Both fighters looked into the eyes of their opponent before a flurry of blades began to clash against each other.
Each movement had either met Steel or air, both fighters having gotten used to the pace decided to turn it up a notch!
Instantly Ryder dropped under a slash aimed towards his head before digging his left hand into the ground spinning his lower body to perform a powerful kick to Evan's leg!
The hit connected however Evan had turned his leg adding more power into it he blocked the attack before swinging down at Ryder both hands on his blade before sending an over head slash towards him.
Immediately Ryder turned his body spinning around with the same arm still dug in the ground using his greaves to slam into the swinging blade parrying Evan's strike before using his left arm to throw himself upwards swinging his sword at the opening!
"You got him!"
Kaylee screamed out cheering for Ryder before her face went back to nervousness seeing Evan speed up a little dodging the blow by a couple inches.
'So far neither of them have taken a solid hit… however Ryder is going to tire out soon, he's been on the offensive for far to long…'
Sirius sighed watching the battle with a mix of emotions.
Evan quickly countered after dodging, his fist flew through the air connecting with Ryder's arm and leg that had came up to block the counter.
Unfortunately Ryder was forced back landing a few feet away in the same position he started the fight in. His breathing was heavy, he tried to regain some of his lost stamina as Evan inched forward preparing to pressure his enemy before dealing the final blow.
'Damnit… he's got me cornered, if I want to win I need to get at least 1 solid hit in… however that is easier said then done'
His mind was running at a mile a minute possible strategies had been passing through his head trying to calculate the probability of wining with each strategy as it pops up.
Ever since entering the library Ryder has gone through a significant change, at the time he didn't realize it but the more he devoured Soul Force like he did the more he changed.
Before he used to be a slow reader however with Celestia's help and the new improvements after eating Soul Force for 3 years his brain gradually got faster, he was even able to clearly memorize whole books after reading them.
This was a shock to him at that time however currently he was using every thing he had been training for the past 3 years however he was still backed into a corner by Evan.
Though he should feel frustrated at this situation but he felt nothing but determination and acknowledgment. He realized Evan was truly strong after surviving his onslaught with ease.
"I didn't want to do this however it seems like I have no choice… I'll give my all to win Evan, I wonder if you can still pressure me like this while even using something I've been practicing in secret!"
Evan didn't say a word, instead he gave a look to Ryder as if he was telling him "Go ahead, use everything you can"
Ryder backed up towards the edge of the arena watching Evan carefully as he began to exert more Soul Force then before making the golden aura around him spike up.
'I didn't want to use this… it takes way to much Soul Force but if I want a chance then this is it!'
The golden aura began to disconnect from his body before a shape began to form behind Ryder. It looked like a constant moving non solid golden wolf with blue eyes. This shocked many people in the crowd as he sheathed his sword before focusing purely on the Spirit Beast Imitation stance.
"Oh? Looks like you really do have some talent… most people only achieve this state at silver rank boy. You have achieved something most people could only wish for!"
Evan complimented Ryder on his achievement, after all not just anyone can tap into the power of their avatar so early. Those who have achieved this state are known as some of the most talented warriors.
This state was called Pseudo Avatar, though the entity may not have full control over their avatar the power they can wield was still much more powerful then those in the same rank as the creature who attained this state.
"I hope you are ready Prince Evan!"
"Go ahead boy, if you force me to use my gold rank cultivation or hit me with a clean blow the battle is yours! Come at me with all you got!"
Suddenly the Pseudo Avatar began to change, the light began to cover Ryder's body making his body look like a golden wolf warrior.
He was now wearing the avatar like armor enhancing every part of his body before lunging at Evan!
The ground cracked below his feet as his speed grew to a new level after his Avatar was released. His claw clashed against Evan's sword forcing the man to break the ground digging his ankles into the ground before spinning on his right leg just to send a kick with his back towards Evan aiming for the center of his chest.
Evan instantly pulled his sword up to protect his chest just to be forced back skidding against the ground that was currently breaking as he puts more force into his legs trying to stop his movement.
The man had a face filled with struggle as Ryder closes in for another attack forcing the prince to change tactics.
Instead of standing still he began to use a footwork technique that Ryder was very familiar with. Seeing his opponent switch his flow Ryder went on the defensive preparing for Evan's attack.
'Just one hit and I'm done! I must be cautious, read his moves and look for an opening!'
His eyes were trained on Evan, not letting him leave Ryder's sight he deflected the blows from the princes hit and run tactics still trying to read him.
It had gone on like this for a minute or so, as time went on Ryder could feel his energy decreasing rapidly.
'So that's your game… fine then since I can't find an opening I'll have to create one!'
With a swing of his claws a powerful wind was unleashed around him, this kicked up the dust over the arena making it harder for anyone to see!
With Ryder's increased senses thanks to his Pseudo Avatar he could see through the distraction as he dived into dust before throwing up more causing a bigger smoke screen till it enveloped the entire arena.
With his agile movements he circled around Evan making sure to stay quiet before lunging out at the Prince grabbing onto his shoulders as he leaned in ready to attack before Evan flipped him over his shoulder throwing the boy before hitting him in the chest with his sword.
Ryder flipped around in mid air landing with his back facing Evan.
"I'm sorry kid, looks like you aren't ready yet…"
Evan sighed to himself sheathing his sword as he waves his hand dispersing the dust.
"I think you should look again Evan"
Sirius was having a hard time holding back a laugh as he points to Evan.
Evan quickly looked at himself before he noticed the collar of his clothes had been torn off with what looked like a bite mark.
"Sorry Prince Evan… but it looks like I pass"
Ryder turned around spitting out the clothing as he gave Evan a smile while dismissing his Pseudo Avatar.
Evan was dumbfounded for a second, if this was a real fight Ryder would have ripped out his throat at the same time he threw him! He couldn't help but laugh at this situation.
"Great! I am more then happy to give my blessing for you and Kaylee. For the past 3 years you showed me just how determined you are to prove yourself now I hope you keep up that pace for her sake!"
He rarely smiled but at this moment he couldn't contain it as he walked up placing one hand on the boys shoulder before leaning in to whisper something to him.
"Apex Academy will be a whole new field with new rules. Learn quick and train hard, I better see you in the top 10 of the school by the time you graduate or we are going to have a personal training session got it?"
Even now the man was thinking about the well being of his sister. Ryder felt like the only reason Evan wanted him to get into the top 10 was because that's the type of strength he will need to protect Kaylee.
"Yes sir! I will do anything to keep Kaylee safe, I will do my best to look after her in the academy as well!"
"Haha don't call me sir, call me Evan, just Evan. You have earned that right. However you don't have to worry about Kaylee at the moment, after all she is already a 3 star silver martial artist as well"
Before Ryder could get anything else out he felt a sudden impact against his back before a pair of slender hands wrapped around his waist hugging him tight as the person behind him was shaking.
At this point Ryder didn't know what to do, Kaylee had rushed up and hugged him before the entire group of knights in training.
"U-um Kaylee…?"
"Stop. Don't say anything… just let me have this…"
She whispered just hugging onto him as Ryder gently turned around comforting her.
"I won"
"Mhm…"
She softly nodded her head as she buried her face into Ryder's chest trying to cover her face full of tears as she releases all the nervousness and anxiety she held for this day.
Evan seeing this just gave both of them a look of approval before he went to join Sirius.
"That girl… she never thinks about her image as a princess at all"
"Let them have this Evan… ever since the first fight both of them have been worried that they might be forced to separate. Now then HOW LONG ARE YOU GUYS GOING TO SIT AND WATCH?"
Sirius yelled down to the group of knights in training as they all started to scatter back to the training area. Each of them talking about the fight and some even training right away trying to mimic the movements after having a small epiphany.
While the two teens sat there, their faces as red as tomato's after realizing they had just openly hugged each other in the middle of a large crowd.
This left Sirius and Evan laughing at the situation as another figure from the castle stood high in their tower watching the situation unfold.
"So Evan has approved of the boy huh? Then let's do our own test shall we? I'm sure there are lots of the people in the academy who would help with this. Go and tell the school about his background and reveal it to the students. Let's see if your will is really as strong as Evan believes it to be"
The person walked away from the tower window heading deeper into the castle going about their business while plotting in the background.