CHAPTER 37: SPARRING

Gabby finally arrived at the arena for his second subject.

The arena was massive. Its circular structure stretched nearly a thousand feet in diameter, with tiered seating that spiraled upward like a coliseum, capable of holding tens of thousands of spectators.

As he was about to enter, he noticed Yin leaning casually against the wall.

Yin said, "I’m feeling overwhelmed today. I have a presentation with merchants and alchemists from across the East. They’re offering eighty thousand gold coins just for the formula. I think we should accept the offer."

Gabby replied, "We can’t. Just stall them—tell them you’re still refining the medicine. How’s the patient doing?"

Yin answered, "She’s doing fine. I already guided her through several intense aura cultivation sessions. She’s reunited with her spouse, and I think Jin Claye sent them to his barony."

Gabby remarked, "By the way, be careful when meeting Professor Odel. He has a divine blessing—eyes that reveal the truth."

Yin said, "I think we should drop this lie. The truth will set us free."

Gabby looked at him, calm but firm. "And then what? You’ll be hated again. Labeled a liar and your criminal record will just pile up."

He paused, then added, "The medicine saved her life... but the lie saved yours."

"You were a criminal, Yin. But now, they see a genius alchemist—a future hero. If they knew the truth, they’d never let you become the man you’re trying to be. So let them believe the lie... because sometimes, belief is more powerful than fact."

Those words struck Yin Farrock hard. He had walked into a mess so deep, so tangled, that there was no clear way out.

He had been completely outplayed, caught in the quiet grip of Gabby’s careful planning.

Gabby slapped him on the back as he said, "Cheer up. Jin Claye is backing us."

With a firm look, Yin gave a nod.

Gabby remarked, "I cannot really help you. I have a chess match with Professor Odel tomorrow afternoon."

"I see," Yin replied calmly as they walked together toward the arena.

Professor Ava announced the match up for the upcoming pre-liminary exam.

First match: Jin Claye vs. Claude Smith

Second match: Fen Addison vs. Kent Dixon

Third match: Yin Farrock vs. Royce Newfield

Fourth match: Melo Mistarm vs. Watson Mayer

Fifth match: Clara Sertu vs. Ellis Astor

Sixth match: Gabby Magus vs. Kael

And the list went on.

Professor Ava added, "You have three months to train before the Preliminary Matches begin."

Most of the students were swinging their swords or practicing magic. But Gabby sat quietly, legs crossed, hands resting gently on his knees. His back was straight.

He closed his eyes, not to sleep, but to control his aura. His breathing was calm and quiet.

Some classmates sneered, their voices laced with scorn.

"Is he really a third rank?" one muttered, eyebrows raised in disbelief.

"His aura’s embarrassingly low," another scoffed, lips curling into a smirk.

"So it’s true, he’s just riding on Clara’s coattails."

"Kael’s lucky," someone added with a chuckle. "Gabby’ll be a pushover."

Their whispers weren’t quiet. They were meant to be heard by Gabby.

Kael smirked to himself, "Glad I asked Professor Ava to pair me with him for the exam. He’s weak."

Gabby, however, remained focused.

"I’ve managed to suppress my aura completely. So subtle, there’s no fluctuation. No one can tell it’s being suppressed."

Gabby sensed someone approaching.

"Gabby, it’s been a while," Jin said with a casual grin.

Gabby didn’t respond. He kept his meditation.

"Come with me," Jin added, undeterred.

Still, no reaction.

Jin leaned in, teasing, "I’ve got something to show you. South’s Fine—"

Before he could finish, Gabby stood abruptly.

"Let’s go," he said, his voice was calm.

Gabby followed Jin and asked, "Where are we going?"

They walked out of the arena. Jin looked serious as he said, "With my current strength, I can’t defeat Claude Smith."

Gabby replied, "Judging by his aura, Claude is probably a two-core user. He seems like he’s from the assassin class."

Jin nodded. "Right. And I’m only at the third-core magic circle. I want your help to reach the fourth or even fifth level before the preliminary exams."

Gabby asked, "How exactly am I supposed to help you?"

"Spar with me today," Jin answered.

Gabby frowned. "If you really want to improve your core circles, isn’t reading books and mastering your magic affinity the best way?"

Jin said, "That takes too long. We can shorten the process by sparring—possibly even a life-or-death fight."

"That’s way too dangerous," Gabby replied.

"I don’t have a choice," Jin said firmly. "I need my body to get used to fighting someone like the South’s Finest Assassin."

Gabby said, "I only beat her because she was already injured and had almost used up all her aura and stamina during the battle. And weren’t you the one who saved me and beat the twin-head ogre?"

Jin looked down. "Still, you defeated her. That alone is incredible. As for me, I couldn’t even face that monster. I would’ve needed at least sixth-core magic circles to fight it. All I did was rescue you and run away."

Before they realized it, they arrived at a door marked Restricted Area. Jin unlocked it with a key.

"This will be our secret training ground," he said. "I got permission from one of the professors. You can go all out and release your aura here. Don’t worry—this place has a barrier that blocks both aura and mana from escaping."

As they stepped inside, the ground was solid and spacious—perfect for running, dodging, and combat.

Gabby glanced around and thought, "Perfect."

They began stretching when Gabby said, "It’s been a while."

He added, "Come at me with everything you’ve got, Jin Claye."

This time, Gabby chose not to use any weapons.

Jin unleashed his purple mana, trying to pressure Gabby. The energy pulsed around him, intense and focused.

Gabby thought, "His mana pool is wide and strong for someone at the third mana circle."

Jin charged in, quickly closing the gap. His arms were coated in glowing purple magic as he threw a sharp left hook toward Gabby.

"He’s fast—for a mage," Gabby thought.

"Not bad," he said aloud, leaning back and dodging the punch.

Before Gabby could counter, Jin shifted his stance and stepped in, launching a quick right jab.

"A feint?" Gabby realized.

Gabby dodged just in time with swift head movement, then jumped, twisting mid-air. He spun his whole body and delivered a fierce butterfly kick.

Jin blocked the kick with his forearms, but the force sent him sliding across the floor.

Jin thought to himself, "He’s strong. As expected for someone who defeated the South’s Finest Assassin."