To the west of the Free Federation lies Sandfall City, a town where martial prowess is valued above all else.
Its people are fiercely combative, and even children grow up revering battle.
Magic here serves only as a supplement, with physical strength being the true measure of a warrior. Combat is an everyday part of life.
Sandfall City is home to numerous arenas of varying sizes, all built for those who live for the thrill of battle.
The largest of these is the Sandstone Arena, where spectators gather to watch the most intense fights, and skilled fighters often compete to prove themselves.
Recently, a peculiar figure had emerged in the Sandstone Arena—a man wielding a simple spear.
He would buy a new spear outside the arena before each match and would break it during the fight, buying a fresh one for the next.
Normally, someone who switches weapons constantly wouldn’t be taken seriously, as it doesn’t allow time to familiarize oneself with the weapon’s nuances.
Yet this strange man won every single battle, proving his skill with the spear.
Today, the strange man was up against Sandstone Arena’s top spear user.
“This spear has been with me for ten years. It’s forged from enchanted iron and tempered for eighteen days. I’ve never met an equal in the Sandstone Arena,” the spear master declared.
“And this spear I just bought outside. You’ll be its first opponent,” the strange man replied.
Upon hearing this, the crowd cheered. Facing Sandstone Arena’s best spear master and still talking so boldly? That was impressive! freewebnvel.com
“Go, strange guy!”
“You’re the true number one!”
“Show him your unstoppable ‘Shattering Spear’ move!”
Since he always broke a spear in each fight, fans had come up with a humorous nickname for his technique.
“You…are you mocking me?” the spear master asked, angered. “Today, I’ll show you the real difference between our skills with the spear!”
The moment he finished speaking, the spear master vanished, moving at blinding speed.
The strange man’s spear moved like a serpent, darting in rapid succession toward the direction of his opponent.
Clang! Clang!
The two spears clashed repeatedly. The audience could hardly follow the spear master’s movements before the two fighters separated again.
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“I didn’t expect you to keep up with my speed,” the spear master admitted. “But what about strength? True spear skills come down to strength!”
The master’s spear was specially crafted, while the strange man’s spear was just an off-the-shelf weapon.
If they clashed forcefully, the strange man’s spear might shatter, leaving him weaponless and essentially defenseless.
Was this the end of the strange man’s winning streak?
This time, the spear master didn’t rely on speed but charged directly, attacking with full force. Such an attack could only be countered with equal power.
Reed, the strange man, could feel his spear nearing its breaking point; it wouldn’t last much longer.
His opponent, however, seemed capable of continuing the fight indefinitely.
Remembering a move he had once witnessed from a tier-sage spear user, Reed changed his approach.
Until now, he had been using techniques to deflect his opponent’s attacks to prolong his spear’s durability.
But now, he shifted to a fully offensive stance, even if it meant destroying his weapon.
His opponent was baffled. Was this strange man planning to break his own spear on purpose?
The crowd was enthralled by their intense exchange, the spectacle delivering on all expectations.
“Go, strange man! Just a bit more, and he’s yours!”
“What? No way! Look at his spear—it’s about to snap!”
In the crowd, some knowledgeable spectators noticed that Reed’s spear was nearly spent. His opponent, Sloane, naturally noticed too.
Why, then, was the strange man still pressing forward?
Unable to understand his motive, but too engaged to stop, Sloane continued his attack.
At last, after another fierce clash, Reed’s cheap spear finally broke.
The spearhead flew into the air, leaving Reed with only a staff in his hands.
Sloane frowned. “Your spear’s broken. Do you still want to continue?”
“The battle isn’t over,” Reed replied.
“Good!” Sloane resumed his attack.
Without the spearhead, Reed’s weapon was considerably less effective. It looked as though he was gradually being pushed back, and it seemed like his defeat was inevitable.
However, a flash of determination appeared in Reed’s eyes as the spearhead, which had been flung into the air, began to fall.
With a burst of strength, Reed struck with his spear shaft. In a swift, seamless motion, the falling spearhead locked back onto the shaft, and Reed thrust it toward Sloane’s throat.
Caught off guard by the unexpected move, Sloane couldn’t avoid it. Yet Reed’s strike veered at the last moment, sparing Sloane’s vital points and instead piercing his shoulder.
The battle was over—Reed had won.
“Congratulations. You’re now Sandstone Arena’s top spear user,” Sloane said, holding out his hand. “My name is Sloane. May I know yours?”
“Crossbridge Academy, Reed,” he replied.
…
At the southernmost point of the Free Federation, a vast mountain range surrounded a colossal academy.
“Karea Academy” was written above the gates.
“Finally, we’re back,” Eileen said with a sigh of relief as she gazed at the academy.
“Come on, I’ll take you inside,” she said, looking over at Nora.
Nora nodded, and Eileen led her to a door.
“This is as far as I can go with you. Beyond this door is a magic array that will test both your talent and your character. Your talent will determine how far you can go in theory, while your character will shape your ultimate potential,” Eileen explained.
Nora took a deep breath, encouraged by Eileen’s reassurance.
“Don’t worry; I believe in you,” Eileen said softly as Nora stepped into the array.
Nearby, an official recorded, “Student Nora, from Riverside City. Testing begins.”
Eileen watched the magic array anxiously.
Talent was graded from one to nine, with each level assigned to a different academy branch.
She hadn’t told Nora this, fearing it would only make her more nervous.
Now, she could only pray for Nora’s success.
Good luck, Nora!