Most of the students and even many of the teachers weren't old enough to remember the last time they had gone to war with those from the Demonic Faction.
There would be scuffles between groups now and then, and at the martial arts tournament, they would witness some of the techniques used by the Demonic Faction.
It was why Dame thought that even if Raze was to use some skills from the Demonic Faction, he would be fine. Especially the Descending Steps that so few individuals chose to practice.
However, the Devil's Sword formations. This was different; it was quite a popular skill among the higher-ups in the Demonic Faction.
Not only that, but the event that Dame thought would be on a smaller scale had many eyes watching them, including the leaders of the main Clan. Those that had fought and studied the Demonic Faction well.
'That idiot!' Gunther slapped the top of his head. 'Didn't I already warn him about having Demonic energy? Although having the energy is not too much of a red flag, but using one of their skills as well.
'There is no doubt that they now have every reason to bring you in.'
"Are you sure?" Murkel asked. "Are you completely sure that the technique that was used is from the Demonic Faction?"
Gavin hesitated for a moment as he looked. He knew how big of a claim this would be. It wasn't a small matter when it came to mingling with other Factions.
"I have no doubt that is a skill from the Demonic Faction, but I am not claiming that the student is from the Demonic Faction," Gavin stated.
"If that student is from the Demonic Faction, shouldn't we pull him out of this event right now? It could be dangerous for every one of our students!" Feebie claimed.
She was worried about Sherry after seeing what had happened to her. She was holding onto her shoulder tightly, and while Raze had moved away from her, she had started to roll so she could eventually get off the stage.
"The fact that none of the students have been injured to the point they are in critical condition or dead. Doesn't that go to show something as well?" Gunther claimed.
In the end, the decision would lie with the principal, and he still seemed calm about the whole thing. "The event will continue," Murkel stated. "Don't you think it would be pretty interesting to witness, to see which is stronger, the techniques of the Dark Faction, or that of the Demonic Faction."
Dame looked at what was happening, and he could see now that the only ones capable of fighting were Ricktor and Raze, and now it was time for him to exit out of this finale.
Ricktor had thrust his sword with strong force, focusing his Qi into his weapon. Trying to grab it, Dame had faked a miss, slowing down ever so slightly.
The tip of the sword, along with his Qi, had successfully struck Dame. It condensed into the end and erupted, making somewhat of a small explosion as it sent Dame into the air and bouncing off the ground.
He had hit the floor a few times and landed on his back. He lay still on the ground, doing nothing.
'Man, I should become an actor and work in one of those shows!' Dame thought. 'Now that I have done this though, it is all down to you Raze. You need to be careful as well; this guy is skillful; I've never seen anyone like him.'
Raze had finished getting blood on the statue, making it four now in total. After placing it away, he had thrown his uniform onto the ground; it was too torn up in the first place.
"I acknowledge your strength to be the last one standing here," Ricktor said. "I can tell that you are indeed a stage 2 Pagna warrior; that is quite the achievement for a no-name."
Ricktor started to pat his leg, making the same sound as one would when clapping.
"You see, you might have been able to beat all of the others, but there is a big difference between me and them. Not only am I more skilled, but I am a stage 3 Pagna warrior."
Mumbles among the watchers started. They couldn't believe it. A first-year reaching the third stage. Many didn't even reach this after leaving the academy.
Wasn't he already as good as some of the teachers then? Maybe not the examiners like Gunther, but certainly he would be at the same level as the red headband teacher.
"The difference between the two of us is too large," Ricktor said and moved from his position.
It looked almost like there was an after-image of him, and right after, he was already right where Raze was. A thrust of the sword.
An immense power was created, and the scene of a large amount of heat was seen coming off from Ricktor. It was visible to all of those in the area.
"A visible Qi after-image skill!" Gavin mumbled in disbelief. "He really is a genius. I can't believe the Erupting Fist Clan has such a talent."
The sword had stabbed Raze, and he was sent exploding back just like Dame. His body was bouncing off the floor several times; the attack was monstrous, and a burning sensation could be felt on his stomach.
Raze continued to bounce on the ground, and it looked like he was going to bounce all the way until he fell off the other end of the stage.
That was until they could see two figures standing up.
"You're not losing , not until you get a hit on that guy!" Liam shouted.
"I don't want to keep thinking about that creep and his strange fetishes, so Raze, get rid of him!" Simyon shouted.
The two of them ran forward and jumped, hitting Raze back with their shoulders, but the force and momentum of his body had also pushed the two of them off of the stage, and now no matter what they did, they weren't allowed to come back on again.
Raze was still on the stage; he pushed himself up with his arm and could feel the burning sensation around his stomach. Looking down, there was a stabbing wound, and blood was dripping onto his trousers.
'That guy,' Dame thought, keeping one eye slightly open so he could still witness the fight. 'I feel like he's gotten stronger and better from fighting me! This isn't looking good; he needs to use an item or his powers if he wants to win this fight. He can't win with his martial arts on his own.'
Having gotten up off the ground, Raze held the sword firmly in his hand and looked straight at Ricktor. To his left, a couple of meters away, Dame was lying on the floor still.
"Do you remember a conversation we had a while ago?" Raze asked. "You said if I knew how to use all of the Descending Steps, that I would be able to take out even the main disciples?"
Dame was wondering why now of all times was Raze talking about such a thing, but it wasn't all the steps; it was only six of them.
"Is that still true for him?" Raze asked.
Ricktor was stronger than what Dame thought any of the main disciples would be like, but he was confident in the Descending Steps. He knew their strength well.
Moving his arm slightly, he managed to lift up a thumb so Raze could see it.
"Then, I have nothing to worry about," Raze said as he walked over, the images of the book in his head.