I Ascend Alone-Chapter 72: Strategy Briefing Part II

My fingers twitched. "Dominion?" I muttered

That was dangerously similar to something I had.

Was this creature connected to the Abyss? If so, then I had more reason than anyone to be there.

Darius took control of the conversation again. "The plan is simple: we go in, neutralize the Abyssal Tyrant, and close the dungeon gate before a break occurs. Failure is not an option."

He let the weight of those words settle before adding, "Now, any questions before we proceed with squad assignments?"

I leaned forward, my voice cutting through the room.

"What does it take to get approved for the strike team?"

Dozens of eyes turned toward me.

Darius didn't react, but I saw the slight shift in his stance. He had expected me to ask.

After a brief pause, he answered. "Your case is still under evaluation, Ryzen Kael. But given your unique... history, the final decision will be based on your combat capabilities."

Alastair Crowe spoke up for the first time, his cold gaze locking onto mine. "A trial will be arranged. If you guys pass, you'll be approved as a full participant."

Alastair Crowe's gaze remained unreadable as he continued, his voice sharp and precise.

This content is taken from freeweɓnovel.cѳm.

"The trial will be held immediately after this briefing. All participants must prove they are capable of contributing to the strike force."

A murmur spread through the hall.

I wasn't the only one being tested?

Alastair's next words answered my unspoken question.

"This does not apply solely to Ryzen Kael. Any hunter who does not meet the official S-rank classification will undergo the same trial. If you cannot meet the required standard, you will not be part of this operation."

I caught the subtle shift in the room. A few hunters, likely high A-ranks aiming to get in, tensed at the announcement.

Leon clicked his tongue beside me. "Tch. Looks like they're not taking chances."

Made sense. This was an SS-rank dungeon—the highest level of threat known to the world. Letting in unqualified hunters, no matter how promising, would be a liability.

Darius stepped forward again, arms crossed. "All candidates will undergo the trial under strict observation. No exceptions."

His gaze swept across the room, landing on me for just a second longer before moving on.

"The trial will be a direct combat assessment. Your opponents will be handpicked by the Association to evaluate your abilities in real-time battle scenarios. If you fail to demonstrate sufficient skill, endurance, or adaptability, you will be disqualified."

Alastair gave one last look at the gathered hunters before nodding. "Briefing dismissed. Trial candidates, report to the training grounds immediately."

With that, the room erupted into movement.

Leon turned to me, arms crossed. "Think you'll be fine?"

I smirked. "You sound worried."

He scoffed. "Not worried—just wondering how big of a mess you're gonna make."

I chuckled but didn't deny it.

The moment I stepped into the Association's training grounds, I could feel the shift in atmosphere.

Hunters gathered in a semi-circle around the designated trial area, their gazes sharp with focus. Some were sizing up their competition. Others were trying to mask their unease.

Among them were several high A-rank hunters—each one hoping to secure a spot in the SS-rank raid. But if they weren't already S-rank, that meant they lacked the raw qualification.

They'd have to prove they were worth the risk.

And so would I.

Leon walked beside me, his expression unreadable. He wasn't participating, of course—he was already confirmed for the strike team. But he was watching.

No doubt, so were the Association's top brass.

At the center of the field, Alastair Crowe stood alongside a group of instructors. Each one was a veteran hunter with years of experience.

"Listen up," Alastair's voice rang out, silencing the murmurs. "The trial will be simple. You fight until you're either disqualified or deemed worthy."

A few hunters shifted uncomfortably.

"Your opponents will be elite combatants chosen by the Association. No complaints, no excuses. If you can't hold your own here, you have no business stepping into an SS-rank dungeon."

His cold eyes swept over the gathered hunters before he continued.

"The fights will be one-on-one. No use of external artifacts or support items. Only your own strength matters."

Alastair's gaze swept over the crowd before landing directly on me.

"Ryzen Kael. Step forward."

I stepped onto the combat field, rolling my shoulders, my instincts sharpening. Across from me, one of the Association's elite hunters strode forward.

He was a high A-rank, maybe even touching low S-rank. His presence alone told me this wouldn't be an easy fight.

He cracked his knuckles, eyeing me with interest. "Ryzen Kael, huh? You've been making waves lately."

I tilted my head. "That a problem?"

He smirked. "Not at all. Just means I get to see if you're worth the hype."

Alastair's voice cut through the tension.

"Begin."

The moment the word left his mouth, my opponent vanished.

My instincts screamed—an incoming right hook.

I leaned back, the punch grazing my chin as I sidestepped at the last second.

His stance shifted, already preparing a follow-up. He was experienced.

I activated Phantom Tyrant, my figure blurring as I closed the distance.

A threw palm strike to the ribs, and he barely twisted to block, but I was already moving again.

A feint. I pivoted, dropping low, and drove my elbow into his gut. The impact sent a shockwave through his body, forcing him back a step.

His breathing hitched, but I didn't give him time to recover.

Surging forward, I caught his wrist and twisted—forcing him off balance.

He gritted his teeth and tried to counter, throwing a knee toward my side, but my instincts had already seen it.

I stepped into his blind spot, and my palm slammed into his sternum, sending him skidding back.

After that, silence came for a quick moment.

He gasped for air, his stance wavering. His hand instinctively went to his chest—his breathing was still steady, but he wasn't attacking.

I exhaled, shaking my hands loose. It was over.

Finally, my opponent let out a breath and raised a hand. "I surrender."

Alastair's voice rang out. "Pass."

I stepped back, rolling my shoulders.

From the sidelines, Leon smirked. "Not bad. A little flashy, but not bad."