Before even the sun had risen Constance walked across the eerily empty town to class. As he walked he contemplated the past month, the first month of class at First Academy, and his lacking performance lately. The wisdom of the lonely monk and his disciple continued to linger in his thoughts, guiding him toward the goal his clan required of him.

Upon arriving at school, Constance noticed a sense of anticipation in the air around the upper years. Rumors had been making their rounds saying that today would be the day of the First year tournament, a chance for the students to establish their rankings once more. The previous month's rankings from the entrance exams were a thing of the past, and it was time to prove themselves anew.

The students had adapted well in their first month at First Academy, honing their skills and learning from their experiences. Constance could sense the excitement and determination that radiated from his peers. A lot seemed eager to showcase their growth and progress while others schemed and talked in hushed tones hoping to make their power plays.

Without much to do, Constance took his seat and the instructor walked in to begin the class with his speech. “Students as I’m sure you’re aware today is the First Tournament. A proving ground for freshmen and as such the penalties for losing are equally strict. The first round shall be group free for all battles consisting of twenty people. After which the winners will participate in a fifteen-person one versus one bracket. Anything goes except for lethal blows. Now do your best the Principle is watching”

“Yes, Instructor!” The class roared in response.

Constance quickly made his way to the corner watching as the groups were decided. He noticed that groups appeared stacked with many of the students from big clans in his twenty-person grouping.

Once more without much fanfare, the miniature tournament commenced, and the training hall buzzed with energy as students were put onto platforms for each group battle. Constance, by relying on his exceptional skills, effortlessly defeated several of the lower-ranked opponents, quickly making his way through the ranks. His confidence surged with each victory, convinced that he would secure a top spot once more.

Constance stood at the center of the training hall, surrounded by a sea of eager combatants. His eyes scanned the crowd, sizing up his opponents. He recognized familiar faces, including Victoria, Alexander, and Dominic, all of whom he had conversed with in passing since their initial greeting.

Constance moved with grace and precision, his movements fluid and calculated. He weaved through the fray, dodging attacks and retaliating with well-timed strikes. His tactical warfare knowledge served him well as he strategically chose his opponents among the upeer ranked left, opting to engage in battles that played to his strengths.

Victoria's energy channeling abilities were on full display as she created a protective barrier around herself, deflecting incoming attacks while simultaneously launching devastating energy blasts at her adversaries. Alexander's legendary weapon skills were equally impressive as he effortlessly disarmed opponents and sent them reeling with powerful blows.

Dominic's agile movements were a blur, allowing him to evade attacks and deliver precise strikes in quick succession. He played the role of a trickster, using misdirection to catch opponents off guard.

As the fight progressed, the silent agreement between Constance and his fellow top-ranked students to save each other for last started to fade. The competitive spirit took hold, and the desire to rise to the top intensified. It became evident that while they may have exchanged pleasantries in the past, they were now focused on proving themselves as the best.

Constance found himself facing off against Victoria, their eyes locking in a fierce stare. He dismissed her focus on energy channeling before but knew that he couldn't hold back. This was a fight for ranking, and only the strongest would prevail.

Their clash was a dazzling display of energy and combat prowess. Victoria's energy-filled batons clashed with Constance's swift and precise strikes. Each move was calculated, every action a step towards victory.

As the fight neared its climax, Constance's mind briefly wandered back to the events of the past week—the emotional turmoil he had experienced after beating up his old friends. He couldn't help but wonder if it had affected his performance today. A momentary lapse in focus caused him to falter, and Victoria seized the opportunity, delivering a decisive blow that sent him sprawling to the ground at the edge of the platform

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Constance livid at the beginner's mistake he had made decided to through caution to the wind and activate Wall of Ice, Energy Control, and Air Pressure all at once sending extreme pain through his body that typically could only withstand one ability for a few moments at a time. Power surged through his veins as he used sharp bursts of air similar to gun shots to push off Victoria and the remaining competitors while they weren’t paying attention. Some may call this a dirty move but Constance only cared about the win.

Finally, Constance found himself in the top 20 rankings once again. Ignoring the whispers from his peers about his dirty move. It didn’t matter he had won the round just like he expected, and a smile played on his lips as he approached his first one versus one of the tournament. His opponent, to his surprise, was none other than Tristan, the timid and introverted freshman who had occupied the lowest spot on the combat ranking system.

Inwardly, Constance felt a surge of irrational anger as he prepared to face Tristan. He assumed that this match would be an easy victory, a chance to showcase Tristan’s lacking ability and prove that he was far below what was required of a freshman.

As they squared off, Tristan's eyes met Constance's with an unwavering determination. It was a stark contrast to the timid gaze Constance had seen in their previous encounter. He couldn't help but wonder what had changed within Tristan.

The match began, and Constance moved with precision and speed, delivering calculated strikes towards Tristan. But to his surprise, Tristan expertly dodged his attacks, countering with moves that were unexpected and agile. It was as if he had transformed into a completely different fighter.

Confusion and frustration began to gnaw at Constance as the match progressed. He couldn't land a single decisive blow, and Tristan's movements were too fluid and unpredictable to predict due to Tristan flinging himself from wall to wall like a monkey. In contrast to their previous encounter, it was now Constance who struggled to find his footing.

As the fight wore on, Tristan's once timid demeanor was replaced with a newfound confidence. Constance's mind raced, trying to comprehend the drastic change in his opponent yet his brain lagged behind him as if still burdened by the events of the week before when he had to face his old friends once more.

The battle reached its climax, and despite his best efforts, Constance found himself at a disadvantage. Tristan's skills had evolved beyond what he had imagined, and he could no longer rely solely on his natural talent and power to secure victory.

In a moment of desperation, Constance activated his Earth elemental ability, Packed Earth, to force the walls into spikes giving Triston nowhere to land hoping to gain an edge. But even this move couldn't catch Tristan off guard. With a calm demeanor, Tristan maneuvered around the Earth Spikes, exploiting gaps in Constance's defense.

Finally, with a swift and precise strike, Tristan landed a decisive blow on Constance, sending him sprawling to the ground. The training hall fell silent, the air thick with astonishment. Constance lay there, his mind reeling from the unexpected defeat.

As he looked up at Tristan, he saw a newfound strength and confidence in his opponent's eyes. The once timid and bullied freshman had risen to the challenge, surpassing expectations and proving that strength was not defined solely by rank.

As the dust settled after the intense battle with Tristan, Constance found himself catching his breath, his mind racing to find an explanation for his unexpected defeat. He felt a mix of frustration and confusion, searching for any reason to rationalize what had just happened.

Inwardly, Constance grappled with the thought that the emotional turmoil of the past week might have affected his performance in the fight. He couldn't shake the memory of beating up his old friends, the guilt and regret still lingering in his heart. Perhaps that emotional weight had taken a toll on his focus and concentration during the match.

Blaming himself, Constance recalled the words of the lonely monk from his Soul World. "Embrace your emotions, my friend. They are a part of who you are. Embrace them and find your path within yourself."

He realized that he had failed to heed those wise words, allowing his emotions to cloud his judgment during the battle. Surely the monk meant that instead of finding a way to channel his feelings into strength, he had let them become a burden that hindered his performance.

Looking at Tristan, who stood with a calm and composed demeanor, Constance saw a stark contrast to his own emotional turbulence. It was clear that Tristan had managed to find that balance within himself, using his emotions to fuel his determination rather than letting them consume him.

With a sense of indignation, Constance failed to acknowledge his defeat and slapped away the extended hand Tristan put out. "You were off your game today, Constance, I hope you get your head straight for the next time," he said, the words coming from a place of genuine respect even with their past history.

As the training hall, Constance still in shell shock couldn't help but reflect on the bout. He couldn’t comprehend how he lost during the first round and to Tristan. He walked mechanically to the after-class clubs. Thoughts raced through Constance’s mind like what had he worked for if he couldn’t even beat the weakest person in his year? If the worst can beat him then what does that make him? Constance while trapped in his own mind walked past the club to the corner to cultivate completely blowing off anyone who tried to include him.