"Finally, after holding back for so long, I broke through." Muria could feel his body undergoing a profound transformation, elevating to a higher plane of existence. He squinted his eyes slightly, savoring the marvelous sensation. Not only was his physical body changing, but the energy within him was also undergoing a radical metamorphosis.
This transformation had been anticipated. His energy had become more solidified, yet also more agile. The outward manifestation of this was the increased destructive power and expanded range of his attacks.
Simply put, when a martial artist breaks through to become a Martial Lord, they gain not only close-combat prowess but also the ability to execute ranged attacks. Of course, in this area, they still couldn't compare to the innate advantages of Star Armor Masters.
"A Martial Avatar. What an interesting phenomenon!" Without even turning around, Muria knew what kind of awe-inspiring vision had appeared behind him. He could sense that he could fully control the movements of the Martial Avatar standing behind him, using it to attack if he wished.
"What fascinating rules," Muria remarked as he felt the intricacies of this phenomenon, his eyes gleaming with intrigue.
In the Star Armor world, a Martial Lord's strength was roughly equivalent to that of a Soul Will-tier combatant in Erathia. However, in Erathia, when close-combat professions reach the Soul Will-tier, they typically cannot manifest something like this under normal circumstances.
That said, creating an impressive light projection behind oneself isn't impossible.
For example, bloodline sorcerers could achieve something similar. When their bloodline power is activated to a sufficient degree, they could project an intimidating image behind them during battle.
These projections, however, were often purely ornamental, meant to intimidate or bolster morale without much practical use. But Muria's Martial Avatar was different. It could genuinely be used in combat. Undoubtedly, such a manifestation was beyond the ability of a Martial Lord to achieve through their strength alone.
"The power of the world's rules," Muria concluded as he identified the root cause of his Martial Avatar's existence.
"Thank you all for helping me break through." After briefly analyzing the foundation of his Martial Avatar, Muria's gaze turned toward the group of talented Star Armor Masters in front of him. Their expressions were a mix of frustration and fear.
"Since you helped me the first time, I trust you won't mind assisting me a second time. Be good sports and let me test my new power. I want to see how much I've progressed compared to before."
"Come on! Haven't you had enough? We've been through hell with you already! If you want to test your strength, go find a titled Star Armor Master or that Martial Lord Ayn! Picking on us weaker ones doesn't prove anything!"
One of the teenagers snapped, unable to hold back his anger. He had already given his all earlier to counter Muria's martial energy, which had taken the form of a white dragon. And now, after Muria's breakthrough, this bully wanted to use them as test subjects again.
"Jenos, this is too much! Before your breakthrough, you could already crush us effortlessly. Now, you can kill us with just a casual move.
Besides, are you even fully in control of your newfound power? If you slip up, it could cost us our lives. Can you bear the responsibility for that?"
"You make a fair point," Muria acknowledged, resting his chin on his hand as he nodded at the protesting youths.
"In that case, let's compromise. All of you group up, and I'll use just one move. Defend against it together. Surely you can manage that?"
"Seriously? Can't you just let us go? You're a Martial Lord now. Why are you still messing with us advanced Star Armor Masters? We didn't even offend you!"
"Didn't you all step up here intending to challenge me? To beat me up, even?" Muria looked genuinely puzzled. He thought he had made his point clear when leaving the awards ceremony.
"Alright, then. Prepare yourselves! I'll use just one strike, and after that, you're free to leave."
Muria slowly raised his palm. Behind him, the colossal figure of his Martial Avatar mirrored his movement, its massive hand also rising with its palm facing down.
"Quick! Group up and attack together! Defense alone won't cut it. We might not beat him, but if we work as one, we can at least block his strike!"
Seeing the Martial Avatar begin to move, the young Star Armor Masters hastily regrouped, raising energy shields and activating all their defensive Star Armor mechanisms. Simultaneously, they launched a coordinated counterattack.
Whoosh—
As the attacks came rushing toward him, Muria remained unmoved. He pressed his palm downward, and the hundred-meter-tall Martial Avatar followed suit.
As its hand descended, it expanded and grew, blotting out the sky. The air crackled with shockwaves, and visible energy trails spiraled around its palm like flowing ribbons.
Boom!
The Star Armor Masters, trapped and unable to escape, could only withstand the massive pressure together. Their attacks did manage to leave dents and craters in the Martial Avatar's hand. But these imperfections vanished almost instantly, restored by the celestial glow surrounding the Avatar, making it seem as if their efforts were futile.
Finally, under the youths' despairing gazes, the ever-expanding hand crashed down upon them. Like dumplings tossed into boiling water, they tumbled one after another, plummeting to the ground.
This dramatic scene was captured live by reporters below, who broadcasted it to households across the Federation, delivering an exhilarating visual spectacle and marking the rise of the Federation's second Martial Lord in over three centuries.
...
"Ha ha ha!"
In the Douglas family's meeting room, waves of unrestrained laughter erupted as the elders watched Muria summon his Martial Avatar during the live broadcast. Even the usually stoic family head couldn't hide his grin.
The emergence of a Martial Lord, someone who could rival titled Star Armor Masters, signified a significant boost in the family's power. The Douglas family's influence within the Federation would grow, granting them access to more resources and enabling the cultivation of more talent, creating a virtuous cycle.
What's more, Muria himself represented unparalleled potential. To the family head and elders, a youth breaking through to Martial Lord at this age was nothing short of extraordinary. Muria could very well achieve a higher tier of power in the future, far surpassing even the Federation's most celebrated Martial Lord, Ayn.
Meanwhile, representatives of the other three great families, also present in the meeting room, wore grim expressions. With limited resources to go around, the rise of the Douglas family meant that others would inevitably receive a smaller share.
"Well, gentlemen, the battle is over. Unfortunately, we cannot fulfill your requests. Would you prefer to stay here or end your connection?"
A smiling elder turned to the three families' representatives. The family's newfound strength brought him immense satisfaction; after all, his fate was inextricably tied to the Douglas family.
"Hmph!"
With a chorus of discontented huffs, the three families' holograms vanished from the meeting room. They couldn't bear to see the triumphant faces of the Douglas family any longer.
...
"Lord Dragon, young master Jenos has broken through to Martial Lord."
In the peaceful Douglas estate, now calm after Muria's departure, the butler Pais approached an elderly man basking in the sun. He spoke cautiously.
"I saw," the old man replied, opening his slightly clouded eyes with a smile.
"Would you be willing to guide this young talent of the family? You must see his potential. He could reach unparalleled heights."
"No need. He's already come this far. Someone like me has nothing to teach him anymore. It's not my place to interfere." The old man shook his head decisively.
"But—"
"No buts. Don't underestimate that boy. He's far more remarkable than you think. In my era, someone breaking through at his age would have caused an uproar. Even the Martial Emperor himself might have extended an olive branch to take him as a disciple."
"In that case, why won't you—"
"I'm no Martial Emperor, and I'm not qualified to teach him. We can consider each other peers, though."
"But he's a junior! To address him as an equal—how could that be appropriate?"
"In martial arts, there's no distinction between old and young. The capable are teachers."
...
"What's going on? First, a twenty-seven-year-old Martial Lord, and now a seventeen-year-old one? The world's changing too fast!"
On a tidy street, an old man pruning flowers straightened his back. He looked at the giant screen at the end of the road, which was broadcasting the news.
"I thought martial arts would die out in our generation, but now, two new Martial Lords have appeared. And at this age, their achievements suggest they could even become Martial Emperors someday."
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