The martial hall sprawled expansively, capable of accommodating a staggering fifty thousand individuals. VIP sections were built for esteemed figures such as the sect leader, elders, and important guests.
At its center stood the grand fighting arena, a majestic square structure with each side stretching fifty meters in length. Perched five meters above the ground, it offered an elevated vantage point from which all could witness the fierce battles unfolding.
Present within the vast hall were the outer sect disciples of the Heavenly Aquaflame Sect, joined by a majority of the inner sect disciples, totalling no more than seven thousand.
The Heavenly Thunder Sect, as visitors, brought along a thousand of their disciples to observe and learn from their seniors. Among all the disciples present, only twenty-four top-tier inner court disciples from both sects were actively engaged in the battles.
Everyone had their attention stolen from the fierce battle happening in the arena except for one person.
Allen was not able to focus correctly and couldn't even think clearly. Just as the Heavenly Aquaflame Sect's luck was on the deathbed, his seemed dead already.
'Explain to me why I have to do this mission because, to me, it doesn't make sense. Hell, I bet no one would be able to make any sense of this mission.' The system spirit informed Allen that they could talk telepathically, so now he was talking with the spirit telepathically.
'No, no, no, Master!' Spirit exclaimed, her eyes widening with genuine surprise as she continued their telepathic conversation. 'What are you even talking about? I don't get it at all! This mission is absolutely perfect for you, you know?
I mean, don't you remember that one time when a girl with a saw... uh... you know, that unfortunate incident in your past life where your... um... ahem was, well, let's just say it went missing? Yeah, that's why you have this fear of females! But fear not, because I've created this mission specifically to help you overcome your fears and embrace the amazing world of females, just like me!'
Allen was trembling, but it was not clear if he was trembling because he felt angry or if he felt fear.
'I-If you want my success, then why are there new sentences below the mission, and what's with that failure, the fuck are you thinking?'
Allen looked at the mission floating in front of him, which now had a success and failure section added to it.
=================
Extraordinary First Mission:
Steal the underwear or the breast straps of a female.
Instruction:
Step 1: Touch the underwear or the breast straps.
Step 2: Say the word collet in your mind or collect it yourself.
Step 3: Collection done and dusted.
Benefits of the mission:
Teaches the host the art of a meticulous collector.
Teaches the host how to take risks and handle pressure moments, which will benefit the user in the long term.
Success: Reward???
Failure: Blast the host
Time Limit: 24 Hours
=================
'Isn't this, like, the perfect mission for you, Master? You should totally thank me later!' Spirit chirped, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she playfully twirled a lock of her own hair. Her smile was radiant and infectious, conveying her genuine enthusiasm.
'Perfect mission?' Allen finally snapped and raged in his mind, 'This is your perfect mission? Even dog shit would be better than this.'
'How do you know that, Master? I mean, I've read your entire memory, but there's no way I could've missed something like that. There must be some super important detail that I need to re-read and figure out!' Spirit exclaimed, tilting her head in adorable confusion as she fixed her gaze on Allen.
'That's not what I meant, you idiot!'
"Senior brother Martin!!!"
"Senior brother Martin!!!"
Allen was going to continue his discussion with the system spirit, but the sudden ear-shattering cheers shook him, and he looked towards the elevated platform where the battles raged on.
A figure emerged, radiating an aura of pristine brilliance. Clad in a spotless white robe adorned with intricate designs depicting flames and water, embellished with the emblem of the Heavenly Aquaflame Sect, he commanded attention.
His countenance was strikingly handsome, surpassing any beauty Allen had ever witnessed. Long, flowing black hair swayed gracefully in the wind, akin to the undulating currents of a mighty river. Adorned across his back, a formidable weapon rested calmly in its sheath. Each step he took exuded an air of serenity, akin to the tranquil flow of heavenly waters.
'Oh wow, look at him! He's totally a hotshot in the sect, isn't he, master?' the system spirit exclaimed in a gleeful tone, her childlike voice resonating with excitement. Allen observed the enthusiastic cheers from every disciple of the Heavenly Aquaflame Sect and couldn't help but agree with the spirit's assessment.
"Definitely!" Allen reminisced, immersing himself in his memories as the image of the individual walking up the arena surface vividly played in his mind. "That's the number one ranked inner court disciple, Senior Brother Martin-El Viper," Allen muttered, his gaze fixed on the arena.
As if in response, cheers erupted from the disciples of the Heavenly Thunder Sect on the other side of the arena. A man equally as handsome as Senior Brother Martin emerged as his opponent, clad in a striking silver and black robe adorned with intricate designs symbolizing thunder, proudly displaying the crest of the Heavenly Thunder Sect.
"Senior brother Yonas!"
"Senior brother Yonas!"
"Senior brother Yonas!"
"Ahh! Those bastards' cheering is heading this way. What the hell are you guys doing? Roar like crazy and demonstrate unwavering support for our senior brother. Let them witness the indomitable might of the Heavenly Aquaflame Sect. Scream your hearts out!" A portly outer court disciple spun around and bellowed at the entire assembly of outer court disciples.
In response to his fervent shouts, every sect member began to bellow with increased vigour. Whether it was passionate support or an outlet for pent-up frustrations, the resounding cheers drowned out the chants from the opposing sect.
Even Carl and Kell, seated beside Allen, joined in the exuberant shouting.
"Come on, Allen, cheer for our senior brother and unleash your spirit. I know we're all dissatisfied with the defeats our fellow senior brothers and sisters have endured, but wallowing in frustration won't aid them.
We must show our unwavering support," Carl prodded Allen, urging him to participate. All this while, Allen had been visibly consumed by his frustrations, and Carl couldn't see this anymore and urged him.
Allen looked at Carl, who poked him and spoke. 'So they think all the frustration I'm feeling is because of the match. Fools! I'm dealing with a life-threatening problem. You asshole, even the shouts wouldn't make me feel happy right now.'
"Come on, let's show them what we've got. This ain't over yet." Kell encouraged Allen, pressing him to join in the display of support.
***
Martin scrutinized the figure before him, who sauntered leisurely toward the arena, reveling in the tumultuous chorus of cheers and jeers from the assembled disciples below.
"Why isn't Znako here? And who are you fighting in his place?" Martin inquired with an air of grace and authority, addressing the individual who stood ten metres away.
The individual extended his hand towards himself and proclaimed with unwavering confidence, "I am Yonas Skullheart, an inner court disciple of the Heavenly Thunder Sect, ranked 3rd within our sect's inner court hierarchy."
He continued, his voice resonating with assurance, "Senior Brother Zanko has secluded himself ever since his return from the previous Continental competition, aiming to overcome his heart demon."
Martin nodded sagely and responded with eloquence, "It appears that the rumours I have heard hold truth, suggesting that he succumbed to a heart demon following his defeat in the previous competition."
Yonas smiled and affirmed, "Indeed, but we have faith that he will conquer his inner demons and emerge stronger than ever."
"I hope that proves to be the case; otherwise, the longstanding rivalry between the head disciples of our respective sects would lose its lustre," Martin remarked with a touch of anticipation.
Upon hearing this, Yonas smirked and remarked, "It seems the Heavenly Aquaflame Sect has grown lackluster in gathering intelligence. Other sects are well aware, yet your sect, our age-old rival, remains oblivious. It's rather embarrassing. Nonetheless, it is common knowledge, so I suppose divulging this information won't cause much harm. Senior Brother Zanko is no longer our head disciple."
Martin's gaze momentarily wavered but swiftly regained composure. He calmly nodded and responded, "I see, he has been relieved of his position as head disciple. So, who now holds that esteemed title within your sect?"
Yonas chuckled and interjected, "Enough with the idle chatter. I didn't expect the head disciple of the Heavenly Aquaflame Sect to be so talkative. Let's dispense with pleasantries." With those words, Yonas unsheathed his sword and assumed a battle-ready stance.
"You are correct; our conversation has quieted even the disciples. I won't hold back simply because you are one cultivation stage below me," Martin declared, matching his opponent's determination as he unsheathed his own weapon and assumed his battle stance.