Chapter 203 – Distorted

Chapter 203 - Distorted

"And Laust Lange, you are a fighter but act like an assassin, speed is not your problem anymore, but there is another reason why I gave you that skill. That big sword of yours has a sharp edge and weight, so it's enough to cover your strength. I only need to increase your speed to match it.
"However, I've seen a fatal weakness in your swordplay… You're simply too reliant on your skills. That's why I will try to help you in your Five Aspects, especially Force Control and Awareness."
Laust closed his eyes and remained silent. He knew Radvils said the right thing and his advice was good for him. Hence, Laust agreed with him becoming his instructor.
"Then…" Radvils looked at Sihan. "Your fighting style is too bland. Using a shield as a sword is indeed a good addition, but that's all. All I can see from you is a guardian that I don't need to fight. If I were Theodore Griffith, I would rain my opponent with Magic Bullets while fighting you, meaning that your existence will be pretty much useless. What you need right now is unpredictability.
"You need to make your opponent think you have something in your sleeve that the moment they try to help the others, they will be dead. So, in your training, I will add more techniques in your reservoir, making sure that you will be a better Guardian."
"I understand. Fighting monsters and fighting humans need two different approaches after all." Sihan agreed with a solemn expression.
"That's right. Last but not least, Theodore Griffith. As someone with the best field of vision, sense, and head… I want you to be the beating heart of this team. With Alea Eilric at its center, this team will be specialized in the aggressive offense.
"If the main star has shone brightly, but there's a weak link that stops the light from illuminating the rest, then the entire system will be broken. That's why I need someone to maximize Alea Eilric's performance to make the others shine as well.
"Among all the people who interacted with her, the one who was able to bring out the best of the team and still had the talent to "surpass" them… It's you, Theodore Griffith. I want you to look at your teammates and devour their talent."
Theo's expression turned serious as he felt the pressure coming from Radvils' eyes. Him telling Theo to watch the others meant Theo needed to work harder than those five.
Radvils saw that the rest couldn't improve much if Theo didn't show his absolute reign over them and that was the reason why Theo didn't find any satisfactory improvement when they killed Hero Rank Monsters. There was simply no great wall to overcome.
Theo clenched his fists and opened his mouth. "Yes!"
"Good." Radvils made an evil smirk as he said, "These are the six students who will face the world."
Theo took a deep breath. His heart had been beating rapidly. After all, his goal had been achieved.
'That's right. I have finally become a candidate for the Grand Gaia Competition. Mess the world up, eh? If I can't even compete with the geniuses from all over the world, then there's no way I can mess the world up. In that case, there's only one solution, just like Alea, I'm also going to use all those geniuses to make me even stronger!' Theo unintentionally leaked his killing intent as the group turned around and leaped backward instinctively.
Alea and Laust had specifically felt this feeling from Theo.
It was his desire to absorb everything, including their own style. And Theo would use that knowledge to destroy them.
"How cute you are, Instructor." Theo chuckled as he looked at their eyes with a cold expression. "Surpass them? Devour their talent? I thought you were better than that."
"Ho?" Radvils' eyebrows raised as what Theo said piqued his interest.
"Not only would I do both, but I'm also going to wreck them completely like trash. I already told them, those who are useless will become this group's trash. If they can't keep up with the rest, they should prepare to become the world's laughing stock."
Theo's word meant that if they didn't plan to risk everything on the line, they wouldn't be able to keep up with Theo. After all, this competition was another stepping stone for becoming the best trickster in the world.
Although her hands were shaking, Alea still walked to him and looked him in the eyes. "Theo… Look at me."
Theo squinted his eyes and turned to Alea.
"I know that this is a team competition, but I've realized that my biggest threat is not from other teams. It's you! That's why I don't mind losing against other teams, I simply don't want to lose against you!" Alea glared back with her own determination and resolve. "Helplessness, fear, and anxiety, I've felt it from you. Even if I need to break my bones, you won't be able to beat me."
"Hmph." Theo shrugged and looked away. "I have said everything. You just need to make sure that your performances match your words. The moment you're useless to me, I won't hesitate to throw you away in this competition."
"Fine by me."
Ellen smiled and said nonchalantly. "As expected of Theo, you're the best. That's why I'm your fan."
Phyrill nodded in agreement as he felt excited as well. "For real, this distorted team… I love it."
Sihan and Laust remained silent, but their eyes showed that Theo's pressure indeed had gone to their hearts. They could see that Theo had been planning to reach the main stage. At that stage, they would be seen by millions of people.
There was no way they wanted to become the laughing stock and disappointment. They would simply lose all their faces when they returned.
The two closed their eyes for a moment before opening them again with determination.
Radvils shook his head and opened his mouth.
"I don't care about your distorted motivations, kids. I only want to let you know that all of you only have three weeks left. Keep practicing with the resolve to risk it all, you brats, there is no longer any room for failure." Radvils suddenly let out a small grin and opened his eyes wide. "Hence, we will now commence the last training session."