Martial Arts Worlds

"Is that your dog?"

Azer asked as he saw the dark-furred Fen sitting on the ground, tail wagging happily.

"Yes. This is Fen."

Kiernan patted the head of the wolf, and he replied with a happy-sounding bark.

The bark caught the attention of all the children in the playground, and they excitedly pointed at the cute-looking wolf.

"Why don't you go play with them, Fen?"

Kiernan said, scratched Fen behind his ear, and he happily trotted over to the sandbox, and the children surrounded him, eager to pet him and play with him.

The parents also thought that Fen was extremely cute and then happened to look at Kiernan, who was sitting beside the famous principal of Karuza High.

In Irio, Azer Karuza's reputation was sky-high as well, as the people of the city believed that it was because of his good guidance that their city gave birth to a powerhouse like Kiernan.

While he indeed was popular, Kiernan was on completely another level of fame, and they couldn't believe that he was currently here.

They snapped a few pictures, sneakily of course, but Kiernan still noticed it. However, he didn't pay any attention to that.

"You had grown a lot. I guess your decision to drop out of the school worked well?"

Azer asked.

"…Mhm, it did. I have no regrets, even though I miss everyone in the school."

Kiernan said.

"…You know that you're still in the books as a student of Karuza High? We never officially dropped you from the system.

"If you want, you can still graduate from the high school."

Azer said with a smile.

"…Really? Even though I have skipped pretty much the whole semester?"

Kiernan asked in surprise.

"That's fine. We cannot expect you to waste your time on classes. You're a special student, after all, and we're ever grateful for what you've done for Karuza High."

Azer said, and then continued with:

"Also… since you're still officially the student of Karuza High, you can participate in the nationals if you so desire."

Kiernan chuckled at that.

"Why are you laughing?"

Azer asked with a smile.

"I'd love to join for another shot at the nationals, but you will win without me. I heard that you guys won the Spring Invitationals."

Kiernan said.

"We indeed did, and we can thank Julian for that. My daughter has also grown nicely, and there are many good talents in the martial arts club this year around."

Azer said.

"…That's good, and so I've heard from Julian. The martial arts club has five strings, correct? The first string is people like Julian, and I've heard that you guys got fifteen students in the first string."

Kiernan said.

"…Yes, first string consists of Martial Fighters, so yeah, we have fifteen Martial Fighters, which is more than I ever expected. Some of them might even become Martial Champions."

Azer said with a smile.

He never expected that his school would have so many great talents one day, as they had only Martial Soldiers in their line-up about three years ago.

"Karuza High will be in good hands…"

Kiernan said with a smile.

He was very pleased that he helped to grow Karuza High to such lengths, and it was clear that Karuza High's era of domination was only at its beginning stages.

With Karuza High becoming stronger, it would also push every other school in New Rakuya to grow.

New Rakuya was in the beginning stages of immense growth, and it all began with one young man from Irio.

In years to come, New Rakuya's growth would only become greater, and it was going to be only a matter of time before their tier of strength would be increased.

"I still want you to participate in the nationals. You don't have to necessarily fight, but you can if you so desire.

"You sitting on the bench is enough to demoralize all of our opponents. When they see you, they will be shitting their pants, and their morale is immediately crushed."

Azer said.

He wasn't kidding.

The news of Kiernan 'dropping out' of Karuza High never went into public knowledge, as Azer always told his students that he was just training elsewhere and would be back soon enough.

Thus, everyone participating in the upcoming nationals believed that Kiernan was going to be there, and thus, they thought they would never be able to win.

"You don't need that to win."

Kiernan said.

"Yeah, we don't… But we want to give you this championship as well. You deserve it. You will be recognized as one of the greatest young martial artists to come from New Rakuya with this championship under your belt."

Azer said.

"…I'll think about it. If I am not busy, that is."

Kiernan said with a smile.

"Good… By the way, what are you planning to do from this day onwards? After the tournament, that is."

Azer asked.

"…I don't know. I'll probably just relax and take some time off. I am actually preparing to advance to Martial King."

Kiernan said.

"…Whoo."

Azer took a deep cold breath.

It shocked him to the core just how casually Kiernan talked about becoming Martial King.

'Doesn't he have to deal with the Bottleneck of the Weak or what?!'

With a wry smile, he couldn't help but be envious, as it was impossible for him to become Martial King, and his student was about to become one.

However, he also knew that he completely deserved it.

"After you become Martial King, your body will have a slow transformation over a few months to transform your body into that of a half-god.

"It's usually called 'The Time of the Rest,' and it is dangerous for you to do any martial arts during that behavior.

"Most people will find a safe place to rest."

Azer said.

"…Yeah. I'll most likely be staying over in Irio. It's the safest place for me, I believe."

Kiernan said.

"…You actually believe that you can become Martial King soon?"

Azer asked in shock.

"I know I can. It's just a matter of time now. It can happen any day. I can feel the door of the semi-godhood opening before me."

Kiernan said, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath.

It was close… So, so close… He could practically taste the power that awaited him.