With a silver spear tournament looming the following morning, I spend the rest of the day near the training grounds to see if I can catch a glimpse of any of my potential opponents. I won''t know who I face until the morning, but I should at least try to prepare. Looks like most contestants are just going through repetitive exercises. No one wants to show off their real skill this close to the tournament. I say no one, but the four guys who ranked up from the bronze tournament don''t seem too bothered. They know that they will struggle in the tournament, as they go up against higher level opponents.


    I look at the Silver Spear Tournament boards to see who I am up against. Looks like I will be facing the winner of the bronze tournament. Since neither the life force level nor the technique level is on the board I have no way of knowing if I am in a difficult group. At least I should be able to win against one guy. I head towards the designated area to see if I can spot my other opponents.


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    With the advantage against me looming I continue hoping to wear him out before I remember that he is higher leveled than me and even with my stamina skill we are probably even on stamina. As when I was fighting Brute I try to learn his skill and turn it against him. It doesn''t work, he seems unfazed by my attack. He is not an aggressive attacker, which is also what makes him so dangerous. Every movement has purpose.


    With my maxed spear skill the level 18 might as well have been an ogre for his comparatively clumsy movements. It is a clean quick win. I continue taking out all my remaining opponents without too much difficulty and take first place in the group. Skill trumps strength it seems. Can anyone beat me now at all?