The central square of Heaven Dou Royal Academy was bustling with noise and excitement, filled with a fervent atmosphere. Today was the day for selecting reserves for the Royal Fight Team, and the academy had specially set up ten standard Soul Battle Stages for the occasion. Colorful flags fluttered around the square, and the spectator stands were packed with students and teachers who had come to watch the matches. Everyone was looking forward to the thrilling duels of this selection event.
Before the selection began, the academy's Education Committee specifically summoned Marco. In the committee hall, the three chiefs—Meng Shenji, Bai Baoshan, and Zhi Lin—sat solemnly in the main seats, their expressions grave.
"Marco," Meng Shenji began, "after discussion, the Education Committee has decided to invite you to serve as the captain of the next Royal Fight Team. Your performance over the past few years has been witnessed by all, and we believe you have the capability to lead the Royal Fight Team to outstanding achievements in the Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament."
Bai Baoshan added, "The team captain not only needs formidable strength but also leadership and strategic vision. The command talent you've demonstrated in team battles convinces us that you are the most suitable candidate."
Marco pondered for a moment before bowing solemnly. "Thank you for your trust, esteemed chiefs. I am willing to take on this responsibility. However, I request to participate in the selection assessment alongside the other students. As captain, I should lead by example and earn everyone's recognition through fair competition."
The three chiefs exchanged smiles, their eyes filled with approval. Meng Shenji nodded and said, "Excellent! Such determination! Then it shall be as you wish."
The selection competition was presided over by Teacher Yan Ming. There were over fifty participating students, all elites of Heaven Dou Royal Academy. Marco voluntarily requested to start from the preliminary rounds, participating in random groupings with the other students.
In the preliminary rounds, Marco displayed astonishing strength and control. Facing a level 27 Ironclad Rhinoceros Soul Master, he used just one move to find the weak point in his opponent's defense. An Azure Flame Assault precisely struck the knee joint, securing an easy victory. Against a level 29 Gale Leopard Soul Master, he utilized Observation Haki to predict all attacks, ending the match with a side kick on the third move. In every match, he won in the most efficient manner, showcasing his strength while maintaining harmony, earning unanimous praise from the judges and audience.
After several rounds of intense competition, seven students stood out and advanced to the final selection round. The final selection adopted a round-robin format, with the seven students taking turns to face each other.
Marco's first opponent in the final round was none other than Yufeng. This match attracted widespread attention, as everyone wanted to see the duel between the newly appointed captain and his defiant challenger.
Yufeng stiffened his neck, glaring intently at Marco. "Hmph! Don't get too cocky. I'll see today whether you're all talk or not!"
As the match began, Yufeng immediately released his Martial Soul, spreading the wings of his Wind Chime Bird. "First Spirit Ability: Gale Assault!" he shouted, transforming into a blue shadow as he charged at Marco.
First move: Marco sidestepped, perfectly evading the assault. As Yufeng's attack missed, he swiftly changed tactics: "Second Spirit Ability: Wind Blade Flurry!" Dozens of wind blades shot toward Marco.
Second move: Marco released his Azure Flame Phoenix Spirit, using Observation Haki to predict the trajectories of all the wind blades. He weaved through the gaps, dodging effortlessly, and all attacks missed their mark.
Third move: Yufeng, having exhausted too much stamina, left an opening. Marco instantly closed the distance and landed a precise spinning kick to his chest, sending him flying out of the Soul Battle Stage bounds.
"My respects." Marco retracted his stance and stood calmly, his breathing steady.
Yufeng climbed to his feet, his expression grim, and finally bowed. "I lost." Though unwilling, he had to admit Marco's strength far surpassed his own.
The audience erupted in enthusiastic applause. Teacher Yan Ming nodded slightly at the sidelines, his eyes filled with admiration. Marco had won the match in the most efficient way—demonstrating his strength while allowing his opponent to save face. This level of control was exactly what an excellent captain needed.
In the following match, Yu Tianheng's performance was equally remarkable. His opponent was a twenty-seventh-ranked Ironclad Rhinoceros Soul Master. As the match began, the Ironclad Rhinoceros Soul Master immediately activated "Ironclad Defense," significantly boosting his defensive capabilities.
Yu Tianheng remained unruffled, releasing his Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul. "First Spirit Ability: Thunder Dragon Claw!" His right hand transformed into a dragon claw, striking directly at his opponent. The lightning's paralyzing effect pierced through the defense, causing his opponent's movements to falter. "Second Spirit Ability: Thousand Weights of Thunder!" A more powerful burst of lightning erupted, instantly shattering the defense and securing his victory. The entire process was clean and decisive.
Dugu Yan's match showcased the unique combat style of a control-type Soul Master. Her opponent was a twenty-sixth-ranked Gale Leopard Soul Master. Once the match began, the Gale Leopard Soul Master immediately leveraged his speed advantage, attempting to close in for an attack.
Dugu Yan remained completely calm, releasing her Jade Phosphor Serpent Martial Soul. "First Spirit Ability: Jade Phosphorous Red Poison!" A red poisonous mist spread, covering most of the Soul Battle Stage. "Second Spirit Ability: Jade Phosphorous Blue Poison!" The blue poisonous mist mixed with the red, producing a peculiar effect. Her opponent grew dizzy and collapsed, powerless. Dugu Yan won the match with absolute control.
Ye Lingling stood out in the support demonstration segment. She displayed the powerful healing ability of her Nine Heart Begonia Spirit, capable of curing severely injured students in a short time, earning unanimous praise from the judges.
In Osler's match, he demonstrated the speed and agility of his Ghost Panther Martial Soul. His opponent was a twenty-fifth-ranked Rock Bear Soul Master with formidable defense. Osler utilized his speed advantage, continuously maneuvering and attacking until he found an opening and secured victory with a single decisive strike.
The Shi brothers' match showcased perfect defensive coordination. Facing two twenty-sixth-ranked assault-type Soul Masters, the brothers held their ground without faltering, ultimately winning through flawless teamwork and powerful defense.
In the subsequent matches, Marco successively defeated his other opponents, securing first place with an undefeated record. The other core students also performed excellently, smoothly qualifying for the reserve team.
Finally, the roster for the new Royal Fight Team reserve members was confirmed:
Captain: Marco (36th rank, Azure Flame Phoenix, Assault Type)
Vice Captain: Yu Tianheng (28th rank, Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, Assault Type)
Members: Dugu Yan (27th rank, Jade Phosphor Serpent, Control Type)
Ye Lingling (26th rank, Nine Heart Begonia, Support Type)
Osler (25th rank, Ghost Panther, Agility Type)
Shímó (24th rank, Black Tortoise Turtle, Defense Type)
Shímò (24th rank, Black Tortoise Turtle, Defense Type)
After announcing the list, Teacher Yan Ming solemnly declared, "From today onward, you are reserve members of the Royal Fight Team. Over the next year, we will undergo rigorous training to prepare for the Elite Competition of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academies."
Marco stood at the forefront of the team, his gaze resolute. He knew this was only the beginning—the road ahead was long. The Elite Competition of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academies would be the first major trial he and his team would face.