Awakened Talent: 10,000 Exp Converter!

South Novice Sanctuary.

As Vincent strolled through the sanctuary, he couldn't help but notice an unusual number of Origin Warriors bustling about. They all seemed to be heading in the same direction, their movements hurried and purposeful. Intrigued, Vincent decided to follow the flow of the crowd.

Soon, he found himself standing before a massive platform that resembled an arena. Below it, a throng of people had gathered, their eyes fixed on the stage. At the center of the platform stood a man made entirely of crystals, his form resembling that of a humanoid amethyst. His hair, if it could even be called that, cascaded down like stalactites, giving him an otherworldly appearance.

This was a member of the Crystallian race, the neutral race that governed the South Novice Sanctuary. Despite their rule over the sanctuary, this was only the second time Vincent had seen a Crystallian in person.

The crystalline man held a gem-like microphone, his voice resonating through the air. "Welcome, everyone! Another week has passed, which means it's time for the Weekly Outer District Battle! As always, anyone can participate, and only the top five will earn the chance to enter the secret realm—the Lost Grove."

Vincent's eyes narrowed as he recalled the bartender at the Newcomer Lounge mentioning this event. He had been curious about it but had nearly forgotten due to his busy schedule.

"Since I have nothing better to do, I might as well check it out," Vincent thought, joining the queue for registration.

The registration station was manned by another Crystallian. When it was Vincent's turn, the Crystallian asked without looking up, "Name and strength."

Vincent, wearing his Shifting Visage mask, replied, "Shroud, Tier 2 (1★)."

The Crystallian glanced up, his crystalline eyes scrutinizing Vincent as if doubting his claim. After a moment, he returned to his desk and wrote down Vincent's alias and strength. "I'll register you, but take this as a word of advice. It would be better for you not to participate. You'll be up against other Tier 2 contestants, and I'm certain many of them are at the peak stage."

Vincent simply nodded. "Thank you for your advice," he said before accepting a small token with the number 25 engraved on it. He then moved to a corner, where he stood silently, observing the crowd.

The Crystallian watched him go, shaking his head. "It's your decision. If you want to be beaten so badly, I won't stop you," he muttered before resuming his duties.

A few moments later, the Crystallian emcee's voice boomed through the sanctuary. "Alright, time's up! Registration is closed! I understand your frustration, but rules are rules. If you really want to join the tournament, try again next week. Or, if you're brave enough, you can speak to the Sanctuary Head himself. He might grant you a chance."

The emcee smirked, his crystalline face glinting in the light. The Sanctuary Head, Thystian, was a figure of great power and influence, akin to a mayor ruling over the South Novice Sanctuary. Vincent had heard of him but knew little about his appearance or personality.

The crowd, frustrated but resigned, began to disperse. No one dared to approach the Sanctuary Head over something as trivial as a missed registration. Offending someone of his stature was not worth the risk, especially when they lacked the strength to challenge him.

"Alright! Since everything is in order, let's begin the Weekly Outer District Battle! As usual, one participant from Tier 1, two from Tier 2, and two from Tier 3 will earn the chance to enter the secret realm," the emcee announced, raising his hand dramatically.

"I'll be your host for today's battle—Nato. Let the games begin!"

With a flourish, Nato shot a massive crystal into the sky. It exploded into a shower of sparkling particles, creating a dazzling display reminiscent of fireworks. The crowd erupted in cheers as Nato leaped onto an elevated platform, taking his place as the stage's emcee.

A bulky Crystallian man replaced him on the main platform, assuming the role of referee. "Let's welcome our first participants, numbers 204 and 205, to the stage!" Nato called out.

The crowd applauded as the two participants climbed onto the arena. Vincent watched the Tier 1 battles with mild interest. Though unimpressive, the fights were fast-paced, with each participant unleashing their ultimate moves almost immediately.

It didn't take long for the Tier 1 winner to be announced. "And our Tier 1 final winner is... Anur!" Nato declared, prompting another round of applause from the crowd.

"Let's not waste any time! It's time for the next stage—Tier 2 participants, prepare yourselves! This is your moment to shine!" Nato's voice was full of energy as he introduced the next round.

"Alright, let's give a round of applause for participants 26 and 25! Please step onto the stage!" Nato announced.

The sound of applause filled the air as Vincent, who had been leaning silently in a corner, straightened up. He glanced at Mochi, who was perched on his shoulder, and said, "Come down for a moment. I'm going up. I'll be back in a second."

Mochi gave him a sidelong glance before hopping onto a nearby bench. "Be quick," she muttered, her tone indicating she was still in a sour mood.

Vincent nodded and made his way to the stage. As he climbed up, Nato began to announce his registered information. "On the right side, we have participant number 25—Shroud. Oh, what a surprise! Participant number 25 is only at the initial stage of Tier 2!"

The crowd erupted in exclamations of disbelief and mockery.

"Haha, is this guy an idiot? Doesn't he know that most participants are at the peak stage of their realm?"

"Another fool dreaming of a protagonist's life!"

"Who's his opponent?"

Nato, seemingly hearing the crowd's chatter, announced Vincent's opponent. "On the left side, we have participant number 26—Rakee! Do I even need to introduce him? For the newcomers, Rakee is a Tier 2 (5★) veteran who has participated in the Weekly Outer District Battle multiple times but has yet to earn a spot in the Lost Grove. He's a passionate competitor who never gives up!"

The crowd laughed at Nato's playful jab, and Rakee's copper-skinned face darkened with anger. "I'm going to win today! Just watch, you crystal-headed fool!" Rakee shouted at Nato, who merely chuckled in response.

"Hoho, Rakee's fired up today! Will we witness his rise to glory, or will it be another disappointing performance? Let the battle begin!" Nato declared.

The referee shouted, "Fight!"

In an instant, Rakee charged at Vincent, his massive copper fists swinging through the air. He wore thick silver-iron armor but chose to fight bare-handed, clearly underestimating his opponent.

As a peak Tier 2 Origin Warrior, Rakee saw no need to take Vincent seriously. The difference in their physiques was stark—Rakee's muscular frame and copper skin made him a formidable sight, while Vincent appeared almost frail in comparison.

"Sorry, Mr. Protagonist, but your dream ends here!" Rakee taunted as his fist closed in on Vincent's face.@@novelbin@@

The crowd watched with disinterest, expecting a quick and one-sided victory.

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"Haha, Rakee didn't even give that fool a chance to attack. How boring!" someone jeered.

But just as Rakee's fist was about to connect, Vincent moved. His arm shot forward, a gleaming silver light enveloping it as he struck Rakee with a single, precise blow. The impact sent Rakee flying off the stage, his body crashing to the ground below.

The crowd erupted in shock and excitement. "What just happened?!" someone shouted.

Nato, momentarily stunned, quickly regained his composure. "What a surprise! The fool—ahem, Shroud, the dark horse—has defeated the veteran Rakee in an instant!"

The arena exploded with applause and cheers. "Woooh! Fool! Fool! Fool!" the crowd chanted, their tone shifting from mockery to admiration.

Vincent's lips twitched beneath his mask, but he ignored the chants and calmly walked off the stage, returning to Mochi's side.

The fight had been anticlimactic, but Vincent's display of power left the crowd in awe. He paid little attention to the subsequent battles, only opening his eyes when it was his turn to fight again. Each time, he defeated his opponents with a single strike, his dominance undeniable.

Before long, the final round arrived. The winners of the last two battles would earn a spot in the Lost Grove.

"Open your eyes, everyone! It's the final round for the last four participants! The winners of these battles will enter the Lost Grove alongside the other victors!" Nato announced, his voice brimming with excitement.

The crowd roared in anticipation, eager to see if Vincent—Shroud—would continue his unstoppable streak.

"The first battle will be between one of our veterans and the dark horse!"

"Finn and Shroud!"

Voice of the crowd erupted in unison, utterly excited!

Vincent looked at his opponent. Finn was naturally at Peak of Tier 2 stage, he was a tall and slender man, from a race called, Fishman.

They were commonly seen in the western part of the Novice Continent.

It would be his first time fighting against a Fishman.

And based on the prior battles of Finn, he could say that he was a strong Origin Warrior. However, he was not an average Origin Warrior.

He had an SSS-rank talent!