The two ran through the forest, both using their powers to get out before the other. They didn't know exactly where they were but they were told to leave the forest and then follow whatever happens, taking their identities in consideration.
However, forests are not uniform. The trees were spread all over and they need but just speed but agility, the ability to change direction.
This was easy for Hamar, he could step on aura and redirect himself easily. Hou on the other hand, had to use a more complex ability.
He did not have an ability to make a platform mid air but he could fly and use space laws. However, he didn't use the dragon imitation teleportation move, it was external and so used up laws permanently.
Instead he combined flight and space laws to create a single effect. He used the two to move himself mid-air and dodge anything.
Then just as they were edging the final few moments, Hamar sped up. He used more aura and expelled it outwards, bursting it further. Since he was already ahead, because of his agility, he crossed the forest and won the race.
He stood at the end of the forest and waited for Hou, who took a few more moments. His main problem was to use abilities without using his laws, he didn't want to permanently lose his power.
This meant his agility was much lower than Hamar and he could not catch up easily. As he was running and watching Hamar go in front he thought,
'He's so agile! He can make super quick adjustments mid-air... maybe I need to figure out how to use the false aura in the same way. I have managed that I used to use for magic, but perhaps I could figure to use aura... that's something to archive for later'
Hou burst out of the forest with a bang, the wind blowing Hamar's hair back. Hamar held out his hand,
"I guess I won"
Hou flew by and grabbed his hand, spinning back to still. He shook his head,
"Yep you won, I lost. You're agility is too different than mine,"
"So what do we do now, just move forward?" Hamar looked outwards.
While they left the forest now they were on a large plains, with only a dirt road in front. The grasslands stretched far, further than they could see normally. They did not use any methods to look further, instead Hou said,
"Let's just go forward, that's what Mo Huai said. It looks like a road, perhaps we'll see people on the way"
"Then, I'll follow you. Let's go" Hamar said back.
And so, the two walked. The walked on the road, following it without any directions for an hour. Until they saw someone.
"Hey!" Hou shouted forward while waving his hand in the air,
"Do you know where the nearest place is?"
The man they asked was a tall, blue haired man. He was young, or young looking, and wore a spear on his back. He jolted when he heard Hou shout out but then turned around,
"Yes, I'll show you. Follow me," The man gestured for them to come over.
Hou and Hamar walked up, then the man spoke out,
"So what's your names? Where are you from, what family or school? I'm Lan Qiang" he held out his hand and Hou took it and shook it.
Hamar shook his hand after and answered,
"Nice to meet you, my name is Hei Feng. And this is my companion, Hu Li. We're both from small family's, you wouldn't know them."
Then Lan Qiang sighed and bent back. He let out a large sigh but then swung back up,
"I'll be honest guys, I was going to backstab you. But you're a little like me, just a small guy tryna become big. I can't do that to you..."
Hou thought for a second, but then offered something,
"How about we team up? The three of us?"
Hamar was the first to speak,
"I'm fine with that,"
The Lan Qiang bit his lip and shook his head , then he said,
"You know what, let's do it! We should get used to each other's fighting styles though, we might meet others like me who wanted to attack."
"Actually, why did you want to attack?" Hamar asked.
"You guys don't know?"
Both Hamar and Hou shook their heads, they weren't told much by Mo Haui. Lan Qiang shook his head,
"Nobody told you? Uhh, I'll explain. We're doing a test right now, and it's being observed by the Sovereign Sect. We need to show off any good qualities to pass, whether that be fighting, surviving, movement..."
Hamar stroked his chin,
"I see, that makes sense. But even then, couldn't we just fight without ambushing, just a spar? That should be enough?"
Lan Qiang nodded but explained further,
"Yes that could be enough, but defeating the opponent in real combat is worth more points towards passing, and reduces competition."
This time Hou spoke,
"I see, that does make sense. But what do we want to do? Fight others, or show off our skulls otherwise?"
Hamar have his opinion,
"I think it dishonourable to fight without making it clear, I say we challenge others to duels. Not to the death though. I'm sure we could also do team battles, what do we say?"
Hou nodded but did not say anything, Lan Qiang nodded and said,
"A fellow chivalrous man, I agree. So before we see anyone, let's get to know each other's fighting style. I use spear and focus on mid range attacks, focused on piercing. I have a few movements techniques but I'm more focused on power."
Hou was the next to speak,
"I'm an all rounder. I used fists, close range. But also, I have techniques for long range and support."
Hamar nodded and then was next,
"I am a swordsman, I have extreme speed, agility and power. I don't have many fancy techniques, mostly pure swordsmanship." He touched his sword on his hip.