Even Niall, ranked fifth on the Martial Rankings, had been crushed. Anyone else would be walking straight to the grave.

Watching the scene, Aurelius felt desperation roil inside his chest.

If no one could defeat Atorn, they would surrender the Ritual Manual and leave level six as promised. He swept his gaze across the crowd until it settled on Yuliana.

Yuliana stood among the crowd, her face calm, a steadfast light sparkling in her eyes. Sensing Aurelius’s stare, she lifted her gaze, met his, and answered with a confident nod.

“Yuliana, I’m counting on you,” Aurelius murmured.

A blur flickered. Yuliana landed at the center of the arena.

Facing Atorn, she said, “Allow me to keep you company for a while.”