!!!!! Pr Credits To Draconis Von BloodTrap Who Constantly Helps With SR chapters, Please take the time to rep him for his work :)

And a special thank you for our Donator Bruce mcminn jr for sponsoring this release.

Here it is as promised for a sponsored chapter, as soon as this was sent to me i am posting it. I don't plan to linger on for to long in certain aspects, i'm trying to find a fair pace that fits this story well, i understand that later on when SR meets the heavy parts taking my time will be much better.

I hope you all enjoy this chapter. strange i find myself subconsciously using commas now as i write. I guess i have improved a little.

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Giving a quick glance at Biyas before he left, Avrin slowly turned around to see several people glancing towards him. Of course, compared to everyone here, he seemed to not fit in. He cleared his throat and walked over towards a corner that no one was in.

“-Gathering so called geniuses into such a place. What could the Empire be trying to achieve?-” Avrin thought to himself.

Avrin quietly sat on a mahogany-looking bench, folding his arms as he glanced around, he saw that several of these people knew each other and were in groups. Of course, there were those interesting looking people such as the girl with the great sword or boy with the eagle-like eyes, who were keeping to themselves.

Avrin didn't doubt that everyone here had some sort of rich background or backing. Entering the palace must be difficult without a reputation. Of course, after keeping to himself, a group of people stopped talking and looked towards the boy with the eagle eyes before making their way towards him. The boy in the lead wore a haubergeon of sorts, while the ones to his side each wore different attire.

“Jinta, you dared to show your face here. Your clan has no shame. You new nobles think you deserve to be here, truly disgusting!” The boy with the haubergeon and short black hair spoke towards the eagle eye looking boy, who was known as Jinta.

Jinta glanced at him before speaking, “You talk big for a piece of trash that I beat into the ground only three days ago.” Jinta snickered menacingly, emitting a green affinity mana that seemed heavy and dense. This caused the boy who was talking to him flinch. “You….”

The commotion brought the attention of quite a few people, who looked over with interest, including Avrin, who seemed to enjoy watching people argue with each other. Especially people who considered themselves geniuses.

Avrin didn't think of himself as anything special in that sense. He wouldn't even consider these people as geniuses. At most, the majority were early stage Master level, while the few interesting people like Jinta and the greatsword wielding girl were seemingly mid level Masters.

“Jinta, you speak a lot of shit. You think you're strong. Maybe me and my friends should teach you a lesson.” After the boy in the haubergeon spoke, he and his friends emitted their own auras, each one a different affinity. None were as dense and heavy as Jinta’s, though.

The group eyed Jinta and Jinta eyed them. He was about to draw his swords, until a loud voice spoke out, “Enough!” A heavy aura crashed down on everyone in the entire room, causing them to shudder and press down onto their knees slightly.

No one was excluded, and they all paled and felt their bodies shudder. Of course, Avrin was the only one who didn't budge. It was as if that aura wasn't even there for him. A figure clad in azure colored armor with an intricate design of a lion came walking inside the room from a hall at the front, different from the entrance.

Of course, the figure glanced at everyone with a hint of disdain and mockery before his eyes came across Avrin, who didn't seem to budge at all. This made the man’s eye twitch a little. “-A hidden dragon?-” The man quietly thought to himself before speaking out loudly.

“Fighting is forbidden until you given permission. You will have your chance to go at it with each other. Until then, respect the rules of this palace that his highness has set, or I will personally kick you out!”

Avrin looked at the man. Surprisingly, he was a peak stage Grandmaster. Despite that, he seemed quite old and withered. Everyone glanced over at the old man clad in the lion armor with reverence and respect as well as fear. Unlike Avrin, they couldn't fathom the man’s level.

“Now then. I'm sure you are all aware of why you are here, but we have some new people who have risen to fame and nobility, so I will explain the details.”

At this point, a few of the people gathered here looked over towards the man and listened intently. The man continued. “In this Empire, we recruit only the best of the best. When we seek geniuses, we want those who are capable of leading us to greatness! We will spare no effort and resources in helping them grow.

That being said, we only have two positions available for this year's generation hall. Those two winners will receive the full support of the Empire and become the personal disciples of his majesty King Leo Zircus!”

At the mention of this, many people widened their eyes as they looked with amazement. Whispers could be heard as people began to get their hopes up. Of course, Avrin was feeling a little indifferent.

“Do not get your hopes up! Such an honor is not so easily obtained. For those that win and decide not to become His Majesty's disciples, we will grant one wish within His Majesty’s power! Any questions before we begin the elimination process?”

People were quiet, but at this point, Avrin spoke out, “Is it true King Leo has a piece of Skymetal?” Avrin held no fear towards the king, nor cared much towards speaking his name, but at this sign of so called disrespect, many of the geniuses looked at Avrin with their mouths open in shock.

The old man’s expression flickered. He looked at Avrin. He would have called him out for this disrespect, but he felt that Avrin was someone he couldn't underestimate, so he cleared his throat and thought about his question. “Yes. The rumors you might have heard are correct. His Majesty does have a piece of Skymetal. Why do you happen to be interested in it?”

Avrin replied, “If I win, wouldn't it be possible to obtain that piece as part of that one wish that can be granted?” Avrin clearly showed confidence in his victory, having no intention to be a disciple of the king.

“Well….” The man in lion armor cleared his throat before speaking. “The piece of Skymetal is only a decoration, despite its unusual aura. I cannot speak for His Majesty, so you will just have to wait and find out. That is, if you win. Do not be arrogant. There are many people here who I'm sure are more capable than you.”

Hearing his words the people around gazed with disdain towards Avrin, scoffing as they made note of him. Of course, no one dared to speak their thoughts, as the lion armored man was still present.

“Well then, no more questions? Good. In a short while, you will all engage in three tests. The first test is to gauge a certain aspect of you, the second test is to measure your adaptability, and the third test measures your talent.

I will tell you, it is quite rare for someone to complete two of the three tests, and unheard of for one to obtain victory in all three, so much to say it is impossible! That being said, your results will be measured, so put in your best effort. For those who fail and do not become the disciples of the king, we will surely find positions for you if you accept.”

With that being said, a runic formation suddenly appeared under the old man before it flickered and he vanished. After a few seconds, more formations appeared under everyone. Some gazed with curiosity before they too flickered and turned into white lights that vanished.

When they reappeared, they were in a large, underground space. This space was well fortified and completely open with many magic torches lighting the way. Everyone was teleported in a way that they were lined up. The space in front of them stretched on for one-hundred meters, while the ceiling reached fifty meters in height.

The ground seemed to emit a strange, transparent mana. The tiles looked like metallic marble adn seemed quite sturdy. Everyone looked around in curiosity while they spoke to each other. Of course, a few continued to gaze at Avrin with disdain, but they were snapped back to reality as a voice was heard around the entire space.

“Welcome to the pressure path. This first test is simple, reach the end of the space. Of course, if you cannot reach it, you will be measured by distance.“ A light flashed in front of everyone as a round badge appeared in their hands. No one knew what to expect. Every test was different and they couldn’t receive information on it.

“This badge will come in handy. If you cannot handle proceeding further, infuse mana into it and it will activate and allow your safety, but do so and you will be teleported to the beginning and unable to try again.”

Everyone gazed at the badge as if it were a life saving treasure. Surely if it was meant to help them, so they wouldn't treat it unfairly. Of course, to Avrin, it was of no use. He couldn't replicate mana, only devour and absorb it. But he was carefully analyzing the name of the test. “-Pressure path.. It can't be simple-”

“You may begin when you are ready. But, I warn you. Do not underestimate this test. For each step you take the harder it becomes.” The voice faded and the ground began to glow a fluorescent red.

“Ha, a simple stroll? Piece of cake.” One boy spoke out with excitement as he entered into the path. He immediately felt his body shake a little, as if he was weighed down. He clenched his teeth and began to continue forward, but with each step, it became harder and harder. Everyone was watching with interest to see what was going on.

“A magic that increases the weight around someone!” A girl with a blue robe and pointy wizard hat spoke with awe. “Simple!” She uttered before smiling. Of course, the boy had stopped only after taking nineteen steps. He felt unable to proceed further, as his muscles and bones were cracking and distorting. He quickly infused mana into the badge, to which a white barrier appeared around him, negating the effects of the increased weight.

The female who spoke earlier started chanting, “Mighty God of Creation, God King Septim, please imbue your protection towards your follower.” She than began to chant unrecognizable words, though Avrin looked with interest. He hadn't seen many magic users in his life here, so he gazed with awe as a transparent magic bubble appeared around the female, who casually walked onto the path as if it wasn't there.

Nobody wanted to be outdone so people began to use their own methods, though this test seemed a bit biased towards those who focus on physical strength, it seemed it tested one's capability to find a way around this. This was what Avrin thought, until he saw the girl’s magic bubble ripple the moment she reached forty steps, and she was out of breath. The shield seemed to drain mana from her, and just as the shield was about to shatter, she quickly infused mana into the badge.

Avrin only partially watched them. It was only until everyone had found their own limit that he looked more carefully. Jinta had managed to reach one-hundred-eighty-three steps. His face was pale and he was seated with the badge bubble around him. The boy who called out Jinta could only reach one-hundred-thirteen steps and looked at Jinta with anger in his eyes.

Avrin began to walk, relying solely on his physical strength. The increase in weight felt somewhat refreshing to him, but it was incomparably weaker than his Phantom Pulse. As he continued to walk without issue, many of the youths glanced at him with looks of shock and envy.

Jinta glanced at Avrin as he passed into the one-hundred step mark and noticed Avrin’s speed hadn't diminished. He thought suddenly, “-This person is going to be difficult to beat-”

Of course, he wasn't the only one who was shocked. The people who felt Avrin was trash due to his disrespect were eating their own words when he passed them. Soon, Avrin passed the three-hundred step mark and still barely felt a tingle. He glanced over at the girl with the greatsword in amazement. She had reached three-hundred-five steps and had been forced to enter the protection bubble from the badge. She looked at Avrin with curiosity and shock before turning away.

Avrin continued until he reached the end of the path, but the people here weren't the only ones shocked at this result. “Amazing! This has to be a new record!” Several figures were watching from a hidden chamber. The one who spoke was an old man with a large beard and bald head, similar to how those shaolin masters would look.

“Hmm, indeed. This boy’s physical strength must be incredible. If I remember correctly, he is the one with the Enigma ability that has to do with increasing weight.” He spoke, clearly not having a proper term for gravity.

Soon the fluorescent red floor dimmed and runic formations appeared under everyone again before they were transported out and back into the waiting room. Everyone heaved a sigh of relief. Of course, Avrin simply walked over and sat in the corner again.

“-Disappointing. It's almost embarrassing for me to do this-” He joked to himself. Everyone seemed to try their best to recover their energy by drinking potions and eating. Many people were glancing at Avrin with careful gazes. Especially the girl with the greatsword and Jinta. Each eyed Avrin as if he was their goal to beat.

The boy in the haubergeon carefully walked over to Avrin with his friends behind him. He had a look of arrogance and faked a smile as he spoke to Avrin, “Hello friend. You were incredible in the first test. I am Teil Juheyel, successor to the first rate nobility of the Juheyel family.” He spoke with a like of pride. He looked at Avrin, as if expecting him to prostrate himself.

Everything was silent for a moment, until Avrin looked at Teil as if he were some dumb chimpanzee. “Yes?...And?” hH was confused as to what this boy wanted. Of course, at Avrin’s reply, Teil’s face twitched a little, but he continued to fake a smile. “I was going to suggest we team up for the second and third tests. As you can see, me and my friends are clearly the strongest out of everyone here. When we work together, if you wou-”

Avrin cut him off before he could continue. “Strongest out of everyone here? Hahaha..” Avrin began to laugh. Everyone hearing Avrin laugh felt that Teil may react with anger, and their suspicions were right.

“W..What's so damn funny! You think we are crap?!! You're no better!!” Teil roared at Avrin. Avrin soon stopped laughing, “-My luck is shit. How come I have to deal with these donkeys-” Looking at Teil with a thoughtful expression, Avrin spoke, “Get lost. You’re taking up my air.”

Hearing these words, several of the youths couldn't help but laugh slightly. Even Jinta and the girl wielding a greatsword smirked a little.

“You….damn….bastard!” Teil clenched his teeth and looked around, as if looking for the old man in azure armor. He then unsheathed a dagger from behind his back and stabbed it towards Avrin’s arm with intent to harm. He felt he could get away with it using his family's reputation.

Though this action was a big mistake on his behalf. Avrin raised his right hand and pressed the tip of his finger against the dagger. The moment the dagger collided with it, it shattered like glass. This caused everyone present to look with amazement.

“What...happened?..” One youth spoke, while another replied, “That was a rare quality dagger! It was given to him by his father, but it was shattered so easily!! What incredible strength…”

Avrin looked over at the stunned Teil, who began to sweat bullets. “Well, I see you are indeed a little crazy. That's fine. When threatened, I can be crazy too…” Avrin gave a menacing grin before he stood up and raised his right hand to the side, “W..Wait! Do you know who I am!? If you lay a single fin-”

Before Teil could finish Avrin’s right hand blurred before the back of his hand slapped against Teil’s cheek, sending the boy twisting in the air, doing several flips before landing onto the ground a few meters away. Avrin considered this youth unbehaved and most likely he had never been disciplined.

“There we go. Your father and mother can thank me for punishing you later. Be sure to remember that if you threaten me again, I'll be taking your arm.” Avrin spoke before sitting back down.

Though the moment he did, the runic formation appeared again and the man in azure armor appeared. He looked over at Teil with shock and rushed over, kneeling beside him. “What happened here! Who dares fight within His Majesty’s palace!”

Teil’s friends snickered before they all spoke, “This person suddenly attacked our friend!” While another youth continued on. “That's right! We were just talking to him and he suddenly lashed out!”

That being said, the others considered these words and actions vile and bad. They all felt that if Avrin was punished and removed, then maybe, they had a chance to win, so no one spoke up in defence.

“You.. Is this true!?” The old man spoke as he looked at Avrin. Avrin sighed before replying. “If defending myself is a crime, I am guilty.” The old man considered what he said. It was five against one. It didn't matter who was wrong or right. Whoever started it first would be punished. “Well… If that is the case, I have to disqualify you from this event.”

Avrin glared a little before standing up, though a sweet yet strong voice called out. “Wait. It is not his fault. That vile worm Teil tried to attack this boy with a hidden dagger. His comrades are lying and despicable!” The girl with the greatsword responded, defending Avrin.

“That's right. That bastard tried to stab him with a dagger because he felt offended. This is injustice!” Added Jinta

The old man in azure armor frowned a little as he thought. On one hand was the son of a high ranked noble family, on the other was a boy with an Enigma ability that was very powerful. Though he had to disregard this and make things even. “Very well. You are not disqualified from this event, but you and Teil must be punished. You will both be unable to attend the second event, and will have to wait for the third event to continue.”

Avrin sighed and nodded. He quietly sat back down and glanced over at Jinta and the young girl with the greatsword giving a thankful look. He hadn't had many people defend him before, so it was a nice change of pace.

Meanwhile, Teil, who’s right cheek was swollen, was on the verge of tears of anger. He looked at Avrin with fury while his so called wound was tended to. The second event had already started and it was just him and Avrin. Other than several guards there to make sure they don’t attack one another again.

Avrin, who was quite bored, paid no mind to him and was scanning around with his Divine Sense. He was focused on scanning the palace. “-Incredible. It's just as big underground as it is above ground, fascinating… Quite a few hidden powerhouses, though-” Avrin focused on one large room that held two powerful energies. It filled Avrin with excitement. He felt a very powerful energy, as well as an energy not as powerful, but still strong. That weaker energy was Sage level at the very least. The other one is no doubt King Leo Zircus, a Mythical level being. With the help of his Sigil weapon, of course-” Avrin nearly drooled. He would love to devour a Sigil weapon.

He felt the power would be no less than converting a dragon. Avrin could feel the real power came from not the figure, but what was on the figure, which was no doubt the Sigil weapon.

“Hmmm?” A voice resonated within a the room, “Your Majesty, what is wrong?” Another voice sounded out from a middle aged woman who was opposite of the figure. A board game of sorts was in between the two. It looked similar to chess.

“Strange. I felt as if I was being watched. This is a feeling I have never felt before. Very weird.” The owner of this voice was none other than Leo Zircus, the human king. He was wearing a long golden robe with his blonde hair spiked up somewhat. He gave a very mature and courageous air, one only fit for a person meant to rule.

“Strange indeed. Maybe it is a sign of things to come? After all, Azrael has escaped, no doubt he will cause trouble.” The woman spoke regarding the events of a couple days ago. Leo nodded and thought to himself as he began to maneuver a piece on the board in front of them.

“That Azrael clearly won't ever let go of his hate. If he is not put down, it will cause my empire to suffer. I can only plead with Lord Abbadon regarding this matter, but he had told me it was forbidden by God King Septim, as Azrael’s death would incur Zephiron’s wrath.”

While the two conversed with each other, Avrin suddenly opened his eyes, as he felt the appearance of many figures. These were the people who went to attempt the second test. Of course, all of them were exhausted.

Each one seemed haggard and some were even bloodied as well as unconscious. No doubt it was quite intense for them. Even Jinta and the girl with the greatsword looked pale and were seemingly sore. Avrin could only sigh with regret, as he had missed out on this event.

Suddenly, another teleportation rune lit up. The armor clad old man had appeared again with a look of honor and pride. He glanced over everyone with a hint of disappointment. “Well done towards the youths who completed the second test.“

He glanced over towards the girl with the greatsword before nodding in approval. He then spoke out with a straight tone, “This third test is considered impossible to succeed at. We will only measure your attempt at it. It will be held tomorrow, so rest up, for you will be engaging in combat against the Empire’s greatest fighters.”

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