"Alright, let's start this." Anon declared as he rose from the roadside.

"Seraphina, did you witness that? His body just emanated a purple glow. It indicates that a Commoner has used a special grade mana potion, isn't it ?" Landon inquired.

"I-I can't fathom this. How can a Commoner like him acquire such an extraordinary potion?" Seraphina questioned, her voice tinged with confusion.

"That's a forgery, he's cheating. He tampered with the potion," a teacher accused, pointing at the screen.

"But sir, you explicitly stated that the potion couldn't be tampered with, didn't you?" a student challenged.

"That—" he fell silent, his shame evident as he lowered his gaze.

Anon activated his skill, <Boundless Velocity>.

[Boundless Velocity] [Spearman Class Exclusive Skill] [C-Rank]

[In the realm of the extraordinary, where limits crumble beneath unwavering determination, resides a skill of unparalleled might: <Boundless Velocity>. With this skill coursing through your veins, you become an unstoppable force, defying resistance as you traverse any terrain with unmatched speed. No longer confined by the laws that bind ordinary beings, <Boundless Velocity> unleashes a torrent of limitless momentum, propelling you beyond the boundaries of what was once deemed possible. Whether navigating treacherous mountains or desolate wastelands, the terrain becomes your ally, surrendering to your indomitable will.

With <Boundless Velocity> activated, obstacles crumble in your wake. Rocks and boulders shrink to mere pebbles beneath your feet, and thorny thickets yield, bowing to your unstoppable advance. Each step resounds with the thunderous echoes of determination a symphony of power and velocity reverberating through the air.]

[Mana: 300/hour]

'If I want to run continuously on this terrain without any stops, I must use this skill; otherwise, the friction of the sand will significantly decrease my speed,' Anon pondered as a faint red glow enveloped his body.

"Ladies and gentlemen, as you can see, Anon has risen once more and employed an unknown spell. Will he resume running, or is there another purpose to his actions?" Landon announced.

In an empty room within the academy...

"Do not release them, i repeat do not release them, you incompetent fools," Seti shouted at a crystal ball resembling the one she shattered before.

"But ma'am, we have already released them. We can't retrieve them now."

"Worthless imbeciles." She spoke as disappointment appeared clearly in her eyes.

Crack

Pfzzzt

Seti shattered yet another crystal ball, her eyes ablaze with anger.

"Anon Agreil, you will pay for this," Seti vowed as she exited the room.

<Stamina Boost>

<Phoenix Ignition>

Crimson flames immediately engulfed Anon's body as he resumed his sprint, leaving behind a scorching trail.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the Commoner named Anon has resumed his run and his flames have returned." Seraphina announced.

"Seraphina, what do you think? Will he be able to catch up with Luna now that she is running several kilometres ahead of him ?" Landon inquired.

"I can't say for certain, Landon, but what I can say is that he won't feel any cold in the desert because he is enveloped in those scorching flames," Seraphina replied.

"That's true. Wait, look over there," Landon pointed at the screen, where Luna was running through the desert.

"What is it?" Seraphina asked.

"I believe there's something beneath Luna's tracks. Look, the sand is shifting," Landon observed.

"Oh, yes, you're right. Could it be a desert viper or a scorpion? Is this the first monster of the tournament?" Seraphina's voice filled with suspense.

'What are these? I can't use any skills while using [Lightning Sprint]; I must avoid any fights for now,' Luna thought as she tried to predict the direction of the first attack from the unknown creature lurking beneath the sand.

'It's keeping pace with me? What kind of creature is this? I've never heard of a creature that can move this swiftly beneath the sand,' Luna contemplated as numerous monster scans flashed through her mind.

Suddenly, the movements beneath the sand multiplied, spreading from one location to several places surrounding Luna.

"Damn it, it has allies," Luna realized as she observed the creatures circling her with matching speed.

"Oh, shit!" Seraphina exclaimed, comprehension dawning upon her.

"What happened, Seraphina?" Landon asked as he understood that seraphina knows something about the creatures that are following luna.

"They are the poisonous golden frogs of Draven desert," Seraphina uttered.

"What? But they went extinct centuries ago. How can they be here?" Landon questioned.

"What poisonous golden frogs?"

"Damn it, Luna's in danger."

"I believe they're about to attack her."

The noble students started discussing the situation fervently.

[Poisonous Golden Frog] [AA Rank Desert Monster]

[Deep within the treacherous Draven Nightshade desert, a fearsome creature lurks—the Poisonous Golden Frog. Adorned in a vibrant golden hue, this monstrous entity evokes both awe and dread in the hearts of those who dare cross its path.

Under the veil of darkness, when the moon's glow casts an eerie light upon the desert, the Poisonous Golden Frog emerges from its hidden lair. With lightning speed, it navigates the treacherous terrain, propelled by muscular legs that allow it to surpass all other land creatures. Graceful yet deadly, it traverses the desert floor, leaving naught but ripples in its wake.

They went extinct 100 years ago due to being hunted for their skins, which were used to make cloth for noble women.]

"Come on, girl, at least dodge their attacks," Seti muttered in a low tone as she focused on the screen before her.

Letti, on the other side, regarded Seti with suspicion in her eyes.

Ribbit

A sudden sound emanated from behind Luna.

As she swiftly turned around, she encountered a colossal creature—frog-like in appearance, golden and adorned with black dots—twice her size, its gaping maw aiming to consume her from behind.

"Fuckkk..." she exclaimed, narrowly evading the attack by shifting her body to the right.

Ribbit.

The golden frog swiftly submerged into the sand as its failed attack and resumed pursuit of Luna with unyielding speed.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Luna is struggling against the golden frogs. These creatures went extinct a century ago, yet they have reappeared somehow. What will Luna do now? Will she fight or flee?" Landon inquired.