This silly girl...
Alan raised his hand to his forehead, speechless for a moment.
"Why, you don't seem willing?" Renee asked in surprise.
Alan preferred transactions with clear prices, but he was afraid of owing favors that couldn't be valued.
Besides, in this world, the most difficult thing to repay is a favor from a beautiful woman!
With a sigh, Alan hardened his heart and declined her kindness.
"Renee, tell me, which number is greater, 20 or 10?"
"You could have gotten 20 points all by yourself, why share it with someone else?"
"Uh... I'm not stupid!" Renee rolled her eyes at him aggrievedly. "I think you're a nice person. I just want to help you!"
"I appreciate the kindness, but I don't need it," Alan said calmly.
"Uh..." Renee suddenly realized that she might have been being overly sentimental.
"Reni! Ignore that pretentious brat! I'm teaming up with you!" Matthew shouted.
"I can do it!"
"I can do it, too!"
Weber and Truth perked up again.
Only Linda remained silent, her cat-like eyes flickering.
Reni shook her head in frustration, turned around, and faced Hogg alone.
"Brother Hogg, please teach me."
Hogg took off his coat and casually hung it on a tree branch.
"Reni, show me all your abilities."
Tiger Girl nodded meekly and activated her second-stage Atavism, transforming into a four-meter-tall tiger-headed giant!
The dress burst, the pale yellow fabric shreds scattering like butterflies.
Revived Reni was left with only her narrow underwear and bra, the remaining fabric remarkably resilient.
Allen watched, thinking of his own spider silk shorts.
Tigergirl Renée's strength and agility skyrocketed in her atavistic form!
She moved like lightning, charging at Hogg with a gust of wind.
Hogg stood only 1.7 meters tall, looking like a baby next to the tiger-headed giantess.
But he maintained a cheerful smile, a look of joy.
He didn't atavistically transform, didn't dodge, and even tucked his right hand behind his back.
Using only his left hand, he calmly blocked Renée's attack.
A flurry of tiger claw strikes, like a torrential downpour!
Accompanied by a roaring tiger, it was breathtaking!
Leenée's boxing skills, even to Allen's discerning eye, were worthy of admiration and mastery!
Such a ferocious attack, however, couldn't penetrate Hogg's single-handed defense.
Continuing her fierce attacks proved fruitless, and Renee's breathing became increasingly heavy. Her strength and confidence were dwindling.
"Is this all you've got?"
Hogg shook his head in disappointment.
Suddenly, he took a step forward, extended his left hand, and flicked his fingers!
Snap!
Hogg's fingertips landed squarely on Renee's fist.
A dazzling burst of electric sparks erupted at the point of contact!
The tiger-headed giantess, with a fist as big as a millstone, couldn't withstand a single flick.
From her fist to her arm, she was instantly paralyzed!
The powerful force of the electric current sent her flying.
She tumbled awkwardly to the ground, finally rising to her feet against the wall.
"One minute," Baker warned.
"I can still fight!" Renee roared in frustration.
His entire right arm had been rendered numb by Hogg's electric shock, leaving him with only his left hand, stubbornly making a casting gesture.
"Yal!"
A summoning circle appeared on the ground.
Tigers leaped out one after another.
Leni summoned three tigers in one breath, commanding them to surround Hogg. She then clasped the five fingers of her left hand together, wielding them like a long sword, sweeping through the air!
Swish!
Second-level martial art—Air Slash Wave!
"Haha...that's quite interesting."
Hogg smiled, ducked his head to avoid the Air Slash Wave, and stomped his foot!
Bang!
The ground rumbled, and shockwaves surged!
Alan couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
He'd seen George perform this move before.
Silver Moon Style's third-level martial art—Earthquake Wave! Hogg's "Earthquake Wave," in addition to the ground-shaking vibrations, was also accompanied by a series of explosive explosions!
It was as if the "Thunder Wave" and "Earthquake Wave" had merged into one, encompassing an all-around attack from air to ground.
The three tigers summoned by Renee were no match for the "Thunder Earthquake Wave"!
They were first stunned to the ground by the thunder, then blown away by the Earthquake Wave, disintegrating into chaotic threads of magic power and returning to the void.
The thunder and earthquake continued their advance.
Renee's face paled with fear!
She hurriedly leaped onto a nearby tree and scrambled up!
Hogg chuckled and arrived at the bodhi tree where Renee was staying.
He rolled up his sleeves and bared his fist.
He blew into his fist.
The fist, imbued with magic, suddenly swelled, becoming as large as a watermelon!
Giant Fist!!
Bang!
With one punch, Hogg smashed the tree, so thick it took two men to hug!
The force of the punch traveled up the trunk, shaking the branches and sending leaves cascading down like rain.
Leni, perched in the tree, was also knocked down by his punch.
She landed on her butt, grimacing, unable to get up.
"The test is over!" Baker shouted, checking his pocket watch. "Exactly two minutes!"
Leni stood up, rubbed her butt, bowed to Hogg with a bitter face, and retreated to the sidelines.
"Brother Baker, how did you do, Leni?"
Linda asked softly, a sweet smile on her face.
"Not bad," the green-browed man replied calmly. "Including the extra 20 points, as long as she passed the interview earlier, passing the overall score shouldn't be a problem."
"Oh..."
Linda quickly adjusted her expression, turned around, and congratulated Renee with a smile.
"Nothing, just good luck!" Renee's smile stretched from ear to ear.
"Hogg, what are you doing smashing trees when you have nothing better to do?"
Baker scolded his partner unhappily.
"If the cattery finds out, they'll definitely ask you for compensation."
"Hey, aren't you here?"
Hogg smiled innocently and scratched his head.
"It's just the flowers and plants that got hurt by accident. It's okay with you here."
The green-browed man shrugged helplessly and walked over to the broken tree.
He grabbed the half of the tree lying on the ground with one hand and straightened it.
He cast a spell on the fracture.
A soft green light, imbued with natural magic, flowed from his fingertips into the trunk.
As everyone watched, the fracture healed automatically.
In a blink of an eye, the Bodhi tree was restored to its original state, without a single trace of damage!
Alan pondered.
This seemingly fierce-looking man from the Bear Yard turned out to be quite talented, skilled in nature magic.
The next man to take the stage was Matthew.
He also challenged Hogg, a wise choice.
Hogg had just fought a match and had expended some energy.
Matthew immediately challenged him, and with the experience he had gained from watching the match, he was sure to perform better than Renee.
Judging from the results, his performance was slightly better, but not by much.
He lasted only 2 minutes and 3 seconds before being kicked out by Hogg.
Weber and Truth conferred.
They decided to team up and challenge the two examiners.
After entering the arena, Truth activated his second-level atavism, transforming into a cheetah.
Using his speed advantage, he entangled Hogg and engaged in a roving fight.
Elsewhere, Weber also activated his second-level atavism, transforming into a towering tiger man, confronting Baker.
Baker picked up a branch and cast his "Rubber Staff Technique."
The branch grew thicker and longer in his palm.
In a blink of an eye, it transformed into a wooden staff brimming with magical energy.
Puff!
Baker struck the ground with his staff, and magical energy poured into the surface.
The ground rustled.
A large clump of animated vines emerged from the cracks between the colorful tiles.
Baker pointed his staff forward.
The animated vines, like a swarm of green snakes, rapidly spread toward Weber's feet.
Weber's expression changed slightly, and with a flicker of his body, he released eight mirror clones.
He exerted force with his legs and suddenly leaped up.
He soared through the vine-covered area.
With eight phantoms surrounding him, he pounced on Baker!
Baker raised his long, thick green eyebrows and sneered.
He didn't care whether the flying figure was real or phantom.
He swung his wooden staff and swept it across the sky!
Swoosh!
Like a giant broom, it swept across the air.
Weber and his mirror clones were instantly sent flying!
Bang! Bang!
Weber's flurry of mid-air kicks failed to dislodge the wooden staff.
He gritted his teeth and slammed backward!
He kicked the wall, using the momentum to bounce back.
Instead of landing, he leaped higher.
He flew over the green-browed man's head.
With a brilliant mid-air spin, he delivered a powerful kick to Baker's neck.
"Interesting move, but it doesn't work on me."
Baker smiled, not turning back, and lifted his left palm behind his shoulder.
Snap!
He firmly caught Weber's hooking foot.
Using a physical skill!
With five fingers exerting force, he grabbed his foot, swung it in the air, and slammed it down to the ground.
Bang!
Weber fell flat on his face, unable to get up.
At the same time, Truth, who had been flying around the court, was also sent flying by Hogg's slap.
To be precise, he was struck by Hogg's "Air Splitting Palm" from ten meters away.
Like a falling leaf, he was blown away by the powerful palm wind.
With a snap, he was smeared against the wall.
After just a minute, they both left the stage.
Only Allen and Linda remained on the sidelines.
Of all the candidates, Linda had the lowest cultivation level.
Her pretty face was useless at a time like this; no one wanted to team up with her.
"Brother Allen, I have a suggestion."
Linda smiled sweetly.
"If we team up, we'll both benefit."
"I don't see how I'd benefit," Allen said flatly.
Linda remained undeterred and continued, "Brother Allen, have you ever heard of a secret technique called 'Stand Alone on the Mountain,' also known as 'Cat Spirit Possession'?"
Alan shook his head.
"When I revert to my ancestral form and use this secret technique, I can possess you. Unless you're knocked down, I won't be harmed."
"Furthermore, while possessed... I can also provide you with enhanced defense!"
Linda emphasized the last sentence.
"How much?" Allen showed a hint of interest.
"My own defense is completely superimposed on yours."
"You don't look particularly defensive. More on you doesn't matter, and less on you doesn't matter either."
"Brother Allen! I'm not finished!" Linda quickly interrupted. "Our beastly armor can also be superimposed!"
"Oh? Really?" Allen raised an eyebrow.
"I swear to the ancestors, this is absolutely true!"
Linda's face was serious.
"Brother Allen, I'm sure you've noticed that neither examiner has a silver weapon."
"I'll superimpose my beast armor on you, and the damage reduction will be terrifyingly high!"
"Without enchanted silver weapons, it's nearly impossible for the two examiners to penetrate your double beast armor with just fists, kicks, and clubs!"
"You and I will become one. We'll defend without attacking. If we hold on for three minutes, we'll get the highest score!"
"After that, you'll get the Heaven-Replenishing Potion!"
"As for me, I don't seek any prizes. Just passing the exam will satisfy me."
"Brother Allen, what do you think of this suggestion?"
Linda looked at him eagerly.
Alan was still making up his mind when a voice suddenly rang out from the side.
"I think that's a great idea!"
The kindhearted Tiger Girl, Renée, overhearing the conversation between Allen and Linda, couldn't help but interrupt.
"Junior Brother Allen! I'll prove to Linda that she can indeed possess a cat spirit! Letting her possess you would benefit both of you!"
"With such a good opportunity, why don't you team up with Linda?" Allen asked.
"Uh..." Renée paused, then speculated, "Maybe Linda thinks my defense isn't strong enough, and I wouldn't be sure to get a high score after possession."
"Junior Brother Allen, you're tall and strong, and look like you'd be tough. That's why she came to you!"
"Linda, am I right?"
"Yeah, pretty much." Linda forced a smile.
"Well, that's about right." Allen said calmly.
"Why?!" Renée's eyes widened, a look of confusion on her face. "I could have gotten first place without Linda's help, so why should I let her take advantage of me?"
"You're so capable, why not just help Linda out? Consider it a good deed?" Renee asked matter-of-factly.
Alan twitched his lips.
I really wanted to grab this silly girl by the ears and ask her if she'd forgotten that not long ago, Linda was jealous of her extra points.
She'd been hurled countless harsh sarcasm and snide remarks at her before.
Perhaps Renee herself was truly magnanimous, letting bygones be bygones.
But Allen couldn't agree with the "repay evil with kindness" approach to life.
Seeing her silly expression, he was furious!
Linda saw that Ellen was annoyed with Renee and quickly pushed her away.
"Reni, please go away. I need to speak to Alan alone."
"Okay, talk it over. Don't argue."
Reni nattered on like an old woman, giving her a few long-winded instructions before reluctantly leaving.
Linda watched her walk away, then turned and gave Alan a suggestive smile.
"Junior Brother Alan, I'm not a fool like Reni."
"Of course I know you have no obligation to help me get through this."
"So, I'm willing to pay the price."
With these words, she calmly unbuttoned her collar, revealing her breasts.
Compared to the silly Reni, Alan preferred to associate with intelligent people.
However, some people were too fond of being smart.
"How many magic stones do you have?" Alan asked Linda bluntly.
Linda paused for a moment, then pondered, "After the deal is done, I'll give you fifty magic stones, plus a night with you. How about that?"
"How much do you think a night with you is worth?"
"Brother Allen! I'm not someone who sells my body lightly!" Linda's face was stern. "If I have to... it's worth at least fifty magic stones!"
Alan smiled and shook his head.
"Don't underestimate yourself, Linda. I think you're worth a hundred."
"Uh... Brother, you have good taste. I think I'm worth that price, too." Linda puffed out her chest proudly.
"So, give me a discount on your price."
Alan held out his hand.
"Give me one hundred and fifty magic stones, and I'll work with you."
"Discount...discount?"
Linda was shocked. Could they even play it that way?
"One hundred and fifty... You're asking for too much! That's too much!"
"That's the price you set yourself," Allen said, his face darkening. "Fifty magic stones, plus one night of companionship. I'm simply converting the latter into cash based on the price you set yourself."
"You made the offer, and now you're going to deny it."
"How can I trust you when you're so dishonest?"
"Let's not talk about teaming up!"
Alan turned and walked away.
"Brother, please stay!"
Linda hurried after him.
Hardening her heart, she took off the storage bag from her waist and stuffed it into Alan's pocket.
"I only have 133 magic stones. I'll give them all to you!"
"For the rest, I'll compensate you with my own body—"
"That's not necessary!" Alan interrupted her with a wave of his hand. "I'm expensive. You can't afford me."
He counted the magic stones in the bag and casually put them in his pocket.
"Well, consider it a good deed. That's all."
Linda forced a smile and said through gritted teeth, "Thank you for your consideration, brother!" "
She took off her coat and activated the second-level atavism.
She transformed into a white cat and leaped onto Alan's shoulder.
Activating the possession technique, she vanished into him.
Alan glanced at his shoulder.
A cat-shaped emblem appeared, and the magic energy emanating from it flowed through his body.
Alan, lost in thought, silently opened the system page.
As expected, the "Cat Spirit Possessed" buff appeared in the status column.
The effect was just as Linda had predicted: it stacked with beast armor.
Alan took off his coat and tried to find a branch to hang it up.
Just then, a hand reached out eagerly.
"Junior Brother Alan, I'll keep your clothes for you!"
"...Why you again?!"
"I've already passed the level. I'm free anyway, so I'll help you out. It won't be a problem. "Leni said cheerfully.
Alan looked up, speechless and questioning the heavens!
"As you wish."
He threw her his coat and, shirtless, walked into the examination room.
Across from him, Baker and Hogg also came forward.
"Cat spirit possession, huh?" Hogg chuckled. "I've heard of it, but this is the first time I've seen it."
"Me too." Baker looked curiously at the tattoo-like cat emblem on Alan's shoulder. "You should also revert to your ancestral form, or you won't be able to unleash the full power of the cat spirit possession." "
Alan murmured.
In reality, he wanted to fight Baker and Hogg in his normal form.
After all, neither of them had regressed.
However, this was a very important test, and if he failed to show off, it would be disastrous. So, he accepted Baker's advice and activated the third stage of regression.
His muscles and bones twisted and swelled!
In the blink of an eye, he transformed into a six-meter-tall, leopard-headed giant with jet-black fur!
Leni held Alan's clothes, guarding the sidelines.
Seeing him grow so drastically, her eyes widened.
Matthew, Weber, and Truth were all stunned.
"Can you leopard-men regress to such size?" Matthew asked Truth.
Truss hesitated and shook his head slightly.
"Leopard-men are not like tiger-men or lion-men. After regressing, they mainly increase their agility, but their size doesn't change so dramatically. "
"As far as I know, a Leopard Man who reaches the third level of Atavism is usually around three meters tall."
"This kid, Allen... looks like a Black Leopard Man, but after Atavism, he's twice as tall as a normal Atavism Leopard Man—absurdly strong!"
"I bet this is definitely not a Black Leopard Man!"
"It looks more like some kind of Giant bloodline!"
As everyone was discussing this, two men and a woman walked into the dojo side by side.
"Wow! We're just in time!"
Maria, catching sight of Allen's Atavism form from afar, smiled.
"After Fourth Brother's promotion to the third level, his Atavism has become even more abnormal."
George marveled.
"As expected of the rare Demonic Leopard Man bloodline, his growth has been remarkable!"
Adam was also envious: "Even among us Bear Men, even those who reach the third level of Atavism aren't as strong as Fourth Brother." "
The three siblings also had exam invigilation duties today.
After finishing their respective tasks, they hurried over to cheer on their fourth brother.
Reni heard the noise and turned curiously to strike up a conversation.
"Are you all Alan's friends?"
Maria nodded, then her face darkened when she saw the coat in her hands.
"Are you... my fourth brother's new girlfriend?"
"Huh? I'm not Alan's girlfriend! I'm just helping him get his clothes!"
Reni blushed and quickly clarified.
"Hmph! I don't think I am!" Maria snatched the coat from her hands and held it in her arms like a treasure. "This kind of thing doesn't require outsiders to show their affection. Go away!"
"Senior sister, you're so mean..." Reni shyly avoided her.
"Don't be so cold to me. You're my junior sister after all. Adam said with a smile, smoothing things over.
Maria rolled her eyes and said nothing.
At this moment, Baker and Hogg in the courtyard also noticed the three visitors.
They quickly turned to the sidelines, respectfully calling out "Brother, Sister."
"It's okay, we're just here to take a look. Go about your business!"
George waved at Hogg from a distance, stopping him from coming over to greet them.
"That big, dark guy on the court is our fourth brother! Go ahead and beat him down! Don't let him look down on our piggery!"
"Hit him hard!" Adam chimed in. "Don't worry! My fourth brother is tough. Even if the two of you team up, he can't be killed!"
"Big brother! Second brother! You two are almost done!" Still, Sister Lion felt sorry for her younger brother. "We'll see. Who knows who'll get the better of whom!" "
Hogg was stunned for a moment, then turned around and winked at his partner.
Baker was also scratching his head.
What's going on?
Is this true?!
That seventeen-year-old boy named Allen has such a strong background?
He's actually the younger brother of the "Three Heroes" of the Silver Moon Monastery's youth generation!
Adam, George, and Maria represent the Bear, Pig, and Cat Houses, the strongest fighting force under the elders!
In fact, although their cultivation hasn't reached the fourth level yet, ordinary fourth-level elders are no match for them.
All three were considered candidates for the position of abbot. Focus on training.
Adam, George, and Maria all came to support Allen. What a grand gesture, what a grand show!
Baker and Hogg recently declared in front of the examinees that they wouldn't buy into the Cat Academy!
No matter how powerful a examinee's connections, they'll have no effect on them.
However...
Adam and George are the senior brothers of their own branch. Doesn't face count?
It would be embarrassing to say that.
Baker and Hogg wiped their cold sweats, feeling a little uneasy!
"Strange! Why do these three younger brothers still have to go through the exam process? Even if they're applying with their skills, they should be specially recruited!" Hogg, looking confused, whispered to Baker, "What should we do?"
"Since they're willing to go through the process, then... let's just go through the normal process." Baker smiled wryly. "Don't be too obvious. It would be bad if they saw you were deliberately letting them off." "
Hogg and Baker returned to the center of the examination room, heavy-hearted.
Due to external factors, they both felt immense mental pressure.
Across from them, Allen appeared calm and composed...
The two examiners exchanged bewildered glances at this scene, their pressure mounting!
Look at what's going on...
It was as if Allen was the examiner and they were the examinees!
...
Baker and Hogg, filled with mixed emotions, joined forces to surround the Attack Allen, possessed by a cat spirit.
Initially, the two used only 70% of their strength.
Not only were they unable to penetrate Allen's enhanced beast armor, but their hands were also jarred.
Realizing that this young man wasn't solely relying on his backers and that he possessed considerable strength, Baker and Hogg gradually took their time.
The fight on the field intensified!
Maria's lips curled slightly as she watched Allen hold his own against Baker and Hogg, her strength not being much inferior.
"Fourth brother's strength isn't much worse than mine."
"In the past, our Cat House lacked bloodline geniuses like Baker and Hogg. We always felt a little insecure in front of you, the Bear House and the Pig House."
"With Allen joining, this situation will completely change. We finally have a successor for the Cat House!" "
Adam and George nodded in agreement.
"Senior Sister..." Renee, unable to contain her curiosity, leaned over to inquire, "Are those two examiners also considered geniuses?"
Maria glanced at the familiar woman and patiently replied:
"You only passed the exam because they showed some mercy."
"In fact, including you, the four previous candidates were not even worthy enough to make Baker and Hogg take them seriously!"
"These two, like my fourth brother, have awakened rare bloodlines, superior qualifications, and enormous potential!"
"Otherwise, why would they be sent as examiners?"
"Senior Sister, I still don't see how they're any different from ordinary bearmen and pigmen..." Renee was bewildered.
"This only shows that you have poor vision and limited knowledge!" Maria's tone wasn't particularly friendly, but she still answered Renee's questions earnestly.
"Baker, nicknamed 'Koala,' is the direct disciple of Master Bachs, the Head of the Bear Court!"
"Hogg, known as 'Electric Pig,' is the beloved disciple of Master Varaha, the Head of the Pig Court!"
"Baker's awakened tree-like bear bloodline allows him to comprehend more plant-based magic than ordinary bear warlocks, transforming into his ancestral form and possessing supernatural plant properties!"
"Hogg's awakened Thunderboar bloodline allows him to comprehend various types of lightning magic. His ancestral form, 'Thunderboar,' possesses the dual attributes of 'Electric Shock' and 'Thunder'! "
Reni was stunned.
Today, she had met more geniuses than in the previous nineteen years combined!
It felt like a dream.
The more Renee thought about it, the more she wondered how she, a nobody, had managed to get in.
Perhaps this was the saying, "A fool has his luck"?
...
In the exam room, the fierce battle lasted for two minutes and thirty seconds.
Baker and Hogg were around. Double-teaming, punches, kicks, like a torrential downpour!
Alan parried calmly.
His defense, reinforced by Linda, was impenetrable.
Muscles collided, a thud!
Baker and Hogg's torrent of attacks were parried.
Even with all their might, they couldn't break through Allen's defense.
Alan focused his main energy on defense; the longer he held out, the higher his score!
So far, his strategy of defending instead of attacking had been highly effective.
Alan and Linda's scores had already surpassed those of the other candidates.
Meanwhile, Baker and Hogg, facing each other, had a change of heart.
Initially, Baker and Hogg, considering Maria and the other two, had been tempted to let them win.
As the fight progressed, they realized they'd overestimated their abilities.
Alan and Linda, combined, possessed by a "cat spirit," had exceptionally strong defenses, which was within their expectations.
It was perfectly normal for bare hands to penetrate double armor. What truly shocked Baker and Hogg was Alan's strength and speed! As everyone knows, leopard people are known for their agility.
Atavism primarily enhances agility. Strength, however, is a weak point. It would have been reasonable for Alan to have relied on his agility and speed to evade the two's attacks. Incredible.
Yes, he adopted a completely different strategy.
Baker's tree-bear bloodline and Hogg's thunder boar bloodline both possessed exceptionally high physical growth.
Even an ordinary third-level violent warlock, even after initiating atavism, wouldn't possess the strength of these two.
When Hogg had previously shattered a bodhi tree as thick as a man's embrace with a single punch, he had only exerted 60% of his power.
Now, he unleashed his Giant Spirit Fist, striking with all his might.
The powerful punch was met with a casual slap from Allen. Smack it!
…You call this a leopard-man fight?!
It's obvious that a six-meter-tall leopard-man...
He's not a proper leopard-man!
He must be expelled from the leopard clan!
Go back to the Titans!
But then again, if Eren is of Titan bloodline, his agility and speed are ridiculously high.
Baker and Hogg grew increasingly nervous as the fight went on!
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, they felt a bit embarrassed.
At least they had to redeem themselves within three minutes, right?
Two examiners teamed up, unable to suppress even one candidate.
If word got out, everyone would laugh!
Unable to penetrate Eren's defenses, strengthened by his "cat spirit possession," Baker and Hogg changed their strategy, abandoning purely physical attacks and employing elemental magical techniques and spells to besiege Eren!
Beast armor could only block physical attacks, but was ineffective against elemental energy and magical attacks. It has no defensive effect.
This is common sense.
Baker took the lead, changing his stance and clashing his fists.
Bang!
Sun Fist!!
Amidst a roar, golden light burst forth!
Instantly, the entire arena was enveloped in a blinding radiance!
Alan bore the brunt of the attack, unsurprisingly closing his eyes.
Now!
Hogg's eyes gleamed, and he executed a casting gesture in a hurry.
"Tinwé! "
A bolt of lightning shot out from his palm.
Third-level Shaping Magic—Lightning Bolt!
Lightning split the sky, thunder roared!
However...
The lightning bolt crisscrossed the courtyard, collapsing a section of the wall, but failed to strike Allen, who appeared to be blind.
The speed of a leopard!
The pace of a hound!
Just as Baker and Hogg exchanged bewildered glances, the ghostly figure of the leopard-headed giant approached.
Alan struck with both palms, and the air exploded!
Double Explosive Palm!
BOOM!!
BOOM!!
Two roars reverberated through the courtyard.
Baker and Hogg, hastily blocking, were both repelled by the explosive palm force.
They stumbled back ten steps, barely stabilizing themselves.
The two men's arms, having blocked Allen's palm force, felt a sharp pain.
Their sleeves had been shattered, and blood oozed from their skin.
What a perverted reaction!
What incredible speed!
Baker and Hogg, I couldn't help but curse inwardly!
…You call this a giant fight?!
Get back to the leopard-man camp, you idiot!
In reality, Eren isn't a giant, nor is he a leopard-man.
He's a demonic leopard giant, possessing the strength of an ogre and the speed of a leopard!
Third-level atavism: 6 bonuses to both physique and agility.
Eren's stats after atavism are: physique 35, agility 31
Baker and Hogg finally couldn't hold back.
If this continues, he's not going to... The two of them tried to test Allen, but were instead completely defeated by this seventeen-year-old candidate!
Who could stand this?!
So what if Maria, Adam, and George showed up to support Allen?
No one's face is worth saving today!
We have to teach this kid a lesson!
Baker and Hogg exchanged glances.
Simultaneously activated the third stage of atavism!
Baker transformed into a tall and powerful bear-man.
But he wasn't just a pure bear-man.
Covered in bear hair, he transformed
Thick vines and branches.
The emerald green bear-man resembled a mighty tree.
His fur was dotted with vibrant flowers.
A rich natural magic emanated from him.
Even on the other side, Hogg crouched on all fours, transformed into a wild boar!
Though called a wild boar, it was a whole lot larger than a rhinoceros!
His body was covered in jet-black brown fur, gleaming with crackling electric sparks.
His sharp, electrified fangs resembled two silver-snake spears!
Atavistic Baker and Atavistic Hogg lunged at Allen side by side, unleashing their combined might!
Everyone on the sidelines held their breath, their eyes wide.
They watched intently as this fierce battle, far beyond the level of a rookie exam, unfolded!
Alan raised his arms and launched his fists.
Every muscle in his body tensed, ready to withstand the combined onslaught of the koala and the electric pig head-on!
He also tested his own defenses to see if they could withstand this level of pressure.
Just as the outcome was about to be decided, something unexpected happened.
Linda...unintentionally released her possession!
Reverting to her white cat form, she leaped from Alan's shoulder!
Swish!
The white cat soared up the wall, away from the center of the fray.
With a malicious sneer in her eyes, she watched Alan, ruthlessly abandoned by her, endure the combined attack of the koala and the electric pig alone!
Bang!
The three figures separated at the touch.
Without the cat spirit's possession, Alan's defenses were drastically reduced, and he was no match for the combined attack of the two masters.
The sturdy body tumbled through the air like a leaf in the wind.
Blood gushed out of his mouth!
He fell to the ground, seemingly lifeless.
Linda leaped down from the wall, transforming back into her human form upon landing, her eyes devoid of any guilt.
Facing the grim-faced Baker and Hogg, she immediately raised her hands, signaling a ceasefire!
"Examiners, the three minutes are up!"
"Please rate me!"
"Is that how you treat your partner?" Baker's voice was thick with rage.
"I tried my best," Linda shrugged, hands spread wide, a look of grievance on her face. "At the last moment, I exhausted my magic power and couldn't maintain my possession, so I had no choice but to escape on my own."
"You're lying!"
Suddenly, from outside the arena, Renée roared.
"How could you possibly have exhausted your magic in just three minutes?!"
"You possessed me before, and you didn't even complain of fatigue for ten minutes!"
Linda pretended not to hear Renee's revelation. She remained calm as she defended herself to Baker and Hogg:
"Come to think of it, if it weren't for me, Alan wouldn't have lasted this long!"
"Alan fought well, he just lacked a bit of luck."
"I admire his bravery, but it's a shame that dead people can't get any marks on the exam."
"As a teammate, I deserve to share in his good results."
"So, you two examiners, give me full marks, is that okay?"
Baker and Hogg exchanged bewildered looks at her.
This woman is not only shameless, she's probably insane!
She doesn't seem to know who she just tricked.
What kind of brainwashed person is this to dare do such a thing? The head disciples of the three academies were watching from the sidelines!
You're just so blatantly trying to trick their little brother?
This woman, damn... must she be crazy?!
...
Linda had planned this from the very beginning, seeking cooperation with Allen.
She betrayed him at the last minute and kicked him out.
Why would she trick her teammates? Wouldn't it be better for both of them to get high scores and pass the exam together?
Because there's only one "Heaven-Replenishing Potion"!
Because Allen's interview score was higher than hers!
If they worked together normally and passed the exam, Allen's total score would definitely be higher than hers.
In that case, she could only watch Allen take the "Heaven-Replenishing Potion."
She had always dreamed of improving her bloodline's aptitude. With this heaven-sent opportunity right before her, how could she bear to give it up?!
If you don't work for yourself, you will be punished by heaven and earth!
This was Linda's reason for betraying her at the last minute.
As for why she didn't care about the consequences?
After initiating the cat spirit possession, Linda became completely attached to Alan.
Her five senses were significantly weakened, and she could only sense movements near Alan.
Alan, concerned about avoiding suspicion, didn't go to greet his sworn brother and sister.
Linda had no idea anyone had arrived during the meeting, nor did she know the depths of Alan's background.
She only knew that Alan had some connection to Maria.
If she offended Alan, she would likely face retaliation from Maria.
Of course, Linda didn't want to offend Maria.
But there's no such thing as a free lunch. How can you achieve success without paying a price?
Can you earn others' respect by being considerate of others and daring not to offend anyone?
Wrong! Very wrong!
In this cruel, filthy world, good people often go unrewarded!
Killing and setting fires earns you a gold belt, but repairing bridges and roads leaves no corpses!
Reni is a living example of the opposite!
Linda has long seen through this damned world. She doesn't want to live like Rennie, a dog. She must take risks!
As long as she can obtain the "Heaven-Replenishing Potion" and improve her qualifications, she might eventually become the next Maria!
Everything she has today was earned through risk. Nothing had gone wrong before, so why not try again?
Linda fulfilled her ambition, but the result was unexpected.
A suffocating silence lingered in the exam room for a long time.
Finally, it was Baker who spoke first.
"Linda, let me not judge your behavior, whether it's despicable enough to violate the exam rules. What's more important is..."
Baker's expression was odd, his gaze darting behind Linda.
"Your partner, Alan Panthers, isn't dead yet!"
Linda's heart trembled, and she turned hastily.
She was shocked to find that Alan, who had been dealt a heavy blow by Baker and Hogg and whom she had thought was doomed...
Truly, he had risen from the pool of blood!
Linda's frozen face suddenly broke into a joyful smile.
"Great! Senior Brother Alan! I knew you wouldn't give up so easily!"
"I didn't give up either! I used my rhetoric to buy you as much time as possible, and finally managed to hold on until this moment!"
"We'll split the points equally, and both of us will pass!"
Bang!
Alan sent her flying with a palm strike.
"Who are you talking to?"
"Scheming bitch, get over there!"
Wipe the blood from the corner of his mouth, Alan roared:
"I'm going to beat three of you!"
"Alan! You've already passed the test. Don't do anything stupid because of a momentary impulse!"
Maria, worried that Alan's injuries might worsen, tried to call a halt to the test, which had already gotten out of hand.
"Everyone, stop! If you keep fighting, we'll exceed the limits of the test!"
"Maria, mind your own business!"
A young woman's voice suddenly rang out from behind Sister Lion. Her voice was clear, elegant, and graceful, like a flower from a high mountain.
"If the little boy wants to fight, let him fight to his heart's content!"
Maria's face suddenly changed!
She quickly turned around and bowed deeply to the newcomer.
"Disciple greets Master!"