NOVEL NEXT Chapter 35: 'Awkward' Fight (1)
Luck or no luck, it wouldn't matter — no matter the opponent, as long as one had overwhelming strength, they could crush through with sheer power alone.
Ethan was the living proof of that. With his strength, he had no need to worry about whoever stood in his way, he could bulldoze through them all...
It couldn't be helped. While others received a one-time general stat increase upon awakening their talents, Ethan received a two times permanent stat increase from both of his skills so his strength was naturally greater than theirs.
This was the main reason why, even without activating mana himself, he was able to subdue David Fangblade.
With the end of David and Ethan's intense match, the Quarterfinals were over — the winners proceeding to the Semifinals.
The first match for the semi finals was Ryker Bladewind vs Selene Evernight.
Ryker walked to the arena with a dispirited look on his face. He was actually very unlucky — with the strange method of his Iron Grip grappling technique, he was once again matched up against a girl.
Too bad everything was random, and the results of the matchups were final. No matter what, no matter how justifiable the reason seemed, the results could never be changed.
Sighing, his expression turned resolute.
It was unfortunate. Despite his inner prayers to face Kaelen as his opponent, he got Selene. But it didn't matter. His situation from now on depended entirely on his rank... It doesn't matter if his opponent is male or female, — he would definitely give it his all, without holding back.
Unlike most of his mates in the academy, Ryker was actually an orphan — with no parents and nowhere to call home.
He had entered this academy through the sponsorship of a benefactor from his orphanage.
His entire survival depended on him winning the prize reward.
It didn't matter if it was Rank 1, Rank 2, or Rank 3—only these top three would receive prizes.
His eighteenth birthday was the next day, and per custom, he'd be released from the Orphanage to fend for himself.
With some luck, he could sell the mana stones awarded as prizes for a decent sum, enough to survive until he could start earning money on his own.
While making it this far meant his future prospects were looking good, it'd still take at least a week—at worst, a month — before he started making anything. In this kind of tough spot, the prizes for Rank 1 to 3 were like a gift from heaven.
While he could borrow, Ryker loathed the idea. And even if he were willing, banks and loan companies would demand collateral—which he had none of.
With all these problems in his head, his will was as firm and unyielding as that of a cornered animal. He was absolutely determined not to lose sight of his goal.
His grappling technique was something he had learned back at the orphanage. He'd randomly given it a name—it wasn't a big deal—but Ryker was extremely skilled at it.
Shaking off the overwhelming thoughts in his head, Ryker watched as Selene stepped into the arena, wearing a cold and aloof expression. He sighed.
'She's treating me the same way as Vaelion Crest. Why do they all seem to underestimate me so much? Is it because I don't have their background?'
Either way, he didn't care. In fact, it was better this way. Let her continue underestimating him—by the time she realized his true strength, it'd be too late. He might even be able to win… maybe even take first place.
But at that thought, he subtly glanced toward a section of the audience—toward Ethan.
Sigh 'This isn't going to be easy.'
Selene, facing him, thought to herself, 'I need to keep my distance.'
Seriously, the last thing she wanted was to be groped in public under the guise of grappling. She wasn't just any girl—she was the daughter of the Evernight family.
If something like that were to happen, not only would she lose face, but the entire Evernight family would become a laughingstock.
Contrary to Ryker's assumption, she wasn't underestimating him—not one bit.
She only acted the way she did to make him drop his guard. She was shrewd, just as David Fangblade had suspected.
Unfortunately for her, Ryker — desperate as he was— was also extremely vigilant. Even though he thought she was underestimating him, he was actually more alert than ever.
And with that… the signal to fight was given.
Ryker walked into the arena, muscles taut, black hair slightly tousled from the earlier match.
His expression was firm, eyes unblinking as they settled on his opponent—Selene Evernight.
She stepped into the arena as well, twin daggers in hand, her long black hair cascading down her shoulders like an untouchable veil.
Her beautiful, cold demeanor made her seem untouchable, almost otherworldly. But Ryker didn't care. He didn't have the luxury of caring. Not now.
"Ryker versus Selene Evernight!"
The signal was given.
Selene struck first.
Her movements were fluid—impossibly fast. The Phantom Dagger Dance wasn't just a name.
Her form blurred with grace and precision, blades singing as they slashed toward Ryker.
But despite his size and build, Ryker was absurdly nimble. He dodged, weaving between slashes with calculated movements.
Selene narrowed her eyes. 'How is someone that big moving like that?'
She threw a feint slash, pulling her arm back to lure him forward.
Ryker took the bait—but he wasn't as reckless as she'd expected.
He pivoted mid-lunge and twisted behind her, managing to grab hold of her arm—
But she slipped away like mist.
Her expression didn't change, but a flicker of frustration danced in her eyes. That should've worked.
Again, she moved, quick and vicious. Her dagger slashed upward—but Ryker deflected it with his gauntlet, parrying low and snapping forward, aiming to catch her waist.
She twisted at the last second—but not fast enough. He grabbed her again—this time, around the hips.
The moment her back arched against his chest, her face turned rosy.
She twisted, a knee aimed for his ribs, breaking his grip and sending him skidding backward.
She didn't speak, but her ears were red. That had been too close. Way too close.