The ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE SYSTEM
Chapter 51: AN ALLY

Chapter 51: AN ALLY

The reinforced metal walls of the underground arena absorbed the tension like silent witnesses. Bright overhead lights cast stark shadows as Chen Yu and Roman faced each other.

Roman’s fists were clenched. His breathing was steady, but there was a fire in his eyes—determined, unshaken.

Chen Yu stepped forward, his voice calm and laced with confidence.

"You already look tense," he said with a smirk. "You really think you can win against me?"

Roman met his gaze, unflinching. "I don’t know if you’re B-rank or higher," he replied firmly. "But if I’m standing here, it means I’ve prepared to face you. I’ll give everything I have—and I will defeat you."

Chen Yu chuckled lightly. "You talk like someone who has a chance. Fine. I’ll give you a favor."

He tilted his head, eyes sharp and unwavering.

"I won’t even use my class abilities. No system skills. Just pure strength. Let’s see what you’re really made of."

Roman’s brow twitched slightly, but he stood his ground.

"I saw the barrier you set outside," Chen Yu continued, voice edged with amusement. "It’s strong—A-rank quality, maybe. But barriers like that rely on spiritual energy and planning. Which tells me one thing..."

He took another step forward, and his tone dropped cold.

"You’re a mage. And your physical stats must be weak. In here, none of that support matters. You don’t have to go so far just to embarrass yourself."

The air between them tensed—electric and heavy.

Without a word, Roman adjusted his stance. His breathing calmed.

Then, with a calm breath, he activated his trait—[Concentration].

A subtle aura shimmered around him. His heartbeat steadied. His focus locked in like a predator on its prey.

For the next five minutes, his power had risen—he was now operating at A-rank level.

Chen Yu raised an eyebrow. Then smirked.

"Oh? So you were relying on your trait all along?" he said lazily, voice laced with amusement.

A glint flashed in Chen’s eyes as he instantly copied Roman’s trait—but he didn’t activate it.

Before Roman could process what happened, Chen charged forward, lunging at him with full force.

But Chen wasn’t idle.

He tapped into the primal energy he gained from his contract with Vornark, the lightning-type spiritual beast.

A surge of raw power coursed through his body as he unleashed a punch toward Roman.

Roman twisted his body, dodging at the last second, and countered with a skillful strike.

"Holy Slash!"

A radiant arc of holy energy slashed through the air, heading straight for Chen.

But Chen didn’t flinch.

He raised his hand.

"Odin’s Wrath."

A crackle of divine energy formed into a barrier, nullifying the holy slash before blasting back in a golden flash.

Roman rolled aside, narrowly avoiding the retaliation. He panted lightly, already feeling the pressure.

Chen smiled, unfazed. "You’re quick. I’ll give you that."

His tone darkened slightly. "But let me show you what speed really is."

Lightning sparked beneath Chen’s feet.

Thanks to his contract with Vornark, his agility was on another level. He vanished in a flash—

—and reappeared behind Roman in an instant.

Roman’s eyes widened. He quickly leapt back, trying to regain distance.

"You said you wouldn’t use your class," he growled, voice full of frustration. "But you’re clearly using powers!"

Chen chuckled, folding his arms casually. "Roman... I said I wouldn’t use my class. And I haven’t."

He took a step forward. The air around him began to shimmer.

"I’m not a mage. I’ll show you what I really am later. But for now—let’s end this."

He raised his hand skyward.

"Thunder Sword."

A surge of lightning erupted from above. Dozens—no, hundreds—of electrified swords materialized in the air.

They rained down all at once—piercing, crashing, overwhelming.

The ground shook. Sparks and dust filled the arena.

A deafening hum filled the air before silence finally returned.

When the storm cleared, Roman was on the ground, his chest rising and falling heavily. Burns lined his arms, and his shirt was tattered—but his eyes... his eyes were clear.

He struggled to sit up, then looked at Chen Yu.

"...I lost," Roman said quietly.

"But I saw it. Your strength... it’s real."

He lowered his head in a gesture of respect.

"If you can make me stronger... I’m ready to serve under you."

Chen walked over and tossed a small glass vial to Roman.

The liquid inside shimmered a soft, light green.

"Drink this healing potion first," he said casually. "It’ll patch you up."

Roman caught it and nodded. "Thanks..."

Chen turned around, hands in his pockets. "As for everything else—don’t overthink it for now. I’ll explain when it’s time."

He glanced over his shoulder.

"Come on. I’ll introduce you to your guildmates."

Roman blinked. "Guildmates?"

Chen smirked. "They’re training in the next room."

The two made their way through a reinforced hallway connecting to another underground chamber.

The sound of sparring grew louder as they approached. The metallic clank of weapons echoed through the corridor.

As the heavy door slid open, Roman stepped inside—and froze.

Before him stood three girls.

Two of them were mid-combat—sparring fiercely, their movements sharp, fast, and fluid. Roman could instantly sense it.

Both of them were B-rank. Just like him.

But the third girl, who was standing nearby with folded arms, watching and giving pointers...

He couldn’t sense her rank at all.

It was like her aura was completely hidden—or simply too high for him to measure.

Roman’s eyes widened. "Chen... who are you to have such strong allies?"

Chen smiled faintly. "Those two—Meiyun and Ruxue—are your teammates. They’ll be fighting beside you from now on."

Roman blinked again. "B-rank... both of them?"

Chen nodded.

"And the other one?" Roman asked, his eyes drifting nervously to the girl with the commanding presence.

Chen turned to her.

"That’s Hui. She’s... a bit special."

Hui, hearing her name, looked over and gave Roman a faint nod. Her eyes briefly scanned him—calm, composed, but sharp like a blade.

Roman felt his spine stiffen under her gaze.

Chen chuckled. "You’ll get used to her. Maybe."