Free Web NovelChapter 165: Form 2
After the orc humiliatingly defeated and nearly killed the confident Matthew, most of the other contenders were very apprehensive about being the next to fight.
All eyes in the arena were on Matthew’s unconscious body as two assistants carried it out of the arena.
The orc, with the sand-colored skin, wiped the blood from his hands as the bars closed and he was once again trapped in a sturdy metal box.
The contestants looked at each other. The stakes for survival had suddenly changed, and the aura of confidence that Matthew carried had dissipated like smoke in the wind.
Among the contestants, Bel stared at the ground, fighting the fear that began to creep into her mind. However, after seeing the speed and strength of the orc, he had the impression that the orcs were neither as fast nor as frightening as Victor usually was during their training. Bel almost raised his hand with the determination that burned in his chest like a flame ready to explode. But before he could make up his mind, a hand rose from his side.
"I could be next," a blond boy said.
All eyes turned to Jonas, a boy of medium height with blond hair and piercing eyes. He seemed calm, almost serene. The thought of facing the orc didn’t faze him.
The murmuring began immediately.
"This is the guy I told you about..." one candidate whispered.
"He passed the first test like it was nothing. They say he’s a prodigy."
"To beat an instructor like that. He may be the most qualified here."
Bel met Jonas at the test and although he had interacted with him a little, Bel knew almost nothing about Jonas except his first name.
"Good luck," Bel said as Jonas left his side.
Bel’s words surprised Jonas. He was pretty sure that Bel didn’t like him because he always gave short answers, so he smiled and said:
"Nah! I don’t need luck, but thanks anyway".
Then Jonas was led to the inner area of the arena by an instructor.
Victor and Gracela, standing a little apart, watched.
"Can he do it?" Gracela asked seriously.
"At least he seems confident," Victor replied. "Let’s see what he can do."
While Jonas was still preparing, a woman with brown hair and red eyes, who had been in the cabin, approached Victor and Gracela. She was wearing a dark blue cape.
"You must be Victor Shieldman and Gracela Selvarum," she said with a gentle smile. "Everyone’s been talking about you since the elevator."
Then she looked back over her shoulder and saw that many of the well-dressed and noble men watching the examination from the box were looking in Victor and Gracela’s direction, some in disguise and some not.
"I don’t think they noticed your presence until their names were called to come down here." The woman continued. "By the way, my name is Liana, I’m Jonas’ teacher."
"Liana, brown hair and red eyes. I think I’ve heard of you. You were a knight in the capital, weren’t you?" Victor asked. "Forgive me if I mistake you for someone else. In any case, it is an honor to meet you." He bowed slightly, a sign of respect.
Victor remembered that Wanda had mentioned in one of her letters a few months ago that a brown-haired, red-eyed woman named Lamía had helped her.
Liana laughed softly. "Yes, I’m a knight, but I’m on vacation right now. I’ve heard a lot about you too, Victor. I bet it wasn’t easy to defeat the Devourer of Ships, so I believe the rare jewel you hold in your hands is well cared for." She looked at Bel, who was still standing and watching Jonas. "He has potential. I could see that from the beginning."
"Bel still has a lot to learn, but he has potential and will go far, I’m sure. Now let’s see what Jonas can do," Victor said.
Liana smiled at Victor’s comment.
Entering the arena, Jonas took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment to center himself.
They brought back the same orc as before because he had not even been injured in the previous battle.
Jonas walked to the center of the arena, his firm steps echoing through the room. His calm face did not reflect the turmoil in his mind. He knew this was the moment to show his true potential, something he had trained hard for under the tutelage of the woman he had admired since childhood.
Arriving at the center, Jonas raised his sword, a shining two-handed sword with the word "Resilience" engraved on its blade.
"I am ready," he said.
As the hilt was raised, the orc wasted no time in launching himself forward. This time, however, there was something new about this test. The orc held a small rusty axe in his hand.
Although Jonas was surprised like the others, he was prepared. He quickly dodged the first attack and his movements were so smooth that he seemed to move in the water.
Jonas’ eyes analyzed the Orc’s every move in those moments, looking for an opening. He knew that his opponent’s brute strength was formidable, but he also knew that his own speed and technique could make up for that disadvantage.
In the blink of an eye, the orc attacked again, swinging his axe with overwhelming force.
Jonas blocked the blow with his sword.
"Let’s see what you can do," Jonas muttered to himself, stepping back and preparing his stance.
"Arutsop aus!" the orc shouted and attacked again, this time with a series of quick blows.
Jonas dodged and blocked each blow, showing off his sword skills for all to see. He played the game of patience, waiting for the right moment to strike back.
Soon that moment came, and Jonas finally saw his opening.
The orc, driven by frustration and anger, let his guard down for a moment. Jonas then seized the opportunity and advanced with impressive speed. His sword flashed as he delivered a precise blow to the orc’s side. freewebnovёl.ƈom
But when Jonas looked down, he had made only a slight cut. The force he had used would have been enough to split any human or monster in half, but the orc had put up an impressive resistance. This meant that Jonas needed something more, something that would show off all of his training and skill.
Jonas took a deep breath, centered himself, and muttered:
"Dragon Blade Fortification, Form 2."
His sword glowed brightly, and an aura of bluish energy began to emanate from it like fire.
Jonas felt the energy flow through his body, increasing his strength and speed. This time it was he who advanced, and the surprised orc had little time to defend himself.
The crowd around the arena held its collective breath, conversations silenced in awe at the spectacle of skill and power unfolding before them.
The sword of Resilience sliced through the air with a sharp buzz and a blinding glare.
"Let’s see if you can withstand this," Jonas shouted again, this time with a hint of confidence in his voice.
The blade of his sword struck the orc’s flesh, no longer a simple cut, but a deep slit that tore off half of the creature’s shoulder and an entire arm.
The orc’s scream of pain echoed off the walls of the arena. The resilience of the orcs, however, was not only known for their tough skin but also for their ability to continue fighting even when severely injured. It was believed that it was honorable for an orc to fight to the last drop of blood.
The axe blows fell hard and fast, but it seemed more like a desperate move.
"You ugly monster, you will pay for every drop of blood you have spilled!" the orc roared, his voice distorted with pain and rage.
"Adamarred eugnas edatog adacrop ragap êcov!" the orc shouted in his own language. His voice was already distorted with pain and rage.
Jonas was completely focused on the fight and paid no attention to what the orc was saying because he could not understand him.
The crowd, at first silent, began to come to life again. Whispers of admiration and surprise spread like wildfire as they watched Jonas humiliate the orc.
The orc’s movements became slower and heavier.
"Ratorred em... iav oãn...!" the orc shouted, his words choked with pain and effort.
Jonas remained calm. One slip and the orc’s brute strength could turn the tide.
"Let’s get this over with," Jonas muttered, more to himself than to the orc.
In one swift motion, he whirled his sword around and unleashed a powerful thrust.
The blade of Resilience glowed brightly, as if responding to Jonas’ determination. The blow pierced the orc’s defense as he raised both arms for another axe, finding the sturdy creature’s chest.
The orc groaned in pain and his body shook before he collapsed to the arena floor.
The crowd erupted in applause and cheers. Jonas had done even better than others thought, and if he had defeated an orc, there was no doubt that he would become a knight.
