The commander returned to the camp as if a ghost, dragging his feet in utter incomprehension. Was this new recruit superhuman?! Then again, one should not question good things…

Jack smiled and gently waved at the returning commander. The way the man looked at him was way different. Before, he barely cared, but now his eyes shone with curiosity.

"I've verified. Private Jack'O, you've passed the Test of Character with flying colors! Are you ready for what comes next? We won't go easy on you!

" He thundered.

"YES, SIR!

"

The militia members instantly erupted in cheers. Not only was a Test of Skills entertaining, but it would give them a break from the dull training!

They arranged themselves into a large circle, creating a dueling space in the middle. Some were already chanting encouragements.

"Show us what you go, brother Jack'O!

"

"Newbie, it's easy. Just beat your opponent!

"

"Don't worry, if you die, we'll put flowers on your grave!

"

They joked, but they knew it wouldn't be that hard. It was customary to pair the candidates with some of the weaker members to test them.

"Someone go get Derek. He'll be his opponent.

" The commander ordered.

Instantly they all gasped in shock. Derek?! Sword Genius Derek?! Was he freaking serious?! The guy was a student of Sword Master White Eagle! This was 100% bullying!

"Commander, don't you think that's a little too—

"

"Nonsense, just get him. He should still be training with the Braves.

"

Training? Jack had heard of this specific NPC.

"Training

" was definitely an exaggeration. It would be more apt to say that this guy loved beating Braves up.

Some fool had once challenged him to a sword duel, only to get his ass handed to him. Ever since, the youngster had been roaming the Brave training camp in search of v̶i̶c̶t̶i̶m̶s̶ opponents.

The militia members couldn't help but shake in excitement. Some even took out their coins to bet on the outcome, only to be reprimanded by their boss. Before the whole thing got canceled, the odds had been 7 to 1 for that guy's victory.

They didn't have to wait long. The man came rushing over with great joy. A challenger? A Brave to boot? He wouldn't miss it for anything!

— A Wild Genius Derek Appeared! —

Head the color of the sun, eyes the color of the sun too, and a sunny grin. Yet behind that warm smile hid a powerful beast for sure!

Just the way he walked hinted that he was a pure swordsman, his hand would always over near the hilt of the longsword on his hip.

"So, you're the one that wants to challenge me? Are you sure that you want to do this? It's not too late to give up, you know.

" Derek radiated the pride of a senior looking down on a fledgling.

"Naw, I'm good.

" Jack then turned toward the commander.

"I only need to defeat this guy, and I pass the test, right?

" He asked for confirmation.

Many couldn't help but draw a cold breathe as they heard this. Only? Only?! Did he even know how harsh this would be?! Now it would be even worse, for he had disregarded the man!

Derek's face twitched. This Brave was as prideful as all the others! They thought themselves so great just because they were immortal, but they'd lose all the same! He couldn't wait to teach him a lesson in humility.

On that note, the two took their respective positions in the circle, facing one another. As they unsheathed their weapons, many glanced curiously at the white falchion. It sure looked peculiar!

The commander's voice echoed in the tense atmosphere:

"A reminder that only basic sword skills can be used.

"

"Equip these stones to regulate your power.

" He handed them black stones that seemed to absorb the surrounding light and mana alike.

Received Sealing stone from Militia Commander.

Equip? Y

/N *PS: It will seal your power.

Equal stats with the opponent? This was Jack's forte! Of course, he'd accept!

All stats are temporarily set to 10!

"Are you both ready?

"

"Fight!

"

Derek instantly rushed at him. He'd use his full strength to teach the newbie!

His sword drew an elegant but deadly silver arc. He was wielding it so freaking naturally! It seemed as if the sword wasn't just a tool but an extension of his arm.

But just as Jack was about to get hit, he tumbled, barely avoiding having his neck sliced!

Jack appeared to be fighting for his life. He was already panting, his face red, his palms sweaty, and yet he would always evade by coincidence.

Once or twice was fine, but it happened every time! Derek was already getting annoyed: how freaking lucky was this guy?! But he could already feel him about to falter and break.

Derek definitely had the upper hand in sword mastery! He simply had to increase the rhythm, and— suddenly, there was a blade at his neck.

"W-what?!

" He exclaimed in shock.

"Recklessly swinging a sword is only done by jesters. Your resolve is weak, your feint game is horrendous, and you have the battle awareness of a blind man.

" Jack spat out.

The spectators couldn't believe their eyes. Derek had been defeated so easily?! THE Derek?! Jack had even insulted him so much! They all turned toward the defeated man. How would he react?

"Is that so? You, you…

" He was definitely about to rage, right?!

"Me, me?

" Jack asked tauntingly.

"Were you sent by Master?! I'm sorry I've let arrogance cloud my judgment. Please forgive me, senior!

" He respectfully bowed, clasping his hands.

Senior?! The prideful Derek was bowing to another?! He had recently been sent here by his master to gain experience, but he still didn't put the small Sprigfield Town in his eyes.

They all stared at Jack with awe in their eyes. He had managed to tame the powerful Derek?! Such an impressive brother would join their ranks? Awesome!!!

While everyone was still gasping, Jack's voice nonchalantly echoed.

"Now, shall we get to the last test?

"

The two previous ones were only a formality, and the Test of Mettle was the deciding one. Their eyes shone with expectations. They'd get to see him in real combat. They couldn't wait….