Silica was not just an ordinary Magus. She was one of Lord Izta's trusted generals, her expertise in weapons had earned her the spot of being the one in charge of the Terran army training.

As of now, she carried a hundred years' worth of experience in training thousands of the Terran soldiers. Even before that, she was a renowned combat magus and a fighter that has fought in countless wars.

For her to see Emery and his friends' skills in weaponry, there was no other method that was more effective than battling using combat puppets. Fortunately, as an ex-combat institute instructor, Lord Izta kept several of those puppets within his domain.

Emery and his friends were led into the lower level of the Barracks. It had an area of a similar size to the palace courtyard. It was divided into several sections, each housing a puppet similar to the one in the combat institute. Although to his surprise among the wooden puppets, there were a few that were made of a black, shiny material that looked close to rubber.

Seeing Emery's curious stare on it, the magus explained that the wooden puppet was limited to copy the strength up to the rank 7 acolytes. As Emery and friends already passed that level, they would need to train with the advanced combat puppets.

Emery could quickly guess the advanced puppets were not easy to come by or probably very expensive, as despite the size of the place and the dozens number of the wooden puppets, in comparison there were only three advance black puppets available for use.

"You shall start first!" The Magus pointed at Emery, her gaze full of interest. Emery was chosen to get into a privileged class under a special condition and she wanted to see what it was.

Emery walked toward one of the arena and accessed the panel on the side.

[Choose your weapon]

"Sword."

[Choose type of swords]

[Short sword, long sword, one-edged sword, broadsword, rapier, great sword, ...]

Without hesitation, Emery chose, "Long sword."

The last time Emery fought these puppets, he managed to win against the level 6 challenge. But this time, he had to start with new puppets. Hence Emery had to go from the first level all over again.

Within seconds, he was able to finish the level 1 to 5 challenges, but sadly, this time his wins gave him no rewards.

A voice could be heard from the puppet, indicating level 6 was about to start.

Emery's battle power has increased double since he fought this level. But this doesn't mean it will get easier, and as expected, the level 6 puppet proved itself to be much faster and stronger following his increased battle power.

He had to resort to using multiple [Blink], coupled with various battle arts, in order to finally beat the level 6 puppet again.

As the puppet fell down crumpled on the ground, it was time to fight the level 7 puppet. A noise could be heard from the fallen puppet as it got up again, as good as new.

The battle was rough and Emery was forced to take the fight much more seriously.

Fighting this level means that everything he learned in the past three years was being tested, and just like last time no amount of battle art skill could help him. Fortunately, Emery still has a trick up his sleeve.

[Dao Divine technique]

Emery's movements started to become erratic to the puppets and the puppet this time found it hard to follow. The puppet swung its mechanical arm and attacked with force, but Emery countered it softly and used the puppet's power to propel him away or fuel his attacks.

After a few minutes, and several [Heroic Slash] finally he managed to beat the puppet.

[Congratulations, the level 7 combat puppet was defeated]

[Received 4 battle power]

It was such a good feeling. Emery had the chance to show off what he had learned the last three years and be rewarded for it.

His palm was shining, and as if someone cast a spell on him, he could feel his muscle stiffen as his physique increased to another level. Four points of battle power was not a little amount after all.

The reward certainly encouraged Emery to try another level.

Before accessing the next level Emery took a glance at the magus, but she appeared to be unsurprised with Emery's skill, instead she told Chumo and Klea to hop on into the arena with the other two black puppets.

Trying not to think much out of it he continued his challenge "Level 8!'

Emery gave his all, sweat wetted his brows and hair, but he was unable to overpower the puppet even using his new sword style.

Magus Silica did not show any kind of reaction, it was as if she had already foreseen and anticipated the result. Emery fought against the black puppet for an hour, but it remained standing. He was surprised to find that fighting the puppet felt similar to that time he fought Orycon and the pale man. Although the puppet and him moved at the same speed, he was unable to keep up with it.

It was abundantly clear he could not defeat the puppet the way he was. Emery stopped the fight, accessed the side panel to add a short sword for him. This time he fought with a pair of swords

Clank! Clank!!

Sparks flew between him and the puppet, with weapons on both hands, Emery could feel his [Dao Divine Technique] feel much more refined. Emery and the puppet, both were struggling for dominance. Unfortunately his attempt was met with the same result: failure.

Magus Silica decided to stop him to not waste any time "Alright next!'

Emery walked back disappointed, only to see Klea already waiting. The genius girl was apparently only able to defeat level 6 and stuck at level 7. The fact made him think that apparently there was a limit to her genius after all. Unconsciously Emery cracked a gleeful smile, but unfortunately for him, the girl realized it.

"Why are you smiling? Are you happy that I failed miserably?"

Her glare quickly scared him, "No, no, i don't mean like that"

"What is that smile for then?"

Emery stood still with no answer and the girl turned her head away saying, "Don't bother answering, I don't want to hear it!"

Emery took a deep sigh, all this training he will learn the next few months, there was one skill that he hoped he could master; the ability to know to say the right thing at the right time.