Three sovereign-grade martial artists, elites from outside Lannopolis, arrived seeking Apollo's ultimate skill. They took three steps, then a fourth, before one coughed up blood and fell. The remaining two also faltered at the fifth step.
"These renowned fighters, from Grayvale, Southriver, and Western Bank, all failed at the fourth step," an onlooker remarked. "How difficult is this path?" Those who attempted it suffered injury or death.
Meanwhile, Dustin's seven steps stood in stark contrast. A whisper rippled through the crowd: "Who is he? Even Central Harbor's elite pale in comparison."
Dustin remained impassive. Timothy urged his uncle, Mark Bones, a powerful family fighter, to surpass Dustin.
"More than seven steps," Mark chuckled, stepping forward. Recognition followed: "Mark Bones, one of the Bones family's strongest!" Someone added, "A top-tier sovereign-grade fighter, stronger than Victor Cain. He might break the record!" Timothy and Mark exchanged smiles, envisioning the Sorensen family treasure.
The Sorensen family's prestige was again the topic of conversation. "Seven steps? I'll take ten!" Mark declared confidently, beginning his ascent with effortless grace. His composure surprised many. They believed he would succeed.
However, at the fourth step, Mark's face tightened. He struggled to lift his legs. "Four steps? Just four?" he sputtered, disbelief etched on his reddening face. He, unlike the others, was no ordinary sovereign-grade fighter!
He channeled pure energy into his legs, forcing a step forward. But before his foot touched the ground, he was violently flung back. Timothy rushed to catch him, both coughing up blood. The force was immense, overwhelming even the injured Timothy. Howard intervened, using his energy to prevent them from crashing into the wall, more concerned about building damage than their well-being.
"Five steps? I couldn't even manage five?" Mark coughed, incredulous. He, too, had met the same fate as the others.
Howard's cool assessment cut through the air: "Strength alone won't suffice. Wisdom and talent are also needed." The implication was clear: Mark lacked both.
Mark's face darkened. His boastful claim of surpassing seven steps now felt humiliating. He had failed to even reach the fifth.