After the intense battle between Magdalon and Nuriel had concluded, the majority of the spectators began to disperse. The energy in the training facility had shifted, and it now exuded a sense of calmness and solitude.
With most people gone, the once bustling facility appeared surprisingly vacant, as if echoing the intensity of the recent confrontation.
However, amidst the quietude, there were still a few individuals who remained, immersing themselves in their own training routines.
Some were engaged in lively sparring matches within the designated rings, while others sought solace within the private training rooms, honing their skills in solitude.
It was evident that the battle had left a profound impact on everyone present, prompting them to reevaluate their own abilities and strive for improvement.
Caught up in the ambiance, I found myself drawn towards an unoccupied ring. Stepping inside, I allowed my aur to flow freely, creating a gentle yet discernible presence. These sparring rings were uniquely designed to facilitate impromptu encounters.
By merely standing within the confines of the ring, one could signal their willingness to engage in a friendly bout.
Those who shared a similar desire for practice and challenge would naturally gravitate towards you, eliminating the need for direct requests or invitations.
As I settled into the empty ring, my energy intertwining with the atmosphere, I embraced the solitude and prepared myself for whatever the training session had in store.
The anticipation of potential sparring partners entering the ring with their own intentions and techniques ignited a sense of excitement within me. It was a serene yet invigorating moment, where the quietude of the surroundings was filled with the promise of growth and camaraderie.
Time passed, my initial excitement began to wane, replaced by a twinge of apprehension. Doubt crept into my mind, and I couldn't help but worry that no one would step forward to accept my unspoken challenge.
The training facility catered primarily to individuals in the Specialist stage, a level of expertise that few could attain. Moreover, the exorbitant cost of nearly twenty thousand made it inaccessible to many, further limiting the pool of potential sparring partners.
Fifteen minutes had passed, and as I was on the verge of conceding defeat and leaving the ring, a young man with shifty eyes caught my attention. He cautiously approached the ring, a glimmer of curiosity in his gaze.
"Excuse me," he hesitated, his voice betraying a hint of nervousness. "Would you mind if I joined you for a sparring session? Just so you know, I'm currently at Level 3 of the Private stage."
His candid admission about his level didn't deter me. In fact, it presented an unexpected opportunity. Prior to stepping into the ring, my original intention had been to warm up with a sparring partner at Level 2, gradually progressing towards a Level 3 opponent.
While my plan had been altered by the arrival of this Level 3 evolver, I saw it as an opportunity to directly face a challenge I had initially intended to work up to.
"Of course," I responded with a friendly smile, alleviating any concerns he may have had. "Your Level 3 status is not an issue for me. In fact, I had planned to spar with a Level 2 evolver first and then take on someone at Level 3.
It seems fate has brought us together for a more direct confrontation."
As we stepped into the ring, a sense of camaraderie began to form. The young man introduced himself as Benny, his shifty eyes now filled with anticipation and determination.
Our spirits intertwined within the ring, ready to embark on a mutually beneficial journey of growth and skill advancement. The initial uncertainty that had plagued me moments ago was now replaced with a renewed sense of purpose and eagerness to engage in this unexpected encounter.
As Benny and I exchanged greetings, our focus shifted to the impending sparring session. However, I couldn't help but overhear a conversation taking place among a group of boys who had gathered to observe Benny's entrance into the ring.
One of them referred to him as "Rockey Crusher Benny," drawing attention to his reputation for overpowering fellow Rockeys.
"This is going to be fun watching Rockey Crusher Benny add another victory to his record," one of the boys exclaimed, his voice tinged with excitement. The mention of Benny's nickname piqued the interest of those around, drawing a small crowd to witness the forthcoming bout.
As their conversation continued, another boy chimed in, recalling a previous encounter where Benny had mercilessly defeated a Rockey who had ended up shedding tears within the ring.
The boy emphasized that the incident had been captured on video and widely circulated throughout the building's communication feed.
The unfortunate Rockey, unable to bear the humiliation, had departed from the apartment complex soon after, his departure perhaps hastened by the residual tension stemming from Magdalon and Nuriel's battle.
"Indeed," interjected a pixie-haired girl among the group, her voice laced with a sense of certainty. "This current Rockey should consider himself lucky.
The last one Benny faced was at Level 3, while this newcomer is only at Level 2. Benny possesses remarkable strength, having bested numerous Level 1 Specialist Mark opponents with minimal difficulty."
The girl's words painted a daunting picture of the impending challenge. It seemed that Benny's track record and reputation as a formidable opponent had preceded him. However, these discussions, albeit unnerving, only fueled my determination to face him head-on.
I recognized the immense gap in experience and skill levels, yet I was eager to test my own abilities and push the boundaries of my potential.
With the growing audience, the weight of their expectations and judgments began to fade into the background. In that moment, the only thing that mattered was the mutual respect and camaraderie between Benny and me, as we prepared to engage in a battle that would undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for growth and self-discovery.
As the group nodded in agreement, their anticipation for Benny's imminent victory became palpable. The prevailing sentiment among them seemed to be that the new Rockey stood little chance against his formidable skills.
Standing face-to-face in the ring, Benny and I prepared for the impending clash. The atmosphere grew charged with excitement as a digital countdown of 10 materialized in the center of the ring. In the brief moments before the bell rang, I focused my concentration, readying myself for the challenge ahead.
With a surge of determination, I began executing the intricate movements of the Exercise, stopping at the thirteenth step. Simultaneously, I activated my Advancement Engine, tapping into its power to enhance my Life, sharpening my senses and refining my capabilities.
Gripping my practice sword firmly, I assumed an aggressive stance, poised to launch an attack. In contrast, Benny appeared relaxed, casually holding his Staff with a seemingly carefree air. The moment the bell resonated throughout the training facility, we both sprang into action, a flurry of motion and intent.
The distinct swishing sound filled the air as Benny swiftly swung his staff, aiming for my head. The noise reverberated, catching me slightly off guard.
However, without wasting a moment, I focused my concentration, channeling my Life to execute the eighteenth move of the Exercise. The intricacies of the technique flowed through me, empowering my strikes with precision and force.
As our initial clash unfolded, the intensity of our sparring session began to escalate. The ring became a stage for our evolving skills, each movement and countermove a testament to our determination and training.
The onlookers, initially convinced of Benny's imminent victory, now found themselves engrossed in the unfolding battle, witnessing the clash between two individuals seeking to surpass their own limits.
With every exchange, the dynamic between Benny and me shifted, creating an exhilarating dance of offense and defense. The crowd, once skeptical of my abilities, now found themselves caught up in the excitement and unpredictability of the confrontation.
In this moment, all preconceived notions and expectations dissolved, leaving only the raw essence of our shared passion for growth and mastery.
"Clank!" reverberated through the ring as the impact of my sword meeting Benny's staff sent a shockwave through my hands. Despite the force, I stood firm, refusing to yield an inch.
A flicker of surprise briefly flashed across Benny's face before he swiftly composed himself, concealing any hint of vulnerability.
"Your skill is truly impressive," Benny acknowledged, his words tinged with a mix of astonishment and admiration. I offered him a simple smile in response, choosing to let my actions speak louder than words.
Few possessed the keen perception of individuals like Jimmy, who could discern that I was not relying solely on conventional techniques but rather seamlessly integrating the principles of the Supreme Combat Exercise.
Undeterred by the initial clash, our weapons continued to clash and resonate in a symphony of metallic echoes. Benny showcased his exceptional mastery of the staff, maneuvering it with finesse and precision.
Countless times, his staff grazed perilously close to my clothing, nearly inflicting injury. Yet, despite my relentless efforts, I found it difficult to bridge the gap and bring my sword within striking range.