Chapter 7 - The nightmare is over

He pinched himself extremely hard, almost shouting in pain, but it didn’t change the fact—what Vincent was seeing was real!

Even if Fang had taken rush pills, which could temporarily boost his capacity, the severe side effects would ravage his body afterwards. Moreover, even if Vincent’s family pooled all their wealth, they would still be drastically short of buying such a miracle drug. How could a poor nobody like Fang afford one?

What’s more, the jury presiding over the examination were not ordinary—they had immense knowledge to reach their positions, and any cheating would result in immediate and permanent disqualification from every institution.

Slowly, Fang walked out of the testing grounds, and the crowd watched in dead silence.

Mocking someone who had reached this level would only humiliate oneself.

He arrived in front of the small figure. “Mii, I didn’t let you down, did I?”

Mii’s mouth hung open in disbelief. But hearing Fang’s voice snapped her back to reality, and she was ecstatic. “I’m not dreaming, am I, Master? Are you really a 9th-grade novice?”

Fang laughed. “You were dreaming, but that was in the past. Now, the nightmare is over!”

The joyful mood contrasted sharply with Vincent’s fuming jealousy. Fang’s miraculous breakthrough infuriated him, especially since it jeopardized Vincent’s chances of securing the top score.

This entrance examination was one of the most significant events for small cities like Victoria City. Held every decade, it selected the top scorers from each city and awarded them scholarships to intermediate schools, from which they could then gain entry into prestigious colleges in the capital cities.

In other words, topping the scores in your city guaranteed entry into a prestigious college.

The real value, however, lay in the intermediate school—an elite training camp where instructors from across the country gathered for two months to help young talents grow.

As the examination concluded, one of the judges approached Fang and Vincent. “I’m extremely pleased to see two outstanding talents at the same stage today. However, according to the rules, only one person can be recommended. To decide who will be recommended, we propose a fight between you two. Do both sides agree?”

Vincent immediately responded, “I agree!”

Fang also replied, “I agree!”

The judge nodded. “In that case, the battle will take place tomorrow morning. Go back, rest, and get ready.”

---

That night, Victoria City buzzed with excitement. Loud, boastful voices filled the streets as people shared drinks and discussed the upcoming fight.

“Damn Fang!” Vincent shouted in frustration. To him, Fang was merely an ant to be crushed, but today, Fang posed a serious threat to his future!

A well-dressed girl entered with a tray of tea, speaking coyly, “Master, there’s no need to make such a big fuss. After all, it’s just Fang.”

Vincent frowned. Even though his maid was relatively pretty, she couldn’t compare to Mii. His frustration deepened; with Fang’s new rank, it would be difficult to win Mii’s affection, and this examination wouldn’t prevent Fang from advancing. With his talent, Fang could still get into another excellent college.

Vincent’s mood soured. Increasingly irritated, he swept his hand at the maid, causing the tea to crash to the ground. “Go away, don’t bother me!”

Frightened, the maid clumsily picked up the broken glass and quickly limped out the door.

Vincent sat slumped in his chair, his hands crumpled against his head. Suddenly, a man rudely interrupted his thoughts by striding in. Vincent was about to hurl insults but paled when he saw who it was. “Father?”

“Son, I’ve told you many times to control your anger.”

“Father, I know,” Vincent muttered. “Today’s events were overwhelming. How dare Fang show off so arrogantly?”

“I understand how you feel, but his strength is real. However, you should think about how to solve this problem.” He paused. “If you think carefully, this is an extremely good opportunity!”

“A good opportunity?” Vincent looked puzzled.

“From my observations, Fang is indeed a 9th-grade novice, but he has only recently reached this stage. Tomorrow, during the fight, you can continuously attack and exhaust his strength. Once his defense wanes…” A cold light gleamed in his eyes. “Son, during this fight, even if there are casualties, no one will be held responsible. Therefore, there’s a chance we can ‘reunite’ Fang with his parents!”

Vincent’s eyes lit up.

Suddenly, the examination seemed like an opportunity!

With a vicious grin, Vincent whispered, “Father, even if I don’t manage to kill Fang, I’ll just accidentally cripple him!”

“Well, that depends on you!” His father patted Vincent’s shoulder, a sinister smile spreading.

Fang’s unexpected rise to 9th-grade novice had made him a significant threat. Showing such improvement was astonishing; if he continued to grow, he could restore his family’s position and undermine the Vincent family’s standing.

Just like his parents, Vincent’s father smirked, planning for Fang to meet an untimely end.

---

As the sun rose, people hurried to the training grounds. Despite the entrance examination being over, the anticipated battle had been widely publicized through the city, fueled by gossip shared over hearty beers and bread. Bets were placed; this clash between the two famous families promised to be memorable.

Vincent and Fang were already on the grounds, a tense and hostile atmosphere hanging between them. No words were needed.

The eleven judges arrived promptly. Once they were seated, a judge moved in front of Fang and Vincent and announced in a loud voice, “This fight will be conducted fairly, without any weapons or external help. There is no time limit, and the combatants may not leave the battlefield. Both sides waive any responsibility for the conditions of the competitors after the fight. The fight will be decided when a person loses consciousness or is unable to continue, and the winner will receive a recommendation into the intermediate school. Are there any questions?”

In rare unison, Fang and Vincent declared, “No!”

“Very well, I pronounce… the fight shall begin!” The judge hurried off the training grounds.

Energy enveloped both Fang and Vincent as they glared at each other. Warily, they circled each other until suddenly, Vincent charged at Fang.

Fists met fists, creating a small shockwave that pushed them both back. The outcome of that exchange was extremely close.

Although Vincent had no apparent disadvantage, he frowned. His father had said that since Fang had recently become a 9th-grade novice, he should have the upper hand.