"I can't lose... I can't lose..."
Although unwilling to admit it, Shoyo was indeed not as skilled as Lambo. The only thing keeping him standing was his sheer willpower. His body was nearing its limit, but his right hand still gripped his sword, pointing it towards the ground. 166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mZmfBeBFO
The blade emitted a faint white glow, reminiscent of the time he had slain the Skullbreaker years ago.
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At this moment, Shoyo was like a lamb to the slaughter, vulnerable and on the brink of defeat. A few more hits from Lambo would certainly end the fight. 166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OVhcaPFZ9
Lambo, not one to miss such an opportunity, positioned himself side-on to Shoyo, firmly grounding his stance. He lowered his left hand and raised his right, channeling ContQi throughout his body.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4ZWDSp8K5
This was the setup for one of "Martial Heart Way's" signature techniques, the "Dragon Strike."
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Unlike a regular punch, the "Dragon Strike" didn't knock its target back. Instead, the force permeated the target's body, causing continuous internal pain and immobilizing them. 166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JRr9v7mmH
Historically, practitioners of Martial Heart Way used this technique to capture many ferocious beasts alive. However, it required one to two seconds to charge up, making it difficult to use against an equally skilled opponent in a real fight.
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During that crucial second of charging, everyone seemed to anticipate the outcome, except for Leo and Baron, who noticed the faint white glow emanating from Shoyo's sword and nodded in approval.166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz95KoOhCIk
Lambo stepped forward with his right foot and unleashed a powerful punch towards Shoyo's abdomen. Unlike the initial knee strike, Shoyo did not get knocked back; instead, he was engulfed in intense pain.
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"I can't lose..."
Shoyo's body reacted instinctively to the attack, swinging his sword in a reflexive arc. A flash of white light sliced through the air, severing Lambo's right arm at the elbow.
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"Ah!" Lambo staggered back and fell to his knees, screaming in pain like a child as he looked at his severed arm. The onlookers were equally stunned by the sight.
Shoyo, however, was also suffering. His internal organs felt as if they were being relentlessly pounded and torn apart. The combined pain and Lambo's agonized screams brought him back to his senses. Using his sword for support, he managed to sit up, unaware that the white glow of his sword had faded.
The pain from the "Dragon Strike" continued to increase Shoyo's score. Eighty-six points, eighty-nine points, ninety-one points...
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Lambo was in a similar state, crying out in pain and incoherently calling for his mother. "Mom! It hurts so much! My right hand is gone!"
In contrast, Shoyo hadn't uttered a single cry. He was focused on not giving up. At the same time, his score began to change. His unwavering determination to not lose slowed the rate at which his score increased, while Lambo's score began to rise rapidly.
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Now, neither of them could move. It was a contest of who could endure the longest. Ninety-four, ninety-five, ninety-six—the scores were neck and neck.
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As both scores reached ninety-nine, the figures on the scoreboard disappeared. The match was over.
Shoyo slowly opened his eyes, the excruciating pain still lingering in his body. He looked at the scoreboard.
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One hundred points for Shoyo. He had lost to Lambo by a single point.
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"That was an incredible duel," Leo said, leading the applause. The rest of the spectators followed suit. A moment ago, they had been fighting fiercely; now, the room was filled with respect and honor.
Lambo stared at his right hand, repeatedly opening and closing his fingers, as if to confirm its reality. At that moment, a hand appeared in front of him—Shoyo's hand.
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"You were really strong. Well done."
Tears filled Lambo's eyes as he recalled the pain of losing his right arm. Filled with resentment, he slapped Shoyo's hand hard and then walked back to the seats for the participants.
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"A loser pretending to be friendly. Losing is losing. Poor and weak."
After four breathless and intense duels, Anwar and the other judges needed to deliberate behind closed doors. The eight participants left the room and gathered with the other students in the courtyard, awaiting the results to be announced in an hour.
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As soon as they stepped out of the competition room, Rachel eagerly questioned them. Seeing their solemn expressions, Shoyo took the initiative to hug Rachel. "Thank you. I could compete wholeheartedly because of your battle attire." He then briefly explained the events to her.
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The hour passed quickly. Anwar and the other two judges stood in front of the gathered students, ready to announce the results.
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"After thorough deliberation, we have the results for this year's 'Imperial Ceremony.' The level of the participants was incredibly high, making the decision difficult. First, we will announce the three who did not make it. Then, we will reveal the three badge winners one by one."
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