"Is this Erste?"
Gratz examined the boy waving his hand at them. Even though the other party was simply standing there waving at them, Gratz actually felt there was something weird about Erste but he could not determine what it was.
"Yes, that's him," Jack answered while sighing.
"You're right about this child, he looks like he has no elegance at all, but he is still young and can be taught."
While Gratz and Jack were having their conversation Erste was already standing right in front of them.
"What did you do?" Jack asked Erste who was acting like nothing had happened.
"Oh this, I wanted to skip the basic training so I made a bet with them. If I'm able to beat them all I don't need to do basic training and I don't need to be in a team of three."
After hearing his explanation Jack once again sighed, Even though he already expected Erste to do something like this it was still surprising to see actually happen.
"The instructor doesn't have the authority to make that happen."
"Then who does?"
"That would be me. I apologize for the late introduction, I'm Gratz a General here in the rebellion. It's a pleasure to meet you young one."
"Nice to meet you too, I'm Erste a newcomer. So you're the one I need to talk to if I want to skip basic training and go on missions alone."
"Young one, I don't know much about you, but I can already see that you're skill in battle is above most combatants and I can understand why you want to skip basic training. Still, I cannot allow you to skip basic training since you need to do that not only to learn the skills for using mana but also to have a better understanding of your future companions."
"So you're not going to allow me to skip basic training, and you're not going to allow me to do missions by myself." Erste was now frowning as he spoke.
"You must understand boy, fighting against the Gods has a lot of risks if you do it by yourself. Without the appropriate amount of power and experience, you can't possibly do any missions by yourself. The only way to be able to get out of forming a team is if you become a general like myself."
"I see, so you're telling me if I defeat you I can prove that I can do missions by myself."
Jack already had a feeling that this would happen the moment he brought Sir Gratz to meet Erste. Even though he and Erste had only known each other for a short while, Jack had a basic understanding of Erste based on what he saw in the sparring match against Allan.
...
The moment Erste finished speaking a powerful burst of energy erupted from Gratz. A suffocating pressure descended upon Erste and despite not being targetted Jack could also feel a portion of the pressure which made him kneel.
On the other hand, Erste had a vicious smile on his face as he resisted the pressure. Seeing Erste resist Gratz increased the pressure as he was releasing about eighty percent of his power.
Erste who had ignored the initial release of pressure was finally feeling its effects. It was like gravity had increased greatly and something was pushing him down wanting him to kneel. Even in this situation, Erste could not help himself as he smiled a very vicious-looking smile and burst out with his own power. Erste's powerful mana had offset the pressure making him successfully resist Gratz.
It was then the pressure suddenly dispersed as if it was never there in the first place. Jack breathed heavily as the pressure disappeared, on the other hand, Erste looked at Gratz confused.
"Why did you stop?"
"Using more power than that would be a disgrace, to continue such a farce would be inelegant."
Gratz looked at Erste and noticed that the other party was just about ready to attack. Seeing Erste's reaction and remembering his own rather immature actions made Gratz sigh deeply.
"Truly how inelegant."
"I don't know why you keep saying inelegant this or inelegant that, but now that you have caught a glimpse of my own capabilities. Can you make an exception for me and allow me to skip basic training and go on missions by myself?"
Gratz didn't reply immediately as he stared into Erste's eyes. What Gratz saw in Erste's eyes was something akin to a fighting spirit, but it felt more than that.
'Are you a wild dog that would bite anyone in sight, or are you a warrior looking for a challenge?'
...
Back in the Soul Realm one of the incarnations raised his hand interrupting what they were watching.
"What is it?" The Original Incarnation stopped the memories and asked.
"We're watching your memories of these events right?"
"Yes, and?"
"Then how come there are parts that don't have you and you still seem to know what they were talking about? Also, I have noticed before that we seem to be able to listen to other people's thoughts, if these are just a playback of your memories then how come we can hear the thoughts that aren't yours?"
Hearing that incarnation's question the other incarnations also agreed and now realized that it was indeed rather confusing.
"That's an excellent question. Now normally I would give you an answer, but answering that question is rather complicated. It delves into my various abilities and having some of the authority of the ORIGIN. So for now, just accept that this is just a part of my abilities, alright, so can we continue watching?"
"... Fine."
The original incarnation nodded his head in satisfaction as he continued playing his memories.
...
"Alright then, I'll test you myself. I'll bring you along in my next mission were I'll judge whether you can have a special exemption or not."
"Sir, are you sure about this? Missions given to the generals usually are about facing the more powerful New Gods or even gathering information about the Old Gods. Even if Erste is talented, going on those kinds of missions with you is..."
"I know what you want to say, but don't worry as long as I'm there nothing bad will happen. I am after all one of the oldest surviving members of the rebellion, I was here even before the days when we got to call ourselves a rebellion."
"Alright, Sir."
"So what do you say boy, will you accept this test of mine?" Gratz looked at Erste who still had that vicious smile on his face as he answered.
"When do we leave?"
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