Kael and Darian walked across the academy grounds toward the sparring area, the air thick with the sound of students shouting and the sharp clash of metal. The large open field was surrounded by training dummies and battle rings, where students tested their abilities and ranked themselves through combat.
As they walked toward the training grounds, Kael glanced at Darian. "So, what’s your ability?"
Darian's expression darkened slightly. "I can create portals of darkness to summon creatures. But it's a gamble. Most of the time, what I summon is either weak or just useless in combat. My ability’s a mutation of what my family usually uses."
Kael raised an eyebrow. "A mutation?"
Darian nodded. "Yeah. My family summons powerful creatures, but with me, it's unpredictable. I got lucky during the virtual reality test—I summoned something strong that helped me pass. But it’s not something I can rely on."
Kael’s voice was neutral, but there was a flicker of understanding. "I see, That must be frustrating."
Darian sighed. "It is. But there’s potential. I just need to figure out how to control it."
As they reached the training grounds, Kael noticed the sparring happening. He turned to Darian. "Are you going to join in?"
Darian shook his head. "Not today. I’m not in the mood."
"Looks like a good fight," Kael said, his voice low as he eyed the match.
Darian, arms folded, glanced over but didn’t seem overly interested. "They’re just showing off their power. You get ranked by how many fights you win, but in the end, it’s just about who’s strongest."
Kael didn’t respond immediately. His attention was fixed on the two students in the ring—one tall and broad-shouldered, the other smaller but quick. Both were in the Avatar Manifestation stage, their abilities vibrant and intense, pushing the boundaries of what Kael had seen so far.
The tall man raised his arm, and a blade of pure energy formed at his wrist, crackling with energy. His opponent reacted instantly, summoning a jagged, claw-like weapon of ethereal power, her eyes narrowed with concentration. They moved with lightning speed, each strike carefully calculated but powerful. Kael could see the marks on their bodies glowing faintly, attuned to their energy as they pushed their limits, clashing in a spectacle of raw ability.
Kael’s eyes narrowed, watching as the woman swept her claw down, striking the man's blade with such force that it shattered in an explosion of light. She stood victorious, her breath heavy but controlled as she surveyed the fallen opponent.
Darian, seeing the defeat, turned to Kael, a faint smirk on his lips. "See? This is how it's done here. It’s not about some half-baked abilities. You need to be able to compete at this level."
Kael’s gaze didn’t leave the ring. The duel had left a mark on him, stirring something deeper than just awe. I need to reach that level. Fast.
His mind raced, thinking of ways he could improve, ways he could match that power. The weight of his rank, his limitations, pressed on him. "I’ll need to train," Kael said quietly, mostly to himself.
Darian shrugged, clearly uninterested. "Do whatever you want. But the reality is, you can’t just force yourself to be better. It takes time. And even then, it’s not guaranteed."
Kael didn’t respond. His focus was set. He needed to do more than just fight. He needed to break through something deeper within himself.
Kael walked through the corridors of the academy, he couldn't help but feel the growing sense of isolation. The halls were busy with students rushing between classes, but none seemed to notice him, their focus absorbed in their own thoughts. The air was thick with excitement, but Kael felt an underlying tension that had been building ever since the opening ceremony.
That's when he saw him.
Lysan Voltera, a name Kael had heard in passing. The one who had almost defeated Miren in the selection trials, and someone who seemed to enjoy rubbing it in. He stood a few feet away, his posture rigid and mocking, with a smirk that made Kael’s skin crawl.
“Well, well, look who it is,” Lysan greeted, his voice dripping with disdain. “Kael, right? The boy who Miren carried through the test.” He took a step closer, his eyes narrowing as he sized Kael up. “You know, I was kind of hoping she’d stick around to protect you. But... it looks like you’re all alone now.”
Kael stood his ground, refusing to show any hint of weakness. He wasn’t about to let Lysan get under his skin, no matter how much the taunts dug at his pride.
Lysan chuckled, clearly amused by Kael’s silence. “I’ve always wanted to crush you and Miren, you know. That defeat in the trials still stings. But, now that Miren’s not here to babysit you, maybe it’s my turn to show you what real power looks like.”
With a sudden, dramatic flair, Lysan’s voice dropped, mocking Kael’s position. “What do you say, Kael? How about a duel? I’ve reached Avatar Manifestation. You’re just one rank below me... You’re asking for it.”
"You know that a single rank gap puts a huge gap in strength right?"
Lysan didn't respond.
The challenge hung in the air between them, and a crowd of curious students began to gather around, their murmurs rising as they witnessed the growing tension. Some were eager for the drama, while others were just interested in seeing what would happen when two students—one already powerful, the other still untested—went head-to-head.
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“I accept,” Kael said, his voice steady, the words almost automatic.
Lysan’s smile widened, as though he had been expecting the challenge to be accepted all along. “Good. But don’t go running tomorrow, alright?” Lysan added, his eyes gleaming with arrogance. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time. I won’t make it easy for you.”
With that, Lysan turned to walk away, his presence leaving a lingering challenge in the air. The crowd began to disperse, some of them exchanging excited whispers. Kael felt a fire burning within him, but it wasn’t fear. It was the intense desire. But reality always doesn't go as someone wants.
----------------------------------------
Lysan stood nearby, panting heavily. Sweat dripped from his brow, and his chest heaved with the effort of the fight. Despite his exhaustion, he managed a small, grudging smile as he looked down at Kael. “You actually gave me more of a challenge than I thought you would,” he said, his voice carrying a hint of respect.
Kael didn’t hear him. He lay on the cold ground, his body wracked with pain, every breath a struggle. His sword lay discarded a few feet away, its once bright blade now smeared with dirt and blood.
Where did I go wrong? he thought, his mind racing. Was it my technique? Was I too predictable?
"Why couldn't I keep up?"
“Thank you,” Kael said, his voice hoarse but unwavering. “for giving me a reality check.”
Lysan’s smile faltered, replaced by a look of confusion and curiosity. “What are you talking--”
“Let’s have a rematch in six months.”
Lysan watched him for a long moment, his eyes searching Kael’s face "If you are desperate for another beating, then fine. Let's have a rematch"
Kael didn’t respond. He turned away, his mind already focused on the path ahead. The crowd parted before him, their whispers following him like shadows.
he stepped outside, the academy grounds greeted him with the familiar sounds of training—students shouting, the clash of weapons, the hum of energy in the air. The buzz of activity felt distant. He was about to head back when he heard someone calling his name from behind.
"Kael, right?"
He turned to see a girl walking toward him with an air of confidence. Her steps were deliberate, and there was a faint gleam in her eyes, as though she knew something he didn't. She stopped in front of him, her posture straight, and offered a smile that could be described as both welcoming and calculating.
A few days later, Kael found himself at the academy cafeteria, nursing a bruise on his cheek from a particularly brutal training session. He was lost in thought, staring blankly at his untouched meal when a cheerful voice interrupted his brooding.
"I'm Elara Nyx," she said smoothly. "I am Ranked third this year."
Kael raised an eyebrow, slightly puzzled. Third? Why is she talking to me?
"Do you need something?" he asked, his voice guarded.
Elara's smile widened, and her eyes held an intriguing glint. "Kael Darnell, I have an offer for you."
But first, There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”
"Hmm, alright I will listen"
His eyes landed on a girl sitting at one of the tables. She had an air of quiet confidence, her gaze sharp and assessing.
“This is Aria Auberon,” Elara introduced. “She’s currently ranked first in Class B.”
Aria gave a nod of acknowledgment as Kael took a seat, his interest barely piqued. “Nice to meet you,” she said, her tone cool and composed.
Kael nodded curtly in return, still wondering why he was here. He didn’t particularly care for rankings. “So, what’s this about?” he asked, his voice flat.
Elara got straight to the point. “Kael, I’m forming a team to take the entrance test for Elysian Academy. Have you heard of it?”
Kael nodded. “I’ve heard a bit about it.”
“Good,” Elara continued. “Elysian Academy is the best across all planets in the human realm. It’s not just an academy but an entirely separate small planet called Elysia. Each year, the top academies, organizations, and institutes from all planets first-year students get a chance to take a test to join Elysian Academy. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Kael listened intently as Elara explained, though he remained outwardly uninterested.
“I’m forming a group to support each other in passing the test,” Elara said. “Aria is already on board. I want you to join us.”
Kael frowned. “Why should I join your group instead of trying to get in on my own?”
Elara’s expression turned serious. “I can offer you lifelong perks and even sign a contract with you. My family is quite wealthy.”
Kael shook his head. “I don’t need your perks or your money.”
Elara’s eyes narrowed slightly, her annoyance evident. “Do you really think you can get in on your own? You’re too weak to pass the test by yourself.”
At that moment, the atmosphere in the cafeteria shifted. The air around them thickened, and a palpable sense of tension filled the room. Someone else had arrived, their presence immediately commanding attention.
Kael turned to see who it was, his curiosity piqued. It was Harlan Drayke, the rank 1 of the academy, who had arrived. His presence was immediately striking. With very dark blue hair that fell effortlessly into place and piercing blue eyes, Harlan exuded an air of calm confidence. His tone was calm but carried an undercurrent of amusement, as if he was enjoying the situation.
“So, Elara,” Harlan began, his voice steady and composed, “do you really think you can beat me by gathering a bunch of nobodies?”
Elara’s eyes flashed with determination. “I will beat you, Harlan.”
Harlan chuckled, a low, mocking sound. “You can challenge me anytime. In fact, I’ve already got a challenge lined up.”
Elara’s curiosity was piqued. “Who is it?”
“Her name is Miren,” Harlan replied, his gaze shifting briefly to Kael.
Kael’s mind raced. Why had Miren challenged Harlan? What was her goal?
Harlan’s eyes settled on Kael, scrutinizing him with mild interest. “And you... what was your name again? Hmm, you got beaten by Lysan, right?”
Kael stiffened but held his ground.
Harlan smirked. “Hmm, not worth my interest.”
Before Kael could respond, Elara stepped in. “I will also challenge you, Harlan.”
Harlan’s eyebrows raised slightly, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Fine by me. I accept your challenge.”
Just then, Theron Voss, the rank 2, arrived, his presence adding to the growing tension. His appearance was a stark contrast to Harlan’s; with sleek black hair and cold, calculating eyes, he exuded an aura of danger. “Seems like an interesting conversation. You won't invite me?”
Theron’s eyes swept over the group, lingering on his brother Darian who came with him before addressing everyone. “How about a free-for-all? The losers will support the winner to Elysian Academy. After all, I’ve been challenged by my little brother as well.”
“Darian, your brother as well? What happened?” Elara asked, her tone sharp with curiosity.
Theron looked at Darian with a mixture of disdain and amusement. “A month from now, we all have a match. Anyone can join. The stakes are simple: the losers support the winner.”
Theoran stepped forward, his gaze shifting from his brother Darian to Kael. His expression was a mix of condescension and amusement. "And Kael," Theoran said, his voice dripping with arrogance, "you're free to participate as well. If you think you can handle it."
The odds seemed stacked against him. "Can I win against these geniuses?" he wondered, feeling the weight of the challenge pressing down on him.
Kael’s eyes flashed with a sudden, unexpected intensity, the amber eyes shifted to a piercing teal. The doubt that had been gnawing at him for moments now dissolved, replaced by a spark of excitement.
"No," he thought to himself, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "It’s going to be fun."