Death Guns in the Higher World

Chapter 17 - Test

As they made their way to the training ground, the system suddenly activated a mission at his command.

[Ding! New Mission: Successfully complete the Special Mission.

Rewards: One skill and one-third of your karma filled.]

Noah felt a surge of excitement at the prospect of the mission. The rewards were too enticing to ignore, and he couldn't wait to dive in and complete it.

At last, the group arrived at the training ground, which was as expansive as a stadium. In the center of the arena stood a robust middle-aged man with a mustache, gripping a massive axe. He wore minimal clothing, his bare upper body showcasing bulging muscles and a multitude of scars, clear evidence of a wild and adventurous life.

"You've arrived, Edna," he greeted the vice guild leader by name, indicating a strong bond between them.

"Yes, this lad is the one you'll be testing," she replied, nudging Alex forward, and he stepped into the ring.

"I see, so you're the one daring to challenge that ridiculous tradition?" he remarked, scrutinizing Alex closely. As he observed the sharpness in Alex's eyes, which hinted at something deeper, he nodded in acknowledgment.

"Not bad. I'm Obad, an instructor at the Adventurer's Academy. I'll be testing you, so show me everything you've got."

Alex nodded in return, taking a moment to evaluate Obad as well. He recognized him as the second strongest person he had encountered since arriving, the first being Edna, the vice guild leader, whose level was 6—higher than his own. She could undoubtedly be considered one of the powerhouses of this realm. Obad, at level 5, exuded an aura of strength that suggested he was even more formidable than his rank indicated.

Alex cracked his neck as he faced Obad, feeling the tension in the air. A few curious onlookers had gathered in the spectator area, their eyes fixed on the impending match.

With an intrigued expression, Obad asked Alex if he planned to fight without a weapon. He chuckled, gesturing to the holster secured around his waist that held his magic gun.

"I see, an unconventional weapon—a projectile type, I presume?" Obad remarked, raising an eyebrow.

Alex nodded in response, and at that moment, Edna gave the signal to begin the match.

Obad immediately took the offensive, the ground cracking beneath his feet as he shot forward like a rocket, his axe raised high and enveloped in a crimson aura. As expected, he was an aura user; upon reaching a certain level, one could convert their magical power into their weapon, making attacks significantly more dangerous and destructive.

Alex observed the menacing weapon approaching him like a reaper's scythe, remaining calm as he calculated his next move. In an instant, he sprang into action, his arm moving so swiftly that it created a blue blur. He unholstered his magic gun and fired a shot that diverted the axe from its original trajectory.

Bam!

The axe slammed into the concrete, shattering it on impact.

While the spectators gasped at the outcome of their first clash, Obad, though surprised, didn't waste a second. He swiftly rotated his axe, using the pommel to strike at Alex. Reacting quickly, Alex jumped backward, firing several magic bullets at Obad, who shifted from offensive to defensive. He rotated his axe clockwise, expertly blocking the incoming projectiles.

Alex nodded, realizing that normal bullets wouldn't be effective against Obad. He decided to change his strategy.

He fired twice, relying on his Super Accuracy skill to guide the first bullet. The second bullet struck the first one, significantly increasing its speed. The projectile flew toward Obad so quickly that he was nearly caught off guard. Reacting purely on instinct, he tilted his head slightly to the side just in time for the bullet to whiz past him.

It was clear to him now that he couldn't take this boy lightly anymore.

"ROARRR!"

Obad unleashed one of his skills, the Lion's Roar. A tremendous shockwave erupted outward, carrying a terrifying pressure laced with killing intent.

In response to this potent skill, Alex channeled his own killing intent. It was so overwhelming that the spectators perceived a red sea of blood that clashed violently with the Lion's Roar. They all shared the same thought: how many lives had he taken to wield such a formidable killing intent?

Even Obad momentarily froze, a chill crawling up his skin. This guy was dangerous—truly dangerous—his instincts screamed at him to take caution.

A red aura enveloped Obad's body, enhancing his strength as he slashed upward twice with his axe, sending vertical slashes hurtling toward Alex. Quick to react, Alex fired an Ice Bullet, aiming to freeze the incoming attack.

As if anticipating this move, Obad hurled his axe, cleaving through the air while he charged at Alex, fists covered in the same red aura.

Alex instinctively lowered his head, using his arms for support as he maneuvered his legs to catch the axe mid-flight and threw it back at its owner. Obad caught it effortlessly, absorbing the recoil before jumping high into the air to execute a downward slash. Alex rolled on the ground to evade, but he was still caught in the shockwave.

Boom!

His body was flung away. As he flew, he fired two special bullets—ice and fire—which combined into a devastating explosion that engulfed the charging Obad.

Boom!

Ice and fire clashed in a chaotic struggle for dominance, wreaking havoc in an explosion that threatened to consume Obad. Fortunately, he remained protected by his aura, which minimized the damage, but the blast temporarily halted his advance. Seizing the moment, Alex kicked off the ground like a missile, his right arm clenched into a fist aimed straight at Obad's head.

Obad reacted quickly, swinging his axe to defend himself, and their limbs collided with a thunderous impact.

Kaboom!

A tremendous shockwave erupted from their clash. To everyone's surprise, Alex's black arm held firm against such a powerful weapon. However, the force of the shockwave coursed through his arm and into his body, causing him to vomit blood as he staggered back seven steps. Obad, equally shocked, stumbled back five steps, his arm trembling violently from the effort.

Silence fell over the spectators, astonished by the intensity of the fight. Edna watched with pleasant surprise; while Obad hadn't given his all, he had still put forth a significant effort to test Alex. It wasn't a fight to the death, but Alex's strength had clearly made an impression.

Obad smiled, lowering his axe as he declared, "You pass. That was an excellent fight. Let's have a more serious match if the opportunity arises."

"I would like that," Alex replied, recognizing the chance to build a rapport with this man. He saw this as an opportunity to recruit Obad after he took control of the Adventurer's Guild. A sly grin crossed his lips as he anticipated the day he could make this powerful warrior his subordinate.