NOVEL NEXT Chapter 113: Ulysses
Hayden confirmed that there was truly a problem with the barriers that were arranged to protect the arena…
As he felt unease, his grip tightened on his armrest.
'If someone's tampering with the barriers... This might be a big deal…'
But who? And why?
He scanned the crowd and his Lens started highlighting suspicious figures—merchants who lingered too long near structural pillars, attendants with unnatural gait patterns, and even a few nobles whose jewelry pulsed with faint energy...
It must be remembered that his Ocularis Lens was also used for this job, especially if they needed to act as spies and identify other spies. Thanks to that, the Lens had a huge data or collection of information related to human behavior.
"Headmaster, did you notice something off about the arena?" Hayden suddenly asked.
"Hmm?" Headmaster Mensa didn't immediately reply as he looked around, clueless about what Hayden was trying to say.
"I-it's nothing…" Hayden said as he shook his head.
Nonetheless, the Headmaster already started to monitor the arena as well.
Hayden also didn't like to say too much. Without proof, who would believe him? A nine-year-old squire accusing unseen forces of infiltrating or maybe destroying the most secure arena?
He'd sound like a paranoid fool.
So Hayden did the only thing he could.
He prepared silently.
***
At this time, the crowd was filled with anticipation as Ulysses, Dawnspire Academy's top-ranked graduate, stepped onto the stage.
His opponent was Wave of Mountain Sword Academy. He was taller than even Jin Fei.
In his hands was a great sword, a very unique choice of weapon considering that students wouldn't normally have the physique to wield this weapon casually.
Of course, Hayden was curious about this battle as a part of his Lens monitored the surroundings while the other part would actively analyze the battle on the stage for him.
'Ulysses…' Hayden mused as he wasn't really that sure how good this person was. Nonetheless, he was aware that Ulysses held the title of the strongest, and as a matter of fact, he heard that Ulysses could earn an average of 100 Dawn Points a month, since he could also accept sword tutorial missions to teach lower-year students.
In terms of sword techniques and analysis, he was certainly one of the best out there.
Soon, the announcer signaled the start of the battle on their stage.
"BEGIN!"
Wave moved first…
He knew Ulysses's reputation since he had attended the previous year's competition.
Wave dashed forward while golding his great sword in an overhead stance…
Haa!
In a swift downward chop, his Mountain Breaking Sword Art, which was designed to shatter defenses, was shown in full force.
However, despite the incoming force, Ulysses didn't dodge.
Instead, he raised his sword in a perfect diagonal guard—Dawn Swordsmanship's Solar Parry, a foundational technique.
With both of them using their Aura, the clash created a loud noise…
CLANG!
The impact even sent a shockwave through the arena, but it was easily blocked by the barriers placed around the platform to ensure everyone's safety.
But Ulysses didn't flinch at all despite the difference in size.
He redirected the blow as he expected this much from Wave…
Soon, his blade slid along Wave's great sword before twisting sharply—
SHING!
A thin line of blood appeared on Wave's forearm.
It happened so quickly, and Wave's Aura wasn't able to stop his technique at all.
However, at this time, Hayden witnessed the move and his eyes narrowed.
"That's…"
Apparently, he realized that it wasn't just a Solar Parry. Ulysses adjusted the angle mid-block—just like Hayden did in his training. It was similar to the adjustments he had made for the Dawn Swordsmanship!
Needless to say, the students, professors, and even the Headmaster had noticed the slight difference in how Ulysses performed one of the sword movements of the Sword Art…
***
Wave, on the other hand, was shocked as soon as he noticed the blood on his forearm…
There was no way he could accept this… Wave roared as his Aura started to reach the peak of Knight Candidate…
His Great Sword then unleashed Mountain Sword Art's Annihilation Barrage! It was a series of overhead smashes meant to crush opponents into the ground!
Thud! Thud! Thud!
However, Ulysses was persistent as he didn't retreat. It was as if he wanted to prove something.
He fought between the strikes and used his footwork eerily reminiscent of Twilight Footwork, but refined—smoother, more efficient. It felt as if he had been using it for a very long time, unlike Hayden.
'So it was like that…'
It was at this time that Hayden confirmed that he wasn't the only one who had learned Twilight Footwork from the Headmaster.
On the other hand, Headmaster Mensa didn't say anything and just watched Ulysses fight against Wave.
"If it's you… You probably defeated that Wave in just less than 30 seconds…" Mensa suddenly said and Hayden almost choked after hearing this.
Even some of the people in the crowd glance in their direction.
'Aren't you a bit too harsh to your best student?' Hayden wanted to reply but he decided to just keep his silence.
He wasn't sure but it seemed that the Headmaster was proud of Ulysses but also wanted him to improve more.
In any case, the two must have a special relationship.
After shaking his head, Hayden returned his focus to the battle.
Each time Wave's great sword came down, Ulysses was already a hair's breadth out of reach. It was a dangerous maneuver to evade the sword.
Nonetheless, every time he did this, there would be a counter that would follow.
It could be a slash to the thigh, a thrust to the shoulder, or a pommel strike to the ribs. At first, Wave wasn't thinking too much of it since he trusts his Aura Defense…
However, as it accumulated and as Wave started getting exhausted, his breathing ragged as his injuries suddenly started hurting…
Hayden was sure that Ulysses could just end this match now…
"Hmm?"
At this time, Hayden felt confused for a bit since instead of finishing his opponent off, Ulysses actually turned to look at him…