Eternal Freedom's Ascension

Chapter 199: Hazel’s fight

Hearing her reply, Jose paled.

’She... she wants to fight me...? I’m screwed.’

His palms turned sweaty, and he immediately made a decision that shocked everyone.

Without even climbing down to the stage to face her, he bowed and shouted.

"I surrender!"

Gasps rang out from the students, shocked by his choice.

Hazel turned to him sharply, her eyes blazing with anger. She wanted to scold him, but no words came.

In the end, she just sighed and lowered her head, massaging her temples to relax.

’Thyla isn’t all brawn, I guess. Even though she’s probably exhausted, she successfully intimidated him into surrendering. Now we’ve lost one point.’

The gap between Class-E and Class-D was reducing.

Instructor Natalie happily announced Thyla as the winner again, congratulating her for winning twice in a row.

The girl simply shrugged, then dragged herself to the infirmary.

The moment she was out of sight, she collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

Meanwhile, Instructor Natalie grinned and looked at the list again.

"Next up is... eh? Hazel Kane!"

Her smile seemed to falter for a moment, as she remembered seeing the name ’Kim Nari’ there yesterday.

Hazel stood with a calm expression, walking down to the stage confidently.

Resting his head on his palm, Kaiser’s gaze lingered on her.

’So you spent 60,000 credits to buy Kim’s slot?’

His eyes narrowed slightly. She was really determined in ensuring Class-E did not end up in last place.

Hazel stopped before Instructor Natalie, staring at the Class-E box for a few seconds.

A soft wind blew across her face, carrying a few strands of her hair.

Taking a calm breath, she reached inside the box and pulled out a card.

"Ashley..."

Remembering that student who had fought Gaga, Hazel’s eyes narrowed. Although he had lost back then, his strength was undeniable.

By the time she dropped the card and turned around, the tan-skinned student was already standing some meters away from her.

"Nice to meet you, Hazel."

He greeted with a warm smile. The Class-A students were always so kind.

"I haven’t seen you fight at all. So I guess you must have bought a slot?"

Seeing Hazel nod subtly, his smile widened.

"Alright! That’s no problem at all. I believe you must be very strong. I’m looking forward to this battle."

Saying this, he summoned his relics, donning himself in silver armor and holding a double-edged sword in his hand.

Hazel blinked, then exhaled.

With a single thought, her armor materialized around her, enclosing her body in its protection.

To most Class-E students’ surprise, she didn’t summon her tyrannical battle-axe.

Instead, she summoned a black double-edged sword that seemed to be made from stone.

"Ehh? That weapon of yours looks... peculiar."

Ashley couldn’t help but exclaim. However, he remained composed, taking a stance in preparation to battle her.

Hazel also raised her sword slowly.

’It has been a while since I used a sword... I wonder if my skills have rusted?’

"Begin!"

Hazel and Ashley dashed at each other, crossing blades in an instant.

Clang!

They held against each other for a few seconds, then separated.

Hazel’s eyes mapped his figure, reading his stance and predicting his next move.

As a Legacy Awakened, one trained in the Imperial Army as a kid, she could be categorized as a sword veteran.

Although she was still improving, the training she had gone through made her a cut above the other regular students.

Ashley sensed it too. The way she had positioned her sword and blocked his strike. It was... impeccable.

He grinned, then charged at her.

He swung straight at her shoulder, and the girl responded smoothly, deflecting his sword to the side.

They moved past each other, their armors grazing one another.

Ashley attempted to strike her back before she could turn, but Hazel met his strike with a backhand slash.

Clang!

Ashley took a step back, while she merely turned to face him.

The audience was silent, watching their battle with focused gazes.

The tan-skinned boy took a look at her sword, then shook his head with a bitter smile.

’That thing is sharp.’

Just from their three clashes, his own blade already showed signs of chipping.

Still, he wasn’t discouraged.

He raised the sword and pointed it at her, his gaze calm and steady.

This time, Hazel initiated the attack.

She took a few calculated steps towards him, striking rapidly from different angles.

Ashley responded to each strike, taking several steps back while Hazel pressed forward.

As he was forced to retreat, his brows furrowed.

Hazel didn’t seem to be taking this seriously. It seemed like she was... testing him.

’Alright. I’ll show you.’

His eyes gleamed with a fierce light, and he pushed back.

Hazel stumbled, suddenly feeling her weight double.

’Hm?’

Her eyes went wide in alert, and she immediately raised her head to look at him.

Ashley was shaking too, but he seemed to be faring far better than she was.

"You wanted me to use my ability, right? You wanted to witness it."

He said, a calm smile on his face.

"My ability is like a simple domain. A domain where gravity is doubled forms around me and my opponent, placing a strain on us both."

He slowly straightened his back, adapting to the pressure.

"Honestly, I felt it was a useless ability. Why affect me too? It was quite dumb."

He took a step forward.

"But I trained with it, slowly becoming aware that I could carry twice my own weight. This is why I have the advantage in this domain."

Hearing his explanation, Hazel was surprised.

Such an ability was intriguing, and could prove very useful if Ashley grew more powerful in the future.

However...

She also straightened, her shoulders lifting despite the pressure.

"It is a shame. This impressive domain of yours... can be endured by me too."

Ashley was surprised, even shocked. But he didn’t let it bother him.

Instead, he raised his sword and attacked.

Hazel raised her sword and met his, blocking the strike.

Although she was a bit slower, her skill made up for the lag in reaction time.

Deep within her, Hazel’s soul burned with defiance, and she began to adapt to the pressure even more.

Her brown eyes glistened.

’This is it... Unyielding Spirit.’