Chapter 110: Stage for the Talented
Rowan was shocked. What the hell is going on? Why is she even engaging in such a long conversation? And for some reason... she’s awfully gentle. he thought.
"Well, I just want to see how far I’ve reached. I know you’re stronger than me, but still," Velqira continued.
"Alright, that’s fine," Rowan replied.
She nodded and turned, walking away.
"Now, all of you—step forward and pick your partner for sparring," the instructor announced. "If you don’t choose, I’ll assign one for you.
"We want to see who stands at the top of this class—Swordman, Sword Saint, Sword Lord, and Sword God. Let’s see your level."
Students began stepping forward one after another.
Velqira glanced at Rowan and gave a small nod. She didn’t step forward immediately but instead wrote both of their names down.
Daryl and several others did the same.
After a while, everyone finished.
"Good. It looks like you’re all done," the instructor said. "Now, take your seats in the stands."
The students moved up to the viewing area.
"First match—Daryl versus Kori. Sword Lord versus Sword God. Step into the arena."
Daryl jumped down from the stands into the arena below.
Kori followed, landing smoothly.
Both of them drew their swords.
"Are you ready?" the instructor asked.
Daryl nodded.
"And you?"
Kori nodded as well.
"Then... fight!"
Instantly, their auras flared.
Kori’s yellow aura burst outward, bright and intense.
Daryl’s red aura surged just as strongly.
In the next second—
They vanished.
Clang!
Their swords collided at high speed.
"Wow!"
The students in the stands were stunned.
"They’re so fast!"
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The two moved rapidly, blades striking again and again, sparks flying with each collision.
Then—
Kori lifted his leg and launched a kick toward Daryl’s stomach.
Daryl reacted instantly, shifting his stance and deflecting the strike with his sword.
The impact forced both of them slightly off balance.
Daryl recovered first.
He dashed forward, seizing the opening, and swung his blade toward Kori’s shoulder.
Kori’s eyes sharpened.
He raised his sword just in time—
Clang!
He blocked the attack.
The two slid back slightly, their blades still locked.
Then they separated.
Facing each other again.
Auras flaring.
Swords raised.
Ready for the next exchange.
"Oh, really? I didn’t realize you were this strong," Daryl said.
"We’re the same. I didn’t think you’d be able to keep up with me," Kori replied.
"Nah... you must be joking, right?" Daryl smirked slightly. "I’m a Sword God."
Kori smiled. "And yet, you struggled against a Sword Saint when you first got to the academy."
Daryl’s expression darkened.
"You bastard..."
He dashed forward, his aura surging even stronger.
Kori moved at the same time.
Clang!
Their swords collided again, sending a heavy shockwave through the air.
The pressure in the arena thickened as both of them were pushed slightly backward.
Then, without hesitation—
They rushed forward again.
Clang!
Another powerful clash.
Before they could continue—
"That’s enough."
The teacher stepped forward, his voice firm.
"You both pass. You’re strong enough. There’s no need to continue."
The tension in the air faded as both of their auras slowly died down.
Daryl clicked his tongue, still frowning as he looked at Kori.
Kori simply smiled back at him.
Without another word, the two of them turned and walked back toward the stands.
"Wow... those two are truly talented," the teacher said. "They’ll definitely be participants in the class-to-class battles."
He glanced at the list.
"For the next match... this one is interesting. Jimmy, a Sword Lord, versus Virgo, a Swordman. Both of you, step into the arena."
The two stepped forward.
They smiled at each other.
Friends.
They shook hands lightly before taking their positions.
Virgo smiled.
Jimmy smiled back.
Both raised their swords.
"Start!"
Clang!
Their blades met instantly.
Auras burst out from their bodies.
Virgo’s white aura surrounded him.
Jimmy’s yellow aura flared brightly.
They rushed forward again—
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Their swords clashed repeatedly as they moved faster and faster.
"Wait... he’s just a Swordman!"
"And he’s keeping up with a Sword Lord?!"
The students in the stands were shocked.
Even the teacher raised a brow.
Virgo, just a first-year Swordman, was moving incredibly well. His skill made up for what his blessing lacked.
They separated—
Then charged again.
Boom!
Their swords collided with force.
Virgo suddenly went low, aiming for Jimmy’s leg.
Jimmy reacted instantly, jumping into the air.
As he landed, he swung his sword toward Virgo’s neck.
Virgo flipped backward, landing smoothly.
But now—
He was breathing heavily.
Everyone could see it.
He was getting tired.
Even so, the entire arena was impressed.
"Getting tired already, bro?" Jimmy said with a grin.
Virgo exhaled. "Yeah... maybe. But that doesn’t mean I’m losing this time."
He tightened his grip on his sword.
"Every time we spar, you’re the one who wins... but not this time."
Jimmy smiled.
"Then come."
They both dashed forward.
Clang!
Virgo parried Jimmy’s strike, deflecting a blow aimed at his neck.
Then—
In the next instant—
Jimmy vanished.
Virgo’s eyes widened.
Jimmy reappeared at his blind spot, right behind him.
His sword stopped just at Virgo’s neck.
"Looks like I win," Jimmy said calmly.
Silence—
Then applause erupted from the stands.
Virgo smiled, lowering his sword.
"Yeah... I lost," he admitted.
Even the teacher clapped.
"Impressive. Very impressive," she said. "You’re a Swordman, yet you performed at this level. Your talent is exceptional."
Virgo scratched the back of his head, smiling awkwardly.
"Thanks..."
The two of them turned and walked back to the stands, taking their seats side by side.
"Wow... you students are even more talented than I expected," the teacher said. "Truly impressive."
She glanced down at the book in her hand.
"Next... Neville, a Sword Saint, versus Jolly, a Swordman. Still a good pairing. Even if their blessings aren’t the strongest, this should be interesting," she added in a lower voice.
Just then—
The large doors creaked open.
A man stepped in.
Tall.
Broad.
Clad in heavy armor.