Chapter 373: Resolve (2/2)

To Leonel, the problem of time and stamina wasn't really an issue. He could cast even a Three Star Magus Art in a split second in his current state. The main issue was the limitation of the layering Art.

If Leonel wanted to go with this option, he would have to research into either making the layering Art better or into making his Three Star Magus Arts better compliments to it.

However… Leonel felt he had a much better idea than this.

His four Clones sat in regions of their own, each of them having numerous Force Arts floating around them. They spanned from the simplest Apprentice Arts to the highest Magus Arts.

Every so often, they would breakdown into smaller parts. Anyone watching from the outside would realize that it wasn't that there were Apprentice Arts and Magus Arts floating around Leonel but rather that…

The Magus Arts were becoming Apprentice Arts!

Leonel continued breaking down complex Magus Arts into their simpler forms them forming them up once again.

He seemed to be searching for something, looking for a path forward.

Soon, there came a point where nothing but Apprentice Arts remained. Then…

Leonel broke them down further.

**

While Leonel was entirely focused on training himself, a month ticked by, then a second. Leonel had unknowingly turned 19 being completely none the wiser.

Outside the Dream Abode, the crowd continued to grow. But, if one paid attention, it would become clear that for such a large crowd, the surroundings were eerily silent. In fact, not a single person was moving as though they had all entered a trance.

The higher ups who sent all of their subordinates here felt a slight tinge of fear, all the legends of the Dream Abode coming back to their memories. If they weren't certain before, they were absolutely sure now that someone had claimed it.

But, how could they deal with someone they couldn't even approach?

It was only then that the crowd before the Abode grew stagnant. From afar, the sight caused many to shudder in fear.

While everyone was distracted, though, changes began to occur at the Gates of Brave City once again.

The first period of entry for Brave City was known as the quota period. In this period, every family, City and Power would only allow a certain number of individuals to enter. This was the calmest state Brave City would be in during its active period, but it also only allowed a limited number of individuals to benefit.

After this period ended, the second period would begin. During this time, restrictions would lift. But… the danger would multiply several folds.

Whereas in the beginning, Brave City exuded a Valiant Majesty, it now seemed as though blood washed its walls. A suffocating killing intent hung around it, causing the weak to collapse and die beneath the pressure. No small number of individuals who overestimated themselves collapsed, never to breathe another breath.

It was when this second period began that Zilar looked toward the massive looming Gates with fists clenched and determination in his eyes. He wasn't the only one, but his will seemed to tower over the others.

He still remembered Leonel's words that day…

”Second place was never an option for me.”

Blood leaked from Zilar's fingers.

'Second place isn't an option for me either!'

He took a firm step forward, his resolve forming a tangible shield around him.

…

At that moment, approaching from the North, there was another who looked toward the bloody Gates in silence.

They had a back that hunched grotesquely and were shrouded in a black cloak. The scent of blood that hung around them seemed to rival even Brave City itself.

Without hesitation, this figure too stepped forward.