Chapter 9

It's been two years since Rey had the dream of his past life. In this time hes grown quite considerably. He stood just over five feet now compared to his four foot stature before. He's also been able to cultivate for about a month now and thanks to him storing the energy in his body. He's already made it to 3rd Stage Beast Realm. He felt as though he was close to breaking through to the Human Realm but has been stuck for the last few days. He's been assured that he would make it soon though by his friend and mentor Amiel.

Rey has been traveling with Amiel consistently over the past 2 years. His daughter Sarah would tag along every few months but that was the most Rey ever saw of her. She had gotten married to a city lords son and spent most of her time there. Amazingly, this past month, Amiel has reached 2nd Stage Heaven Realm!

Rey has also been training with Amiel. His go-to weapon is still the dagger, although he wields two now. Reys skill as a fighter has improved drastically, yet his skills themselves are lacking. Without books about cultivation skills, he can't learn how to use them. Amiel has tried to teach Rey some skills that he knows but it's all failed. No matter how easy the skill is, Rey just can't learn them. The only skill he knows is the Body Strengthening from the book he got when he came to this world.

Rey has used this skill many times in battles against beasts, bandits or even just sparring against Amiel. An interesting part about the skill is that it stacks with the previous use. The very first time Rey used the skill, his strength doubled. Over the many times he's used it, he's around 50 times stronger than a normal boy his age would be. The only setback was that he could only utilize this strength during battle.

"Come on Rey, you have to be faster! If you really want to win the tournament in the next town, then you can't get complacent." Amiel was currently sparring with Rey. The next town over was holding a tournament amongst the youngsters. Anyone from age 12 to 18 was allowed to participate in the tournament.

Rey charged at Amiel with his his bare hands. There were no weapons allowed in the tournament, that way it would be skill and strength that one instead of the weapon quality. Rey unleashed a barrage of punches at Amiel which hebdodged easily. Reys vision technique has advanced to the point where he can read someone's energy fluctuations to predict their next move. At first he was able to gain an advantage on Amiel because of this, but he eventually learned to conceal his energy and even fake Rey out.

Amiel threw a punch at Rey, it was fast but Rey managed to block it. Even though he blocked it, Rey was still sent backwards. "You've improved drastically since we've started training for this," Amiel told Rey. "I'm sure that you will make it for in this tournament, possibly even win it. You're fighting prowess is even greater than mine was at your age." Amiel let his guard down which showed Rey that the sparring session was done.

"So Amiel, how much longer till we reach the town?" Rey asked. "We should make it before nightfall. The tournament doesn't start till later tomorrow so you needn't worry." Rey nodded at Amiels answer. The two of them picked up their supplies off the ground and started walking to their destination. Along their journey, they reminisced over the last 2 years together.

"We've had some good times over these last 2 years haven't we Rey!?" Amiel asked to which Rey nodded in agreement. "Remember that one time we had to fight off the giant worm nest? That took a lot out of me!" Rey laughed. "What do you mean we? I killed most of them while you were fighting off just the one!" Amiel joked. "Yeah maybe so, but the one I happened to be fighting was the queen of them. She fought harder than the most, not to mention her blood smelled awful." Rey proclaimed. "Yeah, you smelled like that nasty beast for a week. Nearly passed out a few times."

The two of them talked amongst eachother until they reached the town where the tournament was held. This town was the first they came across that had a gate with guards. When they reached the gate they had to give the reason they were entering the town. One of the guards seemed to have a cultivation skill that allowed him to see if a person was lying. When he determined that Rey and Amiel were telling the truth, they were let through the gate.

"Now it's late so I think it's best we get some rest before your big day. You'll be busy, we have to register you for the tournament in the morning so make sure to be up bright and early!" Amiel told Rey. Rey acknowledged what he said and waived by as they went their separate ways. Even though the two of them were close, they always stayed at different taverns from one another. It was mainly because that was the only time they really get away from the other.

Rey grabbed a quick meal from the tavern owner and gave him a silver coin. This tavern was much more expensive than the ones he was used to. The silver coin was enough for just a small meal but it was all he needed. He ate a lot on his trip to the town. After he finished his meal he paid for a room and went into it. This is where he slept for the night.

Morning came quickly as Amiel and Rey were waiting in line to register him. All contestants needed a sponsor for the tournament. The sponsor signified that the adult had complete trust in the contestant not to die. When it came to Reys turn to register he was nearly shaking in his own boots. He wrote down his chosen name 'Rey' on the paper while Amiel wrote his on another. As Rey was waling away, the person at the table stopped him. "You look familiar? Have I seen you before?" They asked. Rey looked at the man who asked him and tried to see if he knew him. "No sir, I don't believe we've ever met. This is my first time in town." The man nodded and apologized. Then the two went on their way.

Rey had to wait for his opponent to be named so he could prepare. Depending on how old they were he would need to adapt a different strategy. The older contestants would pose a much greater threat as they've had more training than Rey. With better techniques and skills, Reys power wouldn't simply be enough. The younger opponents Rey wasn't worried about all that much as most haven't had as much training as him. As Rey was waiting he heard a voice, one that he hadn't heard in a long time..."Jasper?"