Legend of the Lightning Strike

8. Barsha, Assassin of Ganada's Grandson

The number of warriors who have registered to join the Heavenly Legion is 10,985. Yarko also stated that there is no limit to acceptance into the Heavenly Legion. However, only those who pass the three selections or tests can become part of the Heavenly Legion.

The exact nature of these three tests has not yet been determined. The Heavenly Legion is being established for the first time, and only those with strong willpower will survive. They will hold high positions, even on par with the five kingdoms across the continent.

They will be representatives and uphold peace throughout the continent. They will also be important pawns in the war against the Dark Forces. Furthermore, the Heavenly Legion will be equal to all the highest guards on each continent.

This prestige is what all warriors who aspire to join the Heavenly Legion so desire.

This afternoon, after lunch, the first test will begin. All participants will be allowed to rest after registering in the morning. They are asked to prepare for their upcoming test. A woman, wielding two short swords at her right and left waists, moved back and forth. They weren't swords, but rather daggers about 40 centimeters long. The sheaths of both daggers were also exquisite, intricately carved and full of mythical beasts. There were carvings of dragons, phoenixes, and even tiger heads.

Those who saw her immediately understood that the woman was from the Denad Continent, the birthplace of Ganada, the legendary Saint Assassin. Ganada was one of three legendary figures who saved the martial arts world decades ago.

Her name was Barsha, and few people knew her. She was an Assassin warrior and the granddaughter of the legendary Ganada.

Her face was captivating, even though both male and female participants could take the Heavenly Army test. But for some reason, Barsha's beautiful face, with her long, tied-up hair, was more captivating than the other female participants.

Full of confidence, Barsha looked around at all the participants. Many men were eyeing her, even though she was not young, around 25 years old. However, his body was truly perfect, and his attire was just like someone accustomed to speed, making it a little tight.

He perfectly fit the Assassin's figure; his eyes were like those of an eagle, gazing everywhere. Then, he saw a man whose clothes were slightly disheveled and whose hair flowed down to his shoulders.

That must be him! Barsha thought.

Barsha asked several people to step aside, wanting to pass them quickly. Anyone who knew who he was would naturally make way for him, as he was a nobleman from the Denad Continent. However, most of the participants were also nobles.

In the Heavenly Troops test, there was no distinction between nobles, commoners, or even those from renowned schools. Everyone would be put to a rigorous test, as this was the spearhead of unity among warriors. The Heavenly Troops would lead the fight against the dark forces.

The Heavenly Troops were the high hopes for countering the power of the Dark Troops.

Several people stepped aside until Barsha approached a man in shabby warrior attire.

"Are you Aji?" Barsha was a little surprised. It was indeed as his cousin had described. However, Barsha was truly shocked by the young man's shabby appearance.

"I'm Aji, Aji Bagaskara," Aji answered the woman's question very calmly and without any significant expression.

Barsha examined the young man from head to toe. Her cousin, Aaman, had told her about such a man. That man, named Aji, would definitely pass the Heavenly Army, and he had asked Barsha to pay attention and look after him.

Barsha wondered where her cousin had gotten a friend in someone so poor. Moreover, at first glance, he had no skills. He didn't have a sword, not even a weapon.

"What village are you from, that your clothes are so shabby?" Barsha was curious; several people were listening to their conversation.

Aji simply smiled, "My attire is normal for a warrior who frequently ventures into the forest, isn't it?"

Barsha frowned, "Nowadays, wealth can make one strong quickly. The rich are usually stronger because they can buy artifacts, energy-boosting pills, and even pay powerful people to teach them specifically."

Aji smiled even more at Barsha's explanation. If this were the case, then the decline of warriors was clear. Wealth was used as a benchmark for strength, and greed would surely rule over humanity.

"Strength doesn't come from money and noble titles. Rather, it's the long, relentless training that achieves true power."

For a moment, Barsha felt the young man's conviction was strong. However, could someone without wealth in this day and age really become strong?

The world is divided into five continents, each with its own skill base, though not all. However, the continent of Orpris is known for its generation of internal powers, such as wizards and mages. Then, on the Emerald Continent, there are the successors of swordsmen who can become powerful through mastery of the sword. Likewise, the Denad continent and the Assassin continent.

All of them can enhance their speed and power with weapons or artifacts, while the Frost Line continent produces abundant elemental supports. These elemental supports provide restorative effects and are also where alchemists reside, creating various kinds of pills and other concoctions to further enhance human energy.

This man in front of Barsha seems to have a new theory about the world. Wealth and power don't guarantee anything when it comes to strength. Hard training and perseverance? This man is overconfident, Barsha thought.

Barsha became interested in testing the young man's abilities. "An arrogant young man like you really needs to be tested." Barsha's gaze was a bit wild, as if he wanted to show off his strength. However, with such a defiant face, Barsha looked even more beautiful and fierce.

Aji simply smiled.

A flow of energy flowed from both of Barsha's hands, its power concentrated in her palms, ready to use force. Several people around them, also participants in the Heavenly Troops test, sensed the energy and moved slightly out of the way. Barsha and Aji were left empty as the warriors had moved aside, leaving a 5-meter diameter empty, leaving only the two of them.

Some people whispered that the young man was dead. Barsha was a very fast and renowned Assassin from the Denad continent. Barsha himself was the grandson of the legendary Ganada. He must have been at least a level 7 Assassin, with his speed able to quickly paralyze opponents.

In a few seconds, the wind seemed to stop. Barsha's hands reached for their respective daggers, the right hand taking the dagger from his left waist and the left taking the dagger from his right waist. They crossed. And, as Barsha pulled the dagger about 15 cm, almost completely out of its sheath, the energy exploded and... A flash of light appeared.

"Enough, everyone! The exam is about to begin, and no commotion is allowed!"

Yarko shouted from the stage, his voice loud and drawing everyone's attention. Barsha stopped trying to draw his dagger. Aji remained, crossing his arms, motionless except for a smile.

Indeed, several people elsewhere were also showing off their skills, some even wanting to fight. So, Yarko shouted with his energy, causing everyone to stop what they were doing to show off their strength.

Yarko's power was immense, at least at the peak of the 8th level of swordsmanship. As we know, all abilities within each skill reach the extremely high 8th level. Only a handful of people can reach the 9th level. The 9th level is arguably the pinnacle of martial arts ability in each skill.

And, the exam was about to begin.