E-Rank or SSS-Rank: I Awakened a Skill That Shouldn't Exist-Chapter 142: Final Match

Chapter 141

"Are you nervous?" Ronan asked, glancing sideways at Han.

Han shook his head, expression calm.

They were seated in the preparation room just a few meters away from the stage. The muffled roar of the crowd seeped through the reinforced walls like a heartbeat growing louder.

Truth was, Han was nervous—but not for the reason Ronan assumed.

He wasn’t worried about losing to Jay. In fact, Han was confident in his victory.

What made his heart race was something deeper. Would the Evol Shard truly buy his aunt more time? Would it delay the inevitable until a cure was finally found?

He clenched his fists, forcing a breath through his lips, willing his rising anxiety to settle. It will work out, he told himself. It has to.

Ronan gave him a nod before stepping out, leaving Han alone with his thoughts.

A few minutes later, the announcer’s voice echoed through the corridor, calling Han to the stage.

He rose, every step heavy with pressure and purpose.

As he stepped into the arena, the stadium erupted in deafening cheers. Waves of applause and shouts rang through the sky, shaking the very air around him.

The stage had undergone a dramatic transformation. No longer made from simple alloys, it was now constructed from a fusion of advanced metals and enhanced steel. The analyzer in Han’s eye revealed layered reinforcements and newly strengthened barriers—upgrades made to contain whatever destructive power would unfold in the final match.

To an average observer, it just looked like a sleeker, sturdier platform. But to Han, it was clear: this was a battlefield built to withstand titans.

Because today marked the grand finale.

The strongest human below Class S would be crowned, and the victor would walk away with the rare and coveted Evol Shard.

The air was electric, almost toxic with excitement. The crowd was wild with anticipation.

Jay was already standing in the center of the arena, calm and collected, his eyes closed as if meditating—or simply listening to the roar.

All around the edge of the stadium stood those who had fought valiantly in this tournament of power. Elexa, Balor, Kalen, Blazer, Little One, Silver Wing, Ronan, Stopper... Even Almighty had returned to watch.

Each stood at a distance, not just as spectators but as warriors paying silent respect to whoever would claim the championship today.

But not everyone was there.

Aiden—Han’s closest friend—was still missing. Despite every effort to find him, there had been no trace. Han refused to accept the worst. He’s alive, Han told himself. He has to be.

Clara was absent as well. Han figured she was still out there, searching for Aiden. And he supported that—wholeheartedly.

Then there was Argon. His absence was permanent now. Ronan had seen to that.

Ranz the Cruel, too, remained missing—likely still recovering from the psychic destruction he’d suffered.

And finally... the Null.

Han’s brief but intense battle with that figure had taught him two harsh truths:

First, there were beings in this world so far beyond him it was laughable.

Second, the Null hadn’t cared about the tournament. Not about the Evol Shard. Not even the title of champion.

So then... why had he come at all?

Han had no answer. The Null had disappeared, leaving only questions in his wake.

Han nodded toward the familiar faces around the stage. Some flashed him bright, encouraging smiles. Ronan tried too—but his grin was still as unnerving as ever, more like a serial killer trying to look friendly.

Almighty, on the other hand, wore the biggest smile of them all—not because of pride or support, but pure relief. The man was just happy to still be breathing after surviving this chaotic, unforgiving tournament.

Han stepped onto the stage and locked eyes with Jay, who offered a calm smile. Han returned it with a forced one of his own.

He didn’t actually hate Jay. Not really. But he did have a couple of reasons to be on edge—one in particular.

His sister.

"Tell me," Han said as he approached, his tone light but loaded, "how do you know my sister?"

Jay met his gaze. "We met a while back. During a mission."

"What exactly is between you two?" Han asked, still smiling, though his eyes betrayed something sharper.

"We’re friends," Jay replied casually.

"Just friends?" Han’s eyebrow arched with clear skepticism.

Jay nodded without hesitation, but then paused. His eyes flicked back to Han, and a realization clicked in his mind.

Before Han could let out a breath, Jay added, "I don’t know... We might decide to take it a step further."

Han’s smile froze. His expression twitched—just a bit.

"I’ve just decided," Han said flatly, "that I’m going to beat that dirty thought out of your head."

Jay chuckled and dropped into a fighting stance. "You’re welcome to try."

The crowd erupted in cheers as the announcer’s voice boomed across the stadium, introducing the two finalists—not that they needed much introduction. Both had left indelible marks on this tournament.

Some spectators believed Han would simply overwhelm Jay with his fearsome flame abilities. Others whispered about Jay’s impossible streak—this was the guy who had taken down two members of the A6 and even toppled the so-called indomitable Almighty. Sure, some argued Almighty had been exhausted... but the win still counted.

Now, all eyes—those of the common people, the Awakened, the Class S Heroes, and the previously eliminated contestants—were locked onto the stage. No one dared blink.

The announcer grinned. The tension in the air was a living thing.

With a dramatic snap of his fingers, a thunderous bang rang out.

"Let the final match of the Tournament of Power... begin!"

Han and Jay tensed, ready to clash—

But another BOOM suddenly echoed through the arena, louder and sharper than the first.

The audience gasped as a section of the arena wall exploded inwards, debris flying.

Han’s eyes narrowed. He recognized the figure stepping through the smoke and rubble.

Floating above the ground in her sleek, partially tech-enhanced battle suit was Clara, her signature pink eyes blazing with fury. A tech drone hovered beside her, projecting her voice across the stadium for all to hear. freёnovelkiss-com

"Han," she called out, her voice urgent, "it’s him. Drake Voss is the leader of the Cursed Organization."

Silence fell like a hammer.

Her words dropped over the stadium like a bomb—and the entire crowd became eerily silent.

---

To be continued...

Here’s the Chapter, guys!

Don’t forget to vote and comment! 🔥💬

Visit freewe𝑏n(o)v𝒆l.𝑐𝘰𝑚 for the best novel reading experience