Get rid of Jerry and his men

"I guess I've improved a little bit, but I need more," Niard whispered while gazing at his well-formed muscles, which now resembled those of a professional athlete. Compared to his previous self, he felt vastly different.

"Those who pass the first qualifying test, which will take place two months from today, will be authorized to attend the fencing class at the Empire's Academy of Ideals for a month," the coach stated, breaking Niard's thoughts. Niard glanced at the guy next to him, who seemed to have a question.

"Sir, there are two thousand and forty of us. How many will you choose, and based on what criteria? I want to know more about the test," the guy asked with a low sob. He was proud of his huge body and spoke with a loud voice.

"All test details will be available to everyone when the time comes. Focus on improving your abilities," the coach said, tapping the guy's head before leaving the class.

"The Empire Academy... if all their ideals are like Tala, it means their system is trash. Tala could barely win a fight; she was about to die," Niard whispered as he placed his laser sword in its position and left the changing room.

"So Niard, how's the place here?" Jerry's voice called out. Niard was heading to the training hall to check his system's improvement.

"Not bad, but I'm planning to go somewhere with more freedom," Niard replied, activating the falcon eye ability on Jerry, whose smile showed pride.

"Name: Jerry

Race: Human 

Abilities: Mastered sword arts, intelligence 450, power 20,000.

Weakness: His left leg has weak points; any attack there can lead to his defeat."

The system screen closed as Niard blinked before answering Jerry's question.

"I'm not interested in returning to the rehabilitation academy. I've decided to become a loyal soldier and seek to rise to the rank of leader," Niard said, while Jerry's eyes sparkled.

'How has this boy evolved? Not just his views, but I can also feel his power differently,' Jerry thought, letting out a slight laugh before apologizing to Niard for his manners.

"I see you've grown stronger. Do you know how to use this?" Jerry asked sharply, throwing an energy sword to Niard, who quickly caught it before it hit the ground.

"Try me," Niard replied, following Jerry to the third building, just steps from its gate.

"Do you have permission to be here? I'm not allowed to enter, and I don't want more problems," Niard said worriedly.

"Relax, I have permission to be anywhere in this academy," Jerry said confidently as he led the way to a large special room.

"This is S5, a room developed based on my recommendations for sword art training," Jerry explained, touching the white wall beside him. The walls shifted, transforming into a forest scene with towering trees that appeared remarkably real. Niard let out a sigh of surprise.

"How did you change the general's opinion? I thought he preferred old-fashioned training methods," Niard asked, his eyes scanning the surroundings.

"I read about this type of dimensional vector, but I didn't expect to see it here. It requires enormous power generators," Niard whispered as Jerry took a few steps back, beginning to circle Niard.

"This place is just a virtual reality simulation. Don't worry if everything breaks; this lesson lasts five minutes," Jerry said. 

'A lesson? What lesson?' Before Niard could fully process his thoughts, Jerry had already charged at him.

"Keep your eyes on the opponent," Jerry commanded, kicking Niard, who collided with a tree.

"I wasn't ready yet," Niard protested, evading further attacks. 'So let's enjoy this,' he thought, focusing intently on Jerry's movements and managing to follow his quick steps.

"I was right, you're powerful," Jerry smiled. Niard mimicked his sword directions, a quick jump to the tree above giving Jerry a moment to catch his breath. He was sure his speed was beyond normal.

"Are you done avoiding me? If you're a real man, come down here," Jerry said, his sharp gaze scanning Niard's facial expression, which seemed cold and unusual.

"I'm not coming down. You can't use me as a practice dummy to teach your students. Let them show themselves," Niard informed Jerry, who was in shock. He made sure that his men remained hidden as the fight continued.

"What students are you talking about?" Jerry asked, trying to deceive Niard, who let out a loud giggle that echoed through the intertwined trees.

A body fell to the ground. Jerry felt tension and fast movements behind him. He was two seconds away from Niard's attack.

"I'm not going to repeat myself. I can't trust that your men won't help you win this fight," Niard stated, doing his best to stay calm.

Using his falcon eye to scan the entire room before the fight began, he had located seven men hiding among the trees.

"Seven men, six are left. I'm not sure if you want to test me or if you're planning something else, Jerry," Niard said, walking slowly with his sword lowered. 'His left leg... he can't use it properly, but I have to admit he's gained mysterious power,' Niard thought with a smile.

"Special mission: 

Get rid of Jerry and his men."

The system screen appeared before Niard's eyes. He was glad to receive such a notification but didn't want to harm Jerry.

"If you're afraid of attacking your friend, I'm like you, Niard Lux," Jerry interrupted Niard's thoughts as their swords clashed.

"In order to become the undisputed strongest, and also to be able to get out of this place, I have to go beyond my limits. Sorry, Jerry, but I have to beat you up." He said as he saw the madness in Jerry's eyes, one could barely see their movements so fast.

'As I realized that Jerry is targeting Niard, it is no wonder that he is suspicious of him, as his rapid development in this short period is unjustified.' She was watching them from afar.

Tala sighed after she saw that there was no point in interfering in this fight, and that she had to wait a little. Perhaps Jerry did not doubt Niard in the first place she hoped so.