Demon King: Hero, don’t run away!

The seconds ticked by, and the staff of the Dragon God Tournament were in position, ready to kick off the first match at any moment.

The invited giant dragons had already transformed into human forms and took their seats in the best viewing platform, chatting and laughing with each other, sharing their thoughts on this Dragon God Tournament.

”From the statistics, this Dragon God Tournament seems far more interesting than the previous ones.

Competitors of such caliber are quite rare in history.”

”It’s definitely going to be interesting. Who do you think will win?”

”I think it will be the next leader of the Wind Wolf Clan. Their race is quite notable in our Dragon God Evaluation Country.”

”I, on the other hand, think it should be Lorand of the Shadow Hand Clan. Their clan’s abilities are very special. The grouping is also very favorable to him. He probably won’t encounter any strong opponents before the semifinals to expose his true strength.”

”I think so too.”

”I heard that the Colorful-haired Masked Man, who was once active in wars between the two countries, also participated in this Dragon God Tournament.”

”Him? His performance is also something to watch closely.

It’s just that his grouping... it’s hell-level difficulty for anyone, forcing him to give his all in every match.

Exposing all your strength early is a very risky thing.”

”How he adjusts after exposure is also one of the highlights.

We’ll see his performance soon enough.”

The conversation among the giant dragons didn’t last long as the host returned to the center of the high stage, enthusiastically announcing:

”Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your patience. The first match is about to begin.

We have arranged the schedule so tightly that it’s bound to dazzle all the spectators.

Please, don’t be too anxious.

First, let’s welcome the contestants into the arena.”

Applause erupted like thunder, as the audience couldn’t wait any longer.

The host continued to stir the atmosphere, raising his right hand, his voice excited and high-pitched,

”Coming from the east, breaking through the preliminary round, is contestant Yang Yu.

He is the leader of the newly formed S-Class adventure group, and his strength remains a mystery.”

Yang Yu walked up to the stage with a relaxed expression, greeting people amid the applause of the audience.

”Now coming from the west is contestant Dian Wen from the All Things Library.

As everyone knows, the All Things Library is a gathering place for magicians.

Anyone who can receive an invitation from there is absolutely extraordinary.”

Amid the applause of the audience, a black-haired, green-eyed young man strode onto the stage. He was dressed in a purple long robe, with a name tag on his chest bearing three golden pentagrams, and holding a wooden magic wand over three meters long.

Dian Wen hadn’t changed much compared to two years ago, quickly reminding Yang Yu of their encounter back then.

But to say Dian Wen hadn’t changed at all would be incorrect.

Opening the panel, Yang Yu felt something was amiss. He looked at Dian Wen, then glanced back at the panel, almost doubting his eyesight…

Why would a mage have over three thousand in strength?

Could it be that he added points incorrectly?

”Both contestants to the center of the stage.”

Following the referee’s command, Yang Yu and Dian Wen walked to the center of the combat stage.

The match hadn’t started yet, but Dian Wen’s gaze pierced directly at him, revealing an exceptionally amiable smile, ”I didn’t expect my first opponent to be you... you’ve received the challenge letter, right?”

Yang Yu nodded. ”If you want to avenge your past defeat, then bring it on. I’m much stronger now than two years ago.”

”I definitely know that.”

Every word from Dian Wen brimmed with indescribable confidence,

”I am also different from two years ago.

After facing you, I pondered over many things and finally discovered the Secret Technique of a mage.

I am thrilled that you will witness the new me.

Being my first opponent, I don’t have to overthink how to conceal my strength to meet you.

Today, I will demonstrate the fruits of my two years of training for you.”

Yang Yu drew a shield, ”Then let me see it all.”

”No problem!”

Dian Wen responded enthusiastically, using magic to suspend the wooden staff in mid-air, subsequently performing a sideways-chest bodybuilding pose.

In an instant, a powerful aura erupted from Dian Wen, tearing his upper garment into shreds.

Dian Wen’s figure swelled to twice its size, with countless bulging muscles forming unimaginably perfect curves.

Anyone who saw these beautiful curves would be irresistibly drawn to feel those solid muscles.

Yang Yu stood still, bewildered.

Was this Dian Wen a type of person who looked slim in clothes?

Or did Dian Wen have some giant genes?

Why did a mage suddenly turn to martial arts training?

Amidst a storm of thoughts, Yang Yu didn’t let any of it show on his face, calmly asking, ”Is this the result of your two years?”

”Exactly!” Dian Wen, confident and spirited, picked up the magic wand as if it were a casual stick, assuming an aggressive posture, ”From that day on, I realized that ordinary mages have limits, and if they encounter an enemy who can seal magic, they’d be doomed.”

”I get what you’re saying, but it’s a risk every high-damage mage must accept,” Yang Yu scratched his cheek, ”I still think honing magic is more reliable than suddenly switching paths.”

”No! The body is the only thing we can truly rely on, and muscles will never betray us!” Dian Wen assumed a horse-riding stance, ”Today, I’ll defeat you to prove that my chosen Secret Technique is correct. Bring it on!”

Yang Yu had nothing to say, so he drew his sword from its sheath, ready to fight.

”Everyone to their positions!”

Seeing that the conversation between the two had concluded, the referee raised his left hand, his loud voice resonating in every corner of the arena,

”Begin!”

With the referee’s command, Dian Wen, not holding a martial arts stick, but a magic wand, took a deep breath,

”[Advanced Physical Enhancement Magic]

[Advanced Attack Enhancement Magic]

[Body Coordination Optimization]

[Surge]

[Attack Magic Enchantment]

...”

Dian Wen remained motionless, chanting as if he was reciting spells, continuously applying various enhancement magic to himself, with various attributes climbing rapidly at speeds visible to the naked eye.

Yang Yu was not Iyas; he had no skill to dispel others’ buffs.

If he didn’t attack now and waited for Dian Wen to complete all his buffing spells, he would inevitably face a tough battle.

Without further hesitation, Yang Yu swung his long sword, appearing beside Dian Wen in the blink of an eye.

A red light pierced into Yang Yu’s hand, coating his sword blade with an orange-red glow.

And all of this, Dian Wen had long anticipated.