The arena had barely recovered from Darius Valen's overwhelming victory when the next match was announced.
The referee stepped forward again.
"Next battle!"
"Kael Veyron versus Joran Falk!"
A tall young man stepped out from the inner disciple platform.
Joran Falk was known among the sect as a speed specialist. His cultivation technique focused on agility and rapid strikes.
He was ranked 9th among the Inner Disciples.
Joran stretched his arms lazily as he walked into the arena.
"So you're the famous outsider," he said with a grin.
Kael stepped forward calmly.
"Something like that."
Joran laughed.
"I've watched your matches."
He crouched slightly.
"You rely on raw power."
Then his figure blurred.
"Let's see if you can hit someone faster than you."
The referee raised his hand.
"Begin!"
The moment the signal was given, Joran vanished.
Gasps spread through the crowd.
"So fast!"
Kael's eyes sharpened.
A sudden strike came from behind him.
Joran's kick shot toward his back.
Kael twisted his body just in time.
The kick grazed past him.
But Joran was already moving again.
Another strike.
Another blur.
The attacks came from every direction.
Even Kael had difficulty tracking the movements.
The audience leaned forward anxiously.
"His speed is insane!"
Joran appeared several meters away and grinned.
"What's wrong?"
"Can't keep up?"
Kael exhaled slowly.
Joran was right about one thing.
His opponent was incredibly fast.
But Kael wasn't worried.
Instead, he focused inward.
Inside his chest, the Origin Core pulsed gently.
Golden energy flowed through his body.
If I can't match his speed…
Then I'll create my own.
Kael stepped forward.
The golden energy concentrated in his legs.
Something new began forming within the flow of Origin Energy.
A technique born from instinct.
Kael whispered quietly.
"Origin Step."
His body moved.
And for the first time.
Kael disappeared.