“As long as you have time, you can join.” Dustin smiled and nodded. “That’s great!” Scarlet’s face lit up with joy.
Obviously, she wanted to join, not to watch the tournament, but to spend more time with Dustin. She didn’t know how much longer she could stay with him.
The following day, Dustin met up with Scarlet and the others. Together, they went to the martial arts alliance branch.
It was located on the edge of the city. A single large building was its base, boasting modernized facilities.
The martial arts alliance had two major sources of income.
One was charging new students high tuition fees: The other was to put up commissions and take a percentage of the rewards.
In this world, wealthy and high–ranking officials frequently needed protection from martial artists. The alliance became the top place to seek protection. They had a lot of expert fighters available.
The rewards were also generous. So, plenty of martial artists were eager to accept the tasks. After completion, the alliance would take a certain percentage of the rewards. It created a win- win situation for both parties.
Previously, when the Harmon family encountered a crisis, even Hector got help from the alliance. He had recruited a large number of martial artists to be their guards.
In fact, many ordinary martial artists relied on commissions to survive. Once they completed a major commission, they could enjoy a carefree life for several years.
Naturally, with so many martial artists, the alliance also had some problems with administrative issues.
Dustin and the others finally arrived at the base of the martial arts alliance branch. It took an hour by car.
“Dustin, you’re here.”
Patrick had been waiting for them. He greeted them with a smile as soon as they got out of the car. “Have you had breakfast?” he asked. “Would you like me to arrange something for you?”
“Thanks, Patrick. We’ve already eaten,” Dustin replied with a smile.
“Alright. Then, let’s head in.” Patrick gestured with his arm, leading them with ease.
They stepped into the open–air martial arts arena. Immediately, a wave of intense heat enveloped
them.
The arena was packed with people. It created an atmosphere far more vibrant than a bustling
marketplace.
“Dustin, today’s registration has five assessments. As long as you can pass them all, there shouldn’t be any problem,” Patrick said.
“Five assessments? Which five?” Dustin asked curiously.
“The first assessment is strength. After that is speed, internal energy, pressure, and lastly, physical combat,” Patrick explained.
“Why make it so complicated? Can’t it be done with just two rounds of fighting?” Georgia asked.
“There are a lot of martial artists in the alliance. Their strengths are different from each other.
“The first four assessments are basically a screening process to eliminate the weak. It will leave only the strong ones behind.
“We save more time this way,” Patrick explained again.
“Alright. Let’s follow the process, then. Where’s the first assessment at?” Dustin asked.
“Dustin, this way, please.” Patrick nodded and led them to the venue for the first assessment. The first assessment was the strength test.
In the middle of the venue was a massive strength tester machine. The machine was made specially by the alliance. It was constructed entirely of metal.
It looked almost like a tank and could take up to 100 thousand pounds of force!
Based on the standard criteria, hitting over one thousand pounds of force was barely a pass. Hitting two thousand pounds was considered good. Going beyond five thousand pounds was considered exceptionally excellent.
Many people were being evaluated. So, Dustin could only patiently join the queue.
After a long wait, his turn was finally approaching. However, a group of martial artists dressed in yellow suddenly walked, looking confident.
“Move. Everyone, get out of my way!”
The group was extremely arrogant. Their loud shouts filled the air as they shoved their way through the others waiting in line.
As they cut the queue and stood at the front, their actions caused a big commotion.
