of the Star felt a twinge of curiosity. The royal family of Fiora rarely sought out external training partners. They were formidable in their own right.
But the second reason was even more compelling—Kaizen was from the Zoldyck family, the world's most renowned assassin lineage. Anything that held the title of "world's best" was bound to be exceptional.
Above the arena, a thunderous roar erupted.
The Son of the Beast pounded his chest fiercely.
Boom! Boom!
In the next moment, his massive figure sprang into the air before crashing down heavily.
Boom!
The impact shook the entire arena.
Crack!
The floor fractured, transforming into uneven rubble.
For someone of the Son of the Beast's immense size, such terrain changes posed no challenge. However, for Wendy, it meant reduced mobility. The Son of the Beast clearly aimed to limit Wendy's agility.
At the same time—
ROAR!
A piercing sound erupted from the Son of the Beast's throat. The shockwaves spread violently.
Outside the ring, a middle-aged man quickly activated his aura, forming a protective barrier to contain the sound waves. Even so, some residual waves slipped through.
Kaizen instinctively covered his ears.
"This technique... It reminds me of Uvogin from the Phantom Troupe."
"The Son of the Beast's abilities so far align with those of an Enhancer."
"Strength, defense, sound-based attacks... they all resemble Uvogin's techniques."
"I wonder—if they were to fight in the future, who would be stronger?"
From the stands, a well-dressed middle-aged man shook his head.
"That kid..."
Wendy, being the closest to the attack, was the most affected. Her body momentarily hesitated.
The Son of the Beast grinned, seizing the opportunity. In an instant, he appeared behind Wendy, his massive hands poised to strike. There was no room for her to escape.
"Son of the Dragon, this time, I will win!"
"Running away won't change anything!"
"You can hit me a thousand times—"
"But I only need one to take you down!"
A deafening impact echoed across the arena.
But something felt off.
The Son of the Beast realized that his hands had closed around empty air. He turned his head in confusion—only to see Wendy standing behind him.
"Blade Storm!"
A concentrated surge of aura swirled in Wendy's hands.
In the next instant, she dashed forward.
Countless wind blades shot out.
Shing! Shing! Shing!
A series of wounds appeared across the Son of the Beast's body.
Wendy raised her hand again. This time, a massive cross-shaped wind blade formed and slashed across the Son of the Beast's chest, carving two deep gashes that exposed bone.
His massive frame collapsed backward.
Boom!
The Son of the Beast hit the ground hard.
His body rapidly shrank, reverting from a towering ape-like form to his human appearance. The medical team, wielding their Nen abilities, rushed in to tend to his injuries.
He blinked in disbelief, his brows furrowed.
"What... just happened?"
"I know I landed that hit."
"Why was it empty?"
"When did she move behind me?"
The Son of the Beast was utterly baffled.
He wasn't alone.
The audience, as well as the Son of the Star, struggled to understand the situation.
From their perspective, the Son of the Beast had never even aimed directly at Wendy. His attacks had always landed slightly to her side.
This only deepened the mystery.
"Was it some kind of illusion?"
"But he only took minor injuries earlier—his mind shouldn't be affected."
"Why would the Dragon Dojo train in hallucinatory techniques? That's not their style."
Only Kaizen knew the truth.
Wendy wasn't using illusions at all.
She was manipulating vision itself.
By utilizing air refraction, she distorted the Son of the Beast's perception of her position.
Kaizen had mentioned this technique to Wendy during a sparring session. Intrigued, she had experimented with it. However, mastering such a skill was incredibly difficult.
Even after extensive training, Wendy had only managed to grasp the basics.
But in the right moment, even a fraction of mastery could be decisive.
This time, she had experienced its full potential.
Because it altered vision, not just her physical form but even Wendy's aura signature was affected by refraction. No matter how skilled the Son of the Beast was, he couldn't see through it.
The second match began.
It was far more intense than the previous ones, though it lacked the sheer spectacle of Wendy's battle with the Son of the Beast.
The difference in skill levels between these two fighters wasn't as pronounced as between Wendy and the Son of the Beast.
The Son of the Star emerged victorious.
However, he had revealed something unexpected—two Nen Beasts.
One was already known.
The second was a humanoid creature with a scorpion's lower body.
"The first resembles a Taurus."
"The second... looks like a Scorpio."
"I have to admit—these Nen Beasts are powerful."
"Their strength is undeniable."
"As for who would win between Raiken and Akutagawa Ryunosuke, that remains to be seen."
"Judging from the Son of the Star's abilities, he seems to counter Wendy well."
"Especially with that second Nen Beast."
"No wonder Dominica was wary."
"Now, it all depends on how Wendy responds."
Kaizen's eyes locked onto Wendy, seated on the players' bench, waiting for her turn.
------------
+285 chapters on patreon.com/FanficsHub