The Convention wasn't just about showing off; it was a survival game. The first task was 'The Flash Cut'.
[Quest: Complete 5 haircuts in 5 minutes!]
[Target Quality: A-Rank or higher.]
[Penalty: Immediate disqualification from the Convention.]
Ten stylists were called to the stage, including Sufiyan. Their customers were 'Battle-Hardened Soldiers' whose hair was as tough as steel wires due to their training.
"Start!" the announcer shouted.
While other stylists were struggling to even cut the hair with their normal scissors, Sufiyan closed his eyes. He didn't use his eyes; he used his [Mana Perception].
[Skill Activated: Divine Flow!]
Sufiyan's hands moved so fast that they created a 'Sonic Boom' on the stage. He wasn't just cutting; he was using the Mana in the air to vibrate his scissors, making them sharp enough to cut through steel-like hair.
[System Progress: 1/5... 3/5... 5/5!]
[Total Time: 2 Minutes 45 Seconds!]
The crowd was silent. Even Madame Vora stopped talking. Sufiyan was the first to finish, and his customers didn't just have new haircuts—their 'Soul Stats' had increased by 5 points each.
[Ding! Experience Gained: +5,000 EXP.]
[Level Up! Level 23 achieved!]
"Not bad, kid," Rajesh whispered, passing by Sufiyan. "But the next round isn't about speed. It's about 'The Spirit'."