NOVEL NEXT Chapter 204: Meeting
The outside got heated as multiple exchanges between the two sides broke out. On one side was the precious princess of the Mertens family, Laura, facing off against the captain of the Baylands City Patrol Corps' Central Prefecture district branch, Jonathan Oakval. While on the other side was Lucas against the ten City Patrol Corps agents.
"Even though you're a reputed genius, you're still a young girl." Jonathan said as he stared at Laura with his body showcasing the full aura of a peak fifth level Apertures Opening stage stellar practitioner.
Despite his appearance Jonathan Oakval was already in his late 30s and had served in the Baylands City Patrol Corps for over a decade. He had managed to climb his way from the rank of sergeant, a rank for second level stellar practitioners, up until the rank of captain. He was also touted to be the closest existence to a director in the Baylands City Patrol Corps. What this meant was that Jonathan was next in-line to become a director, so long as he broke through to the six level and a slot was made available.
Another way to describe the achievements of Jonathan Oakval was from the fact that he was compared to Laura Mertens. The latter was seen as the greatest genius of the younger generation populace, while Jonathan was seen as one of the greatest geniuses of the Baylands City Patrol Corps and the previous generation before Laura.
The two might seem the same, but there was a clear difference. Whereas Laura was undeniably the greatest genius of her generation, Jonathan was one of the greatest geniuses in his generation. The main reason for this was that he was a late-bloomer, and once he began to soar, the top geniuses —who had started out early— were already ahead. As such, it was impossible for Jonathan to hold the title of number one.
The comparison with Laura made him frustrated, and it was further enhanced by the fact that she was rumoured to be at the fifth level. On one hand, there was frustration, while on the other hand, there was jealousy.
"Don't blame me if you suffer any injuries." Jonathan said as he drew the sword out of the scabbard. Stay connected via empire
This was a high level Grade 3 vestige he had gotten from Prestige Star Ltd, the vestige-smith company run by the Oder family. Jonathan had pulled in a few connections to get this, and he had spent a lot to ensure that the product satisfied his taste.
Although it was only a Grade 3 vestige, just as with the SS vestiges, it could almost compare to a Grade 4 vestige.
Laura saw how seriously Jonathan took the match, but she wasn't scared by this. The armour she had on was a Grade 3 vestige made using nano-technology. Due to both the complexities and the power of the vestige, it was crazily expensive. Only people from top families could afford it, and not just any regular member. She had gotten it as a birthday gift from her father, otherwise even by relying on her allowance, Laura would have been unable to afford it.
The armour could adjust itself to the user's physique, and apart from its defensive abilities, it also provided a boost in strength to the user. It was the best Battle-Armour vestige available on the market. It could only be found in Paros city-state, a city-state on the Groeten continent just like Baylands city-state.
*Whoosh*
Jonathan's silhouette suddenly vanished from the spot, but Laura reacted almost immediately and struck her fist to the space by her left side.
*Clang*
A sword appeared in midair, forced back by Laura's fist.
At the other end of the sword was Jonathan, who tightened his grasp on the vestige and drew it back before brandishing the blade once again.
This time around, Laura moved to grab the sword, but it was as slippery as an eel as it dodged her attempts. Despite that, she seemed unbothered. This was because it was never her plan to catch the sword, but to close the gap between her and Jonathan.
Jonathan noticed this as he abruptly retreated backwards. Laura then switched from capturing the sword to hand combat as she unleashed one devastating blow after another at Jonathan.
Before long, the duo were caught up in a deadly battle as they had no time to face off against others. Even Lucas' stage was filled with a ton of risks, it wasn't yet at the level he couldn't handle.
Meanwhile, the inside of the Mertens family main house, the air was different.
"To what do I owe this visit?" Russell Mertens said to the old man that had walked into his study.
"You should know better, Mr Russell. You broke the code." The old man said with a calm disposition.
"Code? What code? Who made it up and who decided on it?" Russell scoffed at the remark.
He knew what the old man was talking about, but Russell didn't care one bit. The supposed code was a rule where any one interested in Lucas and the Seven Sparks Forge —as well as the vestige-smith behind it— was to hold all discussions in the open and not allowed to drag him off. Threats using those related to Lucas were also not allowed. Everyone was expected to play fair and square, that way, they could handle the final decision easier.
However, Lucas' presence in the Mertens family estate raised the eyebrows of the other families and factions. They couldn't help but want to interfere in the situation right away. Which was why the director of the Baylands City Patrol Corps' Central Prefecture district branch was sent in.
That's right; the old man was a director in the Baylands City Patrol Corps, and not just any, but the one in charge of the Central Prefecture district branch. The degree of power and influence he controlled could make the eyes of many green with envy.
However, seeing as the old man was reduced into nothing but a tool in this conflict, Russell couldn't help but look down on him. In terms of authority alone, a director was close to that of a family head or the second in-command.