Felix and Krisha arrived at the perimeter of the beast sync arena minutes later after Nicholas left.

The outer disciples greeted and chatted with him. For the past week, Felix’s reputation as an easy-going person had been spreading around, causing them to take an initiative to talk with him.

At first, Felix was embarrassed. He had never been socialized by others before—though, most of the time his classmates tried, he shut them down indirectly to focus on his studies.

Now, he had time to socialize with them when he was taking a rest from his cultivation.

Thankfully, the outer disciples weren’t pushover. If Felix refused to answer the question, they wouldn’t force him, afraid they’d make an enemy out of him.

Most of the questions that Felix purposely evaded was how he had gotten stronger. He’d simply responded with "I just work hard" and the conversation ended with it.

They were helpless. Who worked harder than them and yet still failed to become as strong as him?

Nevertheless, they didn’t doubt him. Felix also came from a poor family and, as he explained, he worked hard to obtain the resources to grow stronger.

They didn’t doubt his simple explanation of "working harder" since they could barely spot him at all.

They were also aware of the direction of the place where he trained, but the instructor themselves would warn them in being privy on Felix’s personal matter. If Felix has been bothered by his training and it reached the ears of Master Shen, it wouldn’t do well for those individual who was getting curious.

Felix had a joyful conversation with them, causing Krisha to be even left out. Of course, the outer disciples, who couldn’t get Felix’s attention decided to chat with Krisha, and the latter was also an amiable person.

Krisha would glance at Felix from time to time and felt an inexplicable happiness blooming from her heart.

She was worried at first if Felix could go along with outer disciples due to his arrogant remarks.

Now, she was filled with relief.

Their conversation with them lasted longer than they thought. It was inevitable. They would barely show themselves for the past week, only taking a brief stroll to take a rest before continuing to cultivate.

Eventually, Instructor Frank arrived and he greeted Felix and Krisha briefly before proceeding to the beast sync arena.

He didn’t chat longer with them since he could do so whenever they bumped into each other in the beast quarters.

He was the only person in the modular terrain floor. He waited for five minutes as the modular terrain floor trembled again and changed into packed of sand.

Once the modular terrain floor settled, he shouted, "Those who wants to participate in the duel, come here in ten seconds!"

Every outer disciple excitedly glanced at Felix while others, especially the inner disciples, swept their gaze around and searched for Nicholas.

When five seconds passed, Nicholas finally came into view, running with a solemn expression on his face.

After hearing that the modular terrain floor was in his advantage and Felix was surely in disadvantage given that his beast pet possessed ice-affinity, he didn’t hesitate to accept the challenge and returned to the beast sync arena hastily.

Three of his beast pets were with him, the chances of him winning was quite high.

As soon as he got closer, Felix beamed a smile and turned around, leaping on the packed of sand.

The sand swallowed a bit of his sandal, making him uncomfortable. It was quite hot and difficult to move around.

Nevertheless, as Felix stepped towards Instructor Frank, who had already stopped counting and beaming a radiant smile at Felix, he was getting accustomed to the comfortable feeling.

Once he adapted, he was already in front of Instructor Frank while Nicholas was getting closer, as well.

He arrived beside Felix, facing Instructor Frank with a grave expression. He clenched his fists tightly, eagerly looking forward to take revenge against Felix.

Instructor Frank said, "Since this is a battle between an inner disciple and outer disciple, there will be no merit involved."

He turned towards Felix and said, "If the outer disciple wins, he’ll take your position in the ranking. If you win, you gain nothing. Are you sure you want to participate in this duel?"

Felix smiled. "Yes, Instructor Frank."

Instructor Frank nodded. He didn’t dilly-dally as the modular terrain floor would change every twenty minutes. Before twenty minutes was up, he would have to stop the duel and declare the winner based on his observation.

Once he was quite far from them, he ordered them to take their position.

Felix ran on the west while Nicholas sprinted on the east.

Once they took their position and faced each other, Nicholas summoned three of his beast pets and they all possessed fire elemental affinity.

Felix observed them and smiled. He had understood now why Nicholas ran and decided to fight against him.

He was familiar with his beast pet.

Emberfang Wolf, Cinderhorn Ram, and Smokeveil Lizard. They are all have different role. He might as well just stand and the back and let his beast pet fight for himself.

Felix shook his head and didn’t have a slight idea at all on how Nicholas would fight with his beast pets.

He summoned Moon after storing her in his beast space when he leapt into the modular terrain floor.

Instructor Albert officially commenced their duel.

Nicholas didn’t dilly-dally as he ordered his beast to spread around. His beast pets were protecting them.

His Emberfang Wolf was in front of him, the Cinderhorn Ram was on the right side and Smokeveil Lizard was on the left side.

He waited for Felix to come into him.

He taunted. "Come. You want to fight against—"

Before he could finish his words, his eyes widened and his mouth was instantly shut.

He watched as Felix suddenly threw his wooden sword forward while Moon leapt from his shoulder forward and glided just above the sword.

Nicholas’ mind turned blank.

He did not have a slightest idea of Felix’s intention at all.

===

A/N: Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to show your supports by giving golden tickets, powerstones, and reviews! It means a lot since this is participating for WSA.