It's been a year now since I got the book. I finally mastered Cinder Fall and even started learning a second skill called Savage Swipe, a series of rapid swiping attacks. I even got myself a second quarterstaff and had it imbued so I can last longer in a fight. Now, I've been saving money to get a better-quality quarterstaff.

  I actually found a way to bypass the cost. I heard about a small local tournament. I had only watched it before, but I think I can participate this time, considering how much stronger I've gotten.

  Though my win rate against Jason is pretty even we're at 20/21 in his favor our matches are usually 50/50.

  I even found a way to bypass my biggest weakness: ranged attacks. Well, it's still a weakness, but I was able to somewhat mitigate it thanks to Jason.

  He gave me suggestions on different ways I can use Cinder Fall. Instead of just using it as the usual ground-pound, I can now use Cinder Fall to interrupt ranged attacks or even possibly end them abruptly.

  But, of course, that just brought another problem...

  For a brief second after using Cinder Fall, I become an open target.

  Any competent speed-focused mage can take advantage of that. And unfortunately for me, Jason is one such mage.

  Damn, it's hard to beat him nowadays. He finally mastered his Lightning Nova skill as an instant cast, and it completely changed his fighting style. Hopefully, I can keep moving forward.

  I shut my book after writing my entry and gathering my thoughts.

  "Hey Jason, what do you think my chances are of winning the Atlas Tournament? Even though it's just a local tournament?"

  Jason hummed in thought. "Hmm... considering your win rate against me and the fact that I've challenged other mages aside from you, I'd say you have a 50/50 chance of winning. But that could drop if certain people join the tournament. I doubt they will, though. They're rich, so whatever reward the tournament offers, they can just buy it with cash."

  "Fair enough," I said with a shrug. "That's good for me unless one of them decides to flex by joining the tournament. I won't pray for any to appear because, knowing my luck, that's just asking for one to show up."

  Jason chuckled. "Pfft, you watch way too many movies with those cliché stories. But fair enough, it does happen a lot. That said, I still think you have a pretty good chance. Despite being human, you're able to keep up with me in speed, and what makes it even more impressive is that you have the mana shackle illness."

  "Hey, stop praising me. I was merely lucky. If it weren't for that book, I'd still be stuck in dead-end jobs."

  "Hah! After all those sparring sessions we've had, I'd say it ain't luck. Even if you didn't have that book, I bet you would've found a way to get stronger."

  "Yeah... still would've taken longer."

  "Better late than never. Plus, I'm part of the cat race specifically the cheetah line so speed is in my blood and my specialty. Being able to have about a 50/50 win rate against me, despite speed being one of your current weaknesses, speaks volumes about your ability. Don't sell yourself short just because you're human."

  "You're just saying that because I'm the only competent fighter in this sparring center."

  "Nope, not really. The majority of human mages I've fought aren't able to keep up with my speed unless they have years more experience than me. Since you're, what, 25 years old now? That means you're already stronger than a good chunk of the human race. And since we're around the same age, with me being only about two years older, that speaks even more to your ability."

  "Alright, alright, Jason, that's enough. You can stop feeding my ego. We both know I can only keep up because the only thing I focus on is body enhancement abilities. If it weren't for those runes I learned, I wouldn't have any form of mana release outside of enhancing my body."

  "Fair enough. But I'd say that your body enhancement, despite being an extremely basic skill, is quite advanced now compared to a few months ago. Your speed is almost double what it was back then that's a huge improvement."

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

  "Heh, thanks. But I am worried about whether they'll accept me or not... you know, because of my condition."

  "Oh yeah, I forgot about that. Most people would reject you because of your illness, right? Well, I can pull some strings to get you in make you a representative of my sparring center."

  "Wait... wouldn't that mean you're giving up your position for me?"

  "Yep. And I'd say you deserve it, man. Besides, the main reward is a high-quality quarterstaff, which is your weapon of choice, so it's way more useful for you than for me. Lastly, I'm confident in you. If you lose, I lose since our win rates are practically the same."

  "I-I... thanks, man. Didn't expect that. I won't disappoint you, especially since I miss some of my friends."

  "Haha, you mean the ones that joined the military school, right? Don't worry, you'll see them again one day. For now, focus on yourself, capisce?"

  "Fine, I will. But seriously... thanks, man, for doing this for me."

  "Heh, no problem. You need it more than me anyway."

  The tournament will start in two weeks, which gives me plenty of time to prepare.

  "Any suggestions, Jason?" I asked.

  "I'd say focus on mastering Savage Swipe for the first week," Jason replied. "Then, take the last three days to rest your body. Oh, and I got a gift for you."

  "A gift?" I raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

  Jason smirked and pulled out a set of weighted clothing. "This."

  I blinked. "Wait, seriously?"

  "Yeah. I believe this will benefit you immensely," he said. "A lot of mages use them, and I noticed you didn't have any. Figured you weren't able to buy a set, so I got one for you."

  "Goddamn, Jason, you didn't have to do that for me, man. Just letting me join the tournament was already a huge favor."

  "Hah! The tournament? That's just me using you to promote my sparring center," he said with a grin. "It benefits you because of the reward, and it benefits me by getting my place some recognition. Win-win. But this gift? This is for you, so you don't get left in the dust in the future."

  I exhaled and shook my head. "And you're back to your usual self. Fine. I'll accept this reluctantly. And I'll make sure to pay you back one day."

  "Sure, sure. Just make sure to use them from now on, even during the tournament. Only take them off when you're up against a real challenge and those are pretty rare in this city. Most of the strong ones have already left for military service."

  "Wait... then why didn't you go, considering how strong you are?"

  "I would," Jason said with a shrug. "But who would keep this pile of junk running? I need some form of income."

  "Fair enough. But do you plan to go?"

  "Of course. Once I find some responsible people to take over, I'm leaving for military school. I considered you, but honestly? I'd rather have you join one too. So I need to find someone actually competent."

  "Jeez, man, you're actually making me embarrassed." I rubbed the back of my head. "But I get it... and you just made me realize I don't have a stable source of income if I do decide to join a military school."

  "Don't worry, man. I'll bring you along and keep you on payroll as my personal sparring partner."

  "Of course you will. But what if I end up at a different military school?"

  Jason chuckled. "Haha, if that happens, then I'd suggest entering through the combat test."

  "Combat test?"

  "Yeah. It lets you bypass the enrollment fees. I won't bother with it, but if you find a school you like and it's different from mine, that's your best way in without spending a dime."

  "Gotcha. Thanks, man. I'll look into it. For now, I gotta start prepping for the tournament."

  Two weeks passed quickly.

  The new weighted clothes had a significant impact on my speed I was noticeably slower at first. But over time, I managed to push myself back to my usual speed. As instructed, I kept them on, figuring that as long as I wasn't up against a difficult opponent, I'd be fine.

  Anyway, I got the invitation letter. I just have to present this. From what I see on the bracket, there will only be eight participants four on each side so that means a total of three battles. Pretty interesting... and quite short.

  I headed to my vehicle and drove to the tournament venue before handing my competitive invitation to the organizer.

  She glanced at the letter before scoffing. "Hmm... Mana Shackle and also the one representing that piece-of-shit sparring center. Heh, if it wasn't for this invitation, you would've been rejected, kid. What a useless fight." She shook her head in amusement.

  "Yeah, yeah. Free points and all. I don't care. Just let me in."

  "Heh. I was planning on claiming that pathetic sparring center. Seems like it'll be mine after this tournament, since the only competent fighter from that trash place isn't here."

  "Whatever, lady. You can go be a bitch somewhere else," I said, raising an eyebrow.

  "Tch. Whatever, kid. Can't wait to see you get your ass handed to you."

  I was finally allowed in, and I saw the other seven contestants. My eyes landed on another female fighter. According to Jason, she's one of the few strong ones who haven't joined the military yet but will be leaving in a few months.

  Damn it. Seems like there's actually a real competitor here. At least, according to the bracket, she'll most likely be the last one I fight.

  Her name is Mikasa Arc. An ogre race, meaning she has insane strength an absolute nightmare for speed fighters to deal with.

  I recalled Jason's explanation in my mind.

  "So, are you seven the other competitors?" I asked.

  They all looked at me before one of them turned to a nearby guard. "Hey, why has a cripple entered this area? This is for competent mages only! Ahaha!"

  I rolled my eyes. "I'm the eighth participant."

  "Pfft. Wow, looks like the kid got some connections. Too bad he's a cripple. Thanks for the free points, kid! Hahaha!"

  "Sure, sure. Whatever."

  I rolled my eyes again and waited patiently. My first fight was the last one in the preliminary round.

  I watched the fights, but to be honest, there wasn't much to take note of. Considering who I usually spar with, I could tell I could beat most of these people... except Mikasa. She was quiet the entire time, and when her match finally came, she simply walked through the spells thrown at her, taking virtually no damage. Her shield was ridiculously strong. Then, without much effort, she punted her opponent out of the ring, securing an easy win.

  Jeez... such power and durability. Sigh. That's going to be hard to beat.

  Eventually, it was time for my first match.

  I stepped onto the stage, and as expected, everyone laughed. The organizers had made absolutely sure that my Mana Shackle illness was publicly known.

  The announcer smirked as he spoke. "Ready for the fight? Free points for you, and you, kid?"

  I sighed at the obvious alienation. Even though Mana Shackle illness had been heavily researched in the past, no cure was ever found. People still saw it as a weakness.

  Once the match started, my opponent grinned.

  "Hey, kid, since you're a weakling, I'll let you hit me once," he taunted. "I doubt you can do anything, but hey, free points, so go ahead give it your best shot!"

  I raised an eyebrow at his arrogance before smirking.

  "Well, sure. And thanks for the opportunity."

  The moment I got close, my expression turned ice-cold. Without hesitation, I swung my quarterstaff, activating Cinder Fall.

  CRACK.

  The impact shattered a few of his ribs and sent him flying out of bounds.

  The once booing crowd fell silent.

  I let out a snicker as I turned to him. "Oops. Did I hit too hard? I didn't think you were so vulnerable my bad."

  Then, without another word, I walked off the stage, leaving everyone speechless.

  Chapter 2 End