The Gods' Decree 229 Candles At The Mercy Of The Wind-Monsters 1

From what they had gathered he only started cultivating only a bit over a year. What was even more startling was May's progress. How was she keeping pace with his improvements?

Based on their growth in a year or two's time, how could they conceivably keep these two preoccupied? By then couldn't they rival a genius like Jason who is a half-step Lord realm in strength? 

They could never fathom that at this very moment the two's rise was far beyond their imagination.

Soon some time went by and some strides could be seen from the fourth rank squads. In one of these squad was squad Mertens with the number #65th ranked Bevon as captain.

Though it wasn't one of the strongest fourth-ranked squad they had quite the advantage over the others. This was within their squad they had the third-best tracker.

Trackers are not usually the most powerful of members but in such situations, they were a certain ace. Like this, the onlookers saw them make significant strides on the board. Though still, their progress wasn't as swift as the couple before.

During this time Taf and May also made gain but it wasn't as significant as previously shown. This the onlookers thought was the two finally meeting tougher opponents so some among them even began jeering.

"So the mightly Mouse has stalled it seemed. I hope his arrogant a.s.s gets booted soon."

A man who seemingly didn't think highly of Taf jeered. Others too concurred with his sentiments,

"I haven't even met the guy and I detest him. Yes, we all can conclude he has talent having accomplished such feats at an early age. What is he about 17 or so? Yet how one can act so arrogant with geniuses of the caliber of Jason is beyond me.

I mean be humble and steadily make your mark. To threaten the whole populous without having the strength to back it up is just stupidity of the highest order. He is simple as most deem him an insane psychopath."

Like this one after another, they heckled Taf with harsher words being uttered as they all laughed. Perhaps most of it stemmed from jealousy or hate but the general consensus was utter dislike for this new disciple.

As the laughter intensified there was a sudden silence. This all due to a series of names becoming dim on the board in successive order. It was neither Taf nor May as the crowd would have hoped but the fourth-ranked squad Mertens.

Rank #505 - [Marker points - 501] - Salvar Bruss - Squad Mertens - Eliminated

Rank #497- [Marker points - 530] - Jester Trent - Squad Mertens - Eliminated

Rank #490 -[Marker points - 551] - Marcus Brown - Squad Mertens - Eliminated

Rank #481- [Marker points - 574] - Jack Reach - Squad Mertens - Eliminated

Rank #400-[ Marker points - 640] - Bevon Mertens - Squad Mertens - Eliminated

What on earth was going on within that forest for a fourth rank squad to be eliminated at this juncture?

Though it might not have been said out loud all knew there was a general understanding among the fourth rank squads. Clear out the weaklings before the real tournament began.

This was the reason all within the forest prior to the arrival of the fourth-ranked squad dreaded their emergence at dawn. They knew without a doubt they were the ones that would be hunted unending.

Now all wondered what kind of disagreement could have unfolded within the forest for two fourth rank squads to turn on each other at this point.

The aforementioned was quite easy to figure out as all they now needed to do was look at the squad with the highest in marker points. With the board being in real-time there wasn't a need to wait for a prolonged period until all was made clear.

Yet as all became engaged there was no significant strides being made by any of the fourth rank squads. This was quite peculiar, perhaps the board had malfunctioned and in need of remedying.

The onlookers glanced at the elders but they seemed quite confident in the board's efficiency. Then the focus once more turned to the board where a name flashed in gold letters. Previously it stated -

Rank #125 - [Marker Points - 912] - May Grace - Squad Malgrey

-Now-

Rank #2 - [Marker Points - 3708] - May Grace - Squad Malgrey

There are perhaps words that could be found if one were to look hard enough to describe the general feeling. Impossible, impractical, inconceivable, utterly absurd, preposterous-

Basically thousands but all would have one thing in common. They were far too underwelming of cla.s.sification of what was seen on the board at that very moment.

If what the board indicated was accurate. Then this young woman by her lonesome defeated a fourth rank squad.

What kind of strength would an individual need to defeat the fourth-star squad Mertens?

Only an individual at the Full circle of qi condensation and above could have such an accomplishment. These were being who had arrived at the end of the qi condensation realm. This being said there is only one step left before they could attempt to arrive in the Lord realm. Which was the half-step lord realm.

Is it then to believe that this unknown girl has arrived at such a stage?

Remembering the volunteer who registered both May and Taf one of the onlookers who previously jeered the two hastily ran over.

All records were for the general public so inquiries are within the laugh. Though it is not generally practiced.

The volunteer a female was shaken up because she knew what the records stated. Could they have possibly lied somehow? But what would be the purpose of lying? 

Quivering she then took a few seconds to find May's records. After which she then nervously divulged to the eagerly awaiting crowd,

"May Grace Age 15, Early stages of the ninth qi condensation."

When hearing this it brought for more questions than answers. She is only fifteen? Early stages of the ninth?

Doesn't that mean she can jump realm battle others of greater strength? This is a rare trait among humans though common in demon beast.

Only the rarest of geniuses has this trait in their a.r.s.enal. For instance, within the Dark Abylis Sect, only Jason is known to have this trait.

That is why he is unbeatable against anyone below the Lord realm. The tournament is just a formality in deciding second and third. Yet there is now this girl who is more than ten years his junior with such an accomplishment?

If he is a once in every ten thousand years genius, then what on her earth is she? All trembled at the thought of her future achievements.