"We were given a week," David thought. "My energy control is decent, but releasing and using it… still terrible. In this one week, I have to surpass myself."
Over the past month, he had made progress: he managed to learn two techniques of his attribute, while other awakened students could already use three or four. On one of the training grounds, he focused once again: taking a deep breath, the air filled his lungs, and a stream of dark energy wrapped around him. In an instant, he vanished and appeared behind a tree—then slashed with his sword.
David's first technique was the one he had used during the duel with Sayam. "Void Step": in that moment, he could instantly appear at the location where he had released his energy. If he directed energy toward a spot within a small radius, David could teleport there immediately. Though his energy release wasn't great, he could cover five to ten meters this way. Ordinary awakened could push their energy out twenty to thirty meters.
His second technique was "Dark Distortion," which he had also used against Sayam. With it, his strike looked simple and easy to block; the opponent would defend—and in that moment, David disappeared and reappeared at a chosen point. But even here his limit was around ten meters; beyond twenty or thirty, he couldn't manage.
Not wanting to overthink, he kept training. Days passed—and soon, the sixth day arrived. On the lower training ground, five students had gathered. Vincent stood at the front and announced, "In one hour, we're heading to China. You have thirty minutes to pack. Time starts now."
They rushed upstairs toward the barracks. David packed his essentials into a backpack and stepped out—it took him less than ten minutes.
Soon, everyone was ready, waiting by the academy gates. Vincent glanced over the group and suddenly asked, "Where's Sai?"
Noah raised his hand and, in his usual lazy tone, said, "Hey, Master Vincent, I saw Sai packing in his room. I didn't bother him… feels like crying."
"All right, we still have three minutes. Let's wait for him."
More than five minutes passed before Sai finally showed up. Leo, noticing him, exclaimed in surprise, "What's that on his back?"
On Sai's back hung a gigantic, ridiculously oversized backpack. Approaching them, Sai said apologetically, "Sorry for being late."
Vincent simply nodded. "Let's go."
The academy gates opened. For a moment, David recalled his first time stepping into this place, and a smile crossed his face. A military vehicle was already waiting for them. The driver stepped out and greeted, "Good afternoon, Mr. Vincent. Nice to meet you. My name is John."
"Good. Let's move out," Vincent replied. They climbed into the vehicle, stored their luggage, and the ride began. Emma sat far from Sai; he only sighed in response.
Vincent began to explain the details of their exchange task: "You and five students from the Chinese academy will be dropped into a forest in China. More than a thousand low-ranked demons will be released there. Every kill will be tracked on a screen, and at the end, a half-middle ranked demon will appear. The team that manages to slay it will be declared the winner."
Leo asked, "Master Vincent, are fights between us and them allowed?"
"Yes," Vincent replied. "Battles between the Chinese and American teams are permitted."
Then he added with a stern look, "So stay sharp. China has always been a cunning nation. Among the three great powers, it's the most calculating. I expect you to win. And if anyone dares ruin our chances, I'll personally tear their ass apart."
At that moment, Sai asked, "Where's Master Ryan?"
"I left him in charge of the academy while I'm gone. He'll handle internal affairs," Vincent explained.
"Well then," he continued, "we've already arrived at the airport. Everyone out."
They stepped out of the vehicle, grabbed their belongings, and entered the terminal. Once seated on the plane, Sai exclaimed with excitement, "Wow, this is amazing! I've never left the country before. Have any of you?"
"No," Leo replied. Noah mumbled his usual "feels like crying." Emma stayed silent, as did David.
Vincent rose to his feet and announced, "Listen up, everyone. We're taking off in five minutes. Get ready—we're leaving America and heading to China."