Chapter 9: The Games Begin
"Wake up! Wake up! Ms. Cao is calling us!" Xin yelled and the nine other students scrambled down to the dining room of Bu Kong's pavilion.
"My cousin and I are talking with Dr. Gavin. I'm heading to Vincent's room after dressing," Catherine said, catching her breath as her cousin stepped out his room with a dark expression. He faked a smile to his sister as he walked past Vincent's room to the stairs.
"Your vitals are stable. It seems the girl's healing properties are really good. As expected of the prodigy of the Mu Clan," Dr. Gavin said as they sat in Vincent's room. "Remember to not use much strength for now. Use yin and yang energy separately. Let your body adjust to your heart and other changes."
"Yes, doctor," Vincent nodded as he pet his dragon as it slept on his lap.
"Your yin and yang energy are purifying now, thanks to meditating under the moonlight," the doctor nodded. "You said you cultivate the Thunder Clap Qilin technique, right? That is good. You need to learn a martial skill now. Some cultivation methods can be used as martial skills, like your Ice Devil Strike and Savage Elephant Tusk techniques, but they pale in comparison to a true martial skill. The problem is that martial skills are incredibly rare. Magic spells are easier to find and is the reason why the mage path is popular for those who are not confident with their fighting skills. The best way is to do a major contribution to one of the nine top organizations, like the Zodiac Dojo of Spires I suggested you join."
"Hello doctor," Catherine said as she walked in and closed the door. "Does that mean my cousin and I get martial skills for being part of your Project Meteor?"
"Girls pay more attention to detail," Dr. Gavin laughed. "Yes. I came here to offer you both three choices each, each of the three suitable for you. You are both Experiment V-21 and V-63, the hopes of our project. Now that all three series are successful, we are preparing to move to Phase 2. Letting you gain a martial skill will ensure your survival in case spies who infiltrated the Testing Center and Zodiac Dojo of Spires discovers your data and make an attempt to kill you."
"Edward will hate me even more," Vincent sighed as Catherine nodded silently.
"Okay. Martial skills are significantly more powerful than cultivation methods. Cultivation methods are the foundation of increasing the soul force within the orb of power. Martial skills use soul force to transcend human limitations. They are known as martial arts techniques, for fighters and not regular people," Dr. Gavin began as he handed two books to Catherine and Vincent. "Each of you will be given an agility martial skill. You still have your three choices, worry not. Agility techniques will allow you to move faster than your enemy and increase your chances of dodging and escaping."
"Great," Catherine smiled and they both put the skill away, using their Exile methods to completely conceal it.
"So it is true. Exiles have such an ability," Dr. Gavin thought aloud and continued. Each of you take these three books or scrolls and choose well. Don't bother looking at each others' choices as they are different and unsuitable for you. Once you have made your choice, return the other two to me."
"All of them have to do with the sword?" Vincent commented as he stared at his choices.
"Indeed. You practice very suitable cultivation methods for unarmed fighting. Savage Elephant Tusk and Ice Devil Strike are both offensive and defensive techniques with your swords. Golden Monkey Force and Iron Shark Skin are both techniques that use your own body and are the most universal when it comes to yin and yang usage," Dr. Gavin nodded. "You are a swordsman and your ancient cultivation method augments your body with the fusion of yin and yang to produce lightning and thunder, the same as that of the heavens. Thus, you need a strong sword martial skill besides an agility martial skill. Agility martial skills give you the speed. Now, you need power. In this world, the strong walk over the weak and the weak suffer them. Once you graduate and choose one of the nine top organizations, as if getting rejected would be possible in your case; then you will leave your sheltered life and live another one closer to the life of an Exile you left behind."
"And these are the most suitable," Vincent said as he gazed at three scrolls. "Lava Giant Stroke, Freezing Sage Slash, and Gold Dragon Swordplay. Lava Giant Stroke, a martial skill that covers the fighter in fire and increases the power of his attacks a hundred fold. Using the martial skill requires mastery of yang and yin energy, making hot yang so hot it ashes and cold yin so cold it burns. All fake magical items will shatter before the blow, unable to resist," Vincent read. "Wow so strong?"
"Freezing Sage Slash covers the blade with yin and yang energy to make the sword's edge unstoppable. The more yin and yang fused into one at higher purity, the sharper the sword. The fighter is also able to use his hands and feet as swords. Created by Another great technique," Vincent nodded and turned to the last scroll, his eyes widening in shock."Gold Dragon Swordplay, a martial skill with strict requirements. Painstaking requirement of a fighter who has the might of a Mazoku and bones of a dragon. Must have a heart of a Mazoku and capability to fuse yin and yang to make tribulation lightning of the heavens."
"That's right. I intended you to learn this one. Just like how your sister was experimented on to suite another," Dr. Gavin smiled mischievously. "We assessed your personalities and guided you without you noticing. How you got qilin blood is beyond me. Still, you chose a yin and yang cultivation method. You also chose a unique demon bone, your entire bone makeup that of a demonic, amethyst-scaled rain dragon. That one, we expected as we noted your thirst of power for revenge. For both your skills, practice them once you reach the seventh layer. Using it now, during the tournament, will make you as much of a target as the fifth year students aiming for the top three prizes. Especially since you both will know two."
"If I have these martial art skills and underwent the experiment, what prize should I get?" Vincent asked.
"You already underwent a metamorphosis. The results of the experiment not showing just yet. Aim for second place and get the Nether Wyrm bone marrow," Dr. Gavin answered as he retrieved the two scrolls. "I will give Freezing Sage Slash to Edward. It is also suited to him, even though it will be slightly different as he only cultivates yin energy. However, most martial skills don't have such strict requirements as the one you will practice. Do not tell him about the agility techniques and martial skills I gave you two. Let him think he is special and reveal it later."
"Oh, good. He will be happy and not sulk anymore. Still, I don't like being manipulated," Catherine pouted as she handed two books, keeping the one Dr. Gavin planned for her to learn.
"We all get manipulated by adults," Dr. Gavin laughed. "Sometimes, it's for your own good. You are just too young and innocent to understand why and what for. I will give it to Edward. No doubt the other seven and Ms. Cao will be startled. Let the boy shine and get first place. Try to make it look like you lost, Vincent. Catherine, my dear, you are not suited for fighting. Just qualify for the top sixty four out of one hundred and eighty fourth years. All eighteen academies, and the many organization scouts and clans, will seek out any member of the top sixty four from among the fourth and fifth years."
"Okay," Catherine nodded as they followed Dr. Gavin downstairs.
"Hello, Honorable Ancestor," Bu Kong bowed and the other students and Ms. Cao did the same.
"HAHAHA. Don't mind me. Just doing last minute checkups on these two. The results were unexpected," Dr. Gavin laughed as he pointed back at Vincent and Catherine. "Edward, my boy, come here. Take this martial skill, Freezing Sage Slash. Unlike them, you are suited for it. I had thought to also give them a martial skill, but they are not ready yet."
"Because we had to get experimented on first," Vincent whispered as Catherine covertly elbowed him in the ribs.
"T, that's a martial arts skill! A real martial skill," Jenny Cao gasped as Edward happily grabbed the scroll.
"Indeed. Never underestimate the Testing Center, my dear. We are not all just brains you know. I, myself, am above the Heavenly Warlord stage," the doctor laughed. "Bu Kong, help this kid learn it. I expect him to get first place. Most students are not rich or connected enough to have a martial skill. The White Dragon Academy's glory is the glory of White Dragon District and the Testing Center, which is built in it. I could care less about the results of the other four years of students."
"Thank you," Edward grinned and hugged the doctor.
"Edward," Vincent began.
"I...am sorry about last night. I misunderstood why the doctor took you two secretly. I admit I was jealous and the words of Robert held some truth," Edward said as he bowed to both Catherine and Vincent.
"I, it's okay," Catherine stuttered, feeling a little guilty for lying.
"Now, head on to the coliseum. The games will begin soon. Two different competitions will determine the top sixty four. Just a hint from me to you all: only the top eight are one-on-one. You didn't hear it from me," Dr. Gavin said, making a silent gesture with an index finger over his mouth.
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"This year is exceptionally violent," Ms. Cao realized. "Just what is the City Lord baiting all the organizations, top nine organizations, and the powerful clans for?"
"That, my dear, I am not allowed to say. It is a matter of principle and I would hate to break my word to the City Lord. He would be...a hassle to defeat. A small grief, if you will," he laughed and left them after summoning Bu Kong to talk with him for a moment.
"So awesome," Edward said as he held the scroll as if it was the greatest treasure in the world.
"Lucky," Xin sighed. "I wouldn't mind even getting an agility martial skill."
"They cost a bit. We can buy them and the weaker martial skills of other types," Fang grinned as he and Jing bumped fists.
"I know one," Bing said, stunning everyone.
"WHAT!" they cried as the moment passed.
"She really is from a powerful clan," Vincent thought as he remembered how she talked about the two ancient scrolls as he fed his baby dragon some bacon.
"Is everyone dressed in their uniform?" Ms. Cao asked as an hour passed since Dr. Gavin left.
"Y~es," the students said as they walked out. The eight boys were wearing white silk shirts and completely black pants. Over their chests was a black circle with a white dragon with a Roman numeral four above it. It signified that they were fourth year students of White Dragon Academy. For students whose storage items were not rings or belts, they shrunk them to the size of a pea and pocketed them in their pants. They were forced to carry their weapons as it would be inconvenient to take it out of their storage items.
"Remember," Bu Kong warned Edward. "Don't use your martial skill until the top eight. You don't want your competition to be prepared for it. There are also shady gamblers who would attempt to kill you so their candidate wins."
"Thank you for teaching me the basics over the past hour," Edward said, returning to his old self after training under Bu Kong.
"So lucky. He bound the scroll to himself and learned a martial scroll," Xin sighed as his two rich roommates called their parents to buy an agility martial skill. Jing's father was a rich entrepreneur while Fang's father was the third son of one of the top five clans in the city. Xin and the others were so surprised to see the scrolls delivered within half an hour. Fang's clan was expected but they were surprised Jing's dad was at the Heavenly Warlord stage.
"Why were you so surprised to see the Warlord District?" Xin complained.
"Uh, my dad has a house in the area bordering the entrance to the Black Sword Academy. My mom's been doing work for the City Lord and we haven't been home in a while. Most people usually don't enter the area of another district in the Warlord District cause of all the faction dispute things and such. Black Sword Academy and White Dragon Academy are interested in other things besides power in Black Gate City," Jing shrugged.
"Yup. Yup. Exactly. My clan lives in the edges of the Peach Blossom Wing and his mom's house is next door, on the edge of the Red Lily Wing. That's the Wing leading to the entrance to Black Sword District," Fang nodded. "Wings are separated by black metal walls. Still, we played together at the connecting doors but we mostly played at his house. That's why he was surprised to see all the peach trees and Chinese architecture."
"Ah," Xin said and quietly followed the others to the coliseum.
"Are you the fourth years registered under White Dragon Academy?" a guard asked as he was clad in magical gold armor. All the guards were at the Earthly Fighter stage and it was an extreme honor to work in the Warlord District as they could make connections with those at the Heavenly Warlord stage.
"Yes," Ms. Cao said as she handed a piece of paper to him.
"Hmm. Hmm. It is verified. This year the games are different. Due to the drastic differences in cultivation strength, those at the sixth layer are exempted from the qualifying rounds and will automatically enter the top sixty four. This is for the protection of those below the fifth layer as a full power strike can easily kill students at the third and fourth layer. Those who qualify for the exemption are Vincent Turner, Catherine Turner, and Edward Turner. All others, please proceed inside and follow the other guard," the man said and Xin bumped fists with Vincent as he and the others followed another guard with Ms. Cao.
"The three mentioned will follow me. My name is Tian Long, a fighter at the peak Heavenly Warlord stage," an old man smiled as he appeared wearing a black tuxedo with a gold tie. A white dragon was prominent on his tie as he continued, "You and the other four of the sixth layer will follow me."
"Four? I thought there was only six of us, Edward being the sixth?" Catherine frowned.
"Edward was not the only one to make a breakthrough during the fight. Robert Talon also broke through to the sixth layer after meditating and recovering from his spent energy," Tian smiled.
"Are you, perhaps, the District Manager of White Dragon City?" Vincent asked, judging on the tie and cultivation stage.
"Indeed I am. Jasper looked after you three well, that shifu of mine," Tian Long laughed. "Dr. Jasper Gavin has been quite interested in you three. Here, take this. It will cloak the signature of a martial skill in your body."
"Huh?" Edward gasped as he and the other Turners received a black ring with a white dragon on it. "How did you know?"
"Well, I am the District Manager and the Testing Center is in my district...hmm? Is that...impossible. That's a silver dragon ring!" Tian gasped as he stared at the white wood ring with the silver dragon insignia worn on Vincent's right index finger. "And that sword looks the same. I read a report. You called it Silver Thorn. Did you find them together?"
"Yes. My mother and I found it long ago, in the wilderness," Vincent nodded. "Is something wrong?"
"Ah, no. Nothing. I must be mistaken. There are others with silver dragon insignia, " Tian sighed as he stared at Vincent's right hand as he put the black ring on his left middle finger. "If you two learn martial skills, the rings will also cloak the signatures. It is quite rare to have one and it has one other effect: the ability to store yin and yang energy. If you exhaust yourself in battle, you can draw the yin and yang energy you stored to restore your body back to a normal state. Best to keep that effect between us. Now, we will head to the V.I.P. Box where the City Lord, the other District Managers, and the four other fourth year students of the sixth layer are waiting."
"How would we be ranked against them?" Edward asked as they walked inside the coliseum.
"Vincent would have been fourth, but you have a martial skill. As for Catherine, she is ranked second," Tian answered, stunning them.
"What? How could that be?" Edward asked as he stared back at Catherine.
"She is a rare fighter who cultivates yin and yang using darkness and light as a medium instead of water and fire. You've only seen her use her healing right? I happened to see her secretly train at night. Heh. She is sure to surprise everyone in the coliseum," Tian said as he pat Catherine's shoulder affectionately. "My White Dragon District sure got powerful residents. HAHAHAHA!"
"Hehehe. Yup," Catherine said as she stuck out her tongue at Vincent and Edward. "Those two can't compare to me. The doctor figured it out but decided to not reveal it as people stared at us all the time, in the Testing Center. He didn't even say anything to Vincent or Edward."
"Whoa!" Edward shouted as she appeared behind him with a dagger at his throat.
"Yup. I'm stronger," she laughed and then stopped as she stared at Vincent. "I'm weaker than Vincent though. He is the one always hiding his true strength more than me."
"Is that right?" Tian Long said as he stared at Vincent. "Either way, three guaranteed spots of the top sixty four belong to my district. Now, be sure to mind your tongues in front of the City Lord. He may be weaker than Dr. Gavin, but he holds the power and influence in the city. Also, beware the new third ranked academy, Green Tiger Academy. We knocked them to the third rank and they have the remaining two members of the sixth rank. As I'm sure you know, Keili Mu and Robert Talon are with the Black Sword Academy. Also, be wary of the lesser fifteen academies as they are jealous of those at the top. Factions. What a waste of time, but whatever makes the city prosper....I suppose."
"Green Tiger?" Edward laughed.
"Yes. It is rather strange, but I would not mock it in public. A green tiger Mazoku razed three cities to the ground in anger and the District Manager of the Green Tiger District has a green tiger tattoo on his back. He sees himself as the strongest feline Mazoku that could have been. Feline Mazoku are rare. He will particularly be nasty to you, Vincent, as you have a rare six-eyed silver jaguar tattoo. A jaguar Mazoku has never been seen before. You would have been the first," Tian warned.
"Great. I have an enemy I never even met or wronged just because of what I could have been," Vincent sighed.
"We all have enemies seen and unseen. Ah, here we are," Tian smiled as they stepped into a large platform overlooking the sands of the arena ground. "Poker faces on children. You might even be attacked by those from Green Tiger Academy and don't want to look like an easy target. If they attack, break them. Oh, just break every bone in their body. Break their bones? Break their minds? I don't mind at all. Just make it...entertaining, will you?"