Aetherios System [Slow Build OP MC, Isekai LitRPG/Cultivation] Chapter 118: Book 2: Chapter 32: Exhibition Match

Read chapter 118 of Aetherios System [Slow Build OP MC, Isekai LitRPG/Cultivation] by TTReynolds on NovelPedia.

Book 2: Chapter 32: Exhibition Match Book 2: Chapter 32: Exhibition Match The training ring’s marble floor still glistened with the dew of early morning, despite the fact the ring had been swept clean for the occasion. Palace guards lined the ring’s perimeter in tight formation, set in place and ready to contain and coral the coming audience in case the need would arise. The fight happening today was theater, a ritualized display as much as it was true test of skill and might. And the audience had already begun to gather for their show. Kate stood beneath the arch of the training arena’s eastern gate, arms crossed, her gaze tracking the slow approach of the Azure Vault. Like wind across a line of flag poles, they came in quiet rows of blue and white robes rippling in harmony. Their steps were perfectly timed, and their expressions unreadable. At the front walked Master Halraen. He bore sigils, or emblems, on the lapel of his robes, showing the sect's brand as well as various military campaign achievements. At his right was Jael Korshan. The Azure Vault’s chosen warrior was younger than Kate expected, perhaps nineteen, maybe twenty. His frame was tall but lean, like woven strands of rope stretched taut. He had short dark hair and sea-glass-green eyes. He wore the barebone dueling garb of the Sect, a half-tunic, pants, and gloves all marked with enchanted thread lines. His bearing was calm, unshaken by the looming anxiety of the fight ahead of him. Henry stood beside Kate now with his arms tucked behind his back. “Early-stage Adept,” he murmured. “He will have been trained in wind-step and brute-flow water elemental forms.” Kate’s eyes narrowed. “So he’s an offensive fighter?” “Yes. Fluid movement,” Lance answered, joining them with a wrapped water flask in hand. “He can shift styles mid-flow, from evasive long-range counters, to full pressure aggressive bursts. He will be very hard to lock down. And with your element…” “Water douses fire,” Kate finished dryly. “Not always,” Henry said. “But often enough that you will need to plan for it.” Across the ring, Halraen lifted a hand in greeting, the faintest motion of acknowledgment. But in the Sect’s rigid structure regarding duels, it might as well have been a warm embrace. Kate returned it with a sharp nod. “We didn’t go over the different rounds before, so pay attention.” Lance continued, “A formal duel involves three rounds of combat. A skill round, where only your physical weapons and body can be used. A true martial round, when you may incorporate your Martial Fighting Style and its effects into your fighting. Lastly is the round of deathly intent. Everything is allowed, spells, martial skills, enchanted items, all of it. The only limit being an item must be at or below your own cultivation level, so for both of you, early stage Adept.” “That’s a lot to have forgotten to go over, Lance,” she glared at him. Lance held up his hands in defense, palms out, and smiled sheepishly. “We didn’t exactly know these things until yesterday after talking with some of the sect warriors at the garden. Then there was the whole Eric thing…” “Fine, fine,” Kate flicked her hair over her shoulder. She had prepared it into a singular long braid for this fight instead of the free, long locks she normally let fall around her shoulders. “So first round is just a brawl with weapons?” Henry nodded and clasped a hand on her shoulder. “That one you are most likely to lose. But you do have a better chance in the next two rounds.” She only scoffed in response. “You bought a kick ass martial Style in the dungeon, we know that, so you are probably a shoe in for the second round.” Lance added. “Kick ass? Please, its the best one any of us have, by far.” She smirked proudly. Lance wavered his hand at chest level. “I don’t know, Alex gets a demonic arm to help him smash shit. And the horns are pretty sweet.” “Shut up, and go away, I need to get ready.” she said. Both men chuckled and backed away slowly, leaving