Chapter 8 - Sonic Cut!

Vincent’s father grimaced. His senses weren’t wrong; how could an initial 9th-grade novice match blows with an experienced 9th-grade novice?

Certainly, if Fang were normal, this wouldn’t happen. However, no one expected that Fang practiced a different method—one that absorbed energy rapidly. So even though Fang had recently reached this rank, he was able to fight on par with Vincent.

Realizing he still couldn’t gain the upper hand with normal blows, Vincent grew enraged and began to change his movements. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to break the deadlock.

Fang’s parents had died on the battlefield when Fang was only ten, so he never learned the family fighting skills. Additionally, the training school only taught basic combat movements. How was Fang able to contend with Vincent’s punches?

Vincent shrugged off his anxiety. Fang, if you want to compare our strengths, skills, and experience, I’ll always be superior!

Aggressively, Vincent accelerated his punches. Unexpectedly, he found an opening and landed a brutal punch on Fang.

However, Vincent felt as if he had punched a brick wall, screaming in pain as he recoiled. The concentrated light around Fang’s body slowly dissipated from the impact as he calmly stared at the furious Vincent.

The judges widened their eyes in surprise.

Instant parry!

At the moment of impact, energy was focused at the point of contact to improve defense and significantly reduce damage. This skill was extraordinarily difficult to master; it required sharp eyes, a calm mind, fast reflexes, and mastery of energy. It was rare, as it required special training and was usually only accessible to those who had reached an advanced rank. Fang, however, was only a 9th-grade novice!

After the punch was deflected by the instant parry, Fang slid back slightly. Just a lucky trick, Vincent thought, preparing to launch another series of punches.

As the fight continued, Fang remained unscathed, but Vincent appeared to have complete control over the fight, seemingly overwhelming Fang with powerful punches. Another glancing punch struck Fang.

Oddly, the same thing happened again. Even though Vincent’s fist was glowing with intense light, it was neutralized by the instant parry.

If the first instance was a coincidence, what about the second?

The peaceful expression on the beautiful judge’s face changed slightly, showing pleasant surprise. To execute instant parry as a 9th-grade novice was no easy feat!

However, no one knew that what Fang was doing wasn’t actually instant parry but a fighting method taught to him by the elders. He wasn’t trying to predict or react to where he would take damage. Instead, he exerted a thin layer of energy around his body and trained to passively condense it around any gaps in the shield.

Damn, is this guy really using instant parry?

Vincent felt envious; he knew how difficult it was to master instant parry.

Dust flew into the air as the fight continued, Fang defending and occasionally using the “instant parry” technique as Vincent attacked in frustration.

With the energy shield protecting him from harm, Fang’s mind settled, and he began to analyze the battle.

Fang wasn’t doing too badly. Although he had never learned advanced fighting techniques, his basic skills were solid. Gradually, he noticed Vincent’s attack patterns and his hit frequency decreased. As the fight progressed, Vincent couldn’t touch Fang at all with his wild punches.

The endless method also displayed its advantages over conventional methods—sustainability. Because the method continuously repaired the lost energy in Fang’s body, he remained in the same condition as when he started the fight, while Vincent was short of breath, his body’s light fading.

Vincent began to feel the pressure as sweat poured down his face. Each fist grew heavier, but he continued the assault relentlessly.

Momentum was clearly on Fang’s side now, and seeing Vincent’s exhaustion, the audience began to discuss among themselves.

“I didn’t expect Fang to be so strong, able to take so many punches.”

“That’s not his body; it’s a very good skill called instant parry!”

“Fang must have learned the skill at a young age and practiced in secret.”

“With the way this is turning out, Fang will surely get the recommendation.”

People were fickle. When you’re weak, you’re merely a joke. But within a day, all grudges were forgotten if you were strong. Fang laughed bitterly.

Hearing the voices, Vincent grew unsettled.

Do you think I will lose?

Nonsense! Fang can never be stronger than me! I’ll show you the real winner!

Vincent stopped his punches, lifting his bent arm, fingers together in a sharp line. Light started to flow around his arm, energy condensing into what appeared to be a blade around his fingers. Shockingly, Vincent had something more than a barrage of punches—a martial technique!

Different energy concentrations in unique poses allowed a combatant to display their maximum potential; a martial technique far outclassed regular fighting abilities due to its focused energy.

With the sharp energy surrounding his arm like a sword, Vincent drew a circular arc from top to bottom.

White skill—Sonic Cut!

Skills were also divided into levels with 5 grades: white, yellow, green, blue, red, purple, brown, and black. The skill’s level was determined by the amount of energy required and the difficulty of mastery.

Although white-level skills were not graded, they were still formidable. Vincent originally intended to wear down Fang with punches and then finish him off with the skill, but the plan had gone completely awry.

Your instant parry can’t block all this energy, Fang. If this doesn’t kill you, you’ll at least be crippled!

I’d like to see how patient Mii would be, waiting around for a crippled vegetable. Would she follow you forever? She’ll eventually lose hope, and when that happens, I’ll take her from you. Ahaha!

Vincent’s father wore a proud sneer as he observed. It seemed that his son was better than Fang. Despite knowing instant parry, it would be of no use against the Sonic Cut!

Seeing the lethal cut coming towards Fang’s head, Mii cried out, “Master, just give up!”

But it was no use. Vincent sped up and prepared to strike Fang with one blow.

Fang had no escape, no way out of this.

He blinked. Fang didn’t try to run. Instead, he raised his right arm high, bent it slightly, and shaped his fingers together, pointed straight.

This position… it can’t be!

Fang’s hands, and Vincent’s hands, were almost identical. Was this… Sonic Cut?

Vincent hesitated for a moment, then dismissed the idea. Fang must be trying to intimidate him, that’s all!

But the next moment, he realized he was wrong.

Fang’s right arm also radiated a strong light, energy condensing into a sharp edge.

White skill—Sonic Cut!