The Soul Record is not a place but just a concept, that regulates Soul Energy through the vast ocean of realms.

The management of grimoires, the tool to measure and compute soul energy, is also under the command of the Soul Record.

In a battle, the more your enemy wastes their Soul Energy behind their attacks and skills, the more the opponent would gain from them upon victory. The distribution of Soul energy has always been within the control of the Soul Record, and no one has the right or authority to tamper with it.

As such, Alex's current ambition was to make Aiden use as many skills as he could and waste more Soul energy so that when the battle ends, Alex could benefit hefty.

"Show me what you got." The provocation was directed and Alex's opponent was now pissed.

Aiden shot forward, his slim sword flashing in the sunlight as he closed the distance between him and Alex in a heartbeat. Alex stood firm, his eyes locked on Aiden, not flinching as the blade sliced toward him. Just before the sword could connect, Aiden vanished.

*Blink.*

He reappeared at Alex's side, blade aimed straight at his ribs. But Alex was ready. He twisted his body, barely dodging the strike, his fist swinging up in retaliation. Aiden ducked, his form a blur as he teleported again, this time behind Alex.

Alex didn't turn. Instead, he threw his elbow back, catching Aiden mid-teleport. Aiden staggered; blood dripped as he bit his lips, but he recovered instantly, his eyes burning with determination.

He lunged again, this time aiming high. Alex met him head-on, blocking the strike with his forearm. The clash of steel rang out, and for a moment, they locked eyes, neither backing down.

Aiden gritted his teeth and blinked once more, disappearing. Alex's senses flared. He spun, catching Aiden's blade with his bare hand just as it materialized mid-air. The force of the blow sent sparks flying, but Alex held firm, gripping the sword with raw strength.

His hand bled, and many from the students winced in pain just by seeing Alex' condition, but the person himself showed no sign of getting weaker.

Aiden snarled and pulled back, his sword slipping free. Without missing a beat, he teleported again, but Alex was relentless, already moving. He slammed a fist into Aiden's gut before the swordsman could fully reappear, making the latter grunt.

The students watching gasped, eyes wide as Alex stood tall, unfazed by Aiden's abilities. Aiden struggled to his feet, panting, blood staining his clothes, but his eyes still burned with fury. He gripped his sword tighter, preparing for the next strike, but Alex's calm stare made it clear—he was ready for anything.

Aiden has sensed that teleportation was futile against this boy. His movements were getting tracked, for some goddamn reasons.

He changed his plans, there was nothing he could achieve by holding against an opponent who was well set on defeating Aiden.

His form turned linear, his body sliming in a straight line, and his sword positioned in the middle of his brows.

Edric widened his eyes; he knew this stance. The very same stance that took down several opponents in the past with just this single move.

People held their breaths, and the dead silence allowed Aiden's words to echo through the crowd,

"Halestorm Phantom:"

Alex narrowed his eyes and ducked a little down, preparing himself, as he heard the other one chanting,

"...Hundred slash!"

A series of consecutive and randomly released slashes were directed toward Alex—the shockwaves of each swing approaching him at a blinding speed.

Alex had no other option than to escape from the trajectory, his body adapting a newfound speed as he sidestepped and tried dodging the strikes.

However, just as he expected, more than a few cuts sliced his flesh and drew his blood.

From a general perspective, it didn't seem Aiden was moving at all, however, those with sharp senses could see Aiden's arms moving at a monstrous pace.

Alex stepped away, moving in a definite direction, yet it wasn't helpful since Aiden could move his body while launching those many attacks as well.

Severe cuts could be seen on his face, arms, gut and thighs. The pain from the damage was excruciating, but Alex didn't stop, knowing that this tiresome stance could not continue for long.

And just as he thought, the series of attacks slowly paced down and Alex was already inches away from the great sword which he planted in the ground earlier.

Aiden snarled and intentionally stopped attacking; wanting to see what the boy intended to do with such a heavy-weight weapon

Alex lifted the sword with great struggle; his left eye closed, and blood dripped from several spots on his body. If anything, he looked like someone a foot away from his grave, but the instructor was so engrossed in the match that she forgot to call it off.

Alex lunged forward, not sparing a single moment for himself and his opponent.

A single stride was enough to land him before Aiden, the blade held above his shoulder.

"Fourth Stance!" Aiden heard that, and he no longer took it casually. Alex's great sword came crashing down with brutal force, aiming straight for Aiden's shoulder, the intent clear in the gleam of Alex's eyes.

But Aiden moved, faster than anyone expected. In one fluid motion, he brought his sword up, meeting the massive blow head-on. The clash of metal roared through the air, sparks flying, but Aiden didn't flinch. His sword barely wavered as he swatted the strike aside like it was nothing.

However, Aiden's eyes widened when he heard Alex's following words,

"Rebound!"

*Ting*

Like the ground was made of rubbed, the blade tapped on the ground and bounced back with double the speed. Alex changed its direction and while gritting his teeth, he struck the rebound attack to Aiden's side.

**CRACK**

Something snapped within Aiden and before he could register what he just witnessed, he found himself flying.

Students dispersed as Aiden's body flew out of the ring and travelled several meters before the boy crashed against the ground, rolled and finally came to a halt.

When the instructor went to check on him, she found Aiden was already out cold.

Returning to the arena, she announced, "Alex wins!"

Alex squatted on the ground, with his hands resting on the hilt of the blade.

With blood flowing down his head, the boy looked nothing but majestic in his current form.

Even Valarie, who had ridiculed Alex until moments ago, couldn't help but watch him in awe, and her lips parted in shock.

Throughout the battle, what Valarie admired about him the most was the fact that he retained his calm and never got lost in anger and frustration; a feat which she has yet to achieve in unfavourable situations.

*Clap* *Clap*

It was Edric who began to clap and the action was soon followed by others. Soon the whole crowd was clapping for the brave performance by the silver-haired.

Alex heaved a sigh as a few words rang out,

'I guess that deity was correct...I need to prepare for the worst...' One thing Alex has understood from this small confrontation. He was far from ready to face those monsters in the ascension contest.

----------*----------

A/N:- Thanks for reading.