Chapter 1043: Zoltan
It was none other than Zoltan, the current strongest genius of the demon race. His cultivation had already reached the third cycle of life and death within the Divine Rank, a level of power that placed him far beyond most experts in the Middle Domain. His arrogance was not empty posturing but born of true strength and unmatched talent.
For the humans, his appearance was a bitter reminder of the difference between their race and the demons. Even as their side celebrated Max as the brightest human genius ever born, the demons sent forth a prodigy who had already stepped into the Divine Rank.
When Max had went to Lower Domain for a few days to have a talk with Lucien, Zoltan had already made his presence felt in the Middle Domain. During that time, he issued challenges to the peak geniuses of the human race and fought them one after another.
These were not ordinary talents but the most exceptional figures nurtured by the Seven Overlord Forces. In the end, all of them were defeated by Zoltan’s hand, and not one could claim victory.
The battles had shocked those who had witnessed them. Although the geniuses of the Four God Nation had not taken part in those duels, the fact that Zoltan had defeated the best of the Seven Overlord Forces by himself was a feat that spoke clearly of his terrifying strength. His cultivation, already at the third cycle of life and death of the Divine Rank, made him far beyond what humans could contend against at that age.
In the Middle Domain, the word "true genius" was reserved only for those who had reached the Divine Rank or Mythic Rank while still under one thousand years old. It was a standard that filtered out mediocrity and marked only those who could truly influence the balance of power in the world.
By that measure, the twin demons did not even qualify as geniuses. They had lived for more than a thousand years, and while their strength was overwhelming, their talent did not belong to the same category as the new generation of rising stars.
Zoltan raised his chin, his crimson eyes sweeping across the humans gathered in the arena. His voice carried a mocking tone as he said, "Last time I fought against the geniuses of the human race, not one of them was able to last ten moves. I hope this Max proves to be more interesting." His words were laced with scorn, his smile sharp and cruel.
What he spoke of had been carefully kept hidden from the masses. The higher ups of the human race had ensured that his victories over their young elites never reached the wider world. They knew that if such news spread, the morale of the human race would collapse further.
To know that the strongest genius of the demon race had effortlessly swept through the best of their own youth would only plant despair and chaos in their hearts.
Aden’s expression remained calm as he stepped forward slightly, his gaze steady upon Zoltan. "You should also challenge the geniuses of the Four God Nation. I believe you would find that experience more... appropriate," he said evenly.
Zoltan tilted his head and smiled, his sharp teeth glinting in the light. "Oh, do not worry. That day will come soon. It will not be long before I challenge the so-called peak geniuses of the human race. When that time arrives, they will fall one by one, just as the others did."
The atmosphere grew heavier, the air thick with tension. The humans clenched their fists, their pride burning under Zoltan’s open mockery, while the demons smirked in satisfaction at his arrogance.
Just then three figures descended from the sky and landed heavily within the battle arena. Two of them were cloaked in black flames that rippled like living shadows, and the third was wrapped in a dark red aura that churned like a storm of blood. The impact of their arrival sent a faint tremor across the reinforced arena, immediately drawing the attention of both sides.
The humans who had gathered outside the arena erupted in noise the moment they recognized the leading figure.
"Look, is that Max? But didn’t he have white hair before? What happened to him?" one shouted, his eyes wide with shock.
"Yeah, I saw his photos all over the extranet. His hair was white back then, but now it looks red for some reason," another replied, equally stunned by the transformation.
Others spoke more cautiously, their gazes fixed on the aura surrounding Max. "His cultivation is still only at the first level of the Legend Rank. I really don’t know if he stands a chance against the twin demons. The difference between their realms is far too wide."
But almost immediately, their doubts were drowned out by voices filled with conviction and fire.
"We should support him regardless. His homeland was destroyed by the demons, and yet he still accepted the challenge and came to fight them. That kind of courage is rare. Not everyone would dare to do what he is doing now."
Another voice rose above the crowd. "Go and kill those demons, Max! Show them what the number one genius of the Middle Domain is capable of!"
The cries grew louder, rising into a roar that spread like wildfire among the humans. "Kill them all! Slaughter every single one of them!" The chants echoed across the Black Rock Region, filling the air with feverish anticipation.
Even though the protective runes surrounding the arena prevented the audience from hearing the conversations within, they could still see clearly what was happening. To them, Max’s arrival was enough to ignite their blood and remind them that humanity still had a fighter who dared to stand against despair.
Inside the arena, Aden stepped forward and allowed himself a rare smile. "You are here," he said, his gaze fixed on Max. He could feel it immediately. The Max standing before him was not the same as the boy from a week ago. Something had changed in him, something profound and dangerous.
Max’s crimson eyes swept past Aden without lingering. His voice was steady and cold as he asked, "Where are the twin demons?" His gaze locked on the demon ranks where Varian, Demon Master Bellion, and Zoltan stood.
Before Varian could answer, Zoltan stepped forward with a sneer curling across his lips. "Oh, are you so eager to die?" His tone was mocking, filled with arrogance and disdain.
Max turned his eyes on Zoltan, and his reply was calm yet cutting. "You should pray for them. Truly, pray for them."
For a moment, Zoltan froze. His smirk faltered as his crimson eyes met Max’s unwavering gaze. What he saw unsettled him deeply. It was not the determination of a human genius nor the reckless bravado of youth.
In Max’s eyes, he saw absolute arrogance, the kind that came only from someone who carried unshakable confidence. He saw the disdain of a sovereign who looked upon his enemies as insects, the certainty of one who believed he could never be defeated.
Even Zoltan, the most gifted genius of the demon race, felt a chill crawl through him. ’This human... He is interesting.’
Now he understood why the humans referred to Max as the one with the highest potential ever born among their race.