27 Testing Begins (1/2)

”We are far enough away from the village. Let us stop here for a moment.” The executive told Jack as he turned around to face him.

”So, Jack, as an inner member, you understand this test all too well, correct?”

”That is correct, we had the same test for my advancement to my current rank within the household.” Replied Jack, wondering when they were going to begin.

”Very good, I should warn you, this test will be done a little differently. You see, depending on how strong you now are, will determine how our household will determine your fate within the alliance. If you meet the requirements to become a core member, our household will support your side, however, if you aren't at least that strong, you will be on your own once we arrive back at the city.”

”As for your other friend Natalia, she is in the same position. I just hope that you both pass this test, otherwise, it will be much harder for you both individually. Now time to explain this test in detail once again so there is no confusion.”

”You are to attack me at full strength. You will use your best techniques and are to continuously attack with your killing intent. The test will end once you run out of energy and collapse onto the ground, or, if I deem you strong enough for a single promotion. Understood?” asked the expert while Jack listened closely.

”Understood.” With that single reply, Jack hopped back, giving both men space between each other. Jack was not nervous since the test only allowed him to attack at full strength. He would not be the one being attacked, which meant that he can feel comfortable unleashing his all.

”I must warn you, right now I am wearing thick enough body armor to prevent your dagger from leaving a heavy wound on my body. Good luck, Jack!” shouted the executive as he placed his arms behind his back which was taunting him.

Instead of dashing forward right away, Jack casually pulled out his daggers. Like a peaceful monk, Jack stared at the expert in front of him with very clear eyes. It was almost as if Jack was not a killer, rather, a protective disciple of Buddhism.

Slowly waving his arms up and down, it was as if Jack was creating a small illusion. His arms were neither moving fast or slow but held within them was a power which could not be measured or seen. This technique gave the expert conducting this test goosebumps on his body!

”This is the illusion art, but how is he not giving out any killing intent?” the expert thought as he took his hands behind his back and set up a defensive stance. ”Using this technique in such a way, is enough for him to easily enter the core member rank. No, this is enough for him to receive that rank with additional resources!”

”Good, you seem ready for my attacks now.” Jack casually said as his eyes became sharper and it seemed as if he fell forward before dashing at his full strength towards his opponent. By leaning forward so much, this allowed Jack to focus entirely on his offense without worrying about his openings. This was his fastest dashing method, but in a normal battle it left quite a few openings.

”Come!” not feeling any killing intent coming from Jack, the expert became rather angry. Within any household, it was extremely difficult for warriors to hide their killing intent from others. Being in a more assassin type household, it was a requirement for executive level experts to be able to do this flawlessly when facing weaker opponents.

For Jack to be able to hide his killing intent with ease against a stronger opponent as himself, this meant that Jack had even more potential than this expert had. During a battle like this, the expert wanted to stop Jack to tell him that he passed, however, part of him wanted to see just how formidable Jack became. This expert, his loyalty to the household was unwavering and once he saw that someone from a younger generation had potential, he wanted to protect them.

In what could only be described as an instant, Jack appeared under this expert's body while he stabbed both knives towards him. In this moment, the expert jumped in midair, making Jack completely miss his target! Grabbing both of Jack's arms, he then flipped him while still in midair, making Jack's body seem as if it was simply floating away!