C14 Fighting Club Ranking Competition

Federica suspected that Odin hadn't heard her clearly, so she nodded to confirm her statement.

"There's one more condition, though. The first-place prize includes an appointment book from the Life Church, and you must bring it to us three siblings," Federica stated earnestly. Their main reason for entering this ranking contest was to secure that appointment book. Initially, they had little hope of clinching first place, but Odin's arrival reignited their optimism.

"No problem at all. I should be thanking you for offering me the badge. You've been a great help," Odin replied with a grin.

"The fighting club's ranking competition starts in three days. You've got this time to practice more, and we'll be rooting for you," Federica encouraged, giving Odin's shoulder a reassuring pat before leaving the sparring room.

Time flew, and soon the three days were up, marking the official start of the fighting club's ranking competition.

On the eve of the event, each fighting club drew lots to determine their sequence of appearance. Ahalin's fighting club was no exception, but Karna was unlucky enough to draw the first slot.

Their opponent was Fireforged from Ivywood University, ranked third. This club was sizable, drawing many students each year and boasting numerous formidable members in its ranks. It was a force that the smaller clubs in Ahalin couldn't hold a candle to.

When Karna learned they'd be facing William, Fireforged's second-in-command, she inwardly groaned at her misfortune. William was a more formidable opponent than Federica, and Karna couldn't help but worry about Odin's chances against him.

Odin, however, was unfazed, diligently practicing his basic skills each day, much to Karna's concern.

On the day of the competition, Odin couldn't help but chuckle at Karna's nervousness, as she was on the verge of biting her lip in anxiety. He gently tapped her back, reassuring her, "Relax. Just wait and see how I'll dominate William. Remember, I have an exceptional ability to learn."

The venue was packed, with the majority there to see William, the renowned second-in-command of Fireforged. A match of this caliber was a rare spectacle.

Betting was part of the ranking competition's thrill, with spectators wagering on whom they believed would emerge victorious. Nearly everyone placed their bets on William. It was understandable, given that Odin was a name unfamiliar to the fighting world.

The horn sounded, signaling the official start of the first match.

Odin stared expressionlessly at the muscular man standing opposite him, towering at an impressive six-foot-three. He was inwardly taken aback by the sheer size of the man's biceps.

"Kid, I'll give you a chance. Surrender now, or you won't even know what hit you," William sneered, baring his slightly yellowed teeth at the audacious young challenger before him.

"Why all the talk? Can't we just get started?" Odin replied, his impatience evident as he furrowed his brow and gestured towards William, adopting a combat stance.

Provoked, William was livid. He let out a roar and charged at Odin. But to Odin, who had extensively prepared, William's powerful yet less agile attack posed no threat. He was ready to learn from the fight and enhance his own abilities. He was determined not to lose this battle.

With nimble movements, Odin evaded William's assault and quickly maneuvered behind him, attempting to grapple his neck. But it wasn't going to be that easy; after all, William was a formidable opponent.

Anticipating Odin's move, William spun around, attempting to seize Odin's outstretched arm.

"I didn't expect you to dodge my strike. I've underestimated you. But you're still nothing more than an ant to me. Hahahahaha, prepare yourself!" William's face twisted into a manic grin as his vital spirit erupted, shaking the very platform they were on.

Yet, Odin remained composed. His combat skills had improved significantly over the past two days. He had not only mastered the display skill, but his relentless practice of basic combat techniques had paid off. Coupled with his psychic force and his status as the Ghost Rider under the Raven God, he had transcended the display skill level and truly grasped the essence of combat skills.

Even though it was a basic combat skill, Odin's experience and enhanced psychic force meant that even Federica was no longer a match for him.

Ahalin's ground combat skill - combat skill, level 1, Agility +0.5, Strength +0.6, Vitality +0.4

As Odin parried William's aggressive onslaught, an attribute box appeared before his eyes, the small plus signs still prominently displayed.

Although Odin's skills had surpassed Federica's, William remained the formidable second-in-command of the Fireforged fighting club. Despite lacking in agility, his strength was terrifyingly formidable, making him a classic example of a fighter with unbalanced abilities.

Facing such a formidable opponent, Odin was confident in his ability to win but knew better than to underestimate William. He lightly tapped the plus sign next to the attribute box.

Ahalin's ground combat skill - combat skill, LV. 2, Agility +0.5, Strength +0.6, Vitality +0.4

LV. 3... LV. 4... The numbers climbed until they settled at LV. 5. This meant that during his fight with William, Odin's combat skill had successfully broken through to Level 5.

His strength had undergone a significant transformation.

Just as William thought Odin was distracted and prepared to punch him, Odin swiftly extended his hand and enveloped William's fist.

"Kid, zoning out like that could easily get you killed by me." Even with his fist captured, William wasn't panicked and even continued to taunt Odin.

However, the next second, he realized something was amiss. No matter how much force he exerted, he couldn't pull his fist free from Odin's grip.

Considering William's reputation as a power-type fighter, he had never found himself in such a predicament before. Odin made no further move, and for a brief moment, they were locked in a standstill.

"What's happening here?"

"Why aren't they moving anymore? It's so odd."

...

The audience grew restless with the unexpected turn of events, as the once fierce match had come to an abrupt halt.

"If you ask me, Odin's run out of steam, and Lord William is savoring the pleasure of slowly crushing his opponent," one spectator speculated.

"But look, it's Odin who's got a firm hold on Lord William's hand. What's the deal with that?"

The murmurs from the crowd were clearly audible, and William's face turned a shade of purple with frustration.