Chapter 11: Brute Force

The group of competitors advanced in unison, following Garret to the next phase of the test, the atmosphere charged with anticipation. The environment, now less spacious and equipped with only one pillar, provided a different sensation compared to the previous tests, which were conducted in giant rooms with various elements.

The brute force testing room was equipped with a solid structure, featuring the central target, a robust structure with meticulously positioned impact sensors. The competitors, each with their chosen weapon, prepared for the imminent challenge.

Garret, with his confident demeanor, explained the next challenge succinctly and directly. "The brute force test consists of measuring the impact of each competitor's strongest strike. Each of you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your strength on the 'Strength Pillar' equipped with impact sensor runes."

Liam, maintaining his confidence in his fists, focused on the target in front of him. His eyes reflected the determination to overcome yet another challenge. Voss, on the other hand, wielded his daggers, preparing to showcase his strength in a different manner.

Garret instructed the competitors to line up, each awaiting their turn to impact the designated target. "Each competitor gets a single strike. The goal is to measure the maximum force each of you can generate."

"Thunder Kat, you're up first." The first competitor to step forward was chosen by Garret.

Thunder Kat advanced confidently, his exuberant beard standing out as he wielded a two-handed sword. Despite his robust appearance, he exuded a relaxed aura.

Preparing for the strike, Thunder Kat bent backward completely, his muscles tense as he channeled all his strength. The strike was delivered with remarkable power, hitting the lower part of the pillar squarely.

The sound of impact reverberated in the room, activating the impact sensors. Numbers appeared on a nearby display, recording the force of the strike.

Garret, holding a magical parchment, announced precisely, "Thunder Kat, Grade A-, damage dealt was 20. Well done, lad." His expression conveyed a mix of satisfaction and a careful evaluation of the competitor's skills.

A murmur of assessment permeated the observation room, recruiters exchanging glances as they analyzed the results.

"He stood out. He could be a good addition to our main team."

"Indeed. It's always good to find unexpected talents."

Meanwhile, Mortheus, the critical observer, analyzed the scene with an impassive expression. His strategic mind was in constant evaluation, looking beyond appearances.

"Good understanding of how to use the body to exert force, Tom, put him on the watchlist for one of our dungeon teams." Mortheus spoke to Tom with a calm voice, surprising him with his interest in Thunder Kat.

Garret, unperturbed, continued to conduct the test with precision. "Next, Flame Horizon."

Flame Horizon, a cheerful young man with a spear in hand, stepped forward eagerly into the center of the room. His eyes radiated determination as he prepared for the upcoming challenge. The spear, an extension of his vibrant personality, gleamed under the ambient light.

"Show what you've got, Flame Horizon!" Encouraged Garret, activating the runes on the pillar to signal that it was the competitor's time to deliver his strike.

The young man, displaying a confident smile, expertly wielded the spear. His movement was fluid, a coordinated dance between body and weapon. The spear's tip sparkled as Flame Horizon prepared to strike the target.

The strike was delivered with precision, the spear cutting through the air in a graceful arc until it hit the pillar. The sound echoed through the room, echoing the applied effort.

Garret, consulting the magical parchment, analyzed the numbers that appeared on the display. "Flame Horizon, Grade B+, damage dealt was 15. Very good, lad."

The murmurs in the observation room persisted, some acknowledging the younger competitor's skill. "B+, not bad for a beginner. I think he could fit well into an intermediate guild."

"Voss and Viper haven't shown what they're capable of yet. This competition is getting interesting."

In the testing field, Flame Horizon, with his contagious smile, greeted the other competitors as he withdrew. His performance had attracted attention, and the atmosphere in the room vibrated with the energy of the competition.

Garret, with his firm presence, announced the next competitor with the characteristic fluidity of an experienced test leader. "Next, Shadow Voss."

Voss, advancing to the center of the room with his daggers in hand, displayed an expression that mixed confidence and heightened determination. His eyes, normally assured, now reflected an awareness of the expectation hovering over his performance.

"Show what you've got, Voss." Garret's direct instruction resonated in the room, and the runes on the pillar lit up, indicating the crucial moment for Voss to reveal his strength.

The competitor, agile and skillful, initiated a deadly dance with his body and daggers. Each movement was a lethal choreography highlighting his unmatched dexterity. Silence enveloped the room as Voss channeled his energy into the final strike.

The daggers cut through the air with a sharp buzz, hitting the pillar with impressive force. The sound of impact echoed, reverberating off the walls of the room. The sensors registered the results, giving life to the tense moment.

Garret, consulting the magical parchment with seriousness, announced: "Shadow Voss, Grade A, damage dealt was 25. You did well, Voss."

The observation room was immersed in murmurs, quick analyses echoing among the recruiters. "An A is a good grade, but I expected a bit more from Voss. Is he saving something for the last part of the test?"

An experienced voice cut through the murmur, coming from an observer who had just entered the room. He was an imposing man, dressed in a gleaming golden armor that echoed his prestige. His attentive gaze assessed every detail of the scene.

"Considering that the highest record in Brulhart City so far was an S- achieved by Smiley from our Haven Shiny, this guy named Voss might have gotten that grade due to his choice of weapons and a style more focused on speed. Each test has its nuances, and despite his combat style, he performed at a professional level."

The man in the gleaming armor who had been in the room since the beginning of the tests stood up and rushed towards the newcomer, bowing and speaking in a low voice. "Guild Leader, finally, you've come. I was afraid those Renascentia guys would snatch these talents before you arrived."

"Uh, was this one of the two newcomers you told me about?"

"Yes, this one got an A- in the speed test, very close to Fullbuster's A+ from Renascentia, but the other one was even more impressive. He got an S+ in the speed test, and from what I saw in the precision test, he should have scored at least an S." The man in the gleaming armor explained.

The guild leader nodded, appreciating the information. "Seems promising. We need to ensure we don't let talents like these slip into the wrong hands."

Meanwhile, Garret, with his firm presence, continued to conduct the test. "Next, Swift Arrow."

Swift Arrow, a modest-sized archer, stepped into the center of the room with his bow in hand. His gaze reflected determination, despite the evident nervousness

. The room, momentarily, fell silent, waiting to see how he would fare.

"Show your skills, Swift Arrow." Encouraged Garret, activating the runes on the pillar to indicate the start of the test.

The archer, with a tense posture, pulled the bowstring with precision, carefully aiming at the designated point on the pillar. The room's silence was broken by the twang of the string, and the arrow cut through the air toward the target.

The impact, however, was not as impressive as expected. The arrow hit the pillar, causing a muffled thud.

Garret, consulting the magical parchment, announced: "Swift Arrow, Grade C, damage dealt was 5."

The spectators in the observation room, for the most part, ignored the result, returning their attention to notes or discussions about previous competitors. Swift Arrow, disheartened, withdrew from the testing field, aware that his performance had not left a significant mark.

Next, Garret, with his customary professionalism, announced the next competitor. "Now, Viper."

Liam advanced confidently, his elegant posture standing out in the atmosphere charged with anticipation. The intriguing aura he emanated captured everyone's attention, leaving a palpable sense of mystery. It was as if a veil of anticipation hung in the air, and the audience eagerly awaited to witness the abilities of the enigmatic Viper in the brute force challenge.

Positioning himself in front of the imposing Strength Pillar, Liam delved into his thoughts. He recalled the demonstration duel in which he unleashed the 'Serpent's Strike,' a technique meticulously developed over the years with Elder Marcus in the Mercer family. Those memories echoed in his mind, inspiring confidence as he prepared for another challenge.

However, this time, Liam decided to tune his energy with the game's mana. With a refined touch, he concentrated his mana at the tips of his fingers, allowing it to flow like a swift and controlled stream. The focused posture, accumulated energy, everything coming together to create a unique experience.

Liam's strike exceeded expectations, an explosion of energy that brought an illusory, serpentine wave to life in the air. The shockwave, undulating like the curves of a serpent, spread from the point of impact, revealing the extraordinary force behind the 'Serpent's Strike.' The room was enveloped in a momentary silence before being flooded by exclamations of surprise and admiration.

[System Notice]

Garret, observing closely, expressed his astonishment. "Impressive, Viper. Grade S+, damage dealt was 40. That's exceptional."

[Proficient Mana Utilization Detected]

[New Movement Technique Created]

[Estimated Rank: B]

[Please Name It]

The observation room became a frenzy of comments, everyone acknowledging the magnitude of the feat. "An S+! Viper is truly extraordinary. A refined and unpredictable strike."

Mortheus, the critical observer, maintained his unyielding expression, but his approval was evident. "A combat technique. Tom, add Viper to the future Rankers list. His skills transcend the ordinary."

As the news spread, Liam absorbed the atmosphere around him. His piercing gaze reflected not only inner satisfaction but also a spark of curiosity. 'It seems that no one has used this move before, system, name it: 'Serpent's Strike.' It's surprising how my concentration seems to have diminished after using this move.'

With the observation room enveloped in admiration for Viper's exceptional performance, Garret, the leader of the tests, maintained his professionalism while announcing the next competitors.

Each of the next five competitors, in turn, presented their distinct techniques. The results were recorded, and Garret revealed the grades with his usual professionalism, but there was no notable grade.

However, even with the display of unique abilities, Garret, upon concluding the second phase of the strength test, cast a serious glance at the competitors. "We have witnessed an impressive display of unique talents. Now, prepare yourselves for the final part of the strength test, the Endurance Challenge."