“Let’s give it up for our future star, Dion Maxon! He may not have the speed, but his strength rivals even the strongest of the heroes!” the host declared, his voice booming across the stadium. The crowd erupted into cheers as the massive figure of Dion Maxon stepped into the spotlight, his footsteps like thunder.
---
Dion Maxon
Lvl 1
Strength: 100/100
Speed: 20/40
Agility: 30/40
Intelligence: 40/70
Durability: 100/100
Power Output: 90/100
---
“Look at those stats!” Kian exclaimed, eyes wide as the giant screen displayed Dion's numbers. “Maxed-out strength and durability! That’s insane.”
“Forget the stats, did you see him? He just turned himself into this… giant rock monster. That’s so cool!” Fiona’s enthusiasm was infectious as she leaned forward in her seat.
Valerie nodded in agreement, though her eyes were still locked on Dion, silently sizing him up.
Anderson, seated just a row away, leaned back smugly and chimed in, “Guess who else has a giant rock, Hot Stuff?” His smirk was aimed squarely at Fiona.
Fiona recoiled, her nose crinkling in disgust. “Ew, really, dude?!”
Valerie whipped her head toward him, her expression pure venom. “What the hell is wrong with you? Can you not go two seconds without being disgusting?”
Anderson shrugged, clearly enjoying himself. “What? I can say whatever I want. Pervert Dragon, just mind your own business, being a perv and all.”
The nickname was a match to gasoline, but before Valerie could explode, Fiona placed a calming hand on her shoulder. “Val, don’t. He’s not worth it.”
“But—”
“No buts. Listen to me.” Fiona’s voice softened, but it carried a sharpness that cut through the noise. “He’s weak and pathetic. He’s as ugly as a blobfish that got punched in the face. He’s got nothing going on except his daddy’s money. He’s just a spoiled brat. Totally not worth our attention.” Her words were like daggers, precise and unyielding.
Anderson’s smirk faltered, his mouth hanging open. “What did you just say?”
Valerie blinked at Fiona, her anger ebbing. “That… that makes a lot of sense.”
Anderson tried to muster a retort, his face red with embarrassment. “Hey! Don’t ignore me. Take that back, I am not—”
The host shouted loudly, cutting Anderson off “Are you ready for the next challenger?”
The audience roared, and Anderson sank lower in his seat, muttering something under his breath. Valerie shot him a satisfied smirk before turning back to the arena.
“He’s not gonna be happy with that,” Kian whispered to Fiona, his voice low and tinged with worry. “I don’t want anything bad to happen to you, Miss Allen.”
Fiona turned to him with a soft smile, brushing off his concern. “No need to worry, Kian. I’ve got Val to protect me.” Her gaze drifted briefly to Valerie, who was still intently focused on the stage, her jaw tight.
“I’ll protect—” Kian started, his voice earnest, but before he could finish, the host’s voice boomed across the arena.
“And now, give it up for our next challenger—Kian Drexlers!”
Kian froze, his heart hammering. Fiona placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, her smile brighter now. “It’s your turn, Kian. Good luck—and give them hell!” Her encouragement sent a warmth coursing through his veins, emboldening him.
Valerie turned to him, extending a fist. “You’ve got this. Don’t screw up, though, or I’ll roast you.”
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
Kian grinned nervously, returning the fist bump before stepping down into the arena. The cheers of the crowd surged around him, the energy fueling his steps.
—
“Is everything in place?” the man asked, his voice a low growl that carried authority. His eyes glinted as he surveyed the arena from his concealed vantage point.
“Ready to execute your order, boss,” the woman replied. She adjusted the earpiece in her ear, her gaze locked on the unfolding event.
The man’s lips curled into a dangerous smile. “Good. Our time is almost here. Has Kohn found a way to deal with the Gods?”
The woman hesitated, her brow furrowing. “Still waiting for her word, boss. But she’s close.”
“Hmm…” The man’s smile faded into a cold, calculating frown. “Regardless, get ready. We can’t wait for her forever. Eyes on the target.”
“Yes, sir,” she replied, her gaze shifting back to the arena, where Kian was preparing to take on the challenge.
—
“Ready... set... GO!” the host bellowed, his voice reverberating through the excited crowd.
Kian’s entire body ignited in a brilliant blaze of fire, his flames roaring as he took off like a comet. The wind blades sliced through the air, but Kian leaped gracefully over them, his fiery form untouchable. Flamethrowers erupted in bursts, but they were nothing to him; he ran straight through them as if they were a mere inconvenience.
The host whistled, clearly impressed. “Ladies and gentlemen, Kian Drexlers just served us a flaming hot appetizer! What a fiery display!”
“Not bad,” Valerie muttered, leaning back in her seat. “He’s fast but not ‘Fiona-fast,’ you know?”
Fiona nudged her, her cheeks tinged pink. “Okay, sure, I’m fast, but he’s got more firepower... because, you know... firepower?” She laughed at her own pun, the kind of laugh that lit up her entire face.
Valerie groaned. “Really, Fi? That’s your joke? I expected better.”
“Hey, at least I’m trying,” Fiona said with a giggle, still blushing.
---
“To the Next challenge: The Trapping Tunnel.”
Kian barreled into the tunnel, his flames crackling louder with every step. Instead of analyzing the traps or dodging them, he incinerated everything in his path. The sensors, the hidden spikes, the flame jets—they all melted away, reduced to molten puddles behind him as he charged forward like a living inferno.
The host doubled over with laughter. “This guy’s not playing chess in there, folks—he’s flipping the entire board! Too overpowered, ladies and gentlemen! Too overpowered!”
Fiona shook her head, her smile widening. “That’s so gonna cost him his intelligence stat.”
Valerie frowned. “How? He’s doing great.”
“It’s all about strategy, Val. You’re supposed to outthink the traps, not just blow them up.” Fiona gave Valerie a teasing look. “Please, when it’s your turn, try not to wreck the entire tunnel, okay?”
Valerie raised an eyebrow. “I promise to, uh... analyze the pattern. And stuff.”
“Sure you will,” Fiona said with a knowing grin.
---
“Next: The Punching Wall. Here we go!”
Kian stepped up to the wall, flexing his fingers as his fire concentrated into a focused, searing blaze around his fist. With a deep breath, he reeled back and launched his punch.
‘BOOM!’
The wall shook violently, glowing molten red at the impact point before recalibrating.
Score: 80/100.
The host clapped dramatically. “Drexlers just gave that wall a fiery wake-up call! Ladies and gentlemen, that’s 80 points of raw heat and muscle!”
Valerie gave an approving nod. “Just 20 points behind Rock Guy. Not bad, Fireball.”
Fiona leaned closer, whispering with a sly smile. “I mean, he’s got the power, but where’s the finesse?”
---
“Now it’s time for Thunder Cannon”
The cannon unleashed a blinding storm of lightning. For anyone else, this might’ve been the most dangerous part of the trial. But for Kian, it was a feast. The lightning was drawn to his flames, absorbed and extinguished like rain on a bonfire.
Score: 90/100.
The host flailed his arms in mock disbelief. “Are you kidding me?! He just ate the lightning! Drexlers is officially a walking power outage!”
Fiona clapped, her blush deepening. “I told you he’s amazing, Val!”
Valerie shrugged, feigning indifference. “Sure, if you’re into fireworks. I still think Rock Guy’s more impressive.”
---
“And this is what we’re waiting for, Citizens of Astoria; The Flipping Power Showdown”
Kian stood before the black stone, his flames flaring wildly as he stretched out his arms. Around him, massive pillars of fire erupted from the ground, swirling and twisting like living entities. The arena fell silent as the temperature rose, waves of heat rippling through the air.
Kian’s flames began to condense, the pillars shrinking and funneling toward his outstretched hand. The fire transformed, taking the shape of a rod of golden lightning, crackling with raw, untamed power. The audience gasped, shielding their eyes from the brilliant glow.
Hovering a few feet above the ground, Kian aimed at the black stone. With a shout, he hurled the golden rod.
BOOM!
The impact shook the entire arena, a shockwave rippling outward as the black stone absorbed the hit. Smoke and ash filled the air, and the golden lightning dissipated, leaving faint scorch marks on the indestructible stone.
Score: 100/100.
The host jumped to his feet, his voice full of excitement. “That’s a PERFECT SCORE, folks! Kian Drexlers just unleashed the sun itself, I can’t believe my eyes, he actually managed to scratch the stone, unheard of. Give it up for this flaming superstar!”
—
Kian Drexlers
Lvl: Max.
Strength: 80/80
Speed: 80/80
Agility: 80/80
Intelligence: 60/60
Durability: 90/90
Power Output: 100/100
—
Back in the stands, Valerie and Fiona were on their feet, clapping and cheering.
“Okay, I’ll admit, that was incredible,” Valerie said begrudgingly.
Fiona’s hands were clasped together, her face bright red. “He’s amazing! Did you see that, Val? He’s like... a literal god of fire!”
Valerie smirked, nudging her. “Someone’s got a little crush.”
“Shut up!” Fiona blurted, her blush deepening.
As Kian walked back, he caught Fiona’s gaze. She smiled shyly, her cheeks still pink. “You were incredible out there, Kian,” she said softly.
Kian scratched the back of his head, his flames dimming to an ember-like glow. “Thanks. That means a lot coming from you.”
Valerie rolled her eyes. “Alright, lovebirds, let’s not melt the seats, okay?”
—
Thor leaned back in his ornate chair, his booming laughter echoing through the VIP box. “This is more like it! A proper fire show. That lad could give Apollo a run for his money. Thank you, brother!”
Loki smirked, his fingers drumming lazily on the gilded armrest of his chair. “My pleasure, brother. It seems you’ve taken a liking to the boy.”
Thor nodded enthusiastically. “Aye, he’s a promising warrior. Fierce, bold, and unrelenting. Just the kind of ‘hero’ this world needs.”
Loki’s smile sharpened, a glint of mischief dancing in his eyes. “It would be... a disappointment if something were to happen to him.”
Thor’s cheerful expression faltered, his brows knitting into a frown. “And what, pray tell, does that mean?”
“Nothing of your concern, brother.” Loki’s voice was silky, his tone laced with mock innocence. He gestured toward the arena, where the crowd’s cheers continued to roar. “Please, enjoy the spectacle. I believe there’s one more student who hasn’t had the chance to showcase her abilities.”
Thor leaned forward, his piercing gaze fixed on Loki. “You with your ‘mysteries’ again. Cease this nonsense, brother. Speak plainly.”
Loki turned to face Thor fully, his smile widening ever so slightly. “It wouldn’t be my doing, brother, I assure you. Merely an observation.”
He let his gaze drift past Thor, settling on a shadowy corner of the arena where two figures stood, barely visible to the untrained eye. Loki’s eyes gleamed as he spoke, his words as light as air yet heavy with meaning.
“But others, well... they might have their own plans.”
---