Sparring Matches

Song Clan Garden – Afternoon

As the sun dipped low behind the mountains, casting golden hues over the grand courtyard of the Song Clan manor, Lady Penelope gracefully stepped forward.

"We've had hours of insight and discussion," she said, her voice clear and commanding. "Now, let's test our strength through friendly combat. Let the sparring begin."

After saying this, a tall, broad-shouldered youth walked confidently onto the stage.

"Bluten Munding, of the Munding Clan. Thomas Beowulf, may I request your guidance?"

From the far end of the garden, a man in pristine white robes rose. Thomas Beowulf, twenty-two years old, had been at the Brain Training Stage for nearly a year. His long hair flowed behind him as he calmly approached the stage, his sword still sheathed on his back.

Bluten saluted with cupped fists.

"Please go easy on me."

With no words, Bluten charged, blade in hand. But as his sword neared its mark, Thomas moved with sudden precision—catching Bluten by the neck in one smooth motion.

"I admit defeat," Bluten sighed.

The crowd erupted in murmurs.

"He didn't even unsheathe his sword…"

"Thomas is on another level!"

Next, Viktor Wind stood and turned toward the siblings' table.

"Brother Nika, I can feel your strength. Care to exchange a few moves?"

Nika rose, his expression calm.

"I'll give it a try."

Viktor unwrapped the thick chain from his waist and removed his robe, revealing a heavily tattooed, muscular frame.

As the two ascended the platform, Viktor leaned closer and whispered:

"What you said during the discussion… Have you heard the legends of the Primordial?"

Nika frowned slightly. "No."

Viktor grinned, dismissing the matter.

"I've been in the Bone Training Stage for three months. You've just reached the peak of Muscle Training, right?"

"Actually," Nika replied, "I entered the Bone Stage a few days ago."

"Then this will be interesting."

With a flick of his wrist, Viktor hurled the chain. It expanded mid-air and wrapped tightly around Nika's left arm. But Nika showed no panic—his Godly Muscles flexed as he grabbed the chain with his other hand and pulled.

Viktor stumbled forward, off-balance, as Nika threw a punch toward his head. But Viktor twisted in midair, narrowly dodging the blow.

[That punch… terrifying strength. He didn't even use his weapon.]

Nika glanced at Ilargia and Asier, who gave him sharp looks.

Don't overdo it.

Realizing he had nearly exposed too much, Nika grabbed his Sunlight Axe and Sol Shield.

"You're a tough opponent. Let's continue."

Viktor hurled his chain again. This time, Nika intercepted it with his axe. The chain coiled around the handle, and Viktor pulled. Nika let go.

As Viktor staggered from the sudden release, Nika charged, shield forward, and slammed into him—sending Viktor flying off the stage.

The garden fell silent.

"He beat Viktor…"

"That's the third strongest person here!"

"Who is that guy?!"

Viktor dusted himself off and walked back, smiling.

"Not only are you stronger, but you tricked me—twice. I have a lot to learn."

Next, Dragaris and Drogaris Ygling stood.

"Sister Ilargia, Brother Asier—shall we test our skills together? A 2 vs 2 match."

The siblings exchanged glances and nodded.

"Sisters," Ilargia said politely, stepping onto the platform with her Moon Blades drawn. "Our cultivation is higher, so we'll try to hold back."

"No need," Dragaris smiled. "Give it your best."

Asier stayed behind with his Farseeing Bow ready.

The twins clasped hands and shouted:

"Mirror Image!"

To everyone's surprise, two new figures appeared beside them—perfect copies, both at Muscle Training Stage.

"That's the Mirror Physique!"

"They can duplicate themselves into combat-ready copies!"

Asier unleashed a flurry of arrows—some curved, some arced, some soared skyward. The twins dodged, sustaining shallow cuts, unaware that Ilargia was already upon them.

One of the Drogaris clones faltered. Ilargia's dagger struck the neck with a blunt hit—nonlethal but decisive.

"Even a copy's death causes the real body immense pain!"

The real Dragaris flinched as Ilargia threw a dagger toward her face. She dodged—but was struck in the ankle by one of Asier's arrows. The second dagger struck her between the eyes. She collapsed, groaning.

Ilargia then turned to Drogaris, who barely avoided another dagger and a barrage of arrows. Just as she prepared to counter, Ilargia appeared in front of her, catching an arrow midair and placing its tip at her throat.

"I… I admit defeat," Drogaris whispered.

"I also yield," Dragaris added. "Together, you're too strong."

The crowd buzzed with excitement.

"That coordination was insane…"

"Their teamwork is flawless!"

"Who are these siblings?"

Lady Penelope stood watching from a distance, stunned.

I knew they were strong… but not like this.