Coming Of Age Ceremony pt 2

Again, Sahar was first up and as soon as the Elders were ready to start Chief Fan interjected. "In the interest of time, we will combine the last two tests."

"Are you sure Sir? It will make the levels harder by a significant degree."

"They need to experience worse case scenarios of what may befall them outside of the village."

"Yes, Sir. Juniors, given the changes in the final test, the arrangements will be as follows:

Combat, of one vs

1 vs 1 (Same Rank) Topaz Warriors

1 vs 2 (Same Rank) Topaz Warriors

1 vs 3 (2 Topaz and 1 Corundum Warrior)

1 vs 4 (1 Topaz, 2 Corundum and 1 Lower Tier Diamond Warrior)

1 vs 5 (1 Topaz, 2 Corundum and 2 Lower Tier Diamond Warriors)

1 vs 1 (3 Ranks higher - Middle Tier Diamond Warrior)

1 vs 1 (4 Ranks higher - Upper Tier Diamond Warrior)"

"Elder! May we deviate from the current line up as well? Sahar seems to be taking the brunt of the abuse. I would like to take the first crack at this test!" Edan shouted in his own attempt at being the romantic hero. To which Hittan could only shake his head and smile.

"... Okay, Edan step forward and Ms Sahar you may step down. Since all of you have successfully reached the Topaz Rank after 5 years you have at your disposal the skills to attack and defend. But this test, given the adjustment, is no longer just a linear measurement of your strength but how you employ these into tactics. These Ranks, though devised by humans, must not be underestimated. Humans have their own potential and I hope your preparations were sufficient. Start!"

WHOOSH!

Edan now stood in an open green field with three suns hanging in the clear sky. He could see a distant treeline directly ahead of him. The trees themselves were mature and stretched incredibly high into the sky. But suddenly a figure dashed out of the treeline and raced towards him with an incredible speed! It looked human with fine attention to details in the face and clothes, however, it was clearly mineral based. Seconds later the figure was already upon him delivering a swift sword thrust to his heart! But having gone through so many sparring sessions or beatings he was quick to respond with concise movements. He summoned his Vermilion Feather Flame Sword to his right hand then to parried the attack above his left shoulder while stepping in to deliver a Phoenix punch to the left oblique of the mineral warrior!

Bang!

The force was enough to send the warrior flying back with webbed shaped fractures spreading from the impact. As it landed it could no longer hold its shape and crumbled on the spot. Soon two more figures could be seen running towards him and this time he met them as they appeared near him. One held an axe that was already swinging towards his right shoulder while the other had a long blade slicing towards his left knee. Having rushed at them they were already inside his attacking range. Initiating a spin from his left leg clockwise, while crouching he started his attack by slicing the mineral swordsman from his chest.

THUD!

Stopping him dead! He continued in the same arc with his blade while he too continued to dip mid-spin.

Whoosh!

The axe passed above his head while his blade severed the axe wielder's right leg causing him to topple over. Edan simply stood and waited for the next round.

"He clearly outclassed those of the human ranks. But how will he handle the next?"

"Are you blind? I'm having trouble picturing which of the remaining juniors can even hold a candle to him! Much less human ranks."

As the Elders started to discuss amongst themselves the juniors were left in awe at how cleanly he settled the fight. No doubt they could beat those 3 mineral warriors but not like that. Off to the side, Hittan was only scrutinizing any unnecessary movements.

Three more shadows appeared but before they could cut the distance to even half, two were stopped dead. The mineral warrior on the left and right fell to a crumbled state leaving only the Corundum warrior standing between the piles. With a 6 inches long feather blade sticking out of his chest! Seeing that the blade only left a small dent Edan readied himself to meet the new challenger. Then with a flicker, he was gone! Every 5 meters he reappeared and within a few seconds, he was already in front of the new Corundum warrior delivering a quick thrust! Borrowing the force of the dash, the thrust became that much faster and penetrating its chest and exited the back.

'The flicker step Hittan thought me still takes a good deal out of me,' resting his hands on his knees Edan couldn't help but pant.

"Edan, you have completed 3 rounds defeating a rank 9 warrior and 5 rank 8 warriors. Do you wish to continue?" The senior Elder in charge of the second test asked as he noted the exhaustion setting in.

"I'll continue."

"As you wish, let's begin."

…...

Four figures appeared 50 meters from Edan and all but one dashed to surround him immediately. Edan knew that the warrior who had not moved was the Diamond warrior while the weaker ones ran to encircle him. One Corundum warrior had a long sword, the other had a spear similar to the Topaz warrior and short swords on their backs. With a nod from the Diamond warrior, the Corundum warrior made short work of the distance and engaged Edan directly. Edan mind started to race as he knew this team of warrior seemed oddly different, intelligent!

Slashing from below, the Corundum warrior with the long sword made the first move. Edan parried the strike to his left while pivoting to the right, but the Topaz spear warrior had long since launched the spear from the moment he engaged the mineral swordsman. Just as the spear approached he noticed the winds change, but it was too late to summon his shield. Depending on the Phoenix Dance and Flicker step he spun at the last moment to his right while momentarily vanished allowing the spear to pass. Though not unscathed and the moment he reappeared the second Corundum warrior was there with a straight thrust of his spear to Edan's chest!

Maintaining the Flicker step and Phoenix Dance he rotated back to his left and this time he sent a feather dagger blade to the spear thrower.

Thud!

Once he reappeared his Vermilion Feather Sword was already a millimetre away from the Corundum swordsman's chest.

BANG!

Crumbling immediately. Edan continued moving quickly into a crouching position while pivoting back to his right and missing a thrust that was aimed at his head. With the spear thrower too close to effectively use his spear Edan slammed his sword into the mineral warrior's exposed right midsection!

BANG!

Instantly shattering and falling to the ground. It was at this moment that the Diamond warrior took action and was already next to him as if he teleported and planted his fist into his stomach!

BANG!

Sending him flying back 20 meters! Before landing the mineral warrior attacked again! Edan barely managing to rotate mid-flight and summoning his Vermilion Wing shields that received the second strike of the mineral warrior!

BANG!

Slamming into the ground, a few seconds later Edan slowly struggled to his feet unwilling to die without scratching his opponent! He had gotten enough of that from Hittan and he would not tolerate a second opponent to doing the same!

The mineral warrior disappeared again, but so did Edan!

Bang!

BANG!

Once they reappeared Edan was kneeling with his chest caved in! While the Diamond warrior had an inch deep scare running down his chest to his abdomen.

WHOOSH!

"Test completed, challenger Edan as achieved 4 Rounds, total kills 9, with 2 Corundum warriors and 7 Topaz warriors. A job, well done! You may step down." As the senior Elder again made the announcements the other challengers could only look at the fight with awe and respect!

The silence was then suddenly broken as a voice came floating in calmly and firmly, "I would like to be the second challenger if Sahar agrees."

Undoubtedly, that voice belonged to Hittan!