Chapter 248: Practitioners

Jarak, one of the elders of Bhibra Village, looked at the instructor of this training hall.

The man's name is Ruthren and none of them would dare to belittle him. His scary face wasn't just for show as he also has incredible skills with the art of swords.

Aside from that, he has various Magic Items that would allow him to contend against their Arcanists...

Then, he looked at Mio, Shiori, and Tenri... These three ladies weren't any weaker than Ruthren and as a matter of fact, Jarak felt that their swordsmanship was better than the scary man...

They learned that they were also former members of one of their branches in the Chodora Kingdom. However, it appears that they are now serving another deity that was why they decided to stop working for the cult.

Nevertheless, the four ladies have the capabilities to live on their own with their current strength, so Jarak and the others couldn't blame them. After all, strength is the most important thing to survive in this world.

'Miyazaki Sword Style, I wonder what's in their mind... Why are they so willingly teaching this technique to us?' The elder knows that there should be a payment for this but he couldn't tell what it is for the moment.

However, he also didn't want to stop them since they are benefitting a lot from this. After all, the sword is probably the most common weapon in this generation and there's no harm learning them at all.

If they have this unique technique, perhaps there will be a time when they would no longer have to be afraid of every beast wave and they could finally expand their territory… It might not happen in a few years but after a decade or so, this may no longer be a dream…

'Amazing… So this is why none of us could fight them equally.' The elders had the same thought after the performance.

Ruthren and Tenri finished displaying the sword style as they used various sword stances and sword strikes… Their exhibition match maximized the usage of various skills in order to impress the elders.

'Now… Let's see how would our children fare…'

They were satisfied with the instructor's performance and couldn't wait for their younger generations to come up on stage.

They wanted to see them warm up but Ruthren served them a cup of tea so they couldn't leave the place yet…

The tea has a fragrant aroma and there's no way that they have something like this within the village. For some reason, these people were capable of pulling incredible things out of nowhere.

"Mhmmm… A good tea… Is this from Chodora?"

After tasting the tea, everyone couldn't help but relax a little. 

"Yes… It is from the Kingdom…" Ruthren answered. He then looked at the time and decided to call the students that will do the assessment…

He was then surprised that only 60 of them decided to join the assessment…

Apparently, while they are inside the training hall, the students who are supporting their top rankers decided to back out to let them have the Arcana…

After one village did this for their top students, the other two decided to do the same to support their fellow villagers.

In the end, they have decided to only let 20 of them participate in each village… After none of them raised an objection, the leaders of each student confirmed the top 20 of their branch…

"Oh… So you've thought of doing that… I don't mind… It's also not good to let someone participate who doesn't have the guts to join this assessment." Ruthren said after learning about the plans they did.

Anyway, they might be doing him a favor as well since the task would be finished earlier than expected.

Finally, the huge training hall was filled with students… Ruthren even decided to fold the walls of the training hall to let the others that were not participating watch the fight… Because of the design used to build the place, they were able to fold part of the walls to let the others watch from the outside.

It would also let the airflow run easily and have a bit of fresh air when training inside.

"The assessment is simple… The first practitioner to reach five points is the winner… You're only allowed to use your swordsmanship skills at the moment since we can't let you get injured seriously. Understand?"

"Yes, instructor!"

Since they were only testing the swordsmanship skills, it would actually be harder than expected.

After all, most of them were already used to implement their Spiritual Energy in their every action… Their half-imp bloodline is the cause of this.

At the very least, everyone would be equal at this point… No matter what their age is, as long as they have the skills, they will be able to defeat those who are older than them.

***

While they were having the assessment within the village, Ayumi and her group arrived at the Poison River to hunt for delicious food, the Melody Goose…

They are wild beasts at the lowest grade and can be easily caught with their various traps.

The only problem is going into the river without alerting them.

If they fought against various Evil Beasts and caused a commotion, there is a high chance that they'll get disturbed and fly away from the river…

If that happens, they'll have to wait again for a long time until the beasts decided to return to satisfy their hunger.

These flying beasts like to eat the toads and fishes in the river so they would surely return after some time…

"Ayumi, our scouts noticed twenty or so Ironhead Wolves ahead… We have to change our direction."

One of the Cultists informed Ayumi… These wolves may not be strong but killing them will still take some time due to their tough bodies. 

They only have a total of 16 members within this group and they do not have the time to spend on these beasts.

"Don't worry… We can still continue on this path, they'll be moving away for us." Ayumi replied after being reminded. 

Her tone was filled with confidence and although it seems impossible, they have the urge to believe the lady.

The other members looked at each other to see what their reactions are… They were a bit hesitant but they have already seen the power of this lady…

Although she's only holding a wooden sword right now, they know that she's still extremely competent.

Perhaps, she didn't bring a sharp steel sword since she felt that it would be too much for the mission…

'That's right… She can fight two Gryphons at the same time… She must have a trick to deal with these wolves.'

After reaching this thought, they remained silent and followed her instructions. The scouts ahead also remained in their position and waited for them to arrive.

Because of their Imp Bloodline, they have a method of silent communication as long as it is within 200 or so meters… This is extremely useful during this type of mission.

As soon as they arrived at the vicinity of the Ironhead Wolves, they glanced at the only lady within their group.

Then, they saw her held her wooden sword tightly… 

Whoosh~

They felt familiar energy coming out of the sword as it started spreading around them…

'What's this?'

'A barrier? Perhaps, it can be used to cover us…'

'Yes, but Miss Ayumi said that the wolves will make a way for us.'

Before they completed their conversation, another energy was emitted coming from the lady…

'Spiritual Pressure!'

Everyone was shocked after realizing this. As far as they know, only extremely powerful Evil Beasts and perhaps Divine Items were capable of emitting such intense pressure.

It's impossible for this lady, a previous member of the cult, to become capable of using that. 

They glanced at the frail-looking wooden sword and had momentarily thought that it is that source of the pressure. However, Divine Items shouldn't look like that at all... 

Perhaps, it's the gift of the new deity they're serving?

They made a wild guess based on the information they have… They know that the ladies of the five guardians have stopped worshipping the nine imp gods due to the new deity they're serving. 

It may be reasonable that this is the gift they received after changing their faith.

Soon, they saw the wolves moving away from the spot they were previously at. The pressure wasn't too strong and just enough for them to decide on moving away. 

As soon as the path was cleared, Ayumi glanced at her group to let the scouts move ahead…

They were amazed by the lady's actions but they decided to remain silent for now… However, they remembered this event clearly…

They have never imagined that this person was actually capable of releasing such might that can only be heard in rumors.

"Alright, let's catch all the Melody Geese ahead. Just leave the marked breeders."

"Yes…" Everyone answered.

They continued moving forward as they finally had a good mood. At last, they can bring home some fine delicacy for their families and friends.