Chereads / Bloodline of the damned / Chapter 111 - Chapter 112: A test of strength

Chapter 111 - Chapter 112: A test of strength

The days following Noah's conversation with Ralthoron K'vorr were filled with an undercurrent of anticipation. His mind was clear now; he would focus on growth, on power. But something lingered in the back of his mind—an awareness of the risks involved in his rising fame. Despite the temporary respite that his dealings with the academy had brought him, there was still the constant weight of enemies, both old and new, watching from the shadows. Yet the academy provided an unusual sense of protection. This time, however, the academy's headmaster himself had extended an offer—an invitation that could not be ignored.

Ralthoron had made it clear that he wanted to witness the full scope of Noah's power. This was not just a test of strength, but a way for the demon to assess what he had at his disposal. But Noah understood one thing: **this was not a simple sparring match**. It was a trial—one that could either strengthen his position or expose him to threats he wasn't prepared for.

He needed to show his strength, but without revealing his true limits. If he allowed Ralthoron to see his full potential, there would be no going back. The **Abyssal Night** sword and his **legendary armor**, both from his previous life, were powerful tools that would help him hold his ground, but their very presence was enough to raise questions. The **Night Sovereign** class tied to his vampire bloodline was already a dangerous secret, and the sword's **power amplifier** and **blood drain ability** were two abilities he could not afford to reveal yet.

Noah had no choice. He trusted Ralthoron, but not fully. This spar was the only way to move forward with their arrangement, but it would also serve to test the headmaster's true intentions. The very act of trusting someone with his abilities, even partially, was a rare vulnerability for Noah.

---

Ralthoron led Noah out of the academy, through its twisting stone halls, to an area that few students knew existed. The ground beneath their feet became smoother, the air heavier with the scent of brimstone. They stepped into an underground arena—an ancient training ground that seemed to pulse with the weight of centuries.

"This is where the strongest warriors of the **Infernal Archon** class spar," Ralthoron explained as he surveyed the area. "No eyes will be upon us here, and no one will disturb us." His voice was calm, though there was a certain underlying energy to his words. Even now, Noah could sense the ancient demon's power.

Noah could feel the space crackling with the heat of dormant power. His heart beat slowly, rhythmically, as he summoned his **Abyssal Night** sword from its sheath. The cold, black blade gleamed in the dim light, its intricate runes glowing faintly. It was a magnificent weapon, one forged in the depths of the Abyss—a blade forged to cut through **gods** and **monsters** alike.

As he unsheathed the sword, the legendary armor he had won in the **Abyssal Maw Dungeon** materialized, wrapping around his body in sleek, dark plates. It was not just any armor—its design was crafted to enhance his agility and power while offering near-perfect protection. Noah was ready.

Ralthoron regarded him for a moment, his eyes narrowed in quiet admiration. "Let us begin," the headmaster said, his voice now laden with a sense of gravity.

---

The moment the match began, Noah surged forward, his speed breathtaking. He was aware of the weight of the situation—every move had to count, but every action had to remain within the limits of what he was willing to reveal. His **Night Sovereign** class granted him multiple abilities that were potent in combat, but not all of them would be used today.

Noah's movements were swift and precise as he struck with his sword, his dark energy swirling around the blade. With a **flash step**, he closed the distance between them, aiming for Ralthoron's side. The sword cut through the air, its edge humming with deadly energy. **Abyssal Night**, though it was only a sliver of its true potential, pulsed with force as it collided with Ralthoron's defense.

But the headmaster reacted in a flash, his hand moving in a circular motion to deflect the strike with ease. There was a sudden explosion of energy—like the crack of thunder. The sheer force of Ralthoron's power sent a wave of pressure rippling through the arena, but Noah stood his ground, his armor absorbing the shock.

Ralthoron's movements were a blur, his hands moving faster than Noah could perceive. The headmaster's **Infernal Archon** class granted him overwhelming strength, speed, and control over the **hellfire** that coursed through his veins. The power of his bloodline was etched into every movement, his abilities enhanced by his experience and mastery of ancient magic. He was an elder demon, one of the highest-ranked beings in the academy.

Noah was good—extremely good. His combat skills, enhanced by his **Night Sovereign** abilities, made him an unstoppable force for most opponents. However, he was outclassed. Every strike he delivered was met with perfect counters from Ralthoron. The headmaster's ability to control **infernal flames** and his mastery over **demonic energy** overwhelmed Noah's best efforts. For every blow Noah landed, Ralthoron responded with a more devastating one.

Noah had to resort to his **vampiric abilities** to keep up with the onslaught. His **shadows** warped around him, providing brief moments of concealment as he weaved in and out of Ralthoron's range. His **Shadow Step** let him vanish and reappear behind the headmaster in an instant, aiming for his back.

But Ralthoron, with the **Infernal Archon** class—one tied directly to his ancient demonic bloodline—could sense the flow of energy before it even happened. The demon raised his hand, and a blast of fiery energy erupted in all directions, sending Noah sprawling across the arena floor.

**Infernal Archon** was a class of unmatched strength in both physical and magical combat. It drew from the power of fire and brimstone, of molten earth and endless rage. Each of its practitioners was not only gifted with extraordinary **demonic strength** but also mastery over flame-based magic. Their very presence could scorch the earth, turning it to ash with a mere thought.

And Ralthoron was a **Level 40** Infernal Archon. He was untouchable.

---

Noah could feel his body straining, his movements slowing as Ralthoron's relentless attacks continued. He wasn't injured—not yet—but the battle was beginning to take a toll. He had to admit, despite all his power, despite the strengths his **Night Sovereign** class afforded him, Ralthoron was simply on another level.

But Noah was no fool. He wasn't trying to win this match; he was trying to **survive** it and gain Ralthoron's respect. He needed to show his full potential, even if that meant risking exposure.

With a flick of his wrist, Noah called upon his **Night Sovereign** class to its fullest extent. The darkness around him thickened, enveloping him in a swirling cocoon of shadows. His body was enhanced further, his strength boosted, his speed a blur to those watching. But even so, Ralthoron was prepared.

In an instant, the headmaster closed the distance. With a **hellish roar**, Ralthoron unleashed his **Infernal Wrath**—an explosion of fire that sent Noah crashing to the ground.

Breathing heavily, Noah rose to his feet. He had pushed his body to the limit, showcasing every aspect of his **Night Sovereign** abilities. He had given everything he could, but it wasn't enough.

Ralthoron stood over him, his face a mixture of admiration and satisfaction. "You are strong, Noah," the demon said, his voice resonating with power. "But you are not yet ready to stand at the top."

Noah's chest heaved as he caught his breath. He wasn't beaten. Not fully. But he understood. The fight had been a lesson—not just in power, but in humility. He had much to learn.

---

Ralthoron extended a hand to help Noah to his feet, the gesture surprisingly kind for a demon of his caliber. "You have potential, Noah. That is undeniable. Your class, your abilities… they are impressive, but you need training. You need to refine them. With time, you could become something greater than even I could imagine."

Noah hesitated, still wary, but the truth was undeniable. This was the first time anyone had ever recognized his potential without fear. He wasn't a weapon to be used—he was a student, a prodigy to be nurtured.

"I will guide you, Noah," Ralthoron continued. "And I promise you, with my guidance, you will become the force you were meant to be."

Noah met the headmaster's gaze, his heart still heavy with suspicion, but for the first time, he felt a glimmer of something else—trust

He was ready.