Chapter 66 - The Test

Soon enough, they arrived in front of the towering structure.

“Who is it?”

The imposing voice slightly shook the building, and Fang’s reservations grew larger. “Blue, let’s return to the camp…”

Before he could finish speaking, Blue inspected him critically. “You’re really a coward. How could you be nervous?”

Loudly, Blue yelled, “Hello, we come from Garden College, visiting temporarily. We heard that a military teacher of high prestige and noble character lives around here, and we hope to gain your instruction.”

A man appeared at the top of the stairs. “You two want to learn the military’s combat techniques?”

“Although we’re young, we’re dedicated to the martial arts and hope that we can become as strong as you. Even if we don’t have the qualifications to learn the combat techniques, we sincerely request your guidance.”

Like a play, the two sides went back and forth with questions and stubbornness until the figure finally relented. “Looking at your sincerity, I’ll give you an opportunity to learn my techniques, but before that, you both will have to pass my test.”

In fake excitement, Blue shouted, “We’re willing to take any test, no matter how difficult it is!”

“Very good. I hope you can keep that courage after taking my test!”

After throwing down those words, a door to a room opened.

Disbelief spread across Fang’s face as he stared at Blue. “Blue, you got him to agree!”

“It’s not done yet. Let’s first see what the test is.”

As she stood, a complex expression appeared on her face. You said I was naïve? You’re the naïve one, to think that such an opportunity would appear from an earnest request.

Within moments, Roland appeared in front of them. Although he wasn’t attuned to the spatial area of energy, his level of energy was enough to move faster than the eye could see.

Respectfully, Fang bowed. “Hello, senior. My name is Fang.”

Roland had already known who he was, and instead of responding, looked intently at Fang, scanning him from bottom to top.

He seems to be a very ordinary person. Was Scarlett playing me?

Although suspicions arose, he waved his hand. “Follow me.”

Inside the corridor, flights of stairs descended downwards, and the two figures hurriedly climbed down. Another door opened at the end of a second corridor, revealing a large underground field.

Usually, the military conducted the majority of their training here, but as the institutes were present, it was vastly empty.

“The first test is to run ten times around this course within five minutes!”

Ten? Fang looked strangely at the field. Though it wasn’t very small, anyone from his class could casually run ten laps relatively quickly.

Was this just a warm-up?

Seeing the confusion in Fang’s expression, Roland chuckled. “Don’t look down on this first test. You’re not necessarily able to pass!”

His hand came down as a small floodgate rose up. Instantly, an invisible pressure clamped down in the surroundings.

Pressure field!

It wasn’t as simple as it looked; by exerting energy into a special device, gravity in the area could be intensified. The weight multiplied, and the pressure on the bones resulted in an environment that was greatly taxing on endurance.

“You still have time to be in a daze? The timer’s already started.”

Snapping back to attention, Fang and Blue started to run swiftly.

Under such serious pressure, there would be an absolute reduction in speed, but by revolving the energy appropriately and making use of inertia, Fang kept up a regular pace as he continued to move around. It took a mere four minutes for Blue to complete the task, but Fang used nearly four minutes and fifty seconds, close to the cut-off.

Blue’s performance wasn’t notable. To Roland, he knew that these tests were trivial for Scarlett. His attention was solely on Fang throughout the entire trial. Rapidly, he recognized that Fang’s speed wasn’t the fastest he could have exhibited.

This boy, during the entire course, the breath, step length, tension, and frequency were all extraordinarily consistent. In fact, the steps Fang took were the same as the initial steps at the beginning.

Roland knew this technique; it was the invariable road!

No average person would know of this technique, and even if they learned it, it wouldn’t be easy to display it under the influence of pressure.

His eyes narrowed.

Scarlett actually didn’t lie; this boy’s quite different!

“The first test is done, so the second will take place now. Run the full distance around the same course within a minute!”

The distance was reduced by a tenth, while the time was reduced by a fifth: at first glance, this test sounded easier.

However, Roland’s hand moved once more, and another floodgate shot up.

The pressure was increased!

With twice the pressure, the atmosphere was more overbearing, but that wasn’t all. A spike of pressure in a direction happened in intervals, making it difficult to keep balance, let alone move.

No reminder was needed this time, and Fang and Blue started to run, treasuring every second.

Quickly, Fang realized that though the direction of force was random, it occurred in regular intervals of about 0.2 seconds. Calmly breathing, he adjusted the intensity of energy around him as he proceeded forward.

This time, it took a little under fifty seconds for Blue to finish, while it took a bit over fifty seconds for Fang. Through varying amounts of pressure, the test aimed to examine the control over energy a person had. Without fine control, it would be impossible to stay upright in the swaying forces.

Compared to Scarlett, Fang’s degree of control seemed to be slightly less, but it was Scarlett he was being matched to! The majority of youths, even those attuned to the wind, would be unable to exert the balance he had!

Roland’s interest in Fang grew even further.

Following the second test were a set of ten tests that changed the environment and the obstacles present on the course, leading Roland to come to an understanding of Fang’s current ability.

The density, quality, endurance, and measured consumption of energy were extremely outstanding. Moreover, the boy showed full aptitude for skills that were difficult to master. No wonder Scarlett was interested in him!

---

He took a moment to collect his thoughts.

Perhaps Fang was trained in secret by Scarlett’s grandfather, specifically to simulate Scarlett’s interest in training. If that was true, then it’d be acceptable to help him out.

“You’ve both passed the minimum standards. Starting tomorrow, come again, and I’ll instruct you in the military’s combat techniques that I’ve honed.”

“Senior, thank you very much!” Though it wasn’t the techniques used by the special forces, the military’s skills were highly valuable, and the average person would never be able to come across them.

“You can call me Roland!”

After dropping those words, he walked back into the building, shutting the door behind him.

“We’ve passed, Blue!” Filled with joy, Fang hugged Blue. “It’s all because of you. Without your insistence, I would’ve never had this opportunity…”

His words were abruptly interrupted as Blue pushed him backward.

A light blush spread across Blue’s face as she shouted, “Don’t hug me!”

“It’s just a friendly hug.”

“I don’t like it; it feels disgusting.” Blue glared at him. “Don’t hug me again, or else I’ll never talk to you again!”

“I won’t.” However, Blue’s words didn’t dampen his happiness at all. “I still can’t believe we managed to get a military instructor to teach us!”

“Yes, it’s certainly wonderful!” Blue smiled wickedly.

You won’t necessarily be able to smile tomorrow, Fang, because the training is really hellish, enough to make you wish you could die!

---

The following evening, Fang visited the place along with Blue.

The end of the session had left him not tired or weary, but brutally bloodied.

Simply put, the training was so demanding that if people discovered what it entailed, they would look in horror, regardless of physical strength.

Though both his body and mind were worn out, Fang hadn’t given up – he knew the chance he had now was extremely fortunate.

Completely cold-blooded, Roland ruthlessly kept the pressure up, pushing Fang to his very limits before stopping. “Come again tomorrow evening. If for any reason you fail to come any day, never come again.”

Sluggishly, Blue and Fang walked back to their residence, quietly moving forward. Upon arrival, Fang removed his shirt, soaked in blood and sweat, and examined his body. It didn’t take long to notice the bruising and thin lacerations that lined his upper back, some cuts deep enough to almost peel back his flesh.

However, he couldn’t back out just because of these wounds; Roland had clearly said as long as a single day of training was missed, he would reject any future practice.

A sense of quick pleasure ran through Blue’s body as she felt somewhat refreshed. As soon as it came, though, she felt a sense of concern looking at the horrible condition he was currently in.

“Blue, can you help apply the healing ointment?” Her thoughts were interrupted as Fang handed over a jar filled with a white paste.

Blue gaped for a couple of seconds. “Do I apply it by hand?”

“Yes, I can’t reach some places on my back.” Seeing that Blue was still dazed, Fang continued, “Only if it’s not too much trouble.”

Hesitantly, Blue opened the jar and took a bit of the medicine in her hand, applying it to Fang’s back.

It felt rough but solid. As her hand paused on Fang’s back, his body shuddered slightly.

A sharp, loud breath broke the silence in the room as Fang’s

face distorted in pain, shattering Blue’s thoughts.

She shook her head rapidly – what was she even thinking?!

Calming down, she quickly helped spread the medication around his back before handing the jar back to Fang.

“Thanks!” Slowly but surely, the pain throughout his body reduced greatly as Fang suddenly looked at Blue. “Blue, you also shouldn’t be feeling so great now. Take off your clothes, and I’ll help apply the healing ointment on you.”

Immediately, Blue’s face turned red. “I don’t need it!”

Although the training was quite brutal, it wasn’t too demanding with her level of strength.

Fang sighed. He didn’t expect Blue to stay so stubborn. “Blue, don’t be unreasonable. The training will be tomorrow again, and it’s quite difficult. Without healing your wounds, your body condition definitely wouldn’t be good for the coming practice. It’s not a time to be embarrassed. We’re friends, so hurry up and take off your shirt!”

“I’ll be fine. I have my own set of medicines!”

Swiftly, Blue dashed towards her room like a frightened rabbit, hastily opening and closing the door behind her.