One-Eyed Monster

Igor hunched over, retching and spitting out a mouthful of bitter bile.

In a short time, his chest and back had been subjected to multiple heavy blows, and he had no inkling of when or where the attacks originated.

If all the fights Igor had experienced previously were minor squabbles, then this time he was truly facing an attack from high-level Adventurers with Class.

Arnold was a combat-type Hunter, who not only possessed impeccable Stealth Ability but also incredibly advanced Physique Technique. The Physical Technique Attack he had just unleashed upon Igor was the most basic form of boxing, and he had not used his full strength.

Igor was completely incapable of fighting back and was not yet worthy of Arnold using his full strength. This kind of exploratory punch was enough.

Could it be this young man's Physique Techniques are so poor? Although Arnold was reluctant to think so, the reality before him was that Igor was utterly defenseless and had been knocked to the ground in just a few hits.

With such attacks, it was difficult for Igor to seek help from the old woman deep within his heart. This was a reaction rooted in Nothingness, a sheer resilience to the blows; the old woman, even if she wished to, couldn't help him because she couldn't take the punches for him!

WHAM! BAM! THUD! Igor was battered from all sides by Arnold within this Time Gap. This was merely a Physical Technique Attack under Stealth Ability. If it had been a Physical Technique Attack delivered via a Time Leap, this boy named Igor would likely have already perished and entered the Eternal Tranquility Realm.

However, being able to withstand the mental assault within the Time Gap is a testament to this Igor's capability. It's an honor for him to truly face me and accept the blows from my fists. This way, I've fulfilled Lord Xiso's request and completed the task my mentor assigned me. I've thoroughly tested this young man. The conclusion seems obvious: this boy, Igor, is somewhat special, but he's still not qualified to meet the Great Mentor.

Just as Arnold thought the test could end, he suddenly saw Igor, who was lying there, shakily get to his feet.

"Again!" Igor spat out another mouthful of bile and roared, seemingly fully prepared this time.

He doesn't know what's good for him, Arnold muttered, clenched his fist, reactivated his Stealth Ability, approached Igor, and aimed a punch at his abdomen.

However, this time, he felt as if he had struck stone.

"Heh, a Spirit Wall!" Arnold scoffed. "But it's useless." He slightly increased the force of his punch, and Igor's Spirit Wall instantly crumbled.

"You can't predict my attacks. Blindly erecting a Spirit Wall is just a waste of Spirit Power."

"Hmph! Dual-faced Monster, coward! You don't dare show yourself!"

"Words can't provoke me," Arnold said. "On the battlefield, there's no distinction between cowardice and bravery—only survival and destruction. Without that understanding, you're not worthy of being my opponent." Arnold saw Igor's blazing eyes and suddenly felt that perhaps this young man still had some hope. So, he thought to provoke Igor further. Youngsters are hot-blooded; they're bound to get riled up when taunted.

However, Igor didn't take the bait. He didn't retort, nor did he impulsively swing his arms around wildly. Igor simply maintained his defensive stance, as always. Of course, within this Time Gap, effectively controlling one's Spirit Power to form a defensive stance is already quite difficult.

"Again!"

"I'll oblige you!"

BOOM! Igor was knocked down by Arnold again, but he seemed to possess incredible resilience and stood up once more.

Arnold threw punch after punch, each one carrying more force than the last. But the boy named Igor always managed to block them with his Spirit Defense.

What a waste of Spirit Power! Arnold thought. This young Igor, in his youthful impetuousness, doesn't understand the value of Spirit Power and is squandering it. So what if he can block my attacks this way? Once his Spirit Defense shatters, won't his body still be sent flying by the shockwave of Fighting Aura from my punches? It's fortunate this is the Time Gap, with no solid objects around. If there were rocks or blades, wouldn't he suffer serious injuries? Youngsters… truly too impulsive.

Although Arnold admired Igor's indomitable spirit, he couldn't bear to watch this wasteful use of Spirit Power. He even felt a little reluctant to continue. He had considered reducing the force of his punches, but on second thought, he dismissed the idea.

Because this boy, Igor, was chosen by the Great Mentor. If he isn't taught a lesson now, it will waste the Great Mentor's time later. Moreover, if this boy can't even endure this level of attack, then he's merely ordinary, and there's no need for him to meet the Great Mentor. Of course, I could end this with a single blow, but then I wouldn't be a qualified Examiner. I need to push Igor to his limits step by step. Only thus can I live up to the Great Mentor's commission. So, right now, I can't end it with one strike, nor can I go easy on him and let him pass just like that. I can only use progressively stronger attacks to slowly stimulate Igor's potential. Of course, in my heart, I already believe Igor has reached his limit. My current level of attack should be enough to make Igor collapse. Perhaps by increasing the force by just one more level, Igor will be sent flying.

Because Arnold could sense Igor's Spirit Wall shrinking; clearly, his Spirit Power was running low.

"Now, it's time to end this!" the hidden Arnold declared, gathering his full strength, and launched a punch at Igor.

CRACKLE! That was the sound of the Spirit Wall shattering. Arnold's punch was packed with power, and the resulting shockwave of Fighting Aura sent Igor flying a great distance.

This boy Igor should be unconscious now and shouldn't wake up this time. It's about time to leap out of this Time Gap… Huh? Wait, why is he still moving? Could my attack have been too light? Impossible. I sensed his Spirit Power was completely depleted. That punch should have been enough to knock him unconscious.

However, things didn't unfold as Arnold had imagined. Igor, swaying, stood up yet again.

"The fight isn't over yet…" Igor wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Again!"

Huh? Arnold was astonished. Is this kid indestructible? Or was I too careless just now? Regardless, I absolutely cannot fail this time.

Arnold concealed himself again, gathered his strength, and threw a punch…

Then, his jaw dropped in astonishment once more—Igor… Igor had actually dodged it!

"Now I know which direction your punches are coming from." Igor landed steadily after dodging the blow, his eyes still closed.

"Hmph!" Arnold couldn't tell if he was pleased or shocked; he could only grunt.

"I know this method wastes a lot of Spirit Power," Igor explained slowly, "but to catch you, you Dual-faced Monster, I had to scatter some bait." This habit of his, always revealing his methods to his opponent, really wasn't good.

"Bait?!" Arnold was very surprised, only vaguely understanding Igor's words.

"You have a Stealth Ability. I can't see you, nor can I sense your Spirit Power," Igor continued his explanation. "The only opportunity I have to make contact with you is when I'm hit."

"So that's how it is!" Arnold had a sudden realization, and his estimation of the boy named Igor rose once again. "You deliberately wasted so much of your Spirit Power just to leave a Spiritual Power Mark on me? And for that, you were willing to take a few more beatings?"

"Yes. It was my only way. A bit stupid, perhaps, but effective."