Chapter 9: The Art of Discomfort: Franz's Opening Battle

The highest-grade magic core here was a Level 6 magic core. Franz guessed that the second and third floors would have even higher-grade magic cores.

With this in mind, Franz quickly exchanged the Level 6 magic core for currency through the system.

“Ding, confirm the exchange of Level 6 magic core for 25,000 silver.”

“Confirm”

The next morning, all the clan’s disciples gathered once again at the clan’s training ground to watch the top 8 compete. Today, Leona would face Cesc—a blue-haired young man who was a swordsman by profession and had the cultivation level of a late-stage Battle Master. Franz wasn’t worried about Leona; mages were generally rated much higher than swordsmen, and Leona’s cultivation level far exceeded that of her opponent. Geoffey’s opponent was a young earth mage with a cultivation level of a mid-stage High Mage. The outcome of this match was also predictable due to the significant difference in strength. The other two competitors were Grey—a heavily armored warrior with a cultivation level of a mid-stage Battle Master. It was said that he had defeated several opponents with higher cultivation levels thanks to his heavy armor and immense strength. The last competitor was Sothe—a thief with a late-stage Battle Master cultivation. Franz couldn’t predict the outcome of this match. Although Sothe had a higher cultivation level and faster speed, which could potentially wear down Grey, Grey’s heavy armor was a natural counter to thieves. This match was going to be hard to determine.

“First match, Franz versus Desmond.”

Unexpectedly, Franz was up for the first match. Desmond remained arrogant, his head held high as if he had just won a battle. Franz grinned slyly and hopped onto the stage. He carried a long sword with a white sheath and a handle that extended about 40 inches. Fans of Naruto from Franz’s previous life would easily recognize this sword as the Kusanagi.

Kusanagi: The sword used by Sasuke, named after the sword of the storm deity Susanoo. It includes the Lightning Sword technique (Chidorigatana), which not only enhances the sharpness of the sword but also has the potential to paralyze opponents.

Seeing that grin, Desmond recoiled. The events from the previous day were still fresh in his memory. To him, Franz was no longer just a weakling but a cunning fox.

“Franz, meeting me today is your misfortune. If you know what’s good for you, surrender now. Bow three times, and I’ll spare you.”

Drawing his great sword, Desmond shouted with increased confidence. As a late-stage Battle Master with magical equipment, he wasn’t afraid of this brat.

“Really? Let’s fight. You’re not even worthy of me using a sword.”

Franz strapped the sword to his back and said with a faint smile.

“You want to die?”

Desmond roared in anger and swung his sword at Franz. Unexpectedly, Franz threw a small piece of paper at him.

Explosive Charm: A type of weapon used by Shino Bi. When thrown, it can either explode immediately or after a few minutes.

“Boom!”

Desmond was blasted away, his hair singed and face blackened.

“You… shameless!”

Although Desmond was badly burned, he wasn’t significantly injured. The explosive charm’s power wasn’t very strong.

“Boom!”

Desmond was blasted away again, this time with his clothes torn significantly.

“Boom!”

“Boom!”

…

The crowd looked on in disbelief. Was this really a fight, or just sheer abuse? Desmond no longer had the swagger he started with. His hair was completely burned off, his face blackened, covered in bruises, and his clothes tattered. He shouted angrily.

“Franz, you bastard, if you have any guts, fight me head-on!”

“As you wish.”

The voice came from behind Desmond. Franz stood with his hands in a gesture and gently poked Desmond’s rear, shouting.

“Thousand-Year Pain.”

“Bang!”

A scream of agony rang out. Desmond fell off the stage, clutching his backside. He felt an intense, excruciating pain, not knowing if it could be described as a torment of wanting to live and die simultaneously.

Franz crossed his arms and chuckled.

“That’s quite a bit of discomfort, isn’t it?"