Chapter 12: Runemaster Association

Nero felt a little anxious in front of Sorin, yet his pride as someone who's achieved 10,000 ranks didn't allow him to forfeit. After all, he knew that people that could do 1,000 and 10,000 rank challenges were very capable people, geniuses even.

If Sorin kept at this pace, he would surely become an inner disciple very quickly. As for him, he had used his background to aquire resources, however, despite being in this academy for nearly 8 months, he had only risen up to 10,000 ranks in the arena.

Taking a cold breath, Nero drew his sword.

Seeing that his opponent was ready, Sorin took a casual stance.

As Nero wasn't underestimating his opponent, he immediately rushed at Sorin whilst using a technique.

His weapon was almost illusory as it split into three after-images, each blade piercing towards Sorin.

Seeing this, Sorin inwardly mumbled. 'Hoh? It looks like a sword technique but it is actually a hand technique. The subtle spiritual energy around his hands allows that strange movement creating those two other swords.'

With such a supernatural scene, the audience exclaimed.

"That is Nero's 27 Striking Sword technique!"

"This technique is too powerful! At low attainment, you can create 3 sword illusions whilst at the master attainment, you can make up to 27!"

"Not knowing which sword is real is truly too unfair! Trying to counter or block the attack would be really difficult."

Of course for Sorin, such a little trick posed no danger to him.

Sorin thought. 'It's quite good... though, it is merely illusions to trick inexperienced Spirit Masters.'

Once Nero was only an arm's distance away from Sorin, instead of trying to dodge or block the attack, Sorin took a step forward and attacked with one of his palms.

With such a sudden move, Nero became startled as he immediately halted his steps and swung his weapon down to block it.

'Now I know which illusion is real!' Sorin immediately capitalised on the opportunity as he feinted his attack before he suddenly reached out.

Pa!

"What?!" Nero exclaimed. His illusion had been completely seen through as Sorin had grabbed one of his wrists, blocking his strike!

He quickly realised his foolish decision. As he was swinging his sword down to block Sorin's attack, Sorin could already anticipate which one of the blades was real as his block was instinctive!

Feeling imminent danger, Nero used his free arm to punch at Sorin, however, he effortlessly dodged it as he pulled his wrist.

'This strength!' Nero exclaimed inwardly as he felt his entire body being pulled.

His balance was quickly disturbed as he suddenly felt a strong force impact against his chest.

Bang!

"Heuk!" He felt all the air leave his body as his internal organs shook violently.

Without mercy, Sorin followed his punch by throwing Nero's body onto the floor before crushing his head with his right foot.

Seeing the same effortlessness as usual, the audience felt that they shouldn't be surprised, yet every single time Sorin defeated his opponent in only a few moves had always amazed them.

As for Sorin?

Just someone who is at the first level, how could he possibly be his match?

In his past life, he's achieved much higher accomplishments. Before he had died, he had already amassed countless kills. If the blood from all the people he killed were to be combined, it could perhaps make a river of blood!

As someone with mediocre talent, his past life was filled with hardships. However, as a result, he had become who he was today. He had over a century of battle experience. Each battle he faced were against heroes and monstrous geniuses.

Just these little disciples were nothing to him.

Although he had already fought 11 battles, he was barely tired. Compared to these disciples that lack the necessary experience, Sorin fought each battle with an extreme efficiency. Each attack was precise and deadly.

Sorin applied some force on his right leg causing Nero's face to be squashed on the arena floor.

Nero felt an intense anger rise in his heart. To be beneath someone's feet was a total humiliation to a Spirit Master!

"Bastard... g-get off me!" Nero spoke with difficulty, hatred clearly shown in his voice.

"Or what?" Sorin sneered. "You still haven't forfeited."

"Y-You better listen to me or else! My brother will surely repay this humiliation..."

"Hm? Your brother?" Sorin showed a thoughtful expression.

Nero continued, "That's right! He's someone who has reached over 100,000 ranks!"

"Oh? 100,000?" Sorin mumbled.

Seeing Sorin's thoughtful expression, Nero sneered. 'Scared? Although you are strong, someone at the 100,000 ranks would definitely outmatch you!' He thought.

Sorin contemplated for half a second before speaking.

With a mocking smile he said.

"Just this and you think I'll be afraid? Your brother is just an ant in my eyes. With one move, he will also be crushed." Sorin's eyes were cold like steel, showing him that he thinks little of his brother and that he was insignificant.

Hearing his words, he felt even more anger burning through his entire body. However, before he could reply, he suddenly felt the weight that was on his head being suddenly lifted before he quickly lost consciousness.

Bang!

Sorin had lifted his leg before swiftly crashing it back onto the boy's head, making him lose consciousness.

A small crack could be seen on the arena floor with how much strength he applied. Once the battle was over, his arrogant expression had swiftly turned back to his cool and aloof one.

'Someone who's 100,000 ranks higher... this will make things more convenient.' Sorin spoke in his heart as he searched the unconscious boy's robes.

After finding his medallion and switching ranks with him, he left the arena.

...

"Here is all the astral tokens you've accumulated in the arena." The man behind the counter spoke as he transferred all the astral tokens Sorin earned through rising up in the ranks.

Sorin nodded. He had received a total of 154 astral tokens.

After he received his astral tokens, Sorin departed as he walked through Redwall City.

After an hour of walking, Sorin had eventually arrived in front of a large building. This building rivalled even the Recruitment pavillion and it even looked more lofty — showing the immense wealth of runemasters!

There were also runes that could be seen meticulously engraved on some places of the building. These runes fortified the entire building. Even if people at the Spiritual Condensation realm were to fight, they wouldn't even graze the walls.

Above, there were two large words plated in gold:

'Runemaster Association.'

The building exuded a somewhat suffocating air which made it slightly intimidating. However, Sorin simply walked right in.