Chapter 94: The Complexities of [Elemental Spirit Essence] (1/2)

Thinking of something, Jake glanced at Cheyenne.

It seemed that she sensed his stare as she looked back at him and smiled.

'What a sad life?!' commented Jake as he flashed a smile back to her.

He had determined her to be his strongest opponent. Nonetheless, he wasn't aiming for the top. He was aiming for a comfortable spot, and if he meets her before he gets to his ”comfortable” spot, he might have to put in a great amount of effort.

Plus, despite Cheyenne hiding it, he could tell that she still had a few hidden tricks up her sleeve.

This could discern from her tranquil attitude which showed no stressed signs apart from the sweats rolling down her skin.

Not bothering anymore, Jake shifted his glance away from her onto the stage.

He looked just in time as the referee announced the start of the next match, ”Match 3, Dean Forst vs. Nico.”

Quickly responding to their calls, the two opponents walked up to the stage.

Jake was kinda interested in this match-up.

On one side was Nico, the extremely talented youngster, who was always surprising the crowd.

While he didn't make such an exaggerated impression on Jake, Jake knew that Nico was in a growing phase. He was absorbing a lot of experience and processing it fast. This could be seen from how he broke out of his pinch in his last battle.

On the other side was Dean Forst, who was also extremely talented in his own right. He was able to go toe-to-toe with the famous Cheyenne Aztec.

This was no easy feat judging from Cheyenne's recent display of strength.

However, if Jake were to pick who he thought would win, it would be Dean. Simply because Dean was just like him and the other few participants.

Dean was used to ”real” battles, and while Nico could be argued to possess that experience, Jake begged to differ!

Nico's so-called Dark Forest Training was only to gain combat experience and not ”real” experience. This real experience could only be gotten from situations when one's life is on the line, not from the situation, in which the mind still records it as being under control.

If Jake was to mention the difference between them, it would be the thought process of the individuals who possess them.

The combat-experienced individual would make good decisions that are rational, while the ”real”-experienced individual would go beyond rational and execute actions that might be deemed stupid, but would actually work on a battlefield.

Still, anything can happen when in battle, so Jake was not absolutely sure who would win.

”Match 3, Start!”

Jake watched as Nico and Dean engaged in a stare-off.

Different from their predecessors, they did not initiate an attack and tried to visually assess their opponent.

He was wondering who would take the first step when Nico jumped at Dean.

It turned out that Nico had been charging his speed, but Dean had predicted that and used his technique, ”[Blink]!”

He disappeared from his position and reappeared ten feet away.

Watching this, Jake murmured, 'this technique….'

The [Blink]! technique was similar to his [Sword Drawing Technique]. It embodied the concept of a linear speed movement, but that was where his technique differed!

The [Sword Drawing Technique] contained the principles for curving while at full speed and was more flexible than the technique shown by Dean.