“Haven’t started the trial yet,” Ethan Gray explained. “I’ve been training in the Combat Training Ground.”

  “Training is vital, but so is real combat!” Vincent Hale said. “Is your Base Combat Rating ready?”

  “Yes.” Ethan glanced at his Combat Profile:

  Player: Ethan Gray

  Evolution Method: Heavenly Python Evolution (Mid-Stage 20%) (735 days trained, non-upgradable)

  Physical Index (PI): 115

  Skills: Spearmanship (Tier 2 – 75%), Footwork (Tier 2 – 16%), Shield Mastery (Tier 2 – 62%)

  Base Combat Rating (BCR): 1380

  After nearly eight hours of training, his Heavenly Python Evolution had advanced to Mid-Stage 20%, pushing his body to its peak. Enhanced strength, speed, and reflexes demanded rigorous sparring to master his spear and shield.

  “Good,” Vincent nodded. The Celestial Rank required a BCR of 1,000, but direct qualification demanded 1,200. “Did you keep up with shield training after retiring?”

  “National teammates were better sparring partners,” Ethan admitted. “But I still practice weekly.”

  “Shield work hones body control. Never slack off,” Vincent said. “Start your trial. Thirty-one players in Xia already hit Celestial. The competition’s fierce.”

  Ethan wasted no time. He clicked into the Combat Arena.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  A void greeted him. A robed NPC materialized. “Ethan Gray, your BCR exceeds 1,200. Proceed to the Celestial Ranking Trial?”

  “Yes.”

  “Choose your battlefield: Town, Mountain Forest, Urban Ruins, Snowfield, or Ancient Battlefield.”

  “Mountain Forest.”

  “Select equipment. Two weapons max. Helmets prohibited.”

  Ethan is equipped with lightweight armor, twin shields, and a spear—a total weight of 121 kg. For his PI 115 physique, it was manageable. Heavy armor suited Tortoise or Bear Evolution users, but speed was his edge.

  “Begin.”

  Mountain Forest – Post-Rain

  Ethan materialized on the muddy ground. A disheveled swordsman lounged under a tree, rising with a smirk. “Another fool.”

  The man wore rags; Ethan had armor and a range advantage. But underestimating opponents was deadly.

  The swordsman blurred forward. Ethan stood firm, spear ready.

  Clang!

  The swordsman’s strike deflected off Ethan’s spear. The rebound sent him skidding back.

  “Faster footwork, weaker gear,” Ethan noted. The man circled, probing with lightning jabs.

  Time to end this.

  Ethan’s spear shot out—Phantom Thrust. The blade tore the air, piercing the swordsman’s throat before his sword could parry.

  The world dissolved.

  Void Arena – Results

  A replay showed Ethan’s spear striking with surgical precision.

  Combat Score: 98

  Rank: Celestial ★

  Updated Combat Profile:

  Player: Ethan Gray

  BCR: 1,380 → Combat Rating (CR): 1,656 (20%Combat Efficiency Bonus)

  “Near-perfect score,” the NPC praised. “You’re Xia’s 32nd Celestial-ranked player.”

  Ethan smirked. Thirty-two in under nine hours. Impressive.

  “Queue for a team battle?” the NPC asked. “Five vs. five. Wait times are long—only six queued so far.”

  “Do it.” Ethan clicked “Matchmaking.”

  Players in Queue: 6/10

  Estimated Wait: Unknown

  “This’ll be Xia’s first Celestial-tier match,” the NPC said.

  Ethan’s eyes gleamed. Let’s make history.