Since the beginning of the Competition of Kingdoms, Nox had taken note of all the skills displayed by the participants. However, he didn't find any suitable skills; they were all mediocre at best. Nox figured that the others weren't going all out from the beginning and only displayed their medicine skills at the start. However, some of the skills were pretty useful. These skills were the elements themselves: lightning manipulation, fire manipulation, water manipulation, shadow manipulation, light manipulation and earth manipulation. And then, there was also the light construct Lumi had created and the flame prince Starlight's flames. Nox's eyes gleamed, and he couldn't help but want to leave the stadium already. There were just two hours left, and he needed somewhere more secluded to play with his system. Since there was nothing left to do, Nox told the others that he was going to check something out, then activated Divine Velocity, disappearing in a blur of golden and blue lights. He weaved through the crowd effortlessly and disappeared amidst the cluster of ice buildings, heading toward the direction of the royal castle. "Damn, and he's gone," Drake said, shaking his head as he watched the direction Nox had left in. He had wanted to ask where the latter was heading, but even before his lips could fully part, Nox had already covered so much distance. "Well, he's probably going to the castle. We'll meet up with him later. For now, let's go ask the officials when the finals will be held." Drake waved his hand, gesturing for the rest of the Frostpire team to follow him. Naturally, as long as the team won, even if an individual participant forfeited, that team could still make it to the next round. It was the rule of the competition, so even though a few of their teammates were eliminated in the last round, they could all still compete. While the Frostpire team approached the burly stern officiator somewhere less crowded, Valkor was staring in the direction Nox had gone with wide eyes. Valkor was known to be calm and indifferent, always carrying himself with an air of pride and exuding an air of royalty, yet after witnessing Nox's immense speed, that facade crumbled without resistance. "I... I couldn't follow up," Valkor gasped, his fist trembling slightly in shock and something more... anger. "That kid will be very troublesome, Valkor," Elise whispered beside her childhood friend, her eyes flashing with a strange gleam. Her thoughts were unknown; however, even though she seemed to be in a trance, Valkor, who was beside her, could see longing in her eyes. Elise's sexual preference was something Valkor still grappled with, even though he had known her for eternity. But he figured it had to do with strength. Elise was a battle freak by nature—she was attracted to ruthlessness. Her last boyfriend had been like that before he died in the war against the Scourge Alpha Dragons. 'Does she somehow see him in that boy?' Valkor's eyes gleamed dangerously, and his fist slowly clenched, purple flames dancing around his arms. It was subtle, so subtle that Elise failed to notice. 'It seems I'll have to get rid of him in the competition and end her feelings,' Valkor thought. 'It's for her own good. If not, the Supreme Dragon Court will be the one to deal with her.' "Well, the match will be held two days from now. This is because we want both sides to have enough respite," the match officiator said to Drake and his teammates. Naturally, from their position, both Elise and Valkor heard him as well. 'In two days' time… just you wait.' --- Nox arrived inside his chambers, which were located at the top floor where the royal family of Frostpire resided. The Frostpire Ice Castle was an architectural marvel. Nox had heard it was built by the previous king, but the plan was drawn by the current king, Dracos. 'There are about 100 floors in total, and there are also stairs and, most surprisingly, lifts that are very similar to elevators back on Earth.' Nox's impression of the king increased even more with each passing moment. He arrived inside his lavish chambers some time later and shut the door behind him. Alone, he let out a satisfied sigh as he sat beside the chair close to the giant arch window overlooking the city, whose skyline was dominated by dragons of all kinds due to the competition. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮 "Let's do this." Nox cracked his neck as his gaze swept through the recorded skills. His fingers moved purposely to the first one, which was the flame manipulation skill. --- Original: [Flame Manipulation] 10x Upgraded Version: [Infernal Dominion: Emperor of Everblaze (Ultimate-tier)] Absolute command over flame. The user can ignite the battlefield with "Everblaze," flames that never extinguish until the target is reduced to ash. Grants immunity to fire and heat and allows summoning of flame beasts or erupting volcano zones. The ultimate move, "Solar Annihilation," rains down meteor-sized fireballs fused with divine and infernal energy. Mana Cost: 1000 MP per use | Cooldown: None --- As expected, the upgraded version was very impressive, and a rare genuine smile that came from his heart appeared on his handsome features. 'Do you wish to claim this skill or bestow it to a pet?' 'Claim, of course,' Nox said with a slight click of his tongue. At his answer, he felt a surge of power coursing through him. It was brief, but when Nox closed his eyes, he could sense two conflicting energies inside him in the shape of light—one was blue, while the other was orange. It was the ice and the fire. The two energies, as if possessing some sort of subconscious, distanced themselves as if they were enemies who had known each other from the womb. "Huh, strange," Nox scratched his head when he saw the reaction of the flames. He had planned on merging his skills together to deliver powerful combos to those unfortunate enough to stand against him. He would find a way to sort the issue out. The next skill was... --- Original: [Light Manipulation] Upgraded Version: [Radiant Sovereignty(ultimate-tier)] Harnesses the divine essence of light itself. Grants control over blinding flares, laser beams, holy seals, and constructs made of pure light. Can purge darkness, nullify illusions, and burn through magical defenses. At full power, summons a "Solar Judgment" beam from the sky. Mana Cost: 1000 MP | Cooldown: 10 minutes --- Original: [Lightning Manipulation] Upgraded Version: [Storm God's Wrath(Ultimate-tier)] Allows absolute control over thunder and lightning. Unleashes continent-splitting lightning strikes, chain arcs that paralyze armies, and creates storm fields that amplify speed and reflexes. Can call down "Judgment Bolts" from storm clouds created by the user. Mana Cost: 1000 MP | Cooldown: 15 minutes --- Earth Manipulation: Expired Wind: Expired Water: Expired Shadow expired. Exp.... 'Hmm… seems I need to copy the skills all over again.' Nox mumbled to himself, not discouraged at all. Though a few skills had expired, Nox wasn't too worried about it, as he was still in the Dragon Realm and wouldn't be leaving anytime soon. Now there were only two left—it was the light construct Lumi had created and the infamous Starlight Flames. Nox felt the very fibers of his being tremble with excitement. He was looking forward to the upgraded version of this skill, especially the dreaded Starlight Flames, which had scared the Lightning Prince into submission right away. It was the moment of truth!