After losing to Lysan, Kael thought "I need to break into the Avatar Manifestation stage fast." But then he suddenly heard someone calling his name from behind.

"Kael, right?" she said with a smile. "I'm Elara Nyx, ranked third this year."

Kael raised an eyebrow, slightly puzzled. Third? Why is she talking to me?

"Do you need something?"

Elara's smile widened. "Kael Darnell, I have an offer for you. But first, let's head to the academy cafeteria. There's someone I'd like you to meet."

Curious, Kael followed Elara to the cafeteria. As they walked in, he noticed a girl sitting at one of the tables.

"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.

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.

"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 as the story continued to unfold.

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. "Quite the ambitious one."

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. "Seems like an interesting conversation," he said, his tone smooth and self-assured. "I think I'll join in as well."

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 as well? what happened?"

He 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."

The proposition hung in the air, the tension palpable. The idea of a free-for-all where the stakes were so high was both thrilling and daunting. Kael’s heart pounded as he considered the challenge ahead. This was his chance to prove himself, to show that he wasn’t just an ordinary student to be underestimated.

Elara’s eyes sparkled with excitement. "I’m in."

Aria nodded, her expression resolute. "Count me in as well."

Harlan's smile widened. "Good. This should be fun."

Kael's thoughts raced as he took in the growing tension and the challenging propositions from his peers. The situation had just become far more complicated. What had initially seemed like a straightforward duel was now turning into a high-stakes free-for-all, with the best and brightest of the academy vying for supremacy.

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"Of course, Lysan will participate," Kael thought, feeling a mixture of dread and determination. "He won't pass up this chance."

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 familiar amber hue shifting 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."

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SIX MONTHS LATER

The day of the duel had arrived. Kael stood among the gathered crowd, noticing that quite an audience had assembled, including professors and senior students. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and tension. He counted the participants: eleven in total. The top three, Miren, Darian Voss, Lysan, Aria, and himself were there, along with the other top-ranked fourth and fifth student whose name were Eldara and Morgath. Others hadn't dared to step in.

As they gathered, there was a mocking conversation filled with competitive banter.

"Are you ready to compete and lose again, Kael?" Lysan sneered, his eyes glinting with malice.

Kael leaned in slightly. "Compete with you? Lysan, the only thing I can't compete with you now is the size of your overinflated head. It's a miracle you can fit through the doors."

A few nearby students stifled laughs, the corners of their mouths twitching.

Lysan's fists clenched at his sides. "You think you're so smart, Kael, but words won't save you in a battle."

Elara smirked, her confidence unwavering. "Remember, the stakes are high. Don't disappoint me, boys."

Harlan, the rank 1, looked around with a calm, amused expression. "Try to keep up. It wouldn't be fun if this ends too quickly."

Theron Voss stood beside his brother Darian, his demeanor cold and calculating. "I hope you're ready, little brother."

Darian's jaw tightened, but he didn't back down. "More than you know."

Aria, standing tall and composed, added, "Let's make this interesting."

Their conversations were cut short as they were teleported to the battle arena: a rough and uneven terrain filled with rocky outcrops and sparse vegetation. The environment was harsh, designed to test their abilities to the fullest.

Kael looked around, taking in the challenging landscape. His heart pounded with adrenaline as he prepared himself mentally for the battle ahead. The terrain would require not just strength, but also strategy and adaptability.

"Let the battle begin!" came the announcement, echoing through the rugged terrain.

With that, the battle commenced. Kael immediately activated his Ethereal Steps, feeling the familiar sensation of his body becoming lighter and faster as he manipulated his mass and density. He moved swiftly across the terrain.

He was teleported separately from others just like he wanted.

As the battle began, Kael immediately scanned the rugged terrain, his eyes darting from one rocky outcrop to another because Kael had a different priority: finding a safe and better place to... sleep.

He noticed a particularly inviting rock formation that looked like it could provide some decent shelter. "Perfect," he muttered to himself, as if he had just found a five-star hotel in the middle of a war zone.

Dodging a stray energy blast and avoiding a skirmish between two other participants, Kael swiftly made his way to the rock formation. "This looks like a good spot," he thought, admiring the natural canopy formed by the rocks. He could almost hear a lullaby playing in the background.

Just as he was about to settle down, he noticed a group of small, soft-looking plants nearby. "A natural mattress," he said with a grin, plucking a few and arranging them into a makeshift bed. He lay down, sighing in contentment as he made himself comfortable. The distant sounds of clashing abilities and battle cries became a soothing background noise, almost like a white noise machine.

Kael closed his eyes, imagining himself back in his cozy bed at home. "Let them wear themselves out," he thought. "I'll be well-rested and ready to take on whoever's left."

From the holographic screen, a group of students watched the scene unfold. One of them scoffed, "Look at him—he's sleeping. How cowardly."

Just then, a stray bolt of energy hit the rock above him, causing a small shower of pebbles to rain down. Kael opened one eye, sighed, and scooted a few inches to the left. "Rude," he mumbled, settling back into his makeshift bed.

Kael smiled to himself, already halfway to dreamland. "Let them fight," he thought. "I'll be ready when it's really time to battle."

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Lysan moved through the rocky terrain, his eyes scanning for Kael. The remnants of the recent battle were evident, with charred ground and shattered rocks scattered across the landscape. He was determined to find Kael and prove his superiority once and for all. As he rounded a large boulder, he came face-to-face with Aria, known as Pyrrhus, titled the Inferno. Her presence was commanding, with a fiery aura that seemed to ripple the very air around her.

Aria, her stance relaxed yet ready, gave Lysan a challenging look. "Looking for someone, Lysan?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of mockery.

Lysan smirked, not one to back down from a fight. "I was looking for Kael, but it seems I’ll have to deal with you first," he said, his voice dripping with confidence. "After I’m done with you, I'll take care of him."

Without another word, Aria manifested her fiery bow, the inferno's flames licking the edges of the weapon. The bow glowed with an intense heat, and the air around it shimmered from the searing energy.

Lysan activated his manifestation as well, summoning the Stormclaw Saber. The blade crackled with electricity, arcs of lightning dancing along its edge. He could feel the power surging through him, fueling his determination.

Their battle began with a flurry of movements. Aria released a volley of flaming arrows, each one leaving a trail of fire in its wake. Lysan parried with his saber, the electricity meeting the fire in a dazzling display of sparks and flames. They moved with deadly grace, each attack calculated, each defense precise.

As their fight raged on, a loud explosion echoed through the battlefield. Both combatants paused, their eyes widening in surprise. In the distance, they could see Miren and Harlan engaged in an intense battle. The ground trembled from their clashes, and the air was thick with the energy of their manifestations.

Lysan couldn't believe his eyes. Miren, fighting on equal terms with Harlan? The thought annoyed him to no end. How far had she come to challenge someone like Harlan?

The explosion drew them all together. Lysan and Aria, momentarily setting aside their fight, approached the epicenter of the commotion. Harlan stood there, a mix of amusement and irritation on his face. Miren faced him, her stance unwavering, her determination palpable.

Harlan looked at them as they approached. "Quite the surprise," he said, his tone calm yet carrying a hint of danger. "Miren here is actually giving me a challenge. As for you two, do not interrupt us. If you do, I'll kill you first."

Lysan and Aria exchanged a glance. They knew better than to underestimate Harlan. Interfering now would be a death sentence.

Miren, her eyes locked on Harlan, activated her own Avatar Manifestation. Her aura flared with power, and the air around her seemed to hum with energy.

Harlan smirked, clearly enjoying the challenge. "Let's see what you're really made of, Miren."

The battlefield was set, and as the top ranks faced off, the air crackled with anticipation. Kael's presence was momentarily forgotten as the clash of titans drew everyone's attention.

Somewhere on the battlefield, amidst the chaos and clashing of abilities, Theoran and Elara locked eyes. Theoran's smirk was confident, almost condescending, as he approached her. "Get ready to lose, Elara," he taunted, his voice dripping with arrogance.

Elara stood her ground, her eyes blazing with determination. She clenched her fist tighter and retorted sharply, "Don't be so arrogant."

Kael’s eyes slowly opened, the amber hue flickering for a brief moment before they burned with a piercing teal, a light that seemed to pierce through the growing tension around him

“All pieces are here,” he muttered under his breath, the words barely more than a whisper, but the confidence in his tone made it clear—he was no longer intimidated. The game had changed, and Kael was ready to play.