The Aura Ascendant: A Knight's Unbroken Path

Laxus didn't reply and simply rolled away, kicking up dust as he regained his footing. It was definitely not a graceful technique but that didn't matter at this moment.

On the other hand, Hayden didn't attack him during this time and simply watched how he scrambled to his feet.

Nonetheless, Laxus didn't appreciate it as he looked at Hayden as if he wanted to strangle him.

"You're nothing," Laxus growled. "A child playing at being a knight!"

It seemed that he still didn't understand his situation as he still fired some insults.

Then, after taking a few breaths, Laxus pounced once again—but Hayden was done playing…

He realized that Laxus was indeed truly prideful and wouldn't admit defeat so easily. He had to break him!

Hayden continued to use his Dawnbreaker Sword Art and easily deflected Laxus' wild swings… He was using this technique to tire Laxus out and also reserve his strength for his explosive moves!

Slash! Slash! Slash!

Suddenly, three rapid strikes came from Hayden as he struck Laxus' ribs, shoulder, and thigh—each one landed perfectly and of course, Hayden made sure to hit specific acupuncture points to weaken Laxus…

'Oh? It's not effective?' Hayde mused…

He certainly scored some points against Laxus but the Acupuncture Points that he hit seemed to have failed to paralyze Laxus.

'Is it because of his Aura?' Hayden mused as he realized that despite having knowledge about acupuncture, he still needed to think about how to pass through their natural defenses.

In the meantime, the crowd was already in an uproar as they saw how Hayden easily dismantled Laxus' movements.

Even the referee, who obviously believed that it would be an easy win for Laxus looked stunned.

With such an overwhelming performance by Hayden, Laxus stumbled as he looked at the young man in disbelief. At this point, his Aura was already flickering like a dying flame.

Hayden smiled after seeing this. Now, he knew that he just had to end this.

Laxus was indeed very strong… None of the squires he trained with before would be able to last a minute against him at all.

Sometimes, he wouldn't even see Laxus' movement and just rely on his Ocularis Lens to block or dodge the attacks…

However, now that Laxus' spirit was broken, he knew that it was time to end this duel and earn some rewards from the Headmaster.

Hayden then made a quick work on him. In just a few moments, a pommel bash to Laxus' temple, sending him reeling in pain…

Then, after Laxus recovered, Hayden decided not to use his sword and simply struck him with his fist to the solar plexus, knocking the air from his lungs.

Finally, Laxus collapsed to his knees and his Stormfang clattered to the ground.

Seeing that the sword was already on the ground, the referee didn't even have to announce the result of the battle.

Instead, the arena just erupted as they all shouted their support for Hayden.

Needless to say, the happiest ones would be the students who would be participating in the competition. After all, if Laxus would honor his words, it means that they no longer have to worry about him in the competition as he must withdraw his participation!

They knew from this battle alone that they would not be able to win against Laxus.

Even if he had lost against Hayden, it doesn't mean that he would also be defeated by other students. Hayden's level was simply high above them.

"This…"

On the other hand, Laxus was still unable to process what had happened. His hands trembled as his grip tightened... "This… isn't… over."

Hayden heard this and spoke in a lower voice… "It is for today."

***

In the meantime, the moment the referee declared Hayden's victory, Captain Rygar Stormcrest's chair exploded into splinters as he stood up while glaring at his personal squire.

This action was obviously noticed by the crowd as they indeed expected him to react like this.

However, since he was an Aura Knight, they all felt a bit nervous and even some of the professors tensed.

Headmaster Mensa, however, remained perfectly composed. He stepped forward while his hands clasped behind his back. He was obviously happy and he believed that giving the Knight's Elixir to Hayden was the right decision.

Even if it costs a fortune, this win was definitely worth it.

"A fine match, wouldn't you agree, Rygar?" Mensa said in a low voice.

Rygar's jaw clenched. "A farce… That boy is no ordinary squire."

Mensa chuckled as it was obviously the case. "Of course, he isn't. He's my disciple."

The two men locked gazes as none of them wanted to back down.

After a tense silence, Rygar forced a chilling smile onto his face.

"Fine… Dawnspire's training grounds could use an upgrade… The Stormcrest Forges produce the finest Aura-infused steel outside the capital. I could… arrange for a shipment of blades for your students… But that's all. All your other requests are denied!"

Mensa was obviously fine with it since he also knew that this request was already a huge matter.

Nonetheless, the amount of blades still depends on other matters.

Mensa gently nodded and replied. "And in return?"

"A transfer. Hayden Gray comes to Stormcrest for a year of… advanced training. He will still be your disciple and student of your academy… He will just train with us for a bit…"

The implication was clear—he wanted to take Hayden away from Mensa… After all, Rygar would surely bathe Hayden with various benefits once he got there.

Mensa chuckled as he looked at Rygar with a threatening gaze. "How generous. But I think not."

Rygar's eye twitched. "You'd deny your students the best weapons?"

"I'd deny you my disciple," Mensa replied…"Try again."

Rygar's patience snapped. He took a step forward, his voice a venomous hiss.

"Who is that boy, Mensa? No nine-year-old wields Aura like that without… help." His gaze darkened. "Have you had him altered? Some forbidden alchemy? Or did you pluck him from one of those black laboratories in the Iron Wastes?"