Chapter 37: The Weak and Meek

Time couldn’t be reversed though, what was done was done. And if Fang withdrew at this time, he would’ve let down his class, and only contribute to solidify Ray’s idea.

Besides, watching Ray step down harshly on Tom even after he was defeated to inflict more pain caused Fang to feel angry.

Tom wasn’t Durin, but this situation oddly reminded of his own back on the first day of training camp. Though the world didn’t stand for it, he believed he should stand up for his classmates. So, feeling the need to something, Fang, instead of walking back into the surrounding crowd of students, went into the practice field.

Clear surprise appeared on Ray’s face – he didn’t think after showing his strength, anyone would actually come dare challenge. In addition, the clothes that the kid was wearing was quite plain, inexpensive, meaning that they probably had no background supporting them.

Firmly, Ray believed that strength was correlated with wealth; he, after all, got to where he was because of his family’s money. Due to this, he was certain that the kid was weak, and probably stupid as well, since they challenged him.

Full of contempt, Ray looked down at him. “A fool wanting to help others appear? It seems that this lesson wasn’t vivid enough, would you like to have a go?”

Fang ignored his taunts. “Let him go!”

Rather than getting angry, Ray laughed as this kid obviously didn’t have the strength to compete against him. “Or what?”

“Well, for one, I’ll fight and win.” Fang paused. “Then, if you refuse to apologize, I’ll step on you when you’re lying on the ground!”

Loud mutterings broke out in the crowd. Fang’s intent to challenge was courageous, but to say such a thing was a bit too much.

“That guy’s crazy, doesn’t he realize Ray was from class two?”

“Even while lowering himself to their level, he still defeated that guy who was a 4th grade intermediate. Could it be that guy will be stronger than the other one from class eight?”

“But Ray seems angrier, it’s just their misfortune really.”

Extremely enraged, Ray released Tom. “This garbage dares to brag in front of me? Let’s find out how good you are!”

Ignoring him, Fang walked towards Tom and helped him up.

Though he wasn’t in pain, Tom asked worryingly, “Fang, you…”

Fang whispered, “It’s okay. Don’t forget, we’re all in the same class, so this matter isn’t just personal, but involves all of us.”

Even if Fang was only a 2nd grade intermediate, Tom calmed down and gave him a nod, then limped back to join the rest of class eight watching.

A student shouted, “Fang, if you lose, it’s still okay. Don’t pressure yourself.”

“Let those bastards in class two see that weaker didn’t mean a thing when it came down to courage!”

Listening to the encouragement, an unfamiliar feeling bubbled up.

During the entrance examination at Victoria City, people throughout the city disliked him, and other than Mii, no one talked with him as a friend. He made two friends, but that was the extent of his social skills. However, while among these students no one thought he would win, they were on his side. Certainly, it was the first time he had felt encouraged by others.

Fang took a deep breath, and preparing himself, returned once again back onto the field.

“It looks like you’ve got this planned out to become a hero for your class,” Ray narrowed his eyes and smirked, “but I’m sure, lying on the ground will make you quite a fitting hero for your class.”

Unimpressed, Fang replied, “Cut out with the useless talk, we’re here to fight, not debate.”

“How about you shut up?”

Fang released his energy, beginning the fight. The students other than the class eight students were shocked.

2nd grade intermediate?

So, a 4th grade intermediate goes and loses horribly, then a 2nd grade intermediate comes up to stand for him?

Ray spluttered, he started laughing derisively. “You really are a joke, a 2nd grade intermediate at your age. The garbage class deserves its reputation, I can’t believe you got into Garden College. What’s your name?”

“Fang!” Following his words, Fang sent out a preliminary Energy Ball, to test the waters.

An Energy Ball also appeared in Ray’s hand. “Well, since you’re only a 2nd grade intermediate, I’ll also play at that level…”

But Ray’s voice stopped.

His energy had broken upon contact, but at least half of Fang’s energy accelerated towards Ray.

It was the same skill right, yet his was stronger?

Carefully taught by the best private tutors, he practiced fighting techniques until he knew it by reflex. As well, he believed that he had the ability to maximize the power of each attack – it was why he won against Tom. However, in the end, his pride didn’t affect the results.

He wasn’t the only surprised one. The students present only knew that Fang was a 2nd grade intermediate; but knowing how to use Energy Ball that proficiently was remarkable; the majority of class eight wasn’t able to condense it with that much spin.

Half of a leftover Energy Ball didn’t pose a threat to Ray, a single punch completely dissipated it.

Another Energy Ball trailed without warning from behind the previous one.

What? Rapid Fire?

Even Ray was surprised, since when were 2nd grade intermediates capable of chaining Energy Balls?

Retreating, Ray increase his energy capacity to a 3rd grade intermediate, and with a fast speed, dodged back and dispersed it with his own.

It wasn’t enough to damage Ray, but his previous glee wasn’t present at all. After all, he was forced to upgrade his energy level from a 2nd grade intermediate to a 3rd grade intermediate, unable to compete at the same rank.

Frustrated, he cursed silently.

The commonly taught method was to bring forth energy onto the area for a skill, and it was ideal, as it would allow the user to keep up their energy as a layer of general defense. Velocity, size, and type of energy affected the result. This meant that someone who was familiar with concentrating their body’s energy at that point with the right form would have a stronger skill.

However, the way the elders theorized was that energy actually didn’t need to be brought forth, instead, using the energy already present on the body on those spots would be better to use. Power consumption by this would be large, but proportionally, the performed skill would be stronger. As well, there would be temporary weakness at that spot. By combining both bringing energy from the body and utilizing the energy already present, the strength and speed to form a skill would be monstrous.

Within moments, someone would be exhausted by this reckless method, yet, Fang wasn’t. Unwittingly, his practice of the endless method had changed his body; limitless greed for energy was part of his body now, an engine that had gotten to the point where it would recycle the residual energy in the air. Due to this, Fang was able to use techniques that matched Garret, a 4th grade intermediate and Ray, even if he had practiced to perfection.

Fang’s classmates started to grin slightly as they watched the two collide. They had thought Fang only had the courage to fight, not the strength to back it up.

“Class two is superior? He can’t beat a 2nd grade intermediate, so he resorted to the 3rd grade intermediate stage?”

“No words need to be said, his actions explains everything.”

“Well, soon the whole college will know that you were forced to upgrade your rank to deal with Fang –regardless of the result, you’ve humiliated all of class two!”

As these comments floated throughout the audience, Ray’s face turned ugly.

“I suppose you should get ready to apologize.” Fang calmly stated.

A furious barrage of three Energy Balls flew at Ray as Fang finished speaking, and this time, Ray couldn’t cope and released a set of shackles to become a 4th grade intermediate. Another series of collisions happened, and dust heatedly blew up between the two figures.