With a swift motion, I thrust my sword forward, piercing the android's chest. As my blade made contact, the life bar displayed on its metallic body depleted entirely, signaling its defeat.
It had taken me a grueling twenty minutes to overcome this level 3 Private Mark android, but finally, victory was mine. It was the thirteenth move of the Exercise that proved to be the decisive blow.
After the battle, the defeated android retreated to its designated position, standing motionless. It had put up a formidable fight, pushing me to my limits and forcing me to execute the thirteenth move of the exercise.
I relished the satisfaction that came from such a hard-fought victory, knowing that it not only honed my combat skills but also accelerated my Life Advancement thanks to the Life Advancement Engine's operation during the intense battle.
Filled with a sense of curiosity and a desire to gauge the true power of a Specialist Mark android, I made the decision to upgrade the defeated android to level 1 Specialist stage.
It was an opportunity to put its enhanced fighting abilities to the test and witness firsthand the capabilities of a Specialist Mark android.
The battle commenced with a resounding "Start!" and I braced myself for the clash. However, to my surprise, the Specialist Mark android unleashed a powerful blast of air, sending me hurtling backward.
Luckily, the force was partially absorbed by the wall, preventing a harsh collision. Frustration welled up within me as I berated myself for underestimating the android's capabilities.
Determined to make amends, I resumed the fight, simultaneously executing the thirteenth move of the Exercise. Rising to my feet, I swiftly initiated a series of fluid motions, seamlessly transitioning from the thirteenth to the eighteenth move.
The clash of our swords echoed through the air, causing me to stagger backward. It became apparent that the eighteenth move alone would not be enough to overcome the android's heightened prowess at the Specialist Stage.
Undeterred, I pressed on, skillfully executing the nineteenth and twentieth moves of the Exercise. Gradually, my steps came to a halt, and a sense of exhilaration coursed through me.
This battle was unlike any other, devoid of the fear of life or death. In this moment, I could fully immerse myself in the art of combat, analyzing and refining my techniques without the weight of mortal concerns.
The fight against the Specialist Mark android became an enthralling experience, a canvas upon which I could paint my skills and master the intricacies of each move.
The android, now an even more formidable opponent, pushed me to my limits, urging me to extract every ounce of my potential.
Engrossed in the battle, I decided to experiment with various sword techniques I had acquired during my training at the school.
Currently, I was relying on simple yet effective sword moves that formed the bedrock of my combat skills. These ten moves encompassed a combination of both offensive and defensive maneuvers.
My friend Jimmy had observed my fighting style and recommended that I pursue advanced sword classes.
He discerned that the technique I employed was primarily designed to establish a solid foundation in swordsmanship rather than for direct confrontation with opponents. Jimmy understood the importance of expanding my repertoire and exploring more intricate weapon styles.
Realizing the value of Jimmy's advice, I acknowledged that delving into advanced weapon styles was imperative for my growth as a warrior. By acquainting myself with these advanced techniques, I would be able to conserve energy during fights and unleash more potent attacks upon my adversaries.
The mastery of these refined styles would grant me a significant advantage, enhancing both my efficiency and lethality on the battlefield.
Utilizing the Weapon style spared me the need for Life, allowing me to execute precise and efficient weapon movements. Unlike skills that relied on specific Life routes to maximize offensive and defensive power, the Weapon style prioritized cleanliness and effectiveness.
However, mastering a formidable weapon style came at a significant cost, requiring substantial resources. On the other hand, opting for an average weapon style was a more economical choice, demanding fewer expenses.
The clash of our swords reverberated through the air with a resounding "Clang!" Both the android and I instinctively took a step back, momentarily pausing the intense confrontation.
I found myself executing the twenty-first move of the Supreme Combat Exercise, a testament to the enduring struggle we had engaged in for the past hour. Yet, despite our prolonged battle, neither of us had emerged as the clear victor.
"Clang, clang, clang..." I unleashed a powerful swing aimed directly at the android's neck, but my attack was skillfully thwarted. The android's flawless coordination and efficient energy usage were evident. In comparison, I couldn't help but feel a sense of roughness in my own movements.
There were instances where I wasted precious energy on futile maneuvers, a reflection of my lack of combat experience. While my sword style was not at fault, it was simply a matter of needing more practical experience. The battles in the tunnel were the extent of my combat encounters thus far.
To achieve seamless and refined moves, experience was paramount. It was through battle experience that one could refine their techniques and bridge the gap between stages. Every individual possessed their unique battle style, emphasizing offense, defense, speed, precision, or other facets.
Each prominent evolver had their own distinct forte in combat. To discover and master this forte to its pinnacle, one needed to accumulate valuable experience through countless battles.
With a swift and determined "Shink!" my attack Lifeged to graze the Android's shoulder, depleting a mere four percent from its life bar.
It was a small victory, marking the first successful strike I had landed on the relentless Android since our battle commenced an hour ago
. Though I had originally intended to execute the twenty-second move of the Exercise, the circumstances dictated that I conquer the Android while adhering to the ongoing execution of the twenty-first move.
The path ahead appeared arduous, as the battle unfolded, granting the Android ample opportunity to collect data on my fighting style and strategize accordingly.
Armed with this acquired knowledge, it would surely attempt to counter my moves with precision and efficiency.
Nevertheless, I refused to succumb to doubt or despair. My unwavering resolve propelled me forward, vowing to overcome this formidable opponent while flawlessly executing the twenty-first move of the Exercise.
However, my determination met an unexpected obstacle. The Android's sword struck my shoulder with a solid "Dhab.." eliciting an involuntary cry of pain.
Gratefully, we had opted for practice swords in our training, sparing me from a more severe injury.
The sharp discomfort radiating from my shoulder served as a stark reminder of the inherent risks embedded within the realm of combat, even within the confines of a controlled training environment.
I relentlessly pressed forward, undeterred by the occasional strikes that landed against me. Fortunately, my diligent practice of the Supreme Combat Exercise had enhanced the strength and durability of my body.
This fortification proved invaluable, preventing me from experiencing widespread soreness that could have hindered my performance throughout the fight.
"Shink!" I landed another successful blow on the android, steadily chipping away at its life bar. The battle had been raging on for an astonishing three hours, during which I had Lifeged to repeatedly strike the android, reducing its life bar to a mere 15%.
The clash of our swords echoed with a resounding "Clang!" as I initiated an attack. However, the android countered flawlessly, effortlessly comprehending and anticipating my every move.
Launching a surprise attack became an arduous task, yet I refused to relent. Over the course of this prolonged battle, I had begun to grasp my own weaknesses, gaining valuable insights that would prove invaluable in future confrontations.
In a moment of clarity, I discerned an opportunity. With precision and determination, my sword collided with the android's neck in a resounding "Clinic." The thrill of success surged through me as its life bar completely drained.
I had employed an unorthodox and unexpected maneuver that proved to be the key to my victory. If the opponent had been human, I would hesitate to label them solely based on this encounter, as humans possess unique abilities and may utilize a diverse range of skills in combat.
I stepped out of the private training room, a resounding "Boom Boom!" reached my ears, drawing my attention towards the ring. Within its confines, two individuals engaged in a fierce and exhilarating battle, exhibiting a level of intensity and skill that was truly awe-inspiring.
The sheer force behind their every move echoed through the air, making it difficult to discern their precise actions.
Both combatants were undoubtedly Specialist Mark evolvers, operating at the pinnacle of their abilities.
In the center of the ring, a young man and woman clashed with unwavering determination. The young man, appearing to be in his early twenties, donned a striking snow-white fighting suit. Despite his potentially handsome features, his countenance was transformed into one of fierce determination as he confronted his opponent.
Notably, he sported copper-colored gauntlets, eLifeting an eerie green gas. The presence of this gas hinted at his possession of a poison-related ability, likely capable of inflicting lethal effects on his adversaries. The very sight of his gauntlets instilled a sense of caution and apprehension.
Facing him stood a serious and captivating young woman of the same age. Her attire consisted of a snug sports bra that accentuated her ample breasts and form-fitting pants.
Her focused expression revealed a profound dedication to her craft, undeterred by distractions. As she moved with grace and agility, the subtle jiggling of her breasts captured the attention of some onlookers, unable to resist stealing glances despite the intense nature of the battle unfolding before them.
In the young woman's grip was a gleaming silver-colored short spear, its surface adorned with a protective grey layer that mirrored the essence of her power.
This resilient barrier seemed to shield her from the poisonous gas and amplify the impact of her attacks, adding an extra layer of potency to her already formidable skills.
The intensity of the fight indicated that this was far from a friendly match. Each combatant displayed an unwavering focus and determination, leaving little doubt that their confrontation held great significance.
Intrigued and seeking answers, I turned to a seemingly friendly youth nearby, hoping to gain insight into the ongoing battle.
Curiosity etched across my face, I posed my question to the young man who, to my dismay, appeared more engrossed in observing the movement of the girls' breasts than the fight itself. Suppressing a sigh, I inquired, "Who are they, and why are they engaged in such a fierce clash?"
Glancing at me briefly, his gaze still lingering on the captivating spectacle before us, he responded, "Are you new to this building?" I nodded in affirmation, confirming my recent arrival. With a chuckle, he continued, eager to share the amusing tale unfolding before us.
"The young man you see is Nuriel, and the girl is Madeline. They both happen to be powerful evolvers residing in our building. Nuriel has been ardently pursuing Madeline for the past two years, but without any success," he explained, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.
"However, yesterday, something unexpected occurred. Madeline confided in Crystal Knights, the renowned evolver, that she would be leaving the building. Seizing this opportunity, Nuriel chose to openly express his feelings for her at the training facility. Unfortunately for him, Madeline flatly rejected his advances."
The revelation added a layer of complexity to the intense battle unfolding before our eyes, offering a glimpse into the motivations and emotions that fueled their clash.