The Celestial Player: Conquering the Tower of Gods

Chapter 18: The Phantom's True Power

The Arena of Kings had never been this quiet.

Jin stood face to face with Xenos, the Rank #2 fighter, who had just removed his mask, revealing piercing violet eyes filled with calm detachment.

For the first time, Jin had landed a hit on him.

For the first time, Xenos looked interested.

The system chimed.

> [Xenos has acknowledged you as a worthy opponent.]

[Battle Restrictions Lifted – Full Power Unlocked.]

Jin exhaled, feeling the pressure in the air increase tenfold.

Aerin muttered from the stands. "Jin… be careful. He wasn't even fighting seriously before."

Jin smirked. "Then it's about to get fun."

Xenos closed his eyes for a moment—then opened them again.

The entire battlefield darkened.

And then—he vanished.

---

The Shadow Duel Begins

Jin's instincts screamed.

Xenos wasn't just moving fast—he had completely erased his presence again.

But this time, Jin could track him.

> [Void Hunter Activated.]

Perceive the unseen. Strike the intangible.

Jin dodged at the last second, twisting his body as Xenos' sword sliced through empty air.

A burst of violet energy erupted from the blade, cutting through the stone floor like butter.

Jin didn't hesitate—he countered instantly.

> [Skill Activated: Heaven-Shattering Strike!]

His golden-red fist shot forward, aiming for Xenos' ribs.

BOOM!

But—Xenos caught it.

Jin's eyes widened. What?!

Xenos tilted his head slightly. "You're good. But not good enough."

And then—he struck.

---

A Battle Between Ghosts

> [Skill Activated: Void Requiem]

A technique that allows the user to phase between existence and non-existence, making their attacks unpredictable and unavoidable.

Xenos moved like a phantom, weaving in and out of reality itself.

Jin barely managed to dodge one strike, only for Xenos to reappear from another angle.

SLASH!

A sharp pain shot through Jin's shoulder as Xenos' sword finally landed a clean hit.

Blood splattered across the stone floor.

Jin gritted his teeth. I can't rely on normal counters anymore.

He needed to match Xenos' unpredictability.

And then—it clicked.

> [Skill Evolution: Void Hunter → Chaos Step]

Your movement becomes unpredictable, making you just as untouchable as your enemy.

Jin smirked. Now we're even.

And then—he vanished.

---

A Clash of Shadows and Lightning

For the first time, Xenos' expression shifted.

A flicker of surprise.

Jin appeared behind him, his foot already swinging toward his ribs.

CRACK!

Xenos staggered slightly, but recovered almost instantly.

His violet eyes locked onto Jin.

And then—he smiled.

> "Good. Let's end this properly."

Xenos gripped his sword with both hands. The air around him rippled, reality itself bending under his power.

> [Final Skill Unlocked: Oblivion Edge]

A technique that severs all connections—space, time, and energy. A single strike that cannot be blocked.

Jin exhaled. I have to counter it directly.

He activated every skill he had at once.

> [Final Skill Unlocked: Celestial Annihilation]

The fusion of all power—divine, physical, and chaotic. A strike that defies all absolutes.

The moment stretched.

The arena walls cracked. The sky above split apart.

Xenos swung.

Jin swung.

And then—

BOOOOOOOOOM!

A shockwave devoured everything.

The system glitched.

> [ERROR: UNKNOWN FORCE DETECTED.]

[OVERRIDE… OVERRIDE… OVERRIDE…]

The crowd was blinded by the light.

And when it finally faded—only one warrior remained standing.

The system spoke.

> [Victor: Jin Seol!]

[Ranking Updated: Jin Seol – Rank #2]

The arena exploded in chaos.

Jin stood over Xenos, breathing heavily. His whole body ached.

Xenos let out a quiet chuckle from the ground. "Well… looks like we found our next King."

Jin smirked. "Damn right."

But before he could celebrate—

A voice interrupted.

"Don't get ahead of yourself."

Jin turned—

And saw the Rank #1 fighter finally stepping forward.

The true king of the Arena.

> [Phase One Progress: 25% Complete.]

---

End of Chapter 18