E-Rank or SSS-Rank: I Awakened a Skill That Shouldn't Exist-Chapter 97: The Almighty

Chapter 97

The atmosphere tensed the moment Han laid a hand on Elexa. Her guild members, who had been standing a fair distance away, immediately surged forward, ready to strike. But Balor raised his hand, signaling them to stop. They obeyed—reluctantly—but their weapons remained drawn, their gazes sharp, ready to attack at a moment’s notice.

The tension climbed higher and higher, crackling like static in the air.

Then, a calm voice cut through the pressure like a blade through silk.

"What’s going on here?"

Everyone turned.

A man approached, his presence commanding silence. He had long, wild, unkempt brown hair that fell past his shoulders. A black trench coat billowed slightly as he walked forward, and his brown eyes held a weight that made hearts falter.

The instant his figure was recognized, everyone—Elexa’s guild members included—bowed deeply in respect. Even Elexa lowered her head. Strangely enough, they showed more reverence to this man than they did to Elexa herself.

This was no ordinary person. This was The Beast—an S-Rank powerhouse, officially ranked No. 2 among the world’s heroes.

Though officially second to the famed "Gold Walker," many whispered that The Beast was the real No. 1, and that the Gold Walker was either retired, dead, or just a legend propped up by the higher-ups. Others claimed the reverse—that The Beast was a decoy for the true strongest.

Rumors aside, the man standing before them was no illusion. He was real—and he was someone everyone feared and respected.

Han immediately released Elexa and bowed, mirroring the others. Elexa did the same.

Then came the unexpected.

When The Beast calmly asked what had happened, it was Elexa herself who stepped forward to explain. What shocked everyone was not just that she took responsibility—but that she openly admitted fault.

"I let my emotions get the better of me," she said, her voice clear. "Han was not to blame. I ask for his forgiveness."

Han blinked in confusion, glancing at her. Was this real? She even smiled at him—sweetly—and extended a hand.

Navi, observing closely, whispered to Han mentally, "There’s no sign of deceit. She’s being honest."

Still skeptical, Han hesitated, then nodded. Elexa cheered softly and shook his hand, her attitude now the complete opposite of the earlier aggressiveness.

It was baffling.

She was definitely unstable, Han thought. But even he had to admit—her speed and combat instinct were impressive.

As Elexa turned away, she smiled over her shoulder.

"Let’s finish this properly in the ring."

She walked off, flanked by her brother and guild members.

Han could only sigh and shake his head.

"She’s insane," he muttered under his breath.

Then, The Beast turned his gaze toward Han.

"So, you’re the rumored ’Fire God’?" he asked, his voice both calm and heavy.

Han stiffened and looked up, nodding slightly. Despite everything he had been through, he couldn’t help feeling nervous. This was his role model, second only to the mysterious Gold Walker.

To his surprise, The Beast didn’t press further. Instead he nodded then his gaze slowly shifted—to Aiden, who stood quietly at Han’s side.

"That thing you did earlier—show me again," the Beast said, turning to Aiden.

Aiden blinked, confused at first. "What thing?"

Then it hit him—he had instinctively transformed his hands into sharp clawed weapons during the earlier skirmish. Nodding, he flexed his fingers, and with a subtle surge of energy, his hands morphed into their bladed form once more.

The Beast leaned in, studying the transformation with an intrigued glint in his eyes. He gave a small, satisfied nod, then reached into his coat and pulled out a black card engraved with golden markings.

"Hold on to this," he said, handing it over. "We have something to discuss after the tournament." ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom

Aiden took the card with trembling hands, his eyes gleaming like he’d just received a divine artifact.

"First I became Lord Tech’s ’brother’ by title, and now this?! The Beast himself just gave me his card?" He grinned like a child in a candy shop. "Can today even get any better?"

But just as the moment settled, a collective gasp swept through the crowd.

The atmosphere shifted again. Murmurs, whispers, and excited chatter spread like wildfire. Aiden turned to see what had caused the stir.

His smile faltered.

There was no S-Class hero walking in. No one from the famed A6. Just a man.

"Who’s that?" he asked, nudging Clara.

She shrugged. "No idea."

But then, from the crowd, a voice—tinged with obsession—rose above the others.

"That’s him! That’s Crona Tom!"

Aiden raised a brow as the murmuring intensified.

According to the fanboys, the man was an awakener—one who refused to join any hero guild, yet continued to save lives, eliminate threats, and clear high-level portals on his own. There were even claims that he had once cleared a red-class portal solo... without taking a scratch.

His feats had earned him a title, whispered with awe and disbelief:

"The Almighty."

Clara turned her gaze toward the man they now called Almighty. He had a tall, well-built frame, a short, well-groomed beard, and long black hair braided down his back. He walked with the grace of royalty and the calm confidence of someone who knew exactly how powerful he was.

Something about it all rubbed Clara the wrong way.

"Empty pots make the loudest noise," she muttered.

"Wait... do you think he’s here for the World Tournament?" someone whispered nearby.

"Of course," another replied in a hushed tone. "Why else would someone like him show up?"

"If he enters the tournament," the first voice replied gravely, "then the rest of the participants might as well forfeit. There’s no way anyone’s beating him."

Han had heard enough.

He’d been listening in silence, soaking up the rumors, the hype, the borderline worship. But now, he had to see for himself. He activated his Analyzer Eye and locked onto Crona Tom.

A moment passed.

Then Han’s smile twitched.

And faded.

"What the actual hell...?" he muttered.

> Name: Crona Tom

Skill: Luck

Rank: E–S

Description: Your luck can range from catastrophically bad to absurdly good. Worst luck at E, best at S.

Han’s eye twitched violently.

"What in the seven hells is this?!"

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To be continued...