My SSS-Rank Innate skill: Infinite Adaptation core

The same thought crossed Nova’s mind. He was also holding back significantly. It was a rather bizarre situation — both of them trying not to hurt the other while testing their limits

Still, Theodore’s eyes widened slightly in genuine surprise. He had only been using around 20% of his power, yet Nova was matching him blow for blow. He had even used his skill Frost Slash — albeit at a lower scale and it barely affected the young man.

This only fueled Theodore’s determination. Nova was clearly no ordinary young man, he began increasing his power with every clash.

Nova understood exactly what Theodore was doing. He knew he didn’t need to hold back anymore if he wanted to prove himself.

Of course, he wouldn’t go all out — he held the strength of grandmaster now that could seriously injure the Duke. But he would show enough to make his point.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Their swords collided again and again, the sound of metal ringing across the entire training ground. Both fighters moved in blurs, their bodies flashing from one side of the arena to the other as they clashed at every corner.

Asia and Rodrick watched in stunned silence, completely baffled.

Especially Asia. She had never seen her father pushed like this. Nova wasn’t just keeping up — he was fighting on equal footing, showing no signs of disadvantage.

The realization hit her hard. Everything Nova had told her last night was true. He really might defeat her father today... and if he did, her father would have no reason to object to them being together.

Theodore’s expression grew more serious as he poured even more power into his strikes, his sword glowing with icy blue energy.

Nova met every attack with calm precision, his Rouve singing through the air as he countered with increasing confidence. The spar had become far more intense than anyone expected.

After several more intense clashes, Theodore was now fighting at 100% of his power. Although he wasn’t using any advanced skills or techniques yet most of them were tied to his sword style — he was genuinely shocked.

This defied all logic. Nova had only awakened recently, around the same time as his daughter. How could he already be this strong?

Could he be one of those rare geniuses who appear once in an era? Theodore wondered.

He knew that having this level of strength at Nova’s age wasn’t unheard of in some parts of the world — but those people usually had powerful families, vast resources, and strong backing. Nova wasn’t like that.

His father, Edward, was only a knight Captiain with D-Rank potential, who had just reached his first evolution. So how was his son already such a monster?

Theodore made a mental note to ask him later, though he doubted Nova would reveal all his secrets.

But now wasn’t the time for questions. He refocused on the spar.

Nova suddenly stepped back after launching an attack and spoke clearly, ”I know you’ve seen my strength now.

Continuing like this won’t do either of us any good — we’re both holding back since we aren’t fighting with our lives on the line. So just use your strongest skill or technique on me.”

”If I can take it without any harm, that will be my win. Of course, I’ll also use one of my strong skills on you to make it fair. And don’t worry about hurting me — go all out. You already know I can handle it.”

Theodore understood exactly what Nova was suggesting. He was right. He had already confirmed that Nova wasn’t even slightly weaker than him. He could unleash his strongest technique without fear.

A genuine smile of pride appeared on Theodore’s face. His daughter had chosen an outstanding genius — far better than any noble’s son he knew.

Nova and Theodore both began preparing their final attacks. Seeing that Theodore was channeling a powerful sword technique, Nova decided to respond with a sword attack of his own.

He wouldn’t use his two strongest techniques — one required demonic energy and the other chaotic energy, both far too deadly for this setting. Instead, he chose a simple yet devastating sword strike enhanced by his lightning affinity.

Rodrick and Asia had moved far away from the training ground for safety. The earlier clashes between Nova and Theodore had already produced powerful aura ripples that could have harmed them — especially Asia, who was still at a relatively low level.

Rodrick watched the two figures intently and said, ”It looks like this next attack from both of them will decide the winner.” He then turned to Asia. ”Lady Asia, did you always know Sir Nova was this powerful?”

Asia stared at Nova on the training ground with wide, shocked eyes. She shook her head slowly. ”Yes... he told me , but I didn’t believe him. I thought he was joking. But now... seeing this, it definitely wasn’t a joke.”

Rodrick smiled gently, like a grandfather speaking to his beloved granddaughter. ”It looks like you have found yourself a fine man. I’m sure one day the whole world will know his name and revere it.”

Asia understood exactly why Rodrick was saying this. Nova was an anomaly — holding this much power at such a young age. And in this world, power was respected above all else.

Theodore channeled his mana into his sword. A powerful, icy cold energy began radiating from the blade, sending chilly ripples across the training ground. The temperature dropped sharply, and frost started forming on the ground around him.

Fortunately, the training ground was protected by a reinforced mana barrier — otherwise, the entire estate could have been in danger.

Asia and Rodrick stood safely outside the barrier, far from the clash.

The energy from Theodore’s sword grew stronger, freezing the ground beneath his feet as he prepared to unleash his strongest technique.

On the other side, Nova coated Rouve with his dense mana. After becoming a hybrid, his mana was far thicker and more potent than before. He infused it with his lightning.

He had used this simple attack many times in the dungeon, but now that he was over Level 300 and significantly stronger, it looked far more deadly.

Seeing that Theodore was ready, both fighters stepped forward at the same time. Their bodies blurred as they shot toward the center of the training ground.

CLANG!!

BOOOOM!!!

The collision of their swords unleashed a deafening explosion. A massive shockwave rippled outward, cracking the reinforced barrier and sending powerful aura all around.

The clash was so powerful that the shockwaves didn’t stop at the training ground. The reinforced mana barrier shattered into pieces, though it still managed to contain most of the destructive aura. What remained spread across the entire estate like a storm.

All the knights standing guard and the servants throughout the mansion heard the devastating sound and felt the powerful aura ripple outward. Fortunately, Theodore had already informed Knight Commander Markus about the spar beforehand.

He hadn’t told him who he was sparring with, but Markus had assumed it must be someone important if the Duke himself was fighting them. He quickly calmed the surprised knights and servants.

Near the training ground, Rodrick instinctively shielded Asia with his own body, protecting her from any stray energy. He wouldn’t let her get hurt on his watch — the Duke would be devastated if anything happened to her.

A thick fog of steam and frost filled the area, as if ice had been burned by fire. Slowly, the steam began to clear, revealing the outcome of the clash.

As the steam slowly cleared, a small crater was visible in the center of the completely cracked training ground. Nova stood tall and unharmed in the middle of it.

His body was incredibly tough — attacks from anyone below his level barely affected him, and even if they did, his new skill ”Instant regeneration” would heal him almost instantly.

The same couldn’t be said for his clothes. His upper body was completely bare, and his pants were torn in several places.

He held Rouve calmly in his hand, staring down at Theodore, who was lying on the ground in shock. The Duke who was in similar condition , couldn’t believe his strongest attack had been completely ineffective.

Rodrick and Asia, now safe, stared at the scene in disbelief. They were stunned to see Nova standing strong while Theodore lay inside the small crater.

Theodore quickly calmed himself. He wasn’t seriously injured — just a few light bruises. Nova had clearly held back most of his power.

Theodore let out a deep breath and smiled.

”I lost.”

Thanks for reading...