44 Training Ground pt.3

"I know man, that was totally dope! I didn't know the university had this state-of-the-art training A.I.!" commented dexter as he gave Andres a friendly pat in his back.

"Truly, a wonderful training tool.

"I'm gonna be here often!" said Andres with a smile,

Amazed by how Andres managed stay in the fight even at the highest difficulty, Helios asked Rizal to face the training dummy once again, since there was still twenty minutes left for the session.

Before granting Helios request, Rizal first asked Aemie, Dexter and Janet if they wanted to try out the training but on a lower difficulty, but Dexter said that he wants to see Helios' comeback, while Aemie said that she would go next after Helios. As for Janet, she politely declined as she was not yet ready to fight, leaving Rizal no choice but to let Helios try a second time.

"Jose," said Helios to Rizal with a serious tone,

And without saying another word, Rizal booted up the simulation once more for Helios,

"Alright then, get ready for round two." Rizal set the difficulty to Grand Master once again, as he sensed that Helios wanted to redeem himself after seeing Andes hold up well even at the highest difficulty setting.

Helios slowly enters the field and he shakes his arm causing the bracelet to transform into a staff.

"Alright then, let me have another stab at this," Helios said calmly.

Then he charges head first towards the dummy is it materializes with a staff also at its hand,

Helios tries to sweep the training dummy's legs but half way through Helios' swinging motion the dummy uses its staff to block his feet, then follows it up with a kick to Helios' stomach using the staff as a support which causes Helios to be thrown into the floor once again.

The training runs after Helios and gives him a downward smash but the staff that Helios was holding instantly transforms into a round shield which Helios uses to block the attack.

The training dummy uses his staff to pry open Helios defense...

_*_*_*_

In a training ground somewhere within the venerable Artemis University, which is located hundred and twenty kilometers from Royal Azure, making them neighbors.

Sebastian Fiore rank 17 of the top 20 ability in the continent, stands proud above a small hill made of training dummies piled up together.

"Congratulations you've beaten Expert Mode, do you want to try out the Grand Master level?"

Aiden Oakenheart said to his friend.

"Ohh, but before that,

"I wanna show ya' something!" he added.

"Mhhm? What is it, Aiden?" Fiore asked as he jumped down from the hill of training dummies.

Aiden unlocked his Smartphone and showed Fiore a video of the Opening Ceremony of Azure Lake University. Specifically, the part of the ceremony where Helios made his grandiose speech.

"I hear by declare my challenge to the top twenty ability users of this continent! " Said Helios in the footage as the crowds of students roar in shock and disarray to Helios' announcement.

"From what university is this?"

"The Royal University of Azure Lake, the one where the Jade Emperor studies," Oakenheart replied.

"Say what, why don't we drop by and pay a visit to see this interesting fellow? It won't be a bother since their university is the nearest to ours, right?",

Oakenheart added as he teasingly urges Fiore to go,

"Sure why not! It might be a good idea to visit that greenhorn,

"Let's see if that kid's just BSing us or would he put up a good fight!" Fiore said as he clenched and bumped his fists as they leave the training ground.

"Wait!? We're going now!?" Oakenhart asked in confusion,

"Why wait for tomorrow, when we can go and visit him today, it's just a few minute ride in the Shin-shinkansen!"

"Hey lemme change clothes first will ya—

"Slow poke! Come on, let's go!" as Fiore threw a towel and a change of clothing towards Oakenhart.

_*_*_*_

Somewhere in the beaches of the Nautical Sciences University of Yilbegän.

Kimberly Snake rank 12 in the top 20 ability users of the continent was sun bathing laying on a beach chair, she wore a seductive high-legged two piece pink swimsuit causing the guys at the beach to fawn over at the sight of her luscious body. Yet no guy dares to approach her haphazardly for she is known is a man-hater.

While Kimberly Snake was enjoying her sun bathing, Diana Fletcher a friend of her, approaches,

"Kim, have you heard about the freshman who declared a challenge to the top 20 ability users in his opening ceremony speech?"

"I heard some rumors here and there, but do you perhaps have any more trustworthy information?" said Kimberly in lazily relaxed manner,

"Someone yesterday uploaded a video of the said blasphemous speech, it immediately went viral amongst the hypernet—"

"Wait 'he?"

Kimberly disrupted,

"Yeah it's a guy, a newly enrolled freshman in Azure Lake University," Diana added,

"Not interested

"You know I hate all men,"

Kimberly said as she loses her interest after finding out it was a guy.

"Sorry, about that. Thought you might be interested in this shameless act that freshman did,"

"I couldn't careless about him, men and their stupid ego, trying to challenge everyone around them just to prove who's dick is bigger.

"There will always be SOMEBODY who's better than you at something,

"If it's not of value to win it all, why should I participate."

Kimberly elaborated as she took off her Sunglasses and looked towards Diana with serious face,

"In any case, if he does manage to claw his way up the competition ladder, I'll see him for myself if he is worthy of my time," said Kimberly as she went back to her lazy demeanor and put her sunglasses back.

'Perhaps it's not really men she hates, but rather their immaturity,' Diana giggled as she said to herself then grabbed some of Kimberly's subway sandwich and took a large bite.

"Heyyyy! I was saving that!", complained Kimberly,

"Yer s'ndwich's geti'n cold,!" teased Diana, as she spoke with her mouth full of Kimberly's snack.