They Shuddered!!

Nova looked around inside the room. In the middle of the hall was a large stage. It is enough for three pairs to fight without disturbing one another.

She peeled one lollipop to eat. Her grandfather gave it to her as her first day at school. She squinted her eyes and studied everyone around her. The first ten people are going to fight. So there is plenty of time to devour her sweet. She sat down on a random chair far away from others. Her carefree attitude actually rose fear in others.

Soon her turn came. The InCharge called, "Nova Winter and Silvia Grey, enter the stage."

Nova calmly went. However, after sometimes no one came from the crowd. It puzzled everyone.

The InCharge frown, "Is Silvia Grey Grey not here?"

No one answered.

The InCharge was baffled. Even if they are afraid, they should at least put a fight against their opponent, right? Just how coward is that person.

The InCharge declared Nova the winner. But she didn't come down and her next opponent was called. This time it is Aila Smith.

She slowly approached the stage. Her face has some scars and hands bind into thick robe. It was tattered and old. It appeared that she has combat experience before. She isn't pretentious. Nova was very excited to actually meet someone to fight. To test herself.

The InCharge declared, "Begin!"

Just as he finished the first move came from Aila. Her technique was clearly practiced, her kick fierce enough to make the ground shudder. But Nova didn't even flinch. She stood still, calm and unreadable. And just as Aila's hand reached for her stomach, Nova shifted effortlessly, dodging with a fluid move that left only air behind.

Nova struck back instantly. The two clashed in a blur of motion, exchanging blow after blow. Nova moved like water, every dodge and counterattack seamless, while Aila struggled to land even a single touch. Nova felt grateful. It was her grandfather who made her this strong. She is very touched. 

Frustration burned in Aila's eyes. Realizing kicks weren't working, she feinted, then switched to a powerful punch aimed straight for Nova's face, hoping to end it.

The crowd below leaned forward, breath held, caught between awe and disbelief.

But Nova reacted just in time. Her hand snapped up, catching Aila's wrist mid-strike. Without hesitation, she drove her fist into Aila's abdomen, forcing a pained gasp from her opponent.

Even through the pain, Aila fought back but the final seconds ticked down, and Nova, expression still unreadable, used a flicker of power. It appeared as if her moves are so light and effortless. 

With one swift, decisive kick, she sent Aila flying backwards.

The crowd gasped as Aila landed outside the ring; the match sealed with brutal silence.

Nova took the water from the InCharge and drank sip by sip. She glanced at Aila once again. It's a pity. Nova could see how talented the other person is. But she hasn't laid a strong foundation. Her moves were not on par with her strength. She could do better. Much better though. 

Nova didn't say anything. She nodded and bowed.

Aila stood up with great difficulty and returned to her own seat. Since from each ten people two shall be selected, there are three more to go.

Her grandfather taught her everything thoroughly. Because of his strict standards Nova was able to stand still against student who are few years older than her. She is twelve years old but soon in a week she will be thirteen.

It's a perfect age to join the O High School.

O High School was no ordinary institution, it was an elite academy, backed by powerful aristocratic families. Renowned as the pinnacle of both academic excellence and combat training, it demanded not only strength but intellect from its students. Only the best were admitted.

Since living with her grandfather, Nova's knowledge had improved by leaps and bounds. Years of discipline and quiet study has sharpened her mind to match her strength. Today's trial was just one step. If she passed, the entrance exam awaited her in two days.

After that, she would finally move into the prestigious dorms of O High School.

One step ahead. She can live a happy life with her grandpa.

She cannot be defeated. This is just the start!

Nova had effortlessly defeated every opponent thrown her way. Without a hint of pride or fatigue, she returned to her seat as if nothing had happened, like it was just another routine exercise.

Dozens still remained to fight, and she had no intention of wasting energy on watching. With a quiet sigh, she leaned back and closed her eyes.

Sleep came easily to her, even in a place like this.

Those who kept stealing glances at her were stunned to see her actually sleeping, calm, composed, untouchable. Her cold, dark eyes may have been shut, but the chilling aura she carried lingered around her like a storm cloud. Icy, unapproachable.

No one dared to step nearby. She looked so detached. 

When the competition ended it was already four hours later. The InCharge declared the names of the winner one by one. He then said, "All of you shall have another fight."

Nova opened her eyes. She looked at the other ninety-nine people expressionless. Unknown to her everyone had already come to the first hall after the competition. 

The InCharge directed, "Please number Four of the first group and number twelve of third group. Step on the stage."

Nova sat up right and started watching the match. 

A blonde-haired girl and an oriental girl stood opposite each other, locked in silent tension. Their fighting styles were different. A sudden, vicious kick from the oriental girl sent the blonde stumbling back several steps, barely regaining her footing.

Nova observed quietly.

From the beginning, she had noticed a pattern, these fighters were survivors, yes, but lacked discipline of fight. They fought with instinct, not skill. Their movements were aggressive but directionless. There was no flow, no strategy. Just strength. But it is still fascinating just how strong they are. 

'Fighting isn't just about attacking though,' Nova thought, 'It's the art of mastering the body, training it to obey the will with precision.'

Her grandfather's voice echoed in her mind.

"Life here, though harsh, tests only your body. But beyond these walls, you'll face battles of the mind. You must learn to read people, watch their emotions, anticipate their actions. And most importantly..."

"Never let them know what you're thinking. Be unpredictable, but never without purpose. Let your randomness be guided by clarity. I know you won't get this now but in the near future you will."

"Number twenty-five from the first group and Number sixty seven from tenth group, your turn."

Nova stepped calmly onto the stage, her small frame casting a long shadow under the arena lights. A ripple of curiosity spread through the crowd, until her opponent joined her.

A boy, around nineteen, strode confidently forward. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and muscled from combat training. Standing across from Nova, the contrast was stark. She looked delicate by comparison, petite, poised, and silent. The height difference alone felt overwhelming.

The arena erupted in chaos.

"What kind of matchup is this?! This is ridiculous!"

"If I had to fight someone like that, I'd just surrender."

"Come on, can that ice princess even take one hit from him?"

"She's only twelve! What is this, some kind of joke?! There's no way she can win!"

"She's been acting so cold and proud, maybe it's time she gets a taste of humility."

"This isn't fair at all!"

Nova stood still, expression unreadable. She glanced at her opponent with calm eyes, silently evaluating him. His strength was uncertain, she hadn't seen any of his previous fights since they were assigned to different groups.

The boy smirked, arrogant and willful, he said, "Little beauty, I'll be generous. Step down now, and I'll let you off easy." He added scanning her properly, "If you give me a kiss, I will just surrender for you."

He laughed. 

Nova remained silent.

The crowd grew louder, feeding off the tension.

The boy laughed darkly, "Still acting proud, huh? I hope you keep that same attitude after a few minutes, if you're still conscious."

Nova nodded. She gathered all her strength on her feet. 

With a savage burst of speed, he lunged forward and seized Nova by the legs, clearly intending to hurl her off the stage like dead weight. But just as he hoisted her into the air, Nova's eyes burned with defiance. In one explosive motion, she twisted her body and drove her heel upward in a devastating kick, straight into his crotch.

"Woahhhh!!!!!" The men below instinctively clutched their lower part. They shuddered.

A guttural scream tore from the man's throat as he crumpled, his grip faltering instantly. Nova flipped midair and landed behind him in a flawless back handspring, her boots hitting the ground.

She rose slowly, her glare cold as steel. 

The crowd below stunned in disbelief. They felt as they were seeing Jurassic world species in real life.

Aila who was very discontent at first was sitting dazedly on her chair. She saw how powerful that kick was. She muttered lowly, "Thank god I didn't provoke her."

The man's face turned red. He hateful glared at the girl. His lower part must be in so much pain. He stood up with great effort, "Bitch! You are quite daring!"

He lunged at her again, fury in his eyes, but Nova was already in motion. She slipped past his grasp like smoke, fluid and untouchable. As he overcommitted, she spun low, sweeping his legs out from under him with a lightning-fast kick.

His balance shattered, he stumbled backward and with a final push from her boot, he was sent tumbling off the stage. 

"Bang!"

The hall was silence. Nova stood nonchalant. The man who fell below was out of the game. She looked at the InCharge. The InCharge received her glance and came back to earth. He declared sweating profusely, "The winner is number twenty-five!"

Nova nodded and left the stage. She glanced at the man below and reminded herself, 'When strength is not enough, strategy is the first step to make. Most of the time, problems eliminated by just strength is easy but once there isn't any use of strength, one must use mind. I remember grandfather.'

She walked at her prior seat and sat down. Men around her moved far away in fear. No one would have guessed that such petite girl of only age twelve could defeat that man of nineteen years!

Everyone looked at her as if seeing a monster.

No matter how others looked at her, she has the most knowledge of how much effort she actually put to become this strong. The past several years was torturous. She was always so tired that after hitting the pillow she would sleep like a death pig. However no one knows this apart from her and her grandpa.

The competition continued but no one was in their right state of mind. Nova was called more than ten times on the stage. She appeared, defeated her opponents and left the stage. She was like a flash of light. Swift in her actions.

Soon the results were announced, and Nova was declared the top fighter for the O High School. The man glared at her hatefully. 

She thought thankfully she wore the boot grandpa made for her. It is extremely sturdy. He even added a sole to aid her height. Afterall she was the youngest among all the people here. Having her age and height both small was very disadvantageous.

When it was seven at evening, everyone left the hall one after another. Nova walked towards the gate and saw her grandfather. 

She waved at him, and her aura warmed a bit. Merrick was standing at the gate and smiled at her. He said, "Let's go. We have to study."

He didn't ask about anything. And such believe made her feel everything she went through is worth it.

Nova nodded. A small smile on her face was very adorable. 

At home.

Nova was doing her math exercise. She looked so focused. Merrick was satisfied but at the same time his heart ache. At such age, she shouldn't be so obedient. She should be like other children happy and naughty. Her maturity pains him.

He approached her and sat down on the chair beside her, "Nova, do you want to go anywhere?"

Nova looked up at him. She looked puzzled.

Merrick smiled and asked, "Do you want to go out and have fun?"

City O is after all filled with fun. The day and night don't matter. The city O has several shops and restaurants to visit. If Nova wants....

"No, grandpa. I have to study. I can roam around the world after I become successful." She smiled a bit.

Merrick naturally knows this but, "This age won't come again. Nova tell me anything you need. I will do my best to fulfill them for you."

Nova blinked. Her grandfather although not very rich, he is very kind. He had done so much for her and still thinks of doing more. He saved her life and give her life. What is more needed? She isn't materialistic to begin with. 

She said, "There isn't anything I want. I'm happy that I'm living and more so because I have grandpa as my family." At a moment her expression turned gentle, "My life is very good already. So, rest assure. Grandpa I'm extremely happy."

Merrick nodded reluctantly. He stood up, "Okay do your work. I will rest a while."

Nova nodded. She again looked down at her work and got engrossed.

Merrick looked back at the child. His eyes turned kind for a moment. Her family...I wonder what they were thinking? Pushing such a lovable child in this abyss of death...

Both daughter and grandpa followed their daily routine. They got the examination invitation in a day. Soon in a blink of an eye, the entrance examination day came.

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