When they arrived at the military district, Reston's eyes widened at the sight of the steel bastion before him.
"Whoa… this huge? How have I never seen this place? How is it even hidden?" Reston muttered, baffled that something so massive could remain concealed.
Instructor Lin chuckled at his reaction.
"Your surprise is normal. This place is shielded by the domain of a Martial Saint. Without clearance, no one can step inside."
"I see…"
At the entrance, a crisp voice echoed:
"Verification complete—iris, fingerprint, voice, and access card confirmed. Welcome, Instructor Lin Shuheng."
"Alright. Just follow me. Don't wander, or someone might actually arrest you," Lin warned.
"Got it." Reston nodded obediently. He had put on a hoodie on the way over—its hood tipped with little cat ears that swayed along with his nod.
....
Knock, knock.
"Commander, I've brought him," Lin saluted smartly.
Reston quickly caught on from the address, pulled back his hood, and saluted as well.
"Commander, sir."
The Commander gave a faint smile.
"No need to be so stiff. I only wanted to meet young Reston in person."
Then his eyes sharpened. His spiritual sense swept over Reston—yet he found nothing. No information? And he isn't affected by my aura suppression? The Commander was stunned.
At that moment, the system's voice chimed in Reston's mind:
"Host, the opponent attempted a probe and aura suppression. Both have been nullified by War God's Will."
So this is War God's Will… I didn't feel a thing. Reston mused inwardly.
"Instructor Lin! Commander, please stop—the boy is still just a student!" Lin hurriedly protested. That aura is crushing even me.
"Heh, it's fine. Look—Reston is perfectly unharmed." The Commander smiled faintly again.
"…Huh?" Lin glanced back, realizing Reston truly looked untouched.
The Commander's voice turned solemn.
"Since you can withstand my aura without faltering, then you should have the strength to enter the Military Tournament, yes?"
"Military Tournament? What's that?" Reston asked.
Lin explained on his behalf:
"Each year, after recruitment, every district holds a grand competition. If you win first place, you earn rare resources and qualify for the National Tournament. Victors there join the national team, facing champions of other nations."
"Correct," the Commander added. "The tournament begins in two months. If you agree, Instructor Lin will register you and arrange for an ability test."
"…Alright." Reston nodded. How could he refuse when even the Commander insisted?
"I have matters to attend. I'll take my leave." The Commander departed, with Lin escorting him to the door.
"Reston, let's go. Time to register."
⸻
The registration hall.
"Proceed with your test," the registrar intoned mechanically.
"This is the Wooden Training Post. It will scan your stats. In the end, all you must do is strike it with your full strength," a soldier explained.
Hope I don't break it… I've heard people with systems always end up smashing these things… Reston sighed, stepping forward.
Scanning…
Realm: Body Tempering, Seventh Stage.
Expected Output: 5000 kg-force.
"What?!" Instructor Lin nearly shouted. Seventh Stage Body Tempering—already?! He awakened only this morning!
The soldier stared in disbelief. How could this seemingly skinny youth stand at such a level?
"Testing—begin."
"Hmm… if it's full power, then bringing out the Skyrend Blade should be fine…" Reston thought. A gleaming weapon appeared in his hand as if from nowhere. Lin had no idea where it came from before Reston swung.
"Skyrend!" Reston roared.
The post flew backward like a missile, smashing into the wall with a thunderous crash.
"What the—?! That post is anchored into the floor! It's built to withstand the peak of Martial-class physical strength, barehanded!" Lin shouted, stunned.
The ruined post collapsed. Lin rushed to check—it was shattered beyond repair, its readings erased. He turned back, only to meet Reston's dead-fish-eyed, lifeless stare.
"…I don't have to pay for that, do I?" Reston asked hesitantly.
Lin was speechless. That's your concern?!
"No. Breaking it only proves how frightening your power is. But it doesn't mean your full strength can always be drawn out. We'll confirm it again—in the Real Combat Simulation Arena."
The moment Lin said that, the dead-fish-eyed expression returned to Reston's face.
…I just want to sleep… he thought miserably, trailing after Lin toward the Simulation Arena.
Chapter 3: A Staggering Power
When they arrived at the military district, Reston's eyes widened at the sight of the steel bastion before him.
"Whoa… this huge? How have I never seen this place? How is it even hidden?" Reston muttered, baffled that something so massive could remain concealed.
Instructor Lin chuckled at his reaction.
"Your surprise is normal. This place is shielded by the domain of a Martial Saint. Without clearance, no one can step inside."
"I see…"
At the entrance, a crisp voice echoed:
"Verification complete—iris, fingerprint, voice, and access card confirmed. Welcome, Instructor Lin Shuheng."
"Alright. Just follow me. Don't wander, or someone might actually arrest you," Lin warned.
"Got it." Reston nodded obediently. He had thrown on a hoodie during the ride—its hood tipped with little cat ears, which bobbed as he moved.
⸻
Knock, knock.
"Commander, I've brought him," Lin saluted smartly.
Reston quickly caught on from the address, pulled back his hood, and saluted as well.
"Commander, sir."
The Commander gave a faint smile.
"No need to be so stiff. I only wanted to meet young Reston in person."
Then his eyes sharpened. His spiritual sense swept over Reston—yet he found nothing. No information? And he isn't affected by my aura suppression? The Commander was stunned.
At that moment, the system's voice chimed in Reston's mind:
"Host, the opponent attempted a probe and aura suppression. Both have been nullified by War God's Will."
So this is War God's Will… I didn't feel a thing. Reston mused inwardly.
"Instructor Lin! Commander, please stop—the boy is still just a student!" Lin hurriedly protested. That aura is crushing even me.
"Heh, it's fine. Look—Reston is perfectly unharmed." The Commander smiled faintly again.
"…Huh?" Lin glanced back, realizing Reston truly looked untouched.
The Commander's voice turned solemn.
"Since you can withstand my aura without faltering, then you should have the strength to enter the Military Tournament, yes?"
"Military Tournament? What's that?" Reston asked.
Lin explained on his behalf:
"Each year, after recruitment, every district holds a grand competition. If you win first place, you earn rare resources and qualify for the National Tournament. Victors there join the national team, facing champions of other nations."
"Correct," the Commander added. "The tournament begins in two months. If you agree, Instructor Lin will register you and arrange for an ability test."
"…Alright." Reston nodded. How could he refuse when even the Commander insisted?
"I have matters to attend. I'll take my leave." The Commander departed, with Lin escorting him to the door.
"Reston, let's go. Time to register."
⸻
The registration hall.
"Proceed with your test," the registrar intoned mechanically.
"This is the Wooden Training Post. It will scan your stats. In the end, all you must do is strike it with your full strength," a soldier explained.
Hope I don't break it… I've heard people with systems always end up smashing these things… Reston sighed, stepping forward.
Scanning…
Realm: Body Tempering, Seventh Stage.
Expected Output: 5000 kg-force.
"What?!" Instructor Lin nearly shouted. Seventh Stage Body Tempering—already?! He awakened only this morning!
The soldier stared in disbelief. How could this seemingly skinny youth stand at such a level?
"Testing—begin."
"Hmm… if it's full power, then bringing out the Skyrend Blade should be fine…" Reston thought. A gleaming weapon appeared in his hand as if from nowhere. Lin had no idea where it came from before Reston swung.
"Skyrend!" Reston slashed down.
The post flew backward like a missile, smashing into the wall with a thunderous crash.
"What the—?! That post is anchored into the floor! It's built to withstand the peak of Martial-class physical strength, barehanded!" Lin shouted, stunned.
How is it this strong?! Reston thought in shock.
At that moment, the system popped up:
"Ding! Due to the enhancements and transformation granted by your War God's Blood and War God's Body, your overall power now far exceeds what is typical for your current realm."
The ruined post collapsed. Lin rushed to check—it was shattered beyond repair, its readings erased. He turned back, only to meet Reston's dead-eyed, soul-weary gaze.
"…I don't have to pay for that, do I?" Reston asked hesitantly.
Lin was speechless. Seriously? That's what he's worried about…?
"No. Breaking it only proves how frightening your power is. But it doesn't mean your full strength can always be drawn out. We'll confirm it again—in the Real Combat Simulation Arena."
Upon hearing Lin's words, the lifeless, soulless look crept back onto Reston's face.
…I just want to sleep… he thought miserably, trailing after Lin toward the Simulation Arena.