“Now then, who wants to take the test first?” Mireya asked with a grin spreading across her face with excitement.
Suddenly, a floating translucent screen appeared in front of Yuan with a distinctive sound.
Ding!
[A new mission has been assigned to the Host!]
<Mission: Destroy the 5 Gray Granite boulders within 20 seconds by using a normal Iron sword.>
<Difficulty: High>
<Reward: 20 SP>
<Timelimit: 20 minutes >
<Penalty: Host’s cultivation will be reduced by 1 realm.>
—
[Will the Host accept this mission?]
<Yes/No>
“I accept.” Yuan promptly acquiesced to the mission bestowed by the system. Given that the system rarely assigns missions, he was determined not to let this opportunity pass by.
Moreover, the present task assigned by the system appears to be within Yuan’s capabilities, and furthermore, it comes with the added incentive of offering “SP,” a resource that is known to be scarce.
[Host, Didn’t I tell you before that you would soon receive some missions from the system?] Nora exclaimed with a knowing tone.
“Naturally!” Yuan responded. 𝚍ｎ𝚘ｖ𝚕．𝚘𝚛𝚐
After that, Yuan looked over at Emma, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Do you mind if I take the combat test first?” he asked, his tone formal and polite.
Emma smiled brightly. “Of course not, Yuan. Go ahead,” she said, gesturing towards the test area.
Yuan nodded his thanks and stepped towards the test area, his mace at the ready.
However, before he began, he turned back to Emma. “Can you hold onto my sword for me?” he asked, handing over his Blue Jade Sword.
Emma took the sword and was surprised at how heavy it was, despite its slim size. “Wow, this is heavier than I expected,” she said, admiring the intricate designs etched onto the blade.
Yuan chuckled, “It may look slim, but it’s a peak spirit-grade sword which makes it quite heavy.”
Mireya’s eyes furrowed as she watched Yuan hand his sword to Emma. Though the blade was covered by its scabbard, Mireya couldn’t help but notice the intricate design of the sword’s handle.
Mireya couldn’t help but think about the beauty of the sword he had chosen. The handle alone spoke volumes about its quality and value, and Mireya’s interest in Yuan grew as she wondered what else the young hunter was hiding.
“Mmm,” she thought to herself, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips.”This could be interesting! I should ask him to show me the sword after the test… I’m sure he wouldn’t mind showing it to me.”
Emma nodded in understanding, and then Yuan turned in Mireya’s direction.
“I’ll take the test first,” Yuan informed Mireya with a determined look in his eyes.
Mireya nodded and gestured toward the array of weapons on the table. “Very well. Choose a weapon that suits you best.”
Yuan walked over to the table and surveyed the weapons on offer. After a few moments of contemplation, he picked up a normal iron sword and tested it with a few swings.
“Good luck with the test,” she said, giving him an encouraging smile.
Yuan nodded his thanks and walked towards the test area, sword in hand. As he neared the boulders, he took a few practice swings, getting a feel for the weight and balance of the sword.
Yuan stood before the 5 boulders, his eyes focused and his sword at the ready. He took a deep breath and turned to face Mireya.
“I’m ready,” Yuan said, his voice firm and unwavering.
Mireya smiled, impressed by Yuan’s confidence and determination. “Very well,” she said, her tone serious. “Remember, you have only five minutes to destroy all five boulders. Good luck.”
Yuan nodded and his eyes narrowed as he focused on the boulders before him. His grip tightened on the hilt of his sword, and he whispered the words “One Sword One Strike” under his breath.
With a sudden burst of movement, Yuan charged forward, his sword held high above his head. The air crackled around him as he swung his sword with all his might, his energy focused on a single strike.
The Sword sliced through the air with a satisfying swoosh, striking the boulder with a resounding crack.
Mireya and Emma watched in amazement as Yuan unleashed his technique, “One Sword One Strike”. The power behind the strike was incredible, and the boulder shattered into tiny pieces.
Mireya was utterly astounded as she witnessed Yuan unleash his technique, “One Sword One Strike”. Her mind was plagued with a multitude of questions.
“What was that just now?” she exclaimed in disbelief. “What manner of power did he just wield?” The perplexed expression on her face was a clear indication of her shock and disbelief.
To her utmost amazement, she was unable to detect even the slightest trace of mana in his attack, and it was definitely not the aura that the knights employed.
She had extensive experience in dealing with knights, and thus, she was familiar with the sensation of their aura. However, this was something entirely new and beyond her.
Emma, on the other hand, was not surprised at all. She too was a cultivator, and knew the power that could be unleashed through martial arts. She watched with a smile as Yuan’s sword sliced through the boulder like butter.
“One sword, one strike,” he repeated, a satisfied smile spreading across his face, his chest heaving with exertion, as he admired the damage he had done.
His movements were fluid and graceful, each strike perfectly timed and executed with precision. The sound of metal against stone echoed through the test area as Yuan continued to strike the boulders with his sword.
Mireya watched in awe, her eyes transfixed on Yuan’s every move. It was clear that he was a skilled swordsman, and his sword technique was nothing short of mesmerizing.
As Yuan landed the final blow on the last boulder, a smile spread across his face.
—
<You have successfully completed the mission!>
<20 SP has been added.>
<Current SP: 195 SP>
<Your understanding of the sword has slightly improved!>
—
“Oh, my comprehension of the sword has increased, nice!” Yuan exclaimed with a small smile on his face.
Mireya then approached him, clapping her hands in admiration. “My, oh my, Yuan! You have truly surpassed our expectations and have passed the test with full marks,” she exclaimed, clearly impressed with his display of strength.
As Mireya applauded, Emma walked over to Yuan with a gentle smile on her face. “Congratulations, Yuan! I am so happy for you,” she said, her voice filled with genuine excitement and happiness for him passing the test.
“Thank you, Emma and Mireya.” Yuan expressed his gratitude towards the two women.
Mireya’s expression suddenly turned serious as she interjected, “Let’s not waste any time. It’s now Emma’s turn to take the test.”
“Please step forward, Emma,” she continued, gesturing towards the testing area. “I will be closely monitoring your progress and will provide feedback once you’ve completed the test. Good luck.” Mireya’s voice was calm and collected, but there was a sense of authority behind her words.
“Emma, do your best!” Yuan encouraged Emma.
Emma nodded, her expression determined as she walk towards the testing area.
As Emma strode towards the testing area, Mireya observed her closely with a confused expression on her face. She asked, “Excuse me, Emma, but aren’t you going to choose a weapon?”
Emma turned towards her with a serene expression and replied, “I don’t need a weapon, Mireya.”
Emma’s words only added to Mireya’s confusion, and she muttered to herself, “I don’t understand. How does she plan on completing the test without a weapon or wand?”
Upon arriving in front of the five boulders, Emma assumed a martial arts stance, with her palm facing the first boulder. Mireya watched her with a mix of confusion and curiosity, wondering what Emma was attempting to do.
“What is she doing?” Mireya whispered under her breath, her tone laced with confusion.
Emma’s hand swiftly shot forward, and with a resounding impact, she unleashed her martial arts technique, the “Iron Palm Technique,” against the first boulder.
In an instant, the boulder shattered into countless pieces. Mireya’s shock was palpable as she watched the display of raw power in front of her. Her eyes widened in amazement, and she gasped in disbelief.
“How did she do that?” Mireya thought, her tone incredulous.
“That boulder was at least ten times harder than a regular rock, and she destroyed it with a single strike!” Mireya was left in awe, trying to fathom the extent of Emma’s strength and skill.
Mireya pondered silently to herself, wondering about the mysterious methods utilized by Yuan and Emma that seemingly required no Mana at all. Upon further reflection, she realized that she could not detect even the slightest trace of mana emanating from their bodies. “I can’t help but wonder just who are they?” she thought to herself.
Meanwhile, Yuan stood beside Mireya with a proud expression on his face, gazing at Emma with admiration.
Emma moved on to the next boulder, using her “Iron Palm Technique” with precision and ease, shattering it into pieces in a matter of seconds.
She continued with the remaining boulders, each one falling victim to her martial arts prowess, until all five were reduced to rubble.
The entire process took only three minutes, leaving Mireya in a state of disbelief.
She watched Emma in awe, impressed by her remarkable display of strength and skill.
“That was incredible,” Mireya exclaimed, her tone full of admiration. “And, congratulations! You have also passed the test with full marks, Emma!”
Yuan, who had been observing the test, stepped forward and congratulated Emma, “Well done, Emma! Your performance was truly remarkable. Your mastery of the martial arts is truly impressive.” Yuan’s voice was filled with admiration and respect for Emma’s abilities.
Emma turned towards them shyly and offered her gratitude, “Thank you, Mireya and Yuan. Your support means a lot to me.”
Mireya then took charge, “Well done, both of you. Let’s head back to the reception desk to collect your hunter licenses.” Her tone was assertive and confident as she led the way towards the reception desk.
“You’ve both demonstrated remarkable abilities, and I have no doubt that you will become great hunters,” Mireya continued, her voice brimming with pride.
Both Yuan and Emma followed closely behind Mireya, eager to receive their hunter licenses and begin their new journey.
———————