An Ambush Within An Ambush

Bam.

The two attacks from the two top students collided but the result was unexpected for one party.

"What the heck?" Guan, the young teen who led his group on the offensive, widened his eye in shock.

The fist he sent towards Asher was currently covered in ice. What's more, the ice was spreading from the point of contact to wrap up his entire arm.

"Damn it. This wasn't supposed to happen." Guan yelled in shock.

"You bastard."

Guan grind his teeth in frustration as he attacked with his free arm.

"Too weak."

Asher sent a kick right at his face almost at the same time while also letting go of the fist he previously held. As a result, Guan was sent flying back by the impact of Asher's kick.

However, Guan lived up to his title as a top student of the First Dawn academy as he managed to get his feet back on the ground without a hassle.

"You…"

Guan gave Asher a death stare but he was forced to stop halfway by the sound from the other combatants.

Apart from Luna who was having a somewhat tough time, Noah, James, and Owen were all done with their battles. Even though Melissa wasn't, one could easily see that she held the upper hand in the fight despite facing two students all on her own. It was only a matter before she completely wrapped the battle up.

"How, how is this possible?" Guan was shocked.

Outnumbered eight to six yet the targets of his assault had come out on top with him the leader, not even capable of standing a hit from the enemy leader. If news of this broke out, Guan would be humiliated by his rivals in the division.

"Stop fooling around." Asher cut him off.

"Did you actually think your measly team of eight could defeat us? Call the others out before I end."

"Huh? What?" Guan became flustered.

"You heard me. Call. Them. Out." Asher radiated his aura while giving Guan a death stare as his eyes went dark.

"...tch. You guys heard him already. Come on out." Guan yelled.

"Haha. I didn't think that the prideful Guan would eventually request our aid." A cheery voice sounded as a young figure appeared by the side.

Two new groups suddenly popped out from the sides, one from the left and the other from the right. One of those groups numbered a total of seven and had a young teen in charge; exactly the boy who spoke up just then. The other was surprisingly led by a female who had a haughty and cold outlook with a team of six other students, reaching a total of seven in a group. In summary, fourteen new opponents had stepped into the scene.

"Tch. If I had no intention of ever requesting your help, did you think I would have teamed up with you guys? It's bad enough that you let my team take the lead but didn't think that you can just sit behind, do nothing, and profit off of my hard work." Guan snarled back.

"Hehe. Didn't you argue that as the 'stronger' team you deserved to be the vanguard force?" The girl smirked.

"Do you plan on helping me or not?" Embarrassed, Guan changed the topic.

"Why not? I have to admit that they are much stronger than we predicted but against all three of our teams, they don't stand a chance. Well, two of our teams." The young teen smiled.

On the other side…

"An ambush within an ambush?" Noah raised an eyebrow.

"Damn it." James cursed and was also feeling bad.

It was his job to be the team's scout and not only had he failed to spot Guan's team, but he also did the same with these two other teams.

"Don't blame yourself, James. They probably made use of a stealth talisman." Asher said.

"A stealth talisman?" James asked.

"Yeah. It's a special one-time-use piece of paper with a stealth spell contained within it. It's quite expensive but also valuable. Not only that, but it comes in different forms and considering the absurd price of the true thing, I think they used the sound and smell cancellation variations instead. Against top mages, it's not so useful, but in this kind of test, it's valuable to avoid the scouting techniques of wind mages." Asher replied.

Having handled an important part of the Arnhaunt's business arm, the new White Maple chamber of commerce, Asher was more knowledgeable about the magical items this world has to offer. Something important like a stealth talisman didn't go under his radar and even the variations were picked up by him.

"But wouldn't that be-"

"The rules of the test only prohibit murder, outside aid, and infighting. Apart from that, anything else is pretty much acceptable." Owen interrupted James already knowing what he wanted to ask.

"Indeed." Asher nodded.

"Hey, topper." The young teen glanced at Asher.

"You're mine."

He then made a threatening sign by moving his thumb across his neck as if implying he would murder Asher.

"No problem. I just hope you wouldn't be as weak as the last guy." Asher smiled.

"Hehe." The teen chuckled before abruptly glaring at Asher as his aura erupted.

"Trust me; you won't be disappointed."

'Eighteen opponents now.' Asher glanced around and took note of the changes.

Of Gaun's team of eight, only four students remained; Guan, Luna's opponent, and the two who took on Melissa. The remaining fourteen opponents consisted of the two new teams. Overall, there were three leaders and fifteen 'foot soldiers'.

'If I'm correct, three attackers would be assigned to each of us. That means that Noah, James, and Luna would have to fend off nine students. Owen should be able to handle such a number and Melissa too, probably but the other three…'

Asher frowned.

"James, Noah, you guys watch out for each other and make sure nothing happens to Luna. Melissa, keep an eye on them; I'll handle the rest."

Asher walked forward while cracking his knuckles.

"Are you sure about that?" Melissa worriedly asked.

"I can handle myself just alright and I can even take down a few of them too."

"Don't worry about it." Asher cut her off.

"I've never had a proper warm-up ever since coming to this world. One versus fifteen should be just alright."

Sato's purposely ignored Melissa and Luna's opponents as he felt the duo needed more battle experience compared to Noah and James, who had some knowledge thanks to the extra lessons he gave them.

"One versus fifteen? What about me?" Owen pointed at himself.

"Just handle whatever small fry comes your way. I'm pretty sure you can take care of yourself just alright." Asher smiled.

"One versus fifteen?" The teen flared up.

"You're looking down on us. Just me alone can take you-"

A fist abruptly appeared right in front of the young teen, covering his entire line of sight.

Asher's cold voice rang in his ears.

"You talk too much."