"No way this is real. This has to be a mistake Alchemist Ron!"
Jonathan Hopkins yelled out loud as his spotlight was being stolen by a lazy heir from Stellae.
There is no possible way that the Stellae family has someone with four elemental affinities. In the entire history of the Fire Kingdom, no one has ever had more than two elemental affinities.
"Are you questioning the work of the greatest alchemists in the kingdom, boy?"
Alchemist Ron turned enraged as he was enjoying the moment of finding the greatest gem in the entire kingdom, but the mood was spoiled by a random brat.
In this world, the more affinities you have, the stronger your combat prowess. For example, if a person has an affinity with fire, they can be defeated if they encounter someone with an affinity with water. However, what if that person also has affinities with other elements?
Someone with 4 excellent element affinities is pretty much invincible in combat as they would have so much versatility in battle.
"Sir, please forgive his impudence. He's still very immature." Forest Hopkins, the father of Jonathan Hopkins, quickly jumped in to appease Alchemist Ron.
It is well known in the world to never offend an alchemist. All alchemists belong to the alchemist organization. If you offend an alchemist without a good reason, the alchemist organization can take action against you and completely destroy your livelihood.
"Hmph. You need to keep your son in check. Anyway, the assessment is now concluded, I would like to congratulate Bruce from the Stellae…."
"WAIT A MINUTE!"
Jonathan Hopkins interrupted Alchemist Ron once again and had truly enraged him. Forest Hopkins tried to silence his son before he could do any more damage, but it was too late.
"I would like to have a duel with the prodigy from the Stellae family. It'd be a great honor to learn from him. Alchemist Ron, please grant me this chance"
Hearing such an absurd request, Alchemist Ron immediately wanted to reply no but again, he was interrupted by someone.
"Haha, I like your attitude, Jonathan. But a match is no fun without any stakes, wouldn't you agree?"
Bruce quickly replied to Jonathan before Alchemist Ron could say no. This was a great opportunity to get something from the Hopkins family. After all, the Hopkins family already considered the Stellae family enemies. It wouldn't hurt to put them down a few steps.
"Ok, what is it that you want if you win?" Jonathan began to feel elated upon hearing Bruce's acceptance of the match.
"Hmm, how about half the treasures of your family?" Bruce replied calmly as if that was a very reasonable request.
"WHAT? NO WAY WE WOULD STAKE THAT MUCH IN THIS BET!"
Forest Hopkins yelled out when he heard Bruce's condition. How could the Hopkins family wage half of their wealth in this petty match between children?
"Oh, I didn't realize the Hopkins family is struggling that much to not be unable to stake half of their treasury on their famous prodigy that is known throughout the kingdom" Bruce showed a disappointed expression on his face.
"Why don't we reduce the stake of 25% of the treasury then?"
Refusing to give in to Bruce's provocation, Forest still said no.
"No, that is still way too much. Ask for something else."
Bruce expected Forest to say no and gave him one last chance to save his pride.
"Ok then, how about controls over all the mines in the City of Gold?"
After determining the costs of the stake, Forest felt the loss was within a reasonable means. If Jonathan loses the battle, the Hopkins family would only lose 6 mines to the Stellae family. Though the loss is significant, it wasn't too terrible.
"Fine by me. However, if you lose this match, you have to kneel before my son and admit that he's better than you"
Forest added his own condition to the stake. He saw how much impact Bruce's results had on Jonathan. The only way to get Jonathan back on the right track is to completely humiliate Bruce.
"Sounds good to me. Alchemist Ron, would you please be the judge in this match and ensure the parties involved hold up their ends of the deal?"
Alchemist Ron agreed as he wanted to see how Bruce handles this match. Though Bruce may have four elemental affinities, he was still one stage below Jonathan in marital cultivation.
Furthermore, since he has no access to elemental techniques, having great elemental affinities is meaningless for now. Everyone quickly moved to the battle arena as the match is about to begin.
"Whoever is knocked out of the ring loses the battle. Let the battle begin!"
After Alchemist Ron announced the start of the battle, Jonathan went straight to Bruce and used energy punches on him.
Bruce dodged all of his punches while running around in a circle. The audience became more interested because it should not be possible for a High Stage Body Refinement cultivator to keep up with a Peak Stage Body Refinement opponent.
"Why do you keep running away? Fight me like a real man!"
Getting frustrated because he was not able to land any hits on Bruce, Jonathan began to taunt him.
"Young Jonathan, you're only 10. Neither of us is a man yet. I'm simply trying to warm up my body. Your punches are giving me good exercise right now."
Enraged by Bruce's response, Jonathan unleashed the Hopkins Family's special technique.
"Consider yourself lucky by seeing this special technique from the Hopkins Family. Lion Roar!"
Jonathan opened his mouth, and a blast beam came out of it aiming toward Bruce. The blast hit Bruce and an explosion occurred in the battle arena.
Jonathan immediately jumped into the smoke to finish the battle. When he saw Bruce on his knees, he smiled and immediately launched an energy punch to Bruce's head. After he successfully landed his punch, the weirdest thing happened. Bruce's body began to turn into water, and he heard something behind him.
"Allow me to show you the Stellae Family special technique, Super Ultra Slap!"
When Jonathan turned around, it was already too late. Bruce slapped him in the face and caused him to fly off the arena. Everyone in the audience was astonished.
A High Stage Body Refinement kid can use the water clone technique! This technique is fairly advanced and even the elemental profound experts have trouble mastering it.
Putting his hands behind his back like an expert, Bruce looked at the fallen Jonathan and provided him with some wisdom.
"Young Jonathan, I hope that you have learned much from our fights. If you need any more directions, feel free to offer up more of your family wealth to me"
Feeling a big red mark on his face and hearing what Bruce said, Jonathan became so angry that his entire face started to blow up.
"MOTHERFUCKER! YOU'RE YOUNGER THAN ME, I DON'T NEED TO ASK YOU FOR ANY POINTERS"
Jonathan was so mad that he started to vomit blood and fainted. Forest Hopkins quickly picked up his son and chillingly stared at Bruce before leaving.
"Mr. Forest Hopkins, please don't forget to give us the mines. Also, if you want some pointers yourself, feel free to seek me out!"
Not wanting to be near this devil anymore, Forest quickly left the vicinity along with his family.
"Congratulations on winning Bruce. As I was saying, I'd like you to be my apprentice in the Imperial Academy"
Alchemist Ron was thoroughly impressed with Bruce. He's a true prodigy that needs to be developed by the Fire Kingdom.
"Hmm. That sounds good Alchemist Ron. I'd love to be your apprentice, but I do have one question."
"What is it?" Alchemist Ron Asked.
"Can I take an afternoon nap every day in the Imperial Academy?"
Alchemist Ron: "….."
The Audience: "….."