The teacher dismissed the students before bringing Cain along with him.

“Cain, in order to better prepare you for this event, the school has decided to browse through the martial arts books of your liking. Normally students can only rent out these books via contribution points, but you doing well on the NSCE is important to us, so naturally we won’t hold back.”

Cain followed the teacher into the library, normally only the first floor was public, and gaining access to the other floors would require contribution points. Most people don’t do this just because the price is absurd, and it's more efficient to just directly rent out the book you want, since it would cost less contribution points that way.

“The NSCE begins tomorrow, hence you have 12 hours, whatever you can learn in that time is what you’ll keep. I advise you to not bite off more than you can chew, choose one book and stick to it.”

Cain realized that schools reaction to the NSCE was a bit lackluster, other schools would most likely make it a big event, and it would be far harder to win. However since the Accelerated Institution didn’t have many Genetic Warriors, Cain got the spot easily. He pushed this thought to the back of his mind before browsing through the books. Martial art skills were split into two types, Natural, and Genetic. Natural skills can be learned by anyone, an example would be the spear basics, in which anyone can master and become a professional at. Genetic however are skills that are made for specific genes, for example the skill Cain came up with, slow spear, would be considered a genetic skill.

“Lightstep Footwork”

“100 Spear Stab”

“9 Wave Punches”

Cain was mesmerized by all the names, each one sounded cooler than the last, but when he picked up to read the books he realized they were actually somewhat lackluster, he cursed those people who named their skills something amazing, but it was nothing really special. Cain realized his weakness was movement, the spear basics were all encompassing, so even though they weren’t that strong, they were extremely solid and could help him through anything.

Cain eventually decided to get Lightstep Footwork, it was one of the best movement techniques on this floor, so it would help him cover up his weakness. It was split into 3 levels land, sky, light,

each level being far faster than the one before it. Cain quickly flipped through the book and memorized its content, he only had 12 hours to get decent at this move so he had no time to waste, but before that he quickly memorized a bunch of other techniques that caught his eye.

Cain kept practicing over and over again, using the slow effect on himself to better notice his flaws. Just like this 12 hours passed, and the same teacher who left him here, came back to pick him up. Cain managed to bring his Lightstep Footwork up to land level, and was only a small gap away from sky level.

The teacher brought him down to the lobby and Cain was surprised to see his spear teacher Remy standing there.

“Remy is one of the biggest martial art fanatics in this school, so he always volunteers to take charge of the NSCE event.”

Cain nodded his head, that made sense. Cain sometimes even wondered what a person like Remy was doing at a school like this since his nature seemed far from compatible to be a Genetic Researcher. Cain also noticed a few excited students, including George, who were chatting among themselves.

“Cain you’re finally here”

“What are you doing here George?”

“Naturally I’m coming to cheer you on. Even though only one person is allowed to take part in the NSCE doesn’t mean there aren’t any spectators.”

Cain suddenly realized what those students were waiting for, seems they wanted to see him perform. Cain and the rest of the students boarded the schools private vehicle before heading on their way, the venue appeared before them soon enough, during the journey, Remy gave Cain some advice and told him how the event would work.

Everyone got off the vehicle before heading towards the arena, each school had a special spectator spot for themselves, but the majority of seats were open to the public. In this world of strength, everyone idolized the strong, hence the NSCE was a very popular event among regular people. One person was selling pamphlets that had all the competitors names and achievements on them, as well as their possible placement, Cain went through the pamphlet to get a better idea of his opponents.

“Hotch King - Myriad Beast Form College: Is well known for his mammoth transformation gene, with overwhelming strength and defense. Comes from the King clan, and is the most talented person of his generation”

“Rose Faere - Elemental Warriors College: Has no notable background, but has frightening talent and currently owns the fire body gene”