Just then, a series of notifications popped up in front of Evan, issued by the spirit of the monster tower.
"The third challenge of the trial has been completed!" the notifications read. "You may now proceed to the fourth challenge or ascend directly to the 7th floor of the tower."
Just then, a portal appeared in the middle of the arena.
Evan wasted no time and stepped into the portal, transporting himself back to the backroom, where he readied himself to take on the fourth ancestor by abusing the power of his amulet to recover his strength and stamina. He pushed open the bright white door with red stripes and stepped into the arena, where the next challenger awaited him.
'He seems awfully familiar.'
Evan couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity with the opponent that stood before him in the arena. Although his features were slightly immature, highlighting his young age, Evan could recognize him immediately.
'It is undoubtedly Ethan Frost.'
Evan was taken aback by this unexpected revelation. He had always believed that Ethan was the strongest among the five founders and had anticipated facing him behind the fifth door of the backroom. But reality proved otherwise, as Ethan stood before him behind the fourth door of the backroom.
Ethan met Evan's gaze, and a small smile played on his lips. "I am well aware of what I myself am, and I can feel that my blood flows in your veins. You must be a direct descendant of mine." Ethan remarked, his voice carrying a sense of pride. His chest swelled with pride as he felt good knowing that someone as strong as Evan was his descendant.
"Yes," Evan replied, meeting Ethan's eyes. "I am your great great grandson."
Ethan's expression softened, and he teased, "I didn't expect I would have such a cute little descendant."
A feeling of warmth spread across Evan's cheeks, causing him to blush as he heard Ethan's comment. Evan had heard many stories about his ancestor's playful nature and teasing ways, but he never expected to experience it firsthand. Meeting his ancestor in person and being teased by him was something he never thought possible!
Although taken aback at first, Evan found solace in the knowledge that his bloodline had a strong tie to a highly esteemed and influential figure in their history. Standing tall, he felt prepared to confront any challenges that Ethan might have in store for him and prove himself deserving of his ancestral heritage.
Ethan's expression turned serious as he looked at Evan. He said firmly. "I don't want to harm my own blood. I won't be engaging you in a battle to the death. Instead, I will give you three opportunities to attack, while I myself will only defend. If you manage to kill this clone of mine in those three moves, it will be my defeat. But if you fail, you should accept your defeat like a gentleman and use the power of the rune on the back of your hand to leave the Monster Tower."
Evan listened intently to Ethan's proposal, realizing that this was a fair way to settle their challenge without causing any harm to himself.
"Thank you for giving me this opportunity, Ethan. I will do my best." He nodded in agreement, accepting the terms set by his ancestor.
Evan inspected Ethan carefully, trying to get a better understanding of how exactly strong he was. As he focused his attention on his ancestor, a screen suddenly appeared in his mind, displaying Ethan's stats and abilities as if he were a game character:
Ethan Frost
Level: 12
Soul Manifestation Realm
Strength: 100
Agility: 96
Stamina: 99
Soul Plate: Nullify
• A special-type soul plate that nullifies the cost of all skills used by the user.
Skill Crystal: Copycat
• A crystal that allows the user to copy any skills they see being performed before them.
• Copied skills can be used as long as they are in the user's skillset.
The statement "copied skills can be used as long as they are in the user's skillset" means that Ethan can only use the skills that he has copied and added to his skillset. In other words, he cannot use any skill that he has not yet copied or any skill that is not within his current skillset. Once he has copied a skill and added it to his skillset, he can use it at any time, as long as he has the necessary energy or resources to perform it, but that was not a problem as his special-type soul plate, named Nullify, would allow him to perform any skill in his skillset without any cost!
Evan's eyes widened in shock as he read the details of Ethan's abilities on the game-like screen in his mind. "Damn, this is too broken," he exclaimed.
He had expected it, but he still couldn't believe the power that his ancestor possessed. The combination of Ethan's Nullify soul plate and his Copycat skill crystal made him an almost unbeatable opponent.
Evan formulated a plan to beat Ethan. He decided not to use any of his movement or defensive skills and instead go all out with his attack in the very first move. Evan knew that his movement skills were too good, and if Ethan copied any of them, it would be difficult or even impossible to defeat him.
It should also be mentioned that the plan was centered around the element of surprise, which Evan was sure would catch Ethan off guard.
Thunderous Blade Wave!
He brandished his sword, and the blade began to glow with a shimmering blue light.
Whoosh!
An icy cold arc flashed into existence, and as it traveled towards Ethan, the chill emanating from it cast a layer of frost on the arena.
The attack was incredibly fast, but Ethan managed to dodge it with a simple but equally fast leap to the side.
However, the arc took a sudden turn towards him.
Seeing this, Ethan felt so shocked that his eyes widened in surprise, and profanity left his mouth. "The fuck?!"
