CHAPTER 99: E-RANK ELF VS. C-RANK NINJA: LINDA’S TRIAL

The two of them kept slamming into each other, exchanging punch after punch with relentless force. Sparks flew with every impact, echoing through the arena.

Kyrion suddenly stepped back, drawing his sword with a swift motion. He charged toward Ronny, slashing with precision, yet not a single cut landed. Ronny was infamous for his Steely Muzzle, an impenetrable defense hardened like steel.

Kyrion increased his speed, swinging with all his strength, but the blade still could not pierce Ronny’s guard. In response, Ronny launched a punch. The force collided with Kyrion’s sword, bending it slightly and sending him stumbling backward.

"Wow... human strength like that," Kyrion muttered, recovering quickly. "Is that his highest rank? Hmm... I think I’m the strongest rank there can ever be," he added with a confident smile.

Lightning suddenly crackled along the underside of his legs, wrapping his sword in a brilliant, electric glow. The audience gasped, mesmerized.

Before anyone could react, Kyrion surged forward at impossible speed. The strike was a blur, invisible to the naked eye. Ronny felt a searing slash across his body, blood spraying as he was thrown to the ground.

"What just happened? What speed was that?" Ronny groaned, struggling to comprehend the attack.

The audience erupted in cheers and shouts. "Did you see that? He won! That speed was insane!" one spectator yelled.

Linda’s eyes widened. "He just moved as fast as Master?"

Celia nodded in awe. "It’s as dangerous as it looks. I couldn’t keep up at all."

Ronny, lying on the ground, smiled weakly.

Lyra added, "He’s as fast as Master... but Master is stronger. He could probably stop time and end it in a second."

"No way in hell I’m stopping time to defeat him. This is going to be fun. He’s literally strong, and I’m going to enjoy this fight. I know I’m stronger. I can’t wait," Nolan said, clenching his fists in anticipation.

Kyrion shook his head, lowering his sword. "Not happening. I won’t use time tricks. I’ll enjoy this fight. He’s truly strong," Nolan added, impressed.

Kyrion sheathed his sword as the Emissary shouted, "Winner... Kyrion!" The crowd erupted into thunderous applause.

Two attendants, including Lyra, rushed forward to carry Ronny away for healing. Kyrion calmly walked out of the arena, leaving the audience buzzing with amazement at his unmatched speed and skill.

"Wow, that was an astounding performance by kyrion," the Emissary announced. "He’s truly an S-rank adventurer. Now, for our next challenge."

He paused, scanning the crowd before focusing on the next group. "Nolan Team, Under Nolan team, there are three participants—Nolan, Linda, and Celia. Any of you can choose who will fight. You may select one person. The choice is yours."

The crowd murmured in anticipation, leaning forward to see who would step up.

"Now, the next contestant is a C-rank adventurer named Tessa. In addition to her rank, she has been trained as a ninja, so be prepared," the Emissary said. The crowd erupted into cheers, eager for the next match.

"So... who’s going to go, Master?" Celia asked, glancing at Nolan.

"I’ll go," Linda said firmly. "I haven’t tested my skills yet, and I want to face someone strong."

"Are you sure you want to go?" Nolan asked, concern in his voice.

"Yes. I want to," Linda replied with determination.

"Alright, go ahead," Nolan said, nodding. He stepped back as Linda made her way toward the back of the arena, joining the line where participants waited to be called.

"Are you ready?" the Emissary called out, his voice echoing through the arena.

The crowd roared, anticipation hanging thick in the air.

"Now it’s time to call them," the Emissary announced, holding the paper in his hand.

As someone handed him the information, he scanned it quickly. "Linda is going to be the one participating for Team Nolan. An elf, E-rank, all the way from Sindra. An adventurer."

"Give a round of applause for Linda!" the Emissary shouted.

The crowd erupted in noise, some cheering, others murmuring in disbelief.

"What? E-rank? But didn’t we just...?" one spectator whispered.

"Before this, didn’t we just say E-rank versus C-rank? She’s going to be fighting Tessa, who is C-rank. The E-rank doesn’t stand a chance," another man commented. "An elf... well, an elf doesn’t stand a chance against a ninja. Ninjas are skilled at both long-range and close combat."

The Emissary raised his voice again, cutting through the chatter. "Now step into the arena, Linda!"

The gates slowly slid open, golden light spilling into the arena as Linda stepped out. A bow rested firmly in her hands, and a quiver hung across her back. As she walked forward, the crowd erupted in cheers, some whispering in admiration.

"Wow... she’s incredible," one man muttered. "And so skilled-looking too."

The Emissary raised his voice, cutting through the chatter. "For those who may not know, allow me to introduce her again. All the way from the small village of Tulka, she is one of the youngest and fastest-rising ninjas. Skilled as an adventurer and a swordswoman, she has earned her E-rank. Step into the ring—Linda, representing Team Nolan!"

The crowd roared as Linda made her way into position, her eyes sharp and focused.

A moment later, the gates on the opposite side slid open. Tessa emerged, her presence commanding attention. From a nearby village, she was a C-rank adventurer, a ninja famed for her agility and deadly precision. She moved with fluid grace, a sword strapped at her side.

The two faced each other, the air between them tense with anticipation. The crowd’s excitement rose to a fever pitch, chanting and shouting for their favorites.

Nolan’s voice broke through the noise. "Give it your best, Linda!"

Linda glanced at him, placing her hand over her chest. "I’ll do this for you, Master," she said firmly, determination blazing in her eyes.

Celia chimed in from the sidelines, her voice strong. "Hey, Linda! Don’t lose! If you dare, you’ll hear from me!"

"I have to do this. I must win. Let me show Master I’ve improved," Linda muttered under her breath, tightening her fists.