Death... and me

2946  Let's Start

Everyone looked at Rean, who seemed genuinely happy to hear those words. Once again, their impression of Rean improved. They are all sword fanatics, and Rean was excited about being able to exchange moves with all of them. How could they not relate?

At the top of the palace, the Sect Master of the World Splitting Sect watched the fights with clear eyes. The more he watched Rean, the more he seemed to take a liking for the boy. "Amelia, who is that boy in the formation? He seems quite young and yet his sword mastery is exceptional."

Amelia turned to the guy. "Oh! Sect Master Diliy is interested in that boy? Just give me a moment, and I'll check it for you." Amelia then looked at Karev. Karev nodded and took out his CD. He checked the information of the contest inside and found the name registered to that platform. Finally, he looked back at Diliy. "Senior Diliy, his name is Asterix Larks... or so says the details in the contest registration. As long as the Werdlem Stone is an official one, we don't really check much into anyone's identities, so this name might be fake."

Diliy nodded. "So he isn't affiliated with any other Region, right? I can see his bones with my Spiritual Sense. No doubt he is as young as he looks. His cultivation doesn't lose much to the top disciples of my sect at a similar age, but his sword ability is definitely at the very top."

Diliy then turned to the other experts around. "This old man has a like for cultivators talented with the sword, so I hope none of you will fight against me for the boy. Does anyone have anything to say?" His body seemed to transform into a sword, and his words carried his own Sword Intent. The other leaders of the other regions didn't like Diliy's attitude. Everyone in the World Splitting Sect was like that. However, no one wants to find trouble with him either. It was only a boy who was a little good with swords. It wasn't worth the trouble.

"In that case, I also have someone I want," it was then that another voice came from within the experts. An old man with a scholarly appearance stepped forward. If one didn't know better, one might think he was just some old grampa from some mortal house in his last years. He was the Lincae Sect Master, Unitten Siiweri. "That boy my disciples are playing with. He caught this old man's interest."

Everyone looked over and soon noticed Roan and his game of Battlefield Board. He kept crushing the Lincae Sect Disciples one after another. Many games have passed already but Roan still hasn't repeated the same strategy twice. For Unitten, he was more alluring than any genius sword user.

The other leaders from the other regions understood what was happening. Their expressions changed, and they began to watch the contest on the other platforms more seriously. Perhaps they could find someone good for themselves as well.

Rean and Roan didn't know what was being discussed about themselves, and even if they did, they wouldn't care anyway. They already understood they would catch some attention. But since they have real Werdlem Stones, they didn't need to worry much, especially since they could simply disappear if necessary.

Times continued to pass, and the sun began to go down while Rean, Roan, and the other contestants tried to defend their tags. *Clang! Swish!*

Rean finally changed into a real sword while his Sword Intent showed the Third Stage. The World Splitting Sect disciples were indeed very good at sword fighting. *Bang!*

*Arrrghh.*

Rean managed to parry another attack before kicking the guy out of the arena. However, this one took him almost five minutes. Rean was truly starting to get tired now. 'So strong! To think I could find such experts in a mortal world. Roan and I need to ascend soon to take a look at their Divine Realm.' He was still excited, though.

However, neither Rean nor Roan forgot to check their surroundings. So far, only three contestants managed to hold their positions. Two of them were obviously Rean and Roan... or Asterix and Obelix, for that matter. The other one just happened to be the girl who selected the history of the Universe they find themselves in. Surprisingly, she had achieved almost perfect scores in all subjects the formation in the platform gave to her and her adversaries. 'Hey, Roan, perhaps she might be of some use. What do you think?' Rean asked Roan through their connection.

Roan nodded, having noticed the girl a long time ago. 'Indeed. Better than searching the terminals, perhaps it will be better to ask directly to someone who knows a lot. We can see later. The way things are going, she will probably enter the palace with us as well.'

Rean agreed and turned his attention back to his platform.

*Zush!*

Another member of the World Splitting Sect stepped on the platform. Looking at her, Rean narrowed his eyes. "Seems like you guys are finally taking me seriously." In the next moment, Rean's Sword Intent changed again. An aura appeared over it, giving a threatening feeling. The Fourth Stage of Sword Intent, Sword Aura. Rean could tell this woman wouldn't be as easy as the previous participants.

The woman shook her head slightly. "We were not looking down on you. You definitely have what it takes for us to consider you a kindred spirit. However, it was true that I wanted to observe your playstyle a little more. You are obviously excellent with the sword, but different from us, you also use the other parts of your body in combat."

Rean knew that. He had punched, kicked, and even done some weird acrobatics to support his swordplay. The members of the World Splitting Sect didn't seem used to this kind of style. It couldn't be helped. The one who taught Rean was Roan, after all. He added so many styles to Rean's sword that it was hard to say Rean had a style at all. "Does it bother you?"

The woman took a small sword from her waist before shaking her head. Instantly, an Aura appeared around it, just like Rean. Fourth Stage, Sword Aura. She, too, could use it. "No. It only makes me happier to be able to face such a different style. Now then, let's start."

And as always, any Golden Tickets and Stones are welcome. ;)