While Finn Doria and Isake were walking toward the center of the Training Field, they happened to run into Seve. As usual, he was accompanied by his two lackeys. Seve looked at Finn with scorn and sneered,
"Are you ready to embarrass yourself, Finn Doria?"
Finn looked back at him without any emotion. When he saw Seve's reddened cheek, he smirked. Deep inside, he suspected this was the handiwork of Seve's father. He had noticed back at the auction house how Frederick was glaring at his son Seve with clear displeasure. The young man guessed this was because Xuan had failed to kill him in the training ground.
While Finn remained silent in the face of Seve's mockery, Isake couldn't stop himself from speaking up against the arrogant boy. He shot Seve a sharp look and said irritably, "You seem a bit too confident in yourself. Do you really think no one among the new students is your equal?"
"Hmph. What are you doing, Isake? Defending a member of an ordinary clan? Hahaha. I can't believe you want to be friends with that weakling," Seve's group taunted Isake with laughter.
Isake was about to retort, but Finn held him back. Finn calmly looked at Seve and his companions, then spoke softly, "Hmm? Seve Marren, what happened to your smooth cheek? Did someone hurt you? I can't believe anyone would dare lay a hand on the great Seve Marren."
Finn slowly shook his head as if concerned. Even though it had been several days since Seve's father had struck him, his cheek was still slightly red. When Finn mentioned it, that was the first time Isake noticed. He stared at Seve's cheek, puzzled.
'Who would dare to hit the son of the Black Tiger Family's leader?' Isake wondered to himself.
Seve's expression was difficult to describe. He could still feel the sting in his cheek. He had tried all kinds of remedies, but nothing worked, so hearing Finn bring it up made Seve furious.
"Hmph! Useless fools! When we face each other, I'll let my fists do the talking. I'll show you, Finn Doria, just how vast the gap between our strengths is!"
Before walking away, he shot them both a sharp glare.
When Seve and his lackeys were gone, Isake looked at his friend, unable to stop himself from asking, "Do you know what happened to him?"
Finn didn't answer. He only gave Isake a meaningful smile. Isake didn't understand what that smile meant but decided not to press further.
As they drew closer to the competition grounds, they noticed a large crowd already gathering near the arena. Among them were more than thirty students, including Seve Marren and his two lackeys. Most of the students were at 7th Level Bronze Rank, and a few were at 8th Level Bronze Rank. Only Seve and Isake had reached 9th Level Bronze Rank. Most likely, both of them had already used the Body Strengthening Potion their fathers had acquired at the auction house, which had boosted them from 8th to 9th Level.
While thinking about this, Finn couldn't help but smile faintly. As he continued observing the crowd, he noticed some unfamiliar faces. Isake saw the questioning look on Finn's face and took it upon himself to explain.
"You're always holed up in your dorm, so of course you don't know who they are. But since I'm a good friend, I'll tell you," Isake said proudly with a grin. He continued, "Those young men and women in blue uniforms are the old Outer Students of the institute—they're here to watch. And those older folks in blue uniforms, the ones that look like instructors, are the Outer Instructors."
Finn shifted his gaze to the Outer Instructors. When he noticed something, he immediately asked,
"Where's Instructor Kiden?"
Isake just shrugged. He didn't know either. Finn simply returned his attention to the old Outer Students, and when something caught his eye, he nudged Isake and pointed out a beautiful young woman.
"Who is that girl?"
He was curious because, among all the old students, she had the strongest aura. She was at 3rd Level Silver Rank.
"Ah—?! Don't just go pointing at people, Finn! From what I hear, that girl is dangerous," Isake quickly lowered Finn's hand when he saw who he was pointing at. He leaned in close and whispered softly in Finn's ear,
"She's Myrtle Silver, the strongest Outer Student. She's also from an Aristocrat Clan like me—the Silver Star Family."
"Silver Star Family? They're the third most powerful Aristocrat Clan, right? But why isn't the strongest Outer Student from the Black Tiger Family or your clan?" Finn asked.
Isake shook his head. "Even if our clan or Seve's clan are the strongest among the Aristocrat Clans, that doesn't mean we dominate everything. Myrtle is just one of the talented members of the Silver Star Family. There are many strong members of my clan in this institute, and the same is true for the Black Tiger Family. Once you get into the Inner Institute or the Core Institute, you'll understand what I mean."
Finn only nodded in response. As for joining the Inner or Core Institute, he wasn't planning on it anymore. Once this competition was over, and once he taught Seve a lesson, he intended to return to his clan to speak with the Elders and his father.
For now, what mattered most to Finn was protecting his family.
While most of the students continued chatting, one of the instructors stood up and spoke.
"Everyone, listen up. Today marks one of the most anticipated competitions among the new Outer Students. And since this is a competition, there are rules that must be followed."
"When the competition begins, a participant can win by one of the following: their opponent voluntarily surrenders, their opponent is knocked off the stage, or their opponent can no longer fight. Since this is only a contest among new students, killing is strictly forbidden. Is that clear?"
All the participants nodded in agreement. The instructor continued,"Only the top five will receive prizes. Don't worry—this year's prizes are something you'll all surely want."
"Since there are thirty-three new Outer Students, one of you will be lucky. If you receive a blank paper, you don't have to join the first round of the competition."
When the instructor finished speaking, slips of paper suddenly flew toward the group of students. Everyone quickly grabbed their paper and checked it.
Some showed unreadable expressions, while others looked indifferent.
"I'll be facing someone from the Scarlet Flame Family. Who's yours?" Isake asked.
Before Finn could answer, the instructor's voice boomed again.
"I believe everyone is ready. We now officially begin the competition among the new Outer Students!"
"First match—Lance Marren from the Black Tiger Family versus Troy Vargr from the Lone Wolf Family!" the instructor announced.
After the announcement, two figures climbed onto the arena. One had a slim build but radiated the aura of an 8th Level Bronze Rank—this was Lance Marren, one of Seve's two lackeys.
The other was a sturdier young man at only 7th Level Bronze Rank—Troy Vargr from the Lone Wolf Family.
A member of an Aristocrat Clan against a member of an Ordinary Clan? Everyone could only shake their heads at the unfairness of this match. The gap between an ordinary 7th Level and an 8th Level Bronze Rank wasn't small. It was clear to all who would win.
"I only have to face a 7th Level? How disappointing. Because your level is lower, I'll give you ten seconds to surrender," Lance said with a yawn.
Almost everyone shook their heads at Lance's attitude. But no one bothered to argue. They simply watched the member of the Ordinary Clan, waiting for his response. But ten seconds passed, and he didn't move.
"Your ten seconds are up. Since you wasted your chance, prepare yourself. You're about to feel pain," Lance added with a smile.
"I'd rather get beaten and lose than surrender without even trying!" Troy roared.
With that, he charged straight at Lance.
"Moon Claw!"
Light glimmered around Troy's claw. He swung it as he closed in on the unmoving Lance. This was a Rank 1 Skill from his clan.
Just as Troy's claw was about to hit, Lance moved swiftly, catching his arm with his bare hand. Lance clenched his other fist and slammed it into Troy's stomach.
Troy doubled over and collapsed to his knees in pain, but Lance still didn't let go.
"This is the Lone Wolf Family's skill? Pathetic. And since I'm so generous, I'll let you witness a skill from my clan—the Black Tiger Family," Lance sneered.
He finally released Troy, who crumpled to the ground. Troy tried to stand, but a palm struck his chest.
"Black Tiger Palm!"
Troy's body was hurled several meters away. He vomited blood, and his uniform tore open, revealing the clear imprint of a palm on his chest.
Without any concern, the Outer Instructor glanced at the boy lying on the ground and calmly announced,
"Since Troy Vargr can no longer continue, Lance Marren is the winner. He proceeds to the second round."
Once announced, another instructor quickly carried the unconscious Troy out of the arena so the next match could begin.
Like the first, the next fight didn't last long. Isake faced a member of the Scarlet Flame Family. Even though they were both from Aristocrat Clans, the boy from the Scarlet Flame Family couldn't withstand more than three strikes from Isake and quickly surrendered, covered in wounds and bruises. With that, Isake advanced to the second round.
The third match was more intense—a member of the Silver Star Family versus a member of the Calm Water Family. A young man and a young woman faced off, and surprisingly, the woman won. It wasn't an easy victory—she sustained multiple injuries—but she secured her place in the next round.
"Fourth match—Matt Marren from the Black Tiger Family versus Finn Doria from the Azure Wood Family!"