A minute earlier.Luke was smiling while chewing on a deep-fried pastry made from dough, potatoes and onions.His gaze was settled on Gunnar. “This pressure feels similar to that of a grandmaster’s domain. Out of the thirty suitors, not even ten might be able to pass.”“Only seven people succeeded so far,” Castian said, his eyes also fixed on Gunnar. “But I think there's a chance for another one.”“Another one?” Luke snorted. “I don’t think so. The longer you’re under that pressure, the harder it gets for you to control your aura, much less operate your muscles.”At that same moment, Gunnar’s fingers curled into fists.Luther’s expression changed. He particularly put more pressure on Gunnar. Not everyone felt that, but some of the onlookers did,Bernard also noticed that. (He’s increasing the pressure on that youth? That’s a bit unfair, isn’t it?)“Heh, if he can’t withstand that, then he’s not worthy of the bride,” Wrightzer whispered to himself while wearing a cocky grin.The pressu

A brief window was open for others to meet the qualified suitors during the short break between the rounds.John went to meet Bernard, whereas Donny went to meet Gunnar. Before him, Lasya had already been talking to Gunnar.She was wearing a veil, so he couldn’t see her face. Even if he had, he wouldn’t have recognized her because he didn’t know her. And the same was the case for her even though the adults in their family were trying to get these two married.“Why would you challenge Luther?” Lasya worriedly asked. “I know you’re strong, but you surely aren’t thinking right. A veteran is on a whole different plane compared to a master. It’s not too late, so after you win, don’t even think about fighting Luther.”Gunnar smiled because Lasya seemed to believe he could win the trial.“Gunnar!” Donny approached them.Vernon immediately pointed the sword at Donny’s throat, preventing him from coming closer.Donny coldly glanced at Vernon. “What are you doing?”“It’s okay,” Gunnar put his h

Zuup~~!!A flaming bullet whistled past Gunnar’s face and hit the spider in the back.Gunnar leaned forth and used the Storm Step to leap toward Auguste.Auguste shot again, but this time, the flaming bullet was half as big as Gunnar.Gunnar punched right through the spherical flame and scattered them aside. A burst of wind also struck Auguste.But he repelled it with his hand casually as though he was pulling a curtain aside.The wind went on to strike another spider and broke its head to bits.Gunnar closed in on Auguste like a predator fearlessly approaching its prey, his fist zooming into Auguste’s face fiercer than Auguste’s flaming bullets.“Stop!” the examiner shouted.Gunnar’s fist stopped an inch away from Auguste’s face.Gunnar looked down, and Auguste’s gun was also pointing at Gunnar’s abdomen, ready to shoot.Both of them backed away.“The third round has finished,” the examiner said aloud. “The five of you can take a short rest. The fourth round will begin in ten minutes

Wrightzer looked toward Gunnar, expecting him to have become a victim of the parasite. However, Gunnar was on his way to attack Bernard.“How is he still fine?” Wrightzer wondered. “Did the parasite get killed because the spear tip was too sharp? That brat is so lucky.”Before Gunnar reached Bernard, John intercepted his path.Gunnar briefly stopped. “Why are you attacking the Flyswale family, Bernard? I knew you were a selfish guy, but I didn’t think you’d stoop so low you’ll violently try to take over a town.”“Don’t kill him,” Bernard said, barely even glancing in Gunnar’s direction. “I don’t want to be chased by Warren and the old freaks of the Fist clan.”“Yes, Master,” John pulled out a knife. “I will just carve out one of his eyes to teach him a lifelong lesson. Let me show you how to use the Storm Step, kid.” He leaped forth using Storm Step and covered the distance almost instantly.He attacked with the left fist, but that was merely a feint. Gunnar dodged that by swaying to

“Y-You’re Bernard Bee?” Lasya momentarily took a step back.“You shouldn’t call me by my name, girl,” Bernard’s smile sharpened. “Call me Father. And my son is sitting over there. You should meet him and get to know each other since there isn’t much time left before marriage.”Lasya couldn’t help but frown. She barely survived on her journey so far, and yet this man was talking about his son marrying her with certainty.Lasya forced out a smile and said, “You must be joking, Uncle. I was attacked multiple times in the past couple of days. My siblings don’t want me to finish the first ledger. There’s no guarantee that I can even make it back home alive. So how can I think about my marriage right now?”“I would protect you if I could,” Bernard stated calmly. “But it wouldn’t look fair if I were to help you on your first ledger. So, I can only wish you good luck. Nevertheless, as long as you’re around me, I will not let anyone harm you.”Lasya felt some level of sincerity in his voice. S