The Mythril Crystals stood as enigmatic sentinels, their tall and imposing forms casting an air of trepidation over the assembled trainees. Before them, the candidates hesitated, their uncertainty palpable. The prospect of unveiling the true colors of their mana cores filled the air with an anxious tension, particularly for those whose cores lingered in the timid shades of light red.
Observing the mixed emotions etched on the trainees’ faces, Rick, the seasoned instructor, remained keenly aware that this test wasn’t solely about the color of their mana cores. It was an opportunity for them to showcase a myriad of skills — speed, technique, and strength — factors that could elevate their standing irrespective of the core’s hue.
"The hue displayed by the Mythril Crystal doesn’t mirror the color of your mana core; it’s a reflection of the power you can unleash. A red mana core may still yield power comparable to a yellow one. Your speed, your weight, and the finesse of your technique all contribute to the power you display. No matter your core color, do you understand?" Rick elucidated, his gaze penetrating each trainee.
"YES SIR!" echoed through the arena, a chorus of unified determination that resonated like disciplined soldiers responding to a command.
"Good, let’s commence," Rick declared, his attention shifting toward Klaus, the top performer in the first test.
"As the first-ranked trainee in the initial trial, you have the privilege of choosing whether to go first or last for the second test. What is your choice?" Rick inquired, his demeanor a blend of respect for Klaus’s achievement and anticipation for the forthcoming display of prowess.
"I will go last," Klaus responded with nonchalance, a calculated decision etched upon his features. Possessing an Arcane core at the second stage and a repertoire of spells capable of enhancing both speed and strength, Klaus exuded confidence. Opting to bide his time and observe his peers first, he sought to gauge the potential power his fellow trainees could muster. Klaus harbored no desire to unveil the full extent of his capabilities prematurely, especially considering the looming prospect of facing a direct line member in the upcoming battle after the test, provided he secured the top rank.
"Okay, we will start from the people standing in the back," Rick declared, his authoritative tone echoing through the arena. The trainees, positioned at the rear, exchanged glances, a collective realization settling that the moment of reckoning had arrived.
’Sh*t, why did he refuse to start first?’ murmured through the minds of most trainees standing at the back of the row. The pressure in the arena intensified as Rick, growing impatient, clapped his hands, creating a palpable sense of urgency.
"Be quick; we don’t have all day," Rick urged, his claps punctuating the urgency. Feeling the weight of his impatience, twelve trainees stepped forward, a mix of nerves and determination etched across their faces. Each one took a position in front of a towering Mythril Crystal, its translucent surface awaiting the impending display of power.
"You can start," Rick commanded, his gaze unwavering.
The first to take the stage was a girl with a small but formidable presence, adorned with long purple hair and eyes that held a glint of determination. She drew a deep breath, the air charged with anticipation as she unsheathed her training sword. Channeling mana into the blade, a radiant light-red aura enveloped it, creating a visible manifestation of her power.
’Hmm, not bad; she has a high-tier Red mana core,’ Rick thought, his discerning eyes following every nuance of her technique. Stepping back, the girl’s demeanor underwent a metamorphosis. Her once childlike expression morphed into one of fierce determination as she gracefully dashed forward, executing her sword technique with precision.
Six Petals Dance - First Petal - Red Rose
Her movements took on a rhythmic quality, transforming into a dance as she rotated gracefully, slashing her sword towards the towering Mythril Crystal.
Swoosh!
A symphony of sounds reverberated through the entire Lion Arena as her sword connected with the Mythril Crystal. The crystal’s color underwent an instantaneous transformation, shifting into a vibrant yellow hue.
"Very impressive! You can exert a power output similar to someone with a mid-tier yellow core," Rick commended, his applause resonating through the arena. The audience, caught up in the moment, joined in the ovation, clapping for the accomplished girl.
"Trainee 98, Rihanne Garcia, pass!"
Acknowledging the applause with a modest bow, Rihanne gracefully retreated to the back of the row. During her departure, her eyes met Klaus’s, and a shy smile adorned her face. Blushing, she quickened her steps.
’Why does she react like that?’ Klaus pondered, prompting Greed to interject.
{With a face like yours, what do you expect?}
’What’s wrong with my face?’
{TSSSP! Stop playing dumb.}
As Klaus and Greed continued their banter, the test unfolded, and most trainees managed to transform the Mythril Crystal into a dark yellow color despite hovering around the mid-tier red core stage. Once the back row completed their trials, it was the turn of the five individuals standing at the front—the only ones to emerge from the Aequalis Array.
Kurt, the demi-human trainee, stepped forward as the first to attempt the test. Lacking any formal swordsmanship techniques, he positioned himself in front of the Mythril Crystal, raising his training sword above his head. Channeling mana into the blade, he manifested a dark red aura.
’He has just a low-tier red core; how did he escape the Aequalis Array?’ Rick pondered, a hint of disappointment in his gaze. Laughter erupted from the trainees who had failed the first test, mocking Kurt’s seemingly inferior core.
Undeterred, Kurt remained focused, intensifying the aura around his sword. The energy surged like a volcano as he executed a powerful vertical slash, striking the Mythril Crystal with unwavering determination.
Continue your journey on empire
PAC!
The resounding impact echoed through the Lion Arena. The trainees, once amused, now stood wide-eyed, mouths agape. Even Rick couldn’t hide his surprise as the Mythril Crystal transformed into a light yellow color.
’How can someone with a low-tier mana core exert power comparable to someone with a high-tier yellow core?’ Rick wondered, momentarily taken aback. Clearing his throat, he proceeded to announce the result.
"Trainee 234, Kurt, pass!" Rick declared with resonance. Just as he was about to applaud, Roman Lionhart, for the first time since the second test began, broke into applause. The gesture rippled through the arena, triggering cheers from the commoner section, proud to see one of their own acknowledged by their Lord.
Kurt reciprocated with a deep bow, returning to his position. It was now Sarah Margot’s turn. With a deep breath, she stepped back from the Mythril Crystal, channeling mana into her training sword and transforming it into a luminous yellow aura. With precision, she dashed forward, executing her swordsmanship technique.
Blue River Swordsmanship Ultimate move: Reverse Flow
Sarah’s performance was nothing short of a captivating spectacle. Her movements seemed like a choreography of determination and grace, blending elegance with an undercurrent of unyielding strength. As she soared into the air, the intensity in her gaze hinted at a fierce resolve, channeled through the training sword clutched in her hand. The descent that followed wasn’t just a physical motion; it was a manifestation of her indomitable spirit.
With a swift, artful stroke, she brought her training sword down upon the Mythril Crystal, creating a symphony that resonated through the Lion Arena—a melodic clash of steel meeting crystal. The audience, caught in the mesmerizing display, collectively held their breath as the crystalline surface succumbed to the force of her strike.
SWOOMM
The arena reverberated with a thunderous sound, the Mythril Crystal now bathed in a captivating dark green glow. The transformation mirrored not just the crystal but also the profound impact of Sarah’s unwavering commitment, etching a vivid memory in the minds of every onlooker.
’Impressive!’ Rick’s inner voice echoed through the arena, a sentiment shared by everyone present.
"Truly impressive! At such a tender age, possessing a high-tier yellow mana core and exhibiting power comparable to someone with a low-tier green mana core," Rick’s words carried a tone of genuine admiration. His applause initiated a wave of approval from the audience, turning the arena into a sea of cheers. Yet, in the midst of the ovation, Roman Lionhart and Melo remained composed, their expectations hinting at an even higher standard.