Void Absorption: Rise of the Martial God

7

As a late-stage Two-Star martial prodigy, Warren's explosive power in his rage had far surpassed the maximum strength recorded in the assessment — reaching a staggering 1,200 pounds of force!

With a grip like that, even solid hardwood would snap instantly — let alone the fragile human throat.

Warren was beyond furious.

Being repeatedly looked down upon by someone he considered worthless was something his pride simply could not tolerate.

Though he wouldn't dare kill Dorian outright in this setting, he was determined to cripple him beyond recovery — ensuring this nobody could never even dream of becoming a true martial artist.

"Incredible!"

Below the platform, hundreds of third-year students watching the confrontation gasped in shock.

That speed, that power — most of them wouldn't stand a chance if they were up there. Dorian seemed as good as finished.

On the high platform, the recruitment officers from various martial academies, Dean Aldren, the vice deans, and Elder Harwick — all watched the scene unfold without blinking.

The truth about Dorian's score — whether it was real or a mistake — would be revealed in an instant!

As Warren's claw-like hand shot toward him, Dorian remained motionless, rooted to the spot.

Dean Aldren and Elder Harwick couldn't help but sneer inwardly.

Pathetic. Probably frozen in fear.

Trash will always be trash.

Beside them, Envoy Garek narrowed his eyes slightly, his body tensing as he prepared to intervene at any moment to protect Dorian.

After all, it had been his suggestion — he wouldn't let Warren cripple the boy.

But in the next second —

A glint of sharp realization flashed in Envoy Garek's eyes!

Then —

Everyone watched in shock as, just before Warren's fingers could close around Dorian's throat, Dorian's hand shot up with impossible speed, seizing Warren's throat first!

A split second later — Warren's entire body was yanked upward as if caught in a whirlwind of brute force, hoisted like a helpless bird by the throat. Dorian swung him through the air in a full, merciless arc —

Bang!

A deafening explosion!

Warren's body slammed into the ground with a heavy thud, sending clouds of dust billowing into the air.

"Guh —!"

A mouthful of blood sprayed violently from his lips.

He lay sprawled on the ground, his face twisted in shock and fury. Just as he lifted his head, struggling to rise —

Before he could even react, a massive boot came crashing down from above!

Thud!

It stomped straight onto his face, slamming his skull back against the hard floor with brutal force.

Warren's eyes bulged wide.

A choked groan escaped his throat —

And just like that, he was knocked unconscious.

It all happened in the blink of an eye.

From Warren's initial strike, to Dorian's fierce counterattack, to Warren's humiliating crash landing — and finally, that merciless stomp that left him out cold.

The entire exchange lasted mere seconds.

The entire Martial Hall —

The atmosphere instantly froze solid!

"Did... did Warren Cole just get obliterated by Dorian Ash in one move?"

The students below exchanged stunned glances, their faces filled with utter disbelief.

Lyra stood there, her mouth hanging open in shock, her mind completely blank.

"This... this can't be happening!"

Elder Harwick staggered backward several steps as if struck by lightning, his face a mask of incredulity.

"No way! I must be hallucinating!"

He blinked once, twice — waiting for the scene to correct itself.

It didn't.

Elder Harwick's legs gave out. He grabbed the railing beside him, white-knuckled, and said nothing.

"How... how is this possible? Dorian hasn't improved his cultivation in years — he was supposed to be a total loser! How could he be this strong? If I had known he had this kind of power, I never would have suggested expelling him..."

Up on the high platform, Dean Aldren's body began to tremble, his words stumbling out in fragments.

And then —

A tidal wave of regret surged violently from the depths of his heart!

A true prodigy among prodigies — and he had just expelled him moments ago!

Compared to Dorian Ash, Warren was nothing but an ordinary student!

If such a genius had graduated from their academy, the Ironveil Kingdom would have showered them with rewards and recognition the following year!

But now, like a fleeting illusion, all of that had slipped through his fingers!

Shock, fury, regret — waves of emotion crashed inside Dean Aldren's heart.

His head snapped toward Elder Harwick, who was still gripping the railing, and his glare turned murderous. He wished he could drag the fool up by the collar right then and there!

This man had been the one whispering in his ear all along!

Calling Dorian the worst of the worst, a hopeless case who disgraced the warrior profession, unfit to even call himself a martial artist. "He's an eyesore," Elder Harwick had said. "Just kick him out already!"

Eyesore your ass!

If Dorian wasn't fit to be a warrior, then you are even less fit, you brainless fool!

Just then — after a stunned silence, the students below erupted like a powder keg set ablaze, their voices exploding in an uproar!

"Wait — now that I think about it, Dorian never fought back all three years he was here! No matter how much people mocked him, he just stayed quiet, looking weak!"

"That's right! I remember he had a crush on some girl. He ran errands for her like a servant, even spent all his training funds buying her gifts!"

"No wonder his cultivation never improved — he was spending all his money and energy on someone else!"

"Ha! That girl is Lyra Ashton, right? I know her. Pretty face, but she has a reputation. Stringing along several suitors at once. And the funniest part? Dorian gave her everything, and he was still her lowest-ranked backup!"

"That girl must have been blind!"

"Damn, she almost ruined a once-in-a-generation talent. But looks like Dorian has finally woken up!"

The clamor of voices echoed through the Martial Hall. Lyra stood frozen in the crowd, her beautiful eyes vacant as the surrounding gossip washed over her.

The gossip washed over her in waves, each voice another needle.

Lyra said nothing. She stood perfectly still, her eyes fixed on the empty space where Dorian had been standing moments before.

Meanwhile, on the high platform, Elder Harwick finally understood why Dorian's cultivation had stagnated for three years after hearing the murmurs around him.

It wasn't that Dorian lacked talent — he simply hadn't devoted much time, effort, or resources to his training.

Elder Harwick slumped where he stood, overwhelmed by bitter remorse.

If Dorian had still been his student, graduating as a prodigy and entering a top martial academy, he, as the head instructor, would have reaped immense benefits!

"Ha! Excellent, truly excellent! Who would have thought I'd stumble upon a real genius during this visit to Duskfall Academy!"

Just then, a burst of laughter erupted from the high platform, drowning out the surrounding murmurs.

Everyone turned to look.

Envoy Garek stepped forward, his eyes blazing as he fixed his gaze on Dorian.

"Dorian Ash, is it? I'm Garek, enrollment officer from Stormcrest Martial Academy. I'm here to personally invite you to join us. What do you say?"

But geniuses never lack suitors.

The other academy recruiters were stunned — Envoy Garek was making an offer before the trials had even concluded! Normally, they would sit back like indifferent fishermen, waiting for candidates to come to them before condescendingly picking through the best. But this was Dorian Ash — a rare martial prodigy!

If they just sat there while others made their moves, they would be left with nothing.

In an instant, they could no longer stay seated.