Roy stretched and rolled his shoulders, looking refreshed. His gaze landed on the lively Alice, and he couldn't help but chuckle. "You look pretty relaxed. Seems like you rested well."
Alice turned to him with a cheerful grin. "Of course! I'm the great Alice, and today I'm going to shine! You better keep up and don't fall behind!"
Roy shook his head, a hint of exasperation in his tone. "I have no idea where you get your confidence. But this is a team match, so we'll need to work together."
Alice raised her little fists triumphantly. "Don't worry! With me here, victory is guaranteed!"
The two left the courtyard and made their way to the testing grounds. Along the way, the atmosphere was noticeably different. The streets were packed with spectators—students, outer sect members, and even some inner sect disciples who had come to watch the excitement. The crowd buzzed with lively discussions.
"Look, that's Roy—the boy who awakened sword intent at level 26!"
"It's him! I watched his fight yesterday—it was insane! He almost turned the tables against a level 38 inner disciple!"
"And there's Alice! A level 27 support specialist, but she completely overwhelmed her opponents. Her control and healing skills are genius-level!"
"Do you think they'll team up for the third round?"
"Probably. They seem close and have been seen together a lot."
"If those two join forces, today's match will be something to see!"
Roy listened to the chatter around him with a calm expression, unfazed by the attention. On the other hand, Alice seemed to be enjoying it immensely. She waved at the crowd occasionally, looking like a little celebrity.
"What are you doing?" Roy asked, unable to hide his amusement at her antics.
Alice stuck out her tongue playfully. "Hehe, just saying hi! I didn't expect us to be so popular—it's actually kind of nice!"
Roy sighed in resignation. "We're here to compete, not to play the stars."
Alice laughed as she looped her arm through his. "Alright, alright, don't be so serious. Relax! Everything's going to go smoothly today!"
When they arrived at the testing grounds, the large central platform was already set up, surrounded by a dense crowd of onlookers. On an elevated stage, several outer sect elders and inner disciples sat observing. A senior elder stepped onto the platform and announced loudly:
"Students, today is the third and final trial of your entrance examination! This round will be a team challenge, with two members per team facing off against a randomly assigned opponent. And your opponents… will be the outer sect elders!"
The crowd erupted in shock. Many students' expressions turned tense immediately. Facing outer sect elders was a challenge leagues beyond the first two rounds.
The elder continued, "Do not worry—the elders will suppress their spiritual power to match your level. Even so, passing this trial will require not only individual strength but also flawless teamwork!"
With that, he gestured for the grouping process to begin.
Alice tugged on Roy's sleeve, her smile mischievous. "Looks like we'll have to work well together. Don't think I'll let you hog all the glory!"
Roy chuckled softly, a more serious tone slipping into his voice. "Then show me what you've got. Don't let me down."
The two moved to one corner of the grounds, waiting for the results of the team assignments. The crowd's eyes were glued to them, their chatter growing louder.
"I knew they'd team up. If these two work together, today's matches will be spectacular!"
"Roy's sword intent combined with Alice's support skills—maybe they really have a shot at winning!"
"Do you think they can beat an outer sect elder?"
"I don't know, but they definitely won't go down easily!"
On the battle platform, a stern-looking elder stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes filled with disdain. He faced a pair of level-30 disciples in the team assessment, but to him, their performance was utterly disappointing.
"This is what you call teamwork?" the elder sneered, his voice echoing across the testing grounds. "You might as well go perform in the streets as clowns! With this level of skill, you dream of entering a four-star academy?"
The audience murmured amongst themselves, some pitying the disciples on the platform while others ridiculed their lackluster performance.
Roy and Alice stood at the edge of the field, silently observing the one-sided match. Roy frowned and said, "Although the elder has suppressed his spiritual power, his combat experience and tactical awareness are overwhelming these disciples. Plus, they're fighting individually with no coordination—there's no way they can win."
Alice nodded, her expression tinged with disdain. "It's embarrassing. They can't even pull off the simplest teamwork, yet they dared to take this test? I wonder where they got the courage."
Roy smirked slightly. "Perhaps that's why the four-star academy's exams are so strict. Anyway, when it's our turn, we must give it our all. Let's make sure no one has a chance to laugh at us."
Alice turned, crossing her arms with a smug expression. "Hmph, I won't let anyone laugh at me! Just follow my lead, and victory is guaranteed!"
Roy raised an eyebrow but remained silent, continuing to observe the ongoing battle.
On the platform, the two level-30 disciples—a fire warrior and an ice mage—were being relentlessly pushed back by the elder. Their abilities should have complemented each other, but their coordination was abysmal. The fire warrior charged recklessly, while the ice mage stayed in the back, casting ice spells haphazardly. This lack of synchronization often hindered their own movements.
The elder scoffed, darting forward with a sudden burst of speed, creating a gust of wind in his wake. With a flick of his wrist, he unleashed a bolt of lightning-like energy at the fire warrior, forcing him back several steps. Without hesitation, the elder closed the gap to the ice mage, shattering his shield with a single palm strike.
"This level of teamwork is worse than a beginner's," the elder mocked, his eyes filled with disappointment. "If this is all you've got, step down now."
The two disciples exchanged a bitter glance before reluctantly conceding. Their departure was met with sighs of pity and jeers from the audience.
Alice pouted, muttering, "They're so weak. How did they even make it through the first two rounds?"
Roy didn't respond, his eyes still fixed on the elder. Even with his spiritual power suppressed, the elder's combat prowess and precise decision-making created a palpable pressure.
The subsequent matches offered little improvement. While some disciples showed slightly better coordination, none were a match for the outer sect elders.
One standout group was a pair of level-30 twin sword fighters. Their close-combat synergy was impressive, and they managed to hold their ground for a full five minutes before being overwhelmed.
Alice clicked her tongue in surprise. "Not bad. They didn't win, but at least they put up a decent fight."
Roy nodded. "Their coordination was tight, and their strategy was sound. If they had a bit more spiritual power, they might have lasted longer."
Alice placed her hands on her hips and huffed, "Still, no matter how good their teamwork is, we're going to steal the spotlight! Let's give everyone a surprise!"
Roy glanced at her with a faint smile, his gaze firm. "Then let's see what you've got. Don't let me down."
The two continued watching the battles, carefully analyzing each team's strategies and failures. Roy silently noted key points, while Alice occasionally chimed in with her own observations—sometimes childish, but always insightful.
As time passed, the matches drew to a close. The elder scanned the remaining students with a cold gaze before announcing, "Next team: Roy and Alice, to the platform!"
The arena fell silent for a moment before erupting with excited chatter.
"It's finally their turn!"
"Roy, who awakened sword intent at level 26, and Alice, the little mentalist prodigy—this team is the highlight of the day!"
"How long can they last?"
Under the expectant gazes of the crowd, Roy and Alice exchanged a glance and stepped onto the platform together. The elder's eyes narrowed slightly, a faint, enigmatic smile playing on his lips.
"Let's see if you two can live up to the hype."
Roy and Alice stood at the center of the battle platform, the surrounding audience holding their breath, their gazes locked onto the duo. The elder narrowed his eyes slightly, his tone carrying a trace of anticipation: "Are you ready?"
Roy gave a slight nod, his eyes brimming with determination. Alice pumped her small fist confidently, a bright smile on her face. "Of course!"
"Then let's begin!" As soon as the elder's words fell, Roy took the initiative. Lightning flashed around his body as his level-26 energy erupted. Accompanied by the low rumble of thunder, he pushed off with a powerful step, transforming into a whirlwind rushing straight toward the elder.
"Thunder Strike!" Roy shouted, his sword engulfed in crackling lightning. The energy of his sword intent and the lightning intertwined, slashing out a sharp and powerful arc.
The elder snorted coldly, his feet moving lightly as he retreated with ghostly speed. With a casual wave of his hand, a massive energy barrier formed in front of him. The thunderous strike collided with the barrier, exploding with a deafening roar, but the barrier remained unscathed.
"This energy impact is stronger than I expected," the elder muttered, his expression showing no sign of concern.
Meanwhile, Alice had begun her own actions. She retreated to the edge of the platform, her level-27 energy radiating from her petite figure in a gentle glow.
"Healing Light!" Alice raised her staff, and a faint golden light enveloped Roy. Warm energy coursed through him, instantly dispelling the fatigue caused by his earlier technique.
"Solid support," the elder remarked with a faint smile. He raised his hands, and an overwhelming surge of level-40 energy exploded outward. The platform was immediately engulfed in fierce winds, forcing the audience to shield their faces amidst gasps of astonishment.
"Level-40 energy!" someone in the crowd exclaimed. "Even with his power suppressed, the elder is overwhelmingly strong!"
Feeling the pressure of the elder's energy, Roy didn't flinch. Instead, he grinned, gripping his sword tighter as he charged forward again.
"As expected, I can't match the strength of a level-40 opponent. But I don't need to defend—I just need to attack!" Roy thought. He raised his sword, and the crackling fusion of lightning and sword intent struck again with renewed ferocity.
The elder raised an eyebrow, waving his hand to summon an energy blade to meet the attack. The two forces clashed mid-air, producing a piercing roar. The impact forced Roy back a few steps, but he immediately surged forward again.
The elder's eyes held a glimmer of approval. "To completely trust your teammate, abandon defense, and focus entirely on offense—this strategy requires both courage and unwavering trust."
Alice remained at the rear, her gaze fixed on Roy's battle. She continuously moved her staff, casting healing spells, all the while preparing her mental attack to deliver a surprise strike against the elder when the opportunity arose.
"Hey, Roy! Don't overdo it! Hold on for me!" Alice shouted, her clear voice tinged with urgency.
Gritting his teeth, Roy felt a surge of strength at Alice's words. Sword intent poured from within him, and with every swing, the power of his lightning-infused strikes grew. Though his attacks were repeatedly countered, they became sharper and more relentless with each attempt.
The elder stood with his hands behind his back, nodding slightly. "Interesting. But courage and offense alone won't shake me."
With that, the elder tapped his foot, his figure vanishing from sight. Roy tensed, his eyes scanning for any trace of movement, but the elder's speed was far too great for him to pinpoint.
A moment later, the elder reappeared at Roy's side, delivering a sharp palm strike. Roy barely had time to react, raising his sword horizontally to block.
Boom! The impact sent Roy skidding backward several paces, leaving deep grooves on the platform.
Alice's face tightened as she quickly waved her staff, calling out, "Healing Aura!"
A radiant golden light expanded from Alice's feet, enveloping Roy in its warmth. His fatigue vanished, and his energy flow became smoother.
"Keep going!" Alice shouted, her face resolute. "Don't stop—I'm not done yet!"
Taking a deep breath, Roy steadied himself and tightened his grip on his sword. His gaze grew sharper with determination. "Alright, let's keep going!"
The elder watched the scene unfold, a hint of admiration flickering in his smile. "It seems this battle is going to be far more interesting than I thought."