Noel and Shawn immediately released their Spiritual Energy, trying to see who had more Spiritual Energy.
The winner might look like it had been decided in an instant. Shawn actually released a powerful Spiritual Energy that was rampaging around like a raging fire. It was trying to crush everything in contact with it. The Spiritual Energy was so overwhelming that the ground beneath his feet started to crack.
On the other hand, Noel's Spiritual Energy was very subtle like a candle without any wind. The Spiritual Energy didn't seem to be overwhelming as if he didn't have much Spiritual Energy.
Most people thought Noel would lose against Shawn as the latter would eventually overpower him. However, the Spirit Masters or above actually found something else in Noel's Spiritual Energy.
"This is…" Igor narrowed his eyes, feeling something weird. Although the Spiritual Energy wasn't overwhelming, it was very solid and seemed to be giving Noel enough energy to do everything.
"It seems that Shawn will have a hard time," Richard muttered in a low voice. He could remember how Noel utilized his Spiritual Energy, so this might not be good for Shawn.
"Despite not having an overbearing energy, he seems to be able to control his Spiritual Energy better."
When the others were shocked by Noel's strength, the two finally jumped forward, trying to test each other.
Shawn channeled this overbearing Spiritual Energy to his sword as he swung his blade downward.
On the other hand, Noel covered his sword with Sword Aura as he gently received this swing while gradually deflecting it to the ground.
The clicking sound echoed as they saw Noel's sword get pushed back. However, Noel skillfully let Shawn's sword slide on the surface as it continued moving downward. In the end, the sword reached the ground.
Noel took this opportunity to kick Shawn, but the latter seemed to be exerting more power on all his body. This surge of power gave him an explosive burst of speed, allowing him to spin his blade and swing it to Noel's body before the kick arrived.
Seeing the incoming sword, Noel hurriedly jumped to the side, avoiding the sword like a coward. He had the option to stop the sword, but he didn't plan to do so.
In the end, there was a few meters gap between them again, allowing both of them to catch their breaths.
Still, this was the Demon Hunting Squad's base. The people from this squad obviously cheered for Shawn.
"What's wrong? Are you scared?" One of them was trying to provoke Noel.
"Make sure you don't piss on your pants. Or else, we don't have anyone to clean that up."
"Oh wait. You're from the Demon Relief Squad, so of course, you can clean it up yourself!"
The people were mocking Noel's actions as if they showed cowardice.
Rose frowned as she knew Noel's action had meaning behind it. 'Although Noel is retreating, it's to avoid using the Spiritual Energy unnecessarily. Noel still has the advantage against him. That Shawn might have explosive power, but he lacks Noel's stability and a cool head. Noel will win no matter what.'
The others who could see the meaning behind Noel's action had a similar opinion to Rose. Shawn might have the upper hand right now, but the longer they fought, the higher the probability of Noel winning.
"Tsk." Shawn clicked his tongue. As expected from the most potential newbie in the Demon Hunting Squad, he might be lacking in perception, but his instinct was sharp. He realized how dangerous Noel was.
That was why he decided to end this fight as soon as possible. Without hesitation, Shawn leaped forward while swinging his blade diagonally.
The sword strike was extended until it reached Noel's location, forcing the latter to raise his sword to block it.
The force seemed to be overwhelming Noel as it pushed him two meters back. However, this just made Noel gain more distance which he could use to think about his next move.
Surprisingly, Noel took this challenge head-on. Instead of waiting for the right moment, he was planning to crush Shawn.
This was to show that he was more amazing than Shawn, which reflected the quality of the Demon Relief Squad. Of course, he was going to do it respectfully so as to avoid offending Igor.
Shawn and Noel clashed a few times. Their swings were bold and precise as they continued at high speed, trying to take advantage of the gap made by each other.
Shawn made his first move by channeling more Spiritual Energy. Noel didn't want to lose in this class, so he utilized his Ignition Sword.
"!!!" Both of them widened their eyes the moment their swords collided.
Noel's Ignition Sword caused an explosion, while Shawn's overbearing Spiritual Energy caused a shock wave that ended up dispersing the Spiritual Energy.
In the end, both of them jumped back to understand what was going on.
'That explosion…' Shawn frowned, realizing that his Spiritual Energy was burned by that flame. Although he managed to disperse it, the fire was still too dangerous. He was afraid that it was too much for him to handle that fire.
On the other hand, Noel also noticed something from Shawn. 'This is weird. I believe he is using the Hard Approach, but there is something else hidden in his Spiritual Energy. I'm afraid even though this energy looks overbearing and uses a lot of energy, it's actually not.'
Noel and Shawn seemed to have realized that the enemies this time had a lot of tricks. Although he had seen Noel killing multiple Peak Level Demons, it didn't change the fact that it was impossible to achieve it without Richard.
The same applied to Noel. Despite knowing how reckless he was, Shawn didn't get a single injury in that battle. He seemed to have some energy left after fighting for so long.
It seemed that their opponent this time was stronger than they originally expected.
There was a spark between their gaze as if trying to show they were superior.
The second round would soon start after both of them recognized each other's strengths.