Time passed, many people has already stepped up and tested their aptitude for magic. Many failed, but there's also many people who passed—some mediocre, while others passed with flying colours. Peoples cried and shouted tears of joy. Especially those so-called peasants who managed to enter the Phoenix Class. The time for them to change their fate has arrived. The only thing left to do for them is to work hard and rise above all.
Even then, Mikhail doesn't seem to bothered. But instead—for some reason—Carla is the one being a little bit worried for him.
"Why are you so calm about this, Mikhail? You should at least show a little bit of your worry, you know." Carla glanced at Mikhail who's standing beside her. Their hands still holding each other.
"Why should I? I already know the result that I'm gonna get—call it a hunch."
Carla sighed and shook her head. She will never understand how men think. Especially Mikhail, he doesn't look anxious or afraid, but instead she could see excitement coming out of him. Like he was expecting this. Is he just that boastful about his own power that he doesn't need to feel anxious about it? Might be, might be not, she could only find out when it's time for him to get tested.
"Mikhail Samil! Step right up!"
Finally, it was his turn, Carla looked at Mikhail and let go of her hand. Mikhail just smiled at her before he walked towards the stage before he stood beside the examiner of the magic aptitude.
"Say, old man, what's the lowest score for this test?"
"What a rude young lass, but I should let it pass for now—the lowest you can get is Red Light."
Not that Mikhail has expected anything. But he was sure as hell would get Red Light. Magic, after all, was not his strongest suit. He tried before, really. But it was much harder to gather Mana rather than to gather Qi/Chi. He also preferred Qi than Mana. So there's that.
He slowly lifted his right hand and touched the crystal ball. Everyone held their breath. Expecting him to either get a bad, mediocre, or even a heavenly result. But, as soon he touched the crystal ball, a red light slowly shone from the crystal ball. Those who have bad result sighed in relief because there's someone who's worse than them—probably in the entire magic academy.
Mikhail released his hand from the crystal ball before he walked down from the stages. Not caring about the announcement made by the examiner. People pointed and laughed at him for getting the worst result out of all of them. But he did not care. Not like he need those to grow strong in this world. Because, just like his mother said, there's always other ways to become strong.
For him—it was Martial Arts.
"Are… you alright?" Carla approached him. There's no trace of her haughtiness in her face. Only a little bit of concern.
"I'm fine, don't think too much about it. You should think about yourself. You've managed to get into the Phoenix Class, right? The class that everyone wanted to be in. You should work harder to stand on the top."
Mikhail patted Carla's head. Despite that, Carla still feel a bit worried for Mikhail. How would he face his parents knowing that he have the worst talent for magic? Especially when his mother is one of the best Mage and his father is one of the best Magic-Knight that the Empire of Arian have?
Annoyed by Carla who's clearly still worried for him. Mikhail flicker her forehead. Carla yelped in pain before she stared at Mikhail. Only for her to see him with that shit-eating grin like before.
"As I said before, Carla—relax. I have my own ways to get strong. Just watch me."
With him being the last examinees being tested. Now, they will move on to the next stage of the entrance examination—battle between the examinees.
When the next stage of examination was told to everyone. Some showed worry while some looked happy because they finally can gather attention from the people who will be watching the battle and also to let the teacher in the academy know their talent. Because maybe, one of the teacher will be interested in them and take them as their personal disciple.
But for Mikhail—it was not the place for him to grab attention. It was the place for him to truly test the power of the people in this world. Also to test which one is stronger—Magic or Martial Arts?
Without him realizing it, a smile slowly crept up on his face, something that Carla noticed. It was not a smile full of happiness. But a smile full of anticipation of what's going to come. Is he waiting for the battle between the examinees? She thought, but how will he fight when he doesn't have any Mana to help him? How are he supposed to defeat the examinees who's going to be a Mage and a Magic-Knight?
Luckily, the test will be held tomorrow on the arena where people from city of Arian—capital of the Empire of Arian—will watch the battle. Both of their parents will probably watch their test. To see how their children's fair in the next stage of examination. She promised herself to not fail.
But now, it was time for her and Mikhail to rest.
------
Morning came. Carla lazily get up from her comfortable bed. She still hasn't get used to getting up early in the morning by herself. Usually, the maid would wake her up or she would wake up on her own when the sun's is setting up. She looked at the bed beside her where Mikhail is sleeping. To her surprise—she couldn't find him on his bed.
She quickly got off from her bed and tried to find him. Unfortunately, she couldn't find him anywhere, not even in the bathroom when she knocked on the door.
Where is he? Perhaps, he's outside?
Carla then grabbed the key for their room and walked outside of the inn. No sign of him anywhere. She then walked towards the inn's backyard. There, he found him training some Martial Arts moves that she hasn't seen anywhere. It was strange—but she knew it contained power within.
He moves with unexpected grace. Punching and kicking in a strange movement. Sometimes the moves is a bit too fast for her eyes to follow. Then he suddenly stopped. His eyes staring at the spot where she stood right now.
Because currently it's still early in the morning. The city is still dark. Mikhail then disappeared from where he stood. Making Carla panicked for a while and slowly backing off. Only to stop when her back touched something. She slowly turn around—only to find Mikhail standing behind her—his golden eyes reflecting the dim light from the moon who is slowly fading away.
"M-Mikhail! H-hey!"
"Shouldn't have peeked on other people's stuff, princess."
She truly don't know how to react or act right now. What's standing in front of her is not the same Mikhail that she knew. It's as if she's looking at someone else. How could a fourteen year old be this scary? She couldn't believe the change in Mikhail. But that is not her main concern. Is she going to die now?
"You know the saying, 'curiosity killed the cat'?"
Carla gulped, she wanted to back off but realized she can't move a muscle.
"Nah, just kidding, got you spooked for a second there huh?"
"Y-you rascal!"
In a fit of rage, Carla threw a small fireball towards Mikhail. Which he took head on without much damage. To the surprise of Carla.
"So, I assume this… Martial Arts of yours is your own ways of getting strong?" She asked as she stared Mikhail in his eyes.
"Yep, who needs magic when you could beat them when they're trying to cast said magic?"
If it was anyone except Mikhail. Carla would have laughed it off and said that it was just a word of a delusional man. But, she has seen what Mikhail could do even without Mana. He moved so fast that she didn't even realize that he's already behind her. What's more shocking is that she doesn't detect any Mana from him still.
Is that all just pure Martial Arts skill?
"No wonder you looks so excited yesterday. You can't wait to beat those people, can you?"
"Damn straight! Even if I don't care about them mocking me. They still need to pay for that! Let me show them that magic is not the only way of getting strong! Let me show them that my body alone is enough!"
For some reason, Carla's heart skipped a beat. Looking at his body glistening with sweat makes her blush a little. And that determination of his to getting strong without the use of magic aroused a new kind of feeling inside her. Something that she never felt before. Although, only in small amount, who knows what's going to happen in the future.
"If it's anyone else—they would probably just give up and lament about their fate. Cursing the Gods because of their bad luck. But you, Mikhail Samil, doesn't easily give up. I could see that you're someone who's destined to be someone great."
Hearing Carla's words make Mikhail thinks a little. Fame was never his main concern. He just wanted a good fight and get strong. Strong enough to stand on top of this world. To trample on those arrogant people's confidence. That's what he likes to do.
"You talk as if you're somekind of Sage, princess."
"Whatever, just get ready Mikhail, we'll have a long day ahead of us."
The both of them then returned to their room. While waiting for Carla to finish taking her bath. Mikhail planned for his course of action for the battle later. Of course, he would not use all of Martial Arts that he knew. What he will be fighting later is just children. They don't have much experience in fighting. Perhaps with the exception of those who came from the nobles family. Where they probably already learn to hunt.
Even then, they would still get some help from their families. So they never faced any difficulties. Meanwhile, in his past life, Mikhail already faced difficulties in his life from he was just a little. Fighting just for a crumb of bread was just a normal occurrence for him. Even after he was taken by his Sensei as a disciple to pass on Divine Heavenly Destruction Techniques. He still faced many dangers.
Now he is here. A world where fantasy beings and magic exist. A new kind of danger. A new kind of challenge. Facing all kind of enemies with unpredictable abilities. But still—he would prevail—like he always do.
They will know the name of the Human Monster.
"Hey! Are you done lazing around!? Go take a bath! You stink!"
"Fine fine, just shut up will y—"
Now, it's not like Mikhail has never seen women before. But he would be lying if he's not stunned by how Carla look right now. What she wore is just simple clothes. A white linen shirt, long brown pants and a pair of boots. But somehow, she looks beautiful, more than ever before.
"What? You're staring at me as if I you've never seen me before."
He rolled his eyes before he entered the bathroom. Unlike Carla who took a long time in the bathroom. Mikhail only took a short time to clean himself before he got out of the bathroom.
What Mikhail wore perhaps could be described to be more simpler that Clara. A tight black long-sleeved shirt, a loose-fitting white Martial Arts pant similar to those from Karategi, a yellow belt similar to what Martial Arts practitioner wore, and a pair of Tai Chi slippers. All thanks to Maria who made it for him.
"You look… Surprisingly muscular."
"Heh, didn't expect it?" Mikhail chuckled a little. Only to be replied with a snort by Carla. He could see a small blush on her face.
"Come on, we don't want to be late for our exams now, won't we?"
The walk towards the Arena doesn't take too long fortunately. Only around fifteen minutes and they're already there. But there's still a considerable amount of people already filled the Arena. There's also the examinees, but they're all at the underground room, preparing themselves for the big fight.
"You know, I was thinking about this before, but why am I allowed to participate? I mean, you've seen my magic aptitude test result yesterday—it was Red Light. The worse type of result you can get. How can I still allowed to participate in this?"
For a second, Carla tapped her chin and think for the answer for Mikhail's question.
"Maybe, just maybe, they're looking for miracle. I mean, this is world full of magic, Mikhail. Anything could happen. Maybe they thought the crystal ball is broken and shows the wrong result of your test. But we all know that the probability of the crystal ball to be broken is extremely low."
"Eh, but who cares? You now know I'm strong enough without the use of magic."
"Well, yes, but you still need to be careful."
Mikhail just smiled and patted Carla's head. Earning a smile from her as she enjoyed the headpats from him. There's still around three hours before the test officially start. But, it looks like he won't be able to do some practices. Seeing that Carla is enjoying his headpats and she's leaning on his shoulder.
Three hours passed unknowingly. Mikhail and Carla stood up from the bench and stretched their bodies. Carla yawned and covered her mouth with her hand. Looks like she fell asleep at some point. Good, she needed to rest while she can.
"Ladies and gentleman! Today marks the second day of the entrance test to Orion Magic Academy! Just like the entrance test from before—today is the day where the examinees will show their prowess! To prove themselves worthy as a student of the Orion Magic Academy!"
Cheers and shouts rang throughout the whole Arena. Many examinees became nervous with the amount of people present to watch the battle. Even Carla is affected. Unconsciously, she grabbed Mikhail's hand and started to hold it tightly.
"Don't be nervous, breathe, steady yourself. Anxiety will only cloud your judgement on the battlefield. Calm yourself, Carla." She looked at Mikhail and nodded. For some reason seeing his calm face made her calm too. And that feeling, she started to feel it again.
"Thank you."
"Don't mention it."
They then watched the announcer says other things to rouse up the audience through the magic screen. After around ten minutes, the battle has finally started. Mikhail got the honour to be on the tenth battle. Meanwhile Clara will go right before him.
While waiting for their turns. Mikhail watched how the people on this world fight against each other. Those Magic-Knight relies on swordsmanship mixed with magic. Imbuing the blade of their swords or their weapon of choice with Mana. Either to make them much more sharper, stronger, and durable. The application is almost the same when Martial Arts Pratictioner used their Ki when using a weapon. But, can these Magic-Knight use everyday things as a weapon?
For the Mage, it was much more different than he imagined. Mikhail always thought they will be weak in close combat. On the contrary, it was the opposite, although their overall close combat skills is lacking. Their mastery of Mana is much more powerful when compared to the Magic-Knight. They conjured all kinds of spells with different elements. Although the one where they have the most affinities is the one more powerful and effective for them.
"For the next battle! We have Carla Varon versus Arin Sun!"
The crowds cheered as soon Carla's name was announced. It was no surprise. Considering that Carla is pretty popular in the city of Arian. Being a genius in magic and a beautiful girl to top it all off. Countless men has been smitten by her. With the exception being Mikhail.
"Lady Carla! It's an honor for me to meet you on this stage!"
Carla sighed. She preferred Mikhail much more than any men she had met before. Aside being able to talk to her without ulterior motives. Mikhail doesn't show any lust towards her. At least they could talk to each other as a friend. Though, she still remembered her actions when they first met, not that it really matters. Considering she thought Mikhail would be the same as any other men she has ever met before.
"The honor is mine, Young Master Arin."
Hearing his name being spoken by Carla. It was enough to send Arin to cloud nine. Making him not realize that the match has started. Only for him to came back from daze when a fireball headed straight towards his face. Luckily, he was able to conjure a wall made from dirt. Protecting against Carla's attack.
"You should be careful—lest you killed yourself."
He couldn't underestimate Carla, that's for sure. So, he made nine ice spikes that floats in the air before shooting it towards Carla. Which she blocked easily with a breath of fire from her hand. Making Arin click his tongue in annoyance.
"Eyes of the Storm, Rain of Ice!"
A mass of dark clouds formed on top the arena where Carla and Arin at. Then, rains of ice spike fell towards Carla. She smirked and pointed the palm of her left hand towards the skies. Making a barrier out of fire. Melting any ice spikes that tried to touch her.
"Truly, the greatest talent in this generation. She hasn't even moved from her spot yet."
"Yeah, she will one of those legendary people, for sure."
All kinds of praises for Carla are being passed in the crowd's seats. Carla's mother, Elizabeth Varon, smiled on her seat. Sitting beside her are Mikhail's parents. Both of Mikhail's parents already knew the result of their son's magic aptitude test. But, they're not disappointed with him. Especially Mikhail's father—Adam Samil.
The reason are simple. Adam already knew what Mikhail had done behind his back. Training those strange Martial Arts that are not in any records of the empire. Sometimes he have watched him training with his wife. Watching him execute those complicated and strange moves. He could tell that his son are good at whatever that Martial Arts is called. And he knew that he not only mastered one Martial Art—but many Martial Arts.
Although his son can't manipulate Mana. He has seen that his son is capable of cutting tree with his bare hands. The cut is so smooth it looks like some Magic-Knight did it. An easy feat for him. But to do it with his bare hands and without the help of Mana? It would only have the result of him breaking it into pieces instead of smoothly cutting it.
Maybe he could have his son teach him that Martial Arts? Who knows, it's worth trying.
"My turn—Song of Fire, Fire of the Seven Seas."
A tornado of fire emerged with Carla at the centre. It keep growing until it reached fifteen metres in height before exploding. Making a sea of fire behind Carla. And from that sea of fire, silhouettes of ships emerged, complete with it's crews, which slowly started to approach Arin who are still in his place. Too scared to move.
"I forfeit!"
As soon Arin forfeited, the sea of fire disappeared right before it touched Arin. He swore he could see the ghastly faces of the ship crews. His body drenched in sweat not only because of the sea of fire that Carla created, but also cold sweat because he was scared shitless.
"Winner, Carla Varon! Congratulation!"
Cheers and applaud sounded throughout the whole Arena. Carla smiled before she walked down the stage and towards where the participant waited for their turn. She immediately went to Mikhail who is waiting for her near the entrance to the stages. A smile on both of their faces.
"A little bit overkill, don't you think?" Said Mikhail, as she approached Carla who's smiling smugly towards him.
"I need to show these people my power. Or else they will look down on me and only thought of me as an empty vase." She then stared at Mikhail right in his eyes. Though she did not say anything. Her eyes told him that she wanted to be praised. He could only sigh and comply with her request.
"Good job," Mikhail then patted her head. Earning a smile from her. "Umu!"
"And for the next battle! Mikhail Samil versus Aaron Fate!"
Many people cheered for Aaron when he appeared on the stage. Coupled with his strength and handsome face. Many women immediately fell for him. But when it was Mikhail turn to step into the stage—only silence greeted him. Only his father who was shouting with excitement in the VIP area are cheering for him, meanwhile his mother and Clara's mother clapped for him.
He knew this would happen. He was an unknown. He have no reputation unlike Aaron or Carla. Add the fact that he also got the Red Light result in magic aptitude test. No wonder nobody cheered for him. Mikhail could even hear some people laugh. Not that he really mind.
"Ready!?"
Mikhail and Aaron stared at each other. Both still hasn't gotten to their fighting stances. But Mikhail could see that Aaron is ready to draw his sword at moment notice.
"Fight!"
"Go beat him Aaron!"
"Go beat that weak dude's ass!"
It was as if Mikhail and Aaron is on their own world. No sounds could enter their hearing. Their attention are fully focused on each other. The golden eyes of Mikhail's met the ocean blue eyes of Aaron's.
"Give up. Let's not waste each other time and to avoid injuring yourself. You know you can't win against me." Said Aaron suddenly.
"Now now, let's not get too hasty here, why would you think I would lose? Just because I'm a Red Light and can't wield any Mana?"
"Yes, exactly because of that reason, I refuse to fight against powerless people."
Mikhail laughed after hearing Aaron's words. Earning the confusion of everyone who were watching. Is he so scared that he just started laughing? Or is he just crazy? Well, it doesn't really matter for anyone watching. They all already knew result of this fight.
"Let me show you… the power of this so-called powerless people."
Suddenly, Mikhail disappeared from his place, only to appear behind Aaron already delivering a kick to the side of his head. But, even though Aaron is not yet a Magic-Knight, he already have the strength to beat the weaker Magic-Knights. So he successfully blocked Mikhail's kick, although he was almost too late and he was forced back a couple of metres.
Everyone was shocked at the sight. Aaron Fate, one of the student in Phoenix Class that have quite a reputation in Empire of Arian. Already participating in many subjugation campaign with his father at young age. Strong enough to beat a couple of Third Tier Magic-Knight. But now, he was getting pushed back by Mikhail? The one who got a Red Light on the magic aptitude test?
They still couldn't believe what they're seeing. Everyone attention is then switched towards Mikhail. Jumping up and down lightly in his place. Both combatant stared at each other. Aaron now knew that he could not underestimate Mikhail, not after what he just experienced.
But then Mikhail charged again. This time Aaron could see his movement. He's going to deliver a reverse kick. But, he was then proven wrong, because as soon as Aaron used both of his arms to block his face. Mikhail used his left leg that was used to attack Aaron to hook his arms and pull it down. Breaking his guards in the process.
'A feint!'
That was the thought of everyone else before Mikhail used his right leg to hit Aaron's head with his knee. Knocking Aaron down before Mikhail jumped up in the air to deliver another strike towards Aaron.
"Axe."
Mikhail did a front flip in the air before he stretched his left leg and brings it down towards Aaron. But Aaron managed to evade with a backflip before Mikhail is able to hit him. Still, the shockwave from that kick is enough for Aaron to lose his balance.
Aaron quickly draws his swords and coated it with Mana. He exhaled and watched as Mikhail stood up again. Mikhail was much tougher than anyone he ever fought. Not even the Magic-Knight he has fought before. The Martial Arts that Mikhail used is entirely new and strange for him. He could not determine what moves Mikhail will use next.
"I truly underestimated you. Now let me become serious as well."
Mikhail grinned. Both fighter's aura flared. Mikhail's aura that are a mix between black and white clashed with Aaron's that are colored blue. Even the audience could feel the pressure from the two fighters.
"Swords of Light, Moonlight Slash!"
Silhouettes of crescent moon appeared behind Aaron. He then slashed his swords towards Mikhail while he charged forward. The slash created five crescent shaped blue energy that shot towards Mikhail. Mikhail grinned and charged forwards, he evaded the first two energy attack before dispersing the rest with his Ki.
"Heavenly Destruction, Evil Negating Palmstrike."
Those who are experts could feel strange type of energy gathers in Mikhail's right hand. It was not Mana or any type of elemental energy they usually felt. But it was something entirely different. It was something new and only Mikhail that has shown managed to wield it.
"Shit!" Although Aaron tried to block using his sword. It was proven not enough. Even when Mikhail's attack was blocked by Aaron's sword. The palm strike was enough to make a crack on Aaron's sword and throws him outside of the ring. The audience could even feel the shockwave even if there's barrier between them and the ring.
"Winner, Mikhail Samil! Congratulations!"
Mikhail then jumped towards Aaron who are planted on the walls. He laughed and pulled him out before helping him to stand. He has great respect for Aaron. In Mikhail's eyes, he is weak now, but he will be a strong man in the future.
"You've earned. It was my mistake for me to underestimate you."
"If you fight anyone but me, you would win, don't know about Carla though." Mikhail laughed, Aaron tried to laugh, but he immediately coughed because of the pain in his chest. That attack of Mikhail really did a number on him.
"One day, we should drink together. To celebrate our newfound friendship?"
"Sure, why not? Always wanted to taste the wine in here anyway."
After talking for a little bit. Mikhail let Aaron to rest and recuperate. He then walked towards Carla who is staring at him with wide eyes, earning a chuckle from him.
"I know that I'm good looking—but am I really that good looking?"
Carla quickly went out of her stupor and shook her head. A blush could be seen on her face. She stared at Mikhail, still not believing what she just saw before.
"Y-you! What kind of magic is that!?"
"Not magic, Carla—Martial Arts—that's the correct answer." Mikhail answered calmly and took a seat beside Carla.
"I refuse to believe that kind of Martial Arts exist! Not even the people from the East has Martial Arts that powerful!"
Carla is right. In this world, there's no Martial Arts as strong as the one he have. Even then, the people from the East learnt Martial Arts to supplement their magic, not as their main skillset for battle.
"Suit yourself. I'm just that strong and unique, heh."
Still, to see a Martial Arts to be that strong, what kind of monster Mikhail is? Carla wouldn't believe that Mikhail made that Martial Arts himself. He was still young. Even then, nobody in the world ever used that kind of Martial Arts. If there is someone, there's should be a record about it somewhere. She would need to take a look at her family's library and see for herself.
While the two young people are arguing. People are still talking about the show of power that is Mikhail. His father laughed out loud seeing his son's powerful Martial Arts that did not utilize any Mana. He knew that his son is a genius! But not to this extent! Now, he have something to brag on to his comrades! Perhaps, he could take him to the battlefield and help him a little!
"Dear, you know our son will be targeted by people, right?"
Adam laugh quickly cut short by his Evangeline's words. That is one of his main concern. While he wanted Mikhail to sort those trouble himself. He is still young. And he would not let anyone hurt his son.
"Relax, sweetheart, nobody would dare to touch him. Not on my watch."
Unbeknownst to Adam and Evangeline. Many people from many factions started to pay attention to Mikhail. An unknown variables has appeared in the Empire of Arian. One that is strong enough to completely change their whole plans. They would need to make some adjustment.
Perhaps, they could use the Mikhail as their pawns?
"Mikhail Samil. So that was his name. Strong enough to notice me watching him before and to beat Aaron Fate. Curious."