Chương 419: Umin, The Lost Cultivator!
"Wrock. . ."
Wrock grinned, "I can see why now! That technique, that's something quite incredible. You mean to tell me he made it up on the spot?"
Horrow whispered to Aaron, "This is. . . ?"
Aaron hurriedly adjusted his glasses, "This is quite similar to what he showcased in the Trial. I still have no idea why he pretends to be like that."
Akiol shook his head, "That's not as simple as pretending."
Horrow agreed, "If it was pretending I would have long since seen through it. Rather that's a completely different person."
"A completely different person?", Aaron frowned at the thought.
Tilia commented, "So he's a two for one. How does that work?"
Akiol shrugged, "I'm not sure, what's important is that this new fellow is really strong."
Wrock added, "And quite so. That fist he threw, it warped the space, almost tearing through it."
"Tearing through space is something that can only be done via an incredible technique, and not through strength alone. To be able to reach this level at Second Stage, and with a technique he supposedly made up on the spot. . ."
Kan'na finished Horrow's sentence, "We have ourselves quite the ally."
~ ~ ~
Kon dashed in a random pattern towards Igneel. A pale flame flickered around her dagger, "We won't just stand around!"
The pale flame scattered about as Kon delivered a powerful technique. Flames leapt forth towards Igneel, desperate to eat him whole! Kon followed through with her technique, thrusting her dagger forward!
[Pale Moon Dance: Glistering Night]!
"Oh? I can see you spent a long time mastering this. However it's still very surface level!"
Punching towards the flame space rippled and stretched. As it snapped back into place the thundering boom sounded. Kon spat blood as she was sent flying across the arena, her pale flames being snuffed out.
{Rending Heaven Fist}!
'It never landed! How come I got hit?! What happened?', thoughts spiraled through Kon's head as she flew helplessly.
Igneel lowered his hand and frowned, inspecting his hand he harrumphed, "Too much, my strength is lacking."
Placing his hands casually behind his back he asked, "So is that it? How pathetic!"
Vinto punched the floor, "You surpassed my punch that I spent years perfecting! With a single glance?!"
"Merely the difference between you and I. Such measly moves I could do while in seclusion. It's nothing special."
"Nothing special?! All my effort amounts to nothing?!", Vinto slammed the ground, "Bullshit! I certainly won't stand about and let you insult me!"
"It's not an insult, it's a simple fact. I far surpass everything you can attempt. If anything I would rate you a three."
"A three out of ten!? I'll tear you apart!"
Vinto bolted across the Arena, this time six cubes swirled around him. Three for each fist. Punching forward he shouted, "[Twin Earth Shattered Fist!]"
Igneel kicked the two hands upwards, redirecting his force to the air, "Three out of ten? That's far too much of a compliment. I rate you a three out of a hundred."
Punching forward the space again rippled and stretched. As his fist made contact with Vinto's face the space snapped back into position. Vinto's eyes turned white. As his consciousness began to rapidly fade he thought to himself, 'That. . . that was far stronger than the first one!'
Igneel placed his hand back behind his back, "That leaves you. If you surrender I won't mind sparing your life."
Kon could barely stand up. The power behind the fist was incredible, it nearly shattered her entire body apart. She didn't know how Vinto was able to withstand the first one. Blood pooled around her as she trembled, "Who. . . who are you?"
Igneel smirked, "I am Umin! The number one genius of the most profound sect: Misten Cloud!"
"Misten Cloud? Never heard. . . of it."
Kon collapsed, also unconscious. It seemed like she was unable to withstand her injuries. Umin narrowed his eyes and said nothing. Looking towards Yielya he casually said, "Like I promised, I had handled this. You are of some skill, being able to survive for so long against their teamwork. I rate you a seventeen."
"Shouldn't I get more points for me healing?"
Umin considered it, "Fair enough! I rate you a twenty seven then!"
"Bah, you don't know anything."
"I am always one to learn the unknown. However he's awakening, if fate permits it we shall meet again. . . whoever you are."
"Yielya."
"Then if fate permits we shall meet again Yielya!"
Umin closed his eyes and slowly opened them. Looking around Igneel sighed, "Ah darnit it happened again!"
Suddenly the South Province's Head voice spoke, "I do believe this means the South has taken victory. Does the West agree?"
The West Province's Head answered, "I would be shameless to claim that was not the case. The West accepts its loss!"
A cheer sounded from the crowd. For the South to suddenly turn things in their favor and end it so quickly! Perhaps this was the South's message! Despite them being on the verge of disbandment they still have the remnants of their past! The glory of what the South once was!
~ ~ ~
"Head-"
The West Province Head raised a hand, "No matter, what's more important is if you gained some insight this battle."
Vinto bowed his head, "I've been enlightened."
"Good, while you two are talented, you are still one of our newer members. I don't expect you to win every battle. Especially not while you're still only Second Stage. Moreover this is quite a lesson for me as well."
"What?"
"I underestimated the South, there should've been no way for them to gain any strength. However it seems the South Head found a few gems. I shall be more cautious. More importantly, you two go reflect. The more you learn the better, that's why I have you participating in the first place."
"Right away!", they both responded.
The West Head watched as Vinto and Kon left the spectator box to reflect upon the match. With a slight sigh he asked, "Rain, your opinion?"
"They played us. We fell right in their trap. This singular match has boosted the opinion of the South Province. If we don't halt their momentum as soon as possible-"
Both Rain and the West Head turned their focus to a different location. A nearby projection that broadcasted the challenges of the other Provinces. The West Head smiled faintly, "It seems like we'll have to continue this discussion another time."
~ ~ ~
Aaron adjusted his glasses, "Great work, with this match we gained four points."
Givale interjected, "How do we get more?"
"I was about to explain that. Since we were in a rush to show confidence I never got the opportunity to explain how we are to win this. The point system is simple. Regardless of the match type we will gain one point for each opponent eliminated."
Akiol frowned, "What about modes like King of the Hill?"
"Matches like that are frowned upon. After all this is a contest to showcase your skill, not teamwork."
Tilia snorted, "Is teamwork not considered a skill?"
"Synchronizing with your teammates you had no prior practice with is considered to be a greater skill."
"Shame."
"Regardless, we also gain a point for each remaining team member that is alive. Since the first match was essentially flawless, we now are in the lead with four points."
Wrock nodded, "Then we should keep this lead. How do the challenges work?"
"Each Province is allowed to make one challenge per day, unless otherwise agreed upon. If the matches are too short it's usually increased to two."
"Then let's use our challenge immediately. If we can win another match right after the first our momentum will be incredible. It might even make the other Provinces target us."
Aaron shook his head, "A steady gaining of points is more feasible. That tactic relies heavily on our ability to win. We got lucky, the two the West sent were rookies meant to gain experience."
"Some of us here aren't rookies. I mean take a look at Akiol, he was a contender for the Sword Saint title."
"Emphasis on was, there is no doubt the North Province has the Sword Saint as a candidate."
"That's one person! We have many others to target!"
"While everyone might not be able to contend against the Sword Saint, there are still very powerful foes! You're vastly underestimating the candidates of the Provinces!"
"And you're underestimating us! We can do this, if we play passively that won't showcase that the South is still running strong!"
"You're still new to The Gated Arena! You haven't witnessed what I have, the things they're capable of isn't simple-"
"Enough Aaron, I agree with Wrock here.", interrupted Horrow.
Aaron turned in surprise, "Chief?!"
"We promised to give our greatest fight. Can we really do that by playing safe? The only way for the South to take victory is by taking risks. We can catch the other Provinces off guard, they're still discussing changing tactics because of our first match."
"That just means if we challenge one they'll play it safe!"
"Then we do the same. Wrock and Akiol, you two I have a feeling are our greatest fighters. Are you confident in taking a victory if we were to send you two out?"
Wrock clenched his fist in a confident manner, "Naturally!"
Akiol closed his eyes and thought for a moment, "I am confident in my ability, but I can't guarantee victory."
"Excellent, now we shall challenge the East. The North remains our greatest adversary. The Sword Saint is enough to deter us from challenging them. So we shall be safe for now."
Aaron adjusted his glasses, they reflected off light to hide his pupils, "This choice isn't even safe."
Horrow flicked his wrist, "I entrust this to you two! As for our opponents. . . let's let them decide!"
Mira and Givale approached Akiol. They both raised a fist, to which Akiol responded with a smile and fistbumped them both, "Pay close attention! Just spectating should be be beneficial!"
Mira nodded enthusiastically, "Yes Akiol-Sensei!"
Givale made a thumbs up, "I've been watching for quite some time already!"
'If you lose with this much support I will be quite disappointed.' -Stars
"I like to think I have quite the track record.", joked Akiol.
'We shall see about that.'
"Don't have faith?"
'I didn't say that.'
SUY NGHĨ CỦA NGƯỜI SÁNG TẠO 
UnableToOpenDoor
UnableToOpenDoor Much like how Travis has his own gimmick, cultivation will remain unique to Igneel and will not affect the story.
I assure you this!
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