Under the pillar of light, Jenny and Max, who were also fighting monsters on the other two stages next to Skyler's stage, looked at him with clear concern.
However, there was also a hint of frustration on their faces.
Jenny pursed her lips, shocked to see Skyler break through. She wanted to talk to him and understand how he had surpassed his limits. But the pressing issue right now was that the longer he stayed on the stage, the more he was putting his life in danger.
With so many individuals, as a 2-star, he wouldn't be able to fight back. It was clear she had to go down and help him, and she would. She had already made a big mistake; she couldn't afford to make another one!
Just what kind of older sister would do what she did? She has to make amends.
Max was just as surprised as she was. Knowing Skyler's potential, he couldn't help but wonder if, after separating from them, the young man had discovered a treasure while escaping the monster wave.
Skyler's injuries were also healed, so it was evident that he had found something good that helped him create his first elemental crystal and enhance his potential.
"Still, it's good that he's fine. Jenny would have never been able to forgive herself. But he should get off the stage. He has already been seriously injured."
He would extend an apology on behalf of the whole team and invite Skyler to rejoin their group, and this time, he would ensure that no harm came to him.
Max sighed and struck the 7-star winged fire and wind crocodile monster before him with his blade. Earth walls rose in front of the creature to absorb its attacks.
He was at the initial stage of 6-star and could barely keep up with the monster. To make it even more difficult, he had to keep an eye on Skyler so he could leave the stage to help him when he went down.
If only Skyler could hear them, he would have laughed. Who asked for their help? He never! If they wanted to help, why didn't they just give him a weapon?!
Skyler's breathing was erratic. He gasped as another injury piled onto his body.
His elemental crystal was empty, so he couldn't even use Evol anymore.
505 flashed a warning screen in front of him, more anxious than he was.
("Host, you are gravely injured! You need treatment! It's best to leave the stage!")
He shut his eyes for a moment.
"I don't want to..."
He was being stubborn, and he knew it. But there was no way he was leaving the stage just because others wanted him to!
Due to his injuries, his speed slowed down, and another thunderbolt struck him. Blood trickled down his shoulder, and a wry smile lit up his lips as he glanced at the lizard.
He had inflicted significant damage on its whole body with his fists, but that still was not enough to take it down.
The laughter and taunts of all the people surrounding his stage echoed in his mind like an incessant buzz. Many were even saying he deserved to go through this.
He hated it.
He despised feeling so weak.
Why couldn't he even defeat one of the weakest beasts? A mere 3-star beast?
Why did they have to mock him just because he was weaker? All this was very similar to the day he awakened.
The curt remarks, the snickers, the comments about how pitiful he was—they were all things he had already endured.
He always claimed he was fine with being an ordinary person whenever his parents asked him. But the truth was, he wasn't.
He wanted to become a powerful Light! In this world where the strong rule, he wanted to be one of them! Why would he want to remain at the bottom of society?
His emotions were spiraling, and the fact that he knew he had no choice but to go down the stage did nothing to help.
Skyler staggered back from the lizard, and everyone thought he would finally leave the stage; he wanted to do the same.
No one noticed when both of his eyes glowed black. The dark hue was creeping into the crystal-like blue hue, but before it could manifest with a whistle, a gray spear, with sparks of lightning crawling along its body, landed just inches away from him.
Skyler blinked as he stared at the weapon. Silence enveloped the scene, and then the crowd erupted into curses, shouting which idiot threw the spear onto the stage.
Zack also cursed under his breath, his frustration bubbling to the point where he felt like pulling his hair out.
While everyone looked around to find the bastard who threw the spear onto the stage and bury him underground, Skyler hurriedly moved forward and grabbed the spear.
The lightning crackling on its surface did nothing to harm him, and with deftness, he attacked the lizard with all his strength. The monster cried out and tried to retaliate, but he took out the spear and stabbed its body multiple times in quick succession.
He only stopped when the lizard's body disintegrated into essence that flowed into his body. Breathing heavily, he dropped to his knees, using the spear he had stabbed into the ground for support.
As the essence healed his injuries, alleviated his fatigue, and enhanced his strength, his eyes darted through the crowd to identify who had thrown him the spear.
"Who was it...?"
He muttered, scanning the surroundings, but even the crowd around his stage was unable to identify the person.
Austin's frustrated voice echoed.
"Who was it? Show yourself! Why the hell did you throw him a spear? Damn it!"
Zack also rolled up his sleeves, ready to strangle the person who threw the spear.
He was even willing to come out of his hiding spot just to do that! Unfortunately, when the spear was thrown, everyone was focused on Skyler, so no one was able to see which direction it came from.
While everyone in the crowd was busy accusing one another, Skyler's eyes met a figure standing among the trees.
A pair of crimson eyes, resembling red rubies, stared back at him, and his heart skipped a beat before quickening its pace. The first word that came to his mind was beautiful. So beautiful.
A flawless, snow-white face imbued with a hint of icy coldness in her features and soft pink lips. Long, flowing white hair cascaded down her shoulders, and a pair of iridescent wings shimmered gracefully behind her.
Skyler wanted to shout a thank you because, seeing the sparks of lightning around her hands, he was convinced she was the one who had thrown the spear. But the moment she met his gaze, she jolted and hurriedly walked away.