Chapter 18:Strength Test

Moros’s words made the attendant’s face flash surprise.

Cosette’s expression changed drastically; she stood hastily.

“President! Master Harvisa is a high-tier professional in the Master realm—having him assess is clearly biased!”

“Cosette, calm down. President Moros has his reasons.”

Here, Alicia pulled down her hood, revealing the face shadowed beneath.

Crimson eyes stared straight at Moros.

“Facing ‘One Through Two’ Master Harvisa is my honor. I’ll cherish this rare chance.”

The words made Moros’s eyes widen in shock, gazing at the Eastern girl, feeling surprise for the first time.

“Easterner? You know our side well. Need prep time?”

“Ten minutes.”

Moros nodded, ordered attendant to prep room for Alicia.

“Miss Alicia, reconsider?”

Alone now, Cosette pulled Alicia, voiced concerns.

“Master Harvisa is famed high-tier for years—president deliberately making it hard!”

“Cosette, calm. Moros called Harvisa, but rating doesn’t require victory.”

Alicia soothed.

Not unexpected—Moros responsible, rigid.

Nameless her inheriting group slot—with his nature, must probe strength.

Harvisa? Alicia knew well.

Winterhold famed strong; game NPC for class advancement quests.

Memory: starts Master 2nd tier.

Huge gap, but no worry.

Not deathmatch; she knew his moves, abilities—intel made counter easy.

Plus, trump cards.

Prepped, Alicia donned heavy cloak, to colosseum.

Guild small arena already packed.

Normal rating drew little attention—but this different: “One Through Two” Harvisa.

Hero defended Winterhold multiple times—high status among adventurers, mercenaries.

Rarely rated personally.

His appearance sparked curiosity.

Crowds on stands, discussed unusual scale.

Normal rating: formality.

Show strength, pass.

Most never faced Harvisa-level rater—curious who qualified.

Harvisa entered slow—stands erupted thunderous cheers.

Worship strength human nature—legend like him more.

“One Through Two” looked elegant gentleman.

Brown hair neatly groomed, wide-brim hat ornate feathers, fine wide shirt personal crest, slender longsword waist.

Wrinkled face emotionless.

Moros beside old friend, low voice.

“Test—go all out.”

Friend’s words surprised Harvisa, faint smile ask:

“No hold back? You said Easterner—not fear diplomatic issue?”

“Want see true strength. Cosette report: girl fought beastman warlord, Evil Spirit Heart—won both.”

Hearing, Harvisa’s half-lidded eyes lit.

As Moros, Harvisa whispered, Alicia and Cosette led by attendant to arena.

Unlike Harvisa’s cheers, crowd focused Alicia identity.

“That her? Too far, can’t see face.”

“Figure lady—guild send Harvisa overkill?”

“Unknown class, no weapon.”

“…”

Brain filtered noise, Alicia empty-handed, straight center.

Fight bare-handed?

All buzzed.

Alicia, Harvisa met center.

“No weapon?”

Harvisa brow slight wrinkle, said.

Empty-handed vs him—win meaningless.

Might spread bully rumors.

“Truth, I’m mage. Master Harvisa, normal attack fine.”

Hood down, Alicia slight bow.

Harvisa no more, solemn swordsman salute back.

Battle began.

Alicia retreated fast, distance.

Soft chant, several magic-condensed glowing swords formed behind.

Glowing sword circle?

Seeing move, Harvisa guessed intent.

Focused, loud shout, longsword sudden thin light shadow, charged Alicia, interrupted distance, magic range plan.

Though friend said full power, Harvisa held back.

Already overkill; full no martial virtue.

Believed his strength, Alicia dodge hard.

But unexpected—just entering range, figure vanished completely.

Harvisa spread soul power—no trace.

Impossible?

Illogical phenomenon shocked Harvisa.

Never seen/heard magic instant vanish traceless.