Landlord World - Start with SSS talent-Chapter 279: Alex vs Austin

Even though the system didn't specify that granting Void energy to someone else could fail, Noan knew the risk was real.

He understood this because, when he first gained Void energy, his body had undergone dramatic transformations.

New cells were generated to adapt to the new energy source.

His body had changed in order to allow him to wield Void energy easily.

But he had the 'Immortal' talent—so he was able to accept Void energy without any difficulties at all.

Austin was different.

Right now, Austin was enduring unimaginable agony. Just watching, Noan could sense how horrifying the pain must be.

After a while, Austin sat still on the ground, no longer moving.

The transformation process gradually slowed. The layer of Void energy enveloping Austin's body also began to dissipate.

Noan sighed, murmuring, "Looks like… he failed. I'll have to think of a reason to tell Billy about his son's death… What?!"

Just as he spoke, Austin's body suddenly began to change dramatically.

The Void energy surrounding Austin grew denser, transforming into a column of light that shot up to the sky.

At the same time, his body rapidly regenerated, becoming flawless.

The severed arm was replaced by a new, purple arm—or rather, it wasn't an arm at all.

It was a mass of Void energy, gathering into the shape of an arm. On the outside, it was covered in armor that looked like random shards of metal pieced together.

His body didn't turn purple; instead, it took on a red hue, like molten lava. freewёbnoνel.com

Austin slowly rose to his feet, looking at both hands—especially his left.

He clenched his fists, closed his eyes, and focused on the torrent of strength flowing through him.

At the same time, Noan quickly opened Austin's status screen to check.

…

Name: Austin

Role: Slave

Class: Void Fighter

Level: 00/05 (0/1,000 Void Crystals rank F)

Description: Austin has assimilated Void energy, and his body has transformed to suit his abilities.

Currently, Austin's Void energy possesses the property of 'Heat Capacity,' containing the power of fire and magma.

Note: Austin's status as a Lord has been revoked after accepting Void energy.

Now, Austin can only level up through you; he cannot act as an independent Lord.

…

Noan was stunned by the notification. So Void energy could actually take on different attributes?

Heat Capacity? What was that?

Noan had no idea, but from reading it, he sensed this power could be terrifying.

But even more noteworthy was that Austin had lost his qualifications as a Lord and could only exist as a normal person.

That didn't really matter.

After all, Austin was already surviving solely thanks to the troops Noan lent him—more precisely, Urlgan and Urlgug.

He didn't have the ability to summon Heroes or build his own army anymore.

So his situation was even more dire than people realized.

Losing the ability to be a Lord and having to rely on Noan for leveling up was a big deal, but he now possessed a new strength.

A power that anyone would covet.

Austin let out a long breath, then knelt down, lowering his forehead to the ground, and said respectfully and sincerely, "Thank you, Master. I swear to become your sword."

Noan asked, "Austin, you've lost your Lord status. Do you accept that?"

Austin smiled and replied, "Master, compared to being a useless Lord, I actually prefer this new state."

Noan could tell Austin's thoughts were the same as his own, so he didn't ask further.

What mattered now was… Alex and Caleb.

Noan glanced at them and saw the mixed emotions in their eyes as they watched Austin.

Confusion, disbelief, utter astonishment, jealousy, admiration…

All of these emotions were written clearly on their faces. Especially Caleb—his face and eyes were filled with envy and longing.

Alex could hardly believe what had just happened.

Austin's arm hadn't just grown back—it seemed to have become an even more terrifying weapon.

Could he really help someone gain a power even more terrifying than his own? Alex wondered to himself.

His confidence and pride began to waver. The thing he trusted and was most proud of was his talent.

But after witnessing everything that had just happened, he felt cracks starting to form in his confidence—cracks that threatened to shatter it completely.

But immediately, he shook his head, thinking: No, there must be some reason or condition behind this. There's no way someone could just grant others such overwhelming power.

Still, Alex could sense just how terrifying Austin's strength was now.

But he didn't want to believe that his SS-rank talent was inferior to a power someone else had received.

Gritting his teeth, Alex suddenly shouted, "Austin, fight me!"

His voice rang out loud and clear, echoing across the entire territory, drawing everyone's attention.

Noan glanced at him, then at Austin, and nodded lightly.

With the master's permission, Austin was just as eager to see how powerful he'd become.

He grinned confidently. "Good! I want to test out my new strength too."

Hearing Austin's confidence, Alex felt even more irritated.

The two of them moved to the center of the courtyard. Noan called out, "You can go all out, as long as you don't kill each other."

With a wave of his hand, a dome of space and Void energy appeared, enclosing a 100-meter radius around them.

Standing before Austin, Alex frowned. "You just got your new power. You're not my match."

"Hahaha, we'll see. You scared?" Austin shot back with a smile.

Austin's words stabbed straight at Alex's pride, making him furious. "Ah! Hope you don't lose too quickly."

"And I hope you can handle the power Master has given me."

Watching them square off, Noan let out a silent sigh.

Let's see what happens when a real Fate Holder clashes with a mysterious one.

That's right—Noan now considered Austin a hidden Fate Holder.

After everything Austin had endured, and given his personality, Noan was certain that if Austin wasn't a Fate Holder, then he was at least someone chosen by Fate itself.

"Begin!" Noan shouted.

Immediately, Alex vanished.

Austin was startled and looked around but couldn't see any sign of Alex.

A split second later, Alex reappeared behind Austin and swung his leg at Austin's back.

BAM!

"So you want to fight me? You'd better go train mo— What?!" Alex was still speaking with contempt when he realized his kick hadn't landed on Austin's back.

Instead, Austin's left arm had swung behind him, blocking Alex's kick.

Austin then spun around and aimed a kick at Alex's stomach.

But Austin's movements were still clumsy; every action revealed flaws.

Even so, his speed was incredible, and his strength and defense were overwhelming.

Alex raised his arms to block Austin's kick, only to immediately sense that something was wrong.

What is this… What kind of monstrous strength is this? Alex cursed inwardly, and then—

BAM!

A shockwave exploded. Alex was sent flying more than ten meters, rolling across the ground before finally coming to a stop.

Strangely, Austin didn't rush in to finish him off. He just stood there, smiling. "Shall we continue?"

Gritting his teeth, Alex felt as if Austin was mocking him. His anger only grew.

"Bastard! Don't look down on me!"

Alex stomped hard on the ground.

BAM!

The spot where he landed caved in, and his body shot toward Austin like a cannonball.

Austin frowned and raised his left arm to block, but Alex, like a leaf caught in the wind, suddenly twisted in midair and changed direction in a bizarre way.

He soared above Austin, then lashed out with a kick aimed straight at Austin's head.

BAM!

The kick struck, causing the ground beneath Austin to collapse, spiderweb cracks spreading outward as dust billowed through the air.

Alex instantly leaped back, putting distance between them.

As the dust settled, Alex stared in shock at the scene before him. "No way!"