Chapter 174: Chapter 163 : Introductions (Part 3.2)

“That’s allowed?!” Roxy snapped Yu Ling’s way and barked her question with a scrunched-up expression.

Yu Ling returned a pacifying stare before responding in his usual calm voice. “It is. Coordination between those in the squares has always been a possibility, in fact, it’s a hope that rarely gets realised.” The Martial Master gave the Martial Seniors a disappointed look. “You two should have been on the lookout for the tactic…I suppose you were too caught up in your amusements to consider the possibility.”

“That’s…”

“Unacceptable and disgraceful, yes,” the Silver Fang Hunter cut in with a reprimanding tone. “These students aren’t the only ones in need of a lesson, you two are greatly lacking yourselves.”

Adrian and Roxy’s faces turned shameful at the words.

Yu Ling shook his head. “Thankfully, you won’t have to worry about coordinated attacks anymore. There are only two people left, Adrian, go all out.”

“Yes, Master Ling,” Adrian responded seriously, even bowing. He re-entered his square while Roxy remained rooted in place, simmering in her negative emotions.

While this exchange was happening, Gerard officially announced the twins’ victory. Charlotte and Skye celebrated the fact with a jubilant high-five, before making their way back to the stands.

They were welcomed as heroes by their fellow students, heroes who had just fought and won a gruelling war…and with their roughed-up states and victorious smiles, they certainly looked the part. The twins were doused with compliments and congratulations in equal measure as they waded through the crowd to arrive before Ralf’s group.

“Sweet victories, very nicely done,” Ralf complimented as he clapped his hands.

The praise widened the twins’ smug smiles.

“Congratulations,” Violet followed up. Already on her feet, she quickly spread her arms in welcome.

The Onic Master didn’t hesitate and claimed her reward at once. She threw herself into Violet’s ample bosom and the two beauties wrapped around each to form a warm embrace.

Ralf’s lips quirked up at the sight. He noticed Skye’s sliver of envy and got up and spread his arms as well. “Come come, claim your victory hug here, brother.”

The air Mimc smiled wryly but accepted it nonetheless.

Lane watched the hugs with a head tilt. Ralf noted the former assassin’s reaction from the corner of his eye, and after separating from Skye, asked, “Want one too, Lane?”

“I don’t know,” Lane answered, truly unsure of his feelings on the matter.

“Well, you’ll know shortly. Win or lose, you’ll return to a hug. Try to win though, I’ll give you a special prize if you do.”

Lane’s eyes flickered with desire as he imagined the possibilities. He jolted up. “I’ll be off then.”

“Good luck, friend.”

Lane nodded then headed down. More driven than ever, the former assassin leapt into Adrian’s square.

All eyeballs converged on Lane. His ‘former assassin’ identity had raised the students’ collective expectations to the clouds. Good lucks and encouraging words sounded from the stands, the twins contributing their voices as well.

Adrian’s body tensed up at the other’s approach. Truthfully, Yu Ling’s words to go all out were redundant when it came to Lane. Like many staff, Adrian had come to learn of Lane’s story.

The Kuling senior practitioner valued hardship. It was why he looked down on new students, many of whom came from pampered and sheltered backgrounds. Against the likes of Lane though, he could show none of that disdain, for when comparing hardships, the former assassin was on a completely different level. As such, Adrian regarded Lane seriously; he sharpened his concentration to its utmost limits.

“Adrian, are you ready?” Gerard asked.

Adrian assumed a combat stance and nodded. Gerard asked the same of Lane, who just nodded.

“Okay, the match starts in three two one…now!”

The fighters remained motionless, eyeing each other - well, Adrian eyed Lane; the former assassin’s gaze seemed to be pointed in the other’s general direction. Adrian found it unnerving but didn’t rush into anything. He had been informed of the other’s close combat specialisation.

After five seconds of nothingness, Lane made his move. He strode toward his opponent, casually, as though taking a stroll through a park. His right hand moved to his forehead and wiped as though cleaning off sweat. At the same time, his left hand moved to his neck and removed his scarf.

His movements' nonchalance and unhurried nature caused Adrian’s mind to drift. Lane didn’t allow the other’s brief lapse to go unpunished. His left hand became a blur as he threw his scarf at his opponent’s face.

Adrian’s eyes flickered at the act. The red scarf suddenly expanded before him, obstructing Lane from view. Jolted awake, the martial artist reflexively swatted away the scarf with his left hand while pulling back his right to strike.

But before he could, he caught a sight that instantly chilled the blood in his veins. Lane was right before him, body low and right hand already poised to strike. The former assassin had closed the five-metre gap in the blink of an eye. Adrian rushed to form a guard, but by then, it was too late.

Bam!

Lane’s palm swiftly snaked through the guard’s gaps and struck Adrian’s chin dead on. One hit was all it took. The speed, power and precision of the attack disrupted Adrian’s stream of consciousness and the martial artist quickly plummeted down.

He didn’t crash to the floor though. Lane prevented the happening while also catching his falling scarf with his other hand. Then, he calmly dragged the dazed Adrian outside the square and placed him down gently before re-equipping his scarf. Done, he didn’t spare another moment for the downed fighter and headed back to the stands.

As he was doing this, silence.

A stunned silence filled the venue. The notion that Lane could win wasn’t too shocking for the students; what was, was the manner he did so in. He made everything look so easy, so simple, and yet the students knew better. The way they viewed Lane began shifting in real-time.

“Excellent showing, Lane,” Gerard praised while clapping, breaking the silence. “Sigurd’s words of praise weren’t misplaced. Your past was dark but your future looks bright. Good work, young man.”

Lane just nodded before making his way over to Ralf and the others.

“Over in the blink of an eye, as expected from a former assassin. Good showing, killer,” Charlotte complimented.

“Yeah, from hitman to just one hit man, very impressive stuff, Lane,” Skye followed up while flashing a thumbs up.

Lane, unsure of how to respond in these situations, simply acknowledged the praise with a nod.

“Indeed, splendid work out there, buddy,” Ralf agreed with the twins’ sentiments. “Now, come claim your reward,” he said with a smile as he spread his arms.

Lane didn’t slow his steps and mimicked what he had seen previously. The two shared a tight embrace.

“What about now? Like being hugged or nah?” Ralf asked a few seconds into the hug.

“Mmm…I think I do like it,” Lane replied, his blank face betraying no inclination.

“Good…because I love hugs,” Ralf emphasised with a squeeze. “We’ll be doing this plenty of times in the future, so prepare yourself.”

“I see…I’ll do so then.” A trace of delight appeared on Lane’s doll-like face as he voiced.

The pair separated a few seconds later.

“About the special prize…”

“That, I’ll show it to you later. I’d show you it now, but I have to make it first. It’ll take no time to create, just be a little patient, okay.”

Lane nodded, satisfied with the answer.

You are reading story The Silver Path at novel35.com

“Hey, can I see it too, the special prize thing?”

Ralf turned to the speaker, Charlotte, who was currently burning in the flames of intrigue and wonder.

He didn’t respond immediately and instead had his gaze hover over the telepathic links that sprouted from her. One was connected to the princess and the other was connected to her brother; both links were working to erase feelings of pain.

“Hey Charlotte, how good are your telepathic abilities?”

“Huh, they’re pretty good, why ask?” the merchant questioned, not following Ralf’s train of thought.

Ralf’s eyes brightened as he envisioned a certain scene. He rubbed his chin and explained himself. “Hmm, I just conceived something rather spectacular and telepathic abilities would be required to make it happen.”

“Spectacular,” Charlotte repeated as sparkles too visited her eyes.

“Yep, amazing, never-before-seen, fantastical, marvellous…all the adjectives. Anyway, you’re in,“ Ralf snapped his fingers at Charlotte as he declared.

The Onic Master was momentarily taken aback. “I am?…so I can see Lane’s special prize then?”

“Yep, and much more.”

Charlotte’s face beamed at the prospect.

“Hey, can I see it too, whatever you’re talking about?” Skye scooted closer and chirped up with a raised hand.

“Of course, brother Skye. Your name was already jotted down on the list,” the Transmigrator said to which Skye rejoiced with a fist pump.

Ralf smiled then turned his sights to Violet, whose eyes were shining with naked curiosity. “Want in too, princess?”

“I can?” Violet’s voice jumped as she asked.

Ralf found her unbridled excitement amusing. “Yep, there are still open slots to fill. So, what’s your answer?”

“I’d love to join in,” Violet responded at once.

She didn’t have the faintest clue as to what lay in store, but from Ralf’s words alone, she couldn’t help but get excited. She had no doubt that whatever it was, it would be new to her. The twins’ participation also affected her feelings on the matter.

“Excellent choice, you won’t regret it,” Ralf assured. “Now, I should be off, everyone’s waiting - oh, before then,” he paused his turning motion as he remembered something.

“Mister best-for-last, it’s your turn, please hurry it along,” Gerard spoke up, voicing the feelings of the crowd of students who were observing Ralf and the others.

Most were nursing injuries with no way of easing their pain and wanted to put this venue and event behind them as soon as possible.

Ralf read their feelings and showed an apologetic look. “Ah, sorry everyone, one last thing, just give me a few more moments.”

Following the words, the Transmigrator did something surprising. He formed a soundproof booth with his Psi again, however, this time, he had it encase only himself and Violet. The princess was surprised, and even more so when Ralf suddenly leaned his face in.

Those watching bubbled at the happening, some in speculation but most in envy and agitation. Ralf whispered a long string of words to Violet, who then whispered a much shorter string of words back at him. Ralf pulled back and then nodded, before dispelling the barrier.

Students, especially the male students, ground their teeth at the exchange. Not only did Violet not seem bothered by the act, she even wore an appreciative look in the aftermath.

Glares were shot toward Ralf in mass. The Transmigrator shrugged them off with ease along with the questions from the twins as he swaggered down the steps to Adrian’s square. He didn’t enter it though. Once near, he halted his steps.

“Ralf, what are you waiting for, step into the ring.”

Ralf ignored Gerard’s words and shifted his gaze to Yu Ling. “Master Ling, you must have gotten pretty bored just watching this entire time, right…what do you say, want to shed some sweat with this youngster?”

The question silenced the venue.

“Hahaha…”

The silence was broken a few seconds later by the Silver Fang Hunter’s laughter. It echoed amusement, however, those looking at him quickly realised that said amusement didn’t reach his eyes.

His laughter turned into cold chuckles before petering out a few seconds later. The Martial Master composed himself with a beard stroke before finally addressing the Transmigrator.

“Ralf Fawkes…the Combat Master, correct?”

“Oh, you’ve heard of me?” Ralf said, a little surprised.

Gerard and the students’ eyes flickered as they came to learn of the flashy title.

“Yes, I have,” Yu Ling affirmed with a nod. “And how could I not when you boast such an audacious title? You have been on my - mine and many other martial artists’ radars for a while now thanks to it. I’ve witnessed your abilities and am thoroughly impressed, well with your Psi combat abilities. Your actual norin combat prowess remains a mystery to me.”

Ralf slammed his fist into his palm. “Then, how about we solve that mystery here and now?” he said while flashing a cheeky smile.

Yu Ling didn’t immediately reply. He shut his eyes and genuinely contemplated the proposal. A few seconds later, his response came in the form of a head shake.

“One can’t leap to the moon in a single bound, young man. Not today or tomorrow… but maybe sometime in the future, we can trade more than words. I came here to observe, and that’s all I’ll do,” he opened his eyes as he declared his intention.

“...I see, that’s too bad,” Ralf shrugged, not too disappointed. “Oh, well, I guess I’ll have to settle for your students then.”

“Students?” Yu Ling repeated with a spike in his voice. He and many others had their brows involuntary tick up.

“Yep, students, plural,” Ralf clarified matter-of-factly. He tapped his chest with his fist and continued. “This body of mine contains many, so it’s only fair that I face many at once. Roxy, join in, will you~”

The female martial artist showed bafflement. She looked to Yu Ling, who simply nodded. She got his message loud and clear and couldn’t help but crack a raring smile. A chance to redeem her loss against Charlotte had presented itself, and she couldn’t be more eager.

Gerard watched this play out and turned to Ralf with a crinkled forehead and an unsteady brow.

“Ralf…are you sure about this?”

“I am. It would be too easy otherwise - actually, Gerard,” Ralf’s eyes flashed with a predatory light as his gaze locked onto the instructor, “you haven’t been doing anything too exciting either…want to join the fray as well?”

“Uhh um no, I’ll just watch, thanks,’ Gerard said, incredulity flooding his heart at what he was taking in.

He wasn’t alone in feeling this way, by now, most of the room directed incredulous looks Ralf’s way.

Lane stared on blankly, thoughts unknown, while the twins and Violet wore expectant faces. Yuki, who had come out of her shell following Violet’s near victory also kept a curious eye out; everyone’s attention had been forcefully seized by the Transmigrator’s daring words and strange antics.

Ralf rolled his shoulders. “Suit yourself then.” He stepped into the square and clapped. “Okay, let’s get this show on the road, shall we…”

The match between Ralf and the two Kuling practitioners was soon at hand.

You can find story with these keywords: The Silver Path, Read The Silver Path, The Silver Path novel, The Silver Path book, The Silver Path story, The Silver Path full, The Silver Path Latest Chapter