As the excitement over Claude’s revelation rippled through the training grounds, a slow, deliberate clap cut through the noise.

A figure descended from above, his presence alone commanding the attention of every soul nearby.

He landed with effortless grace, the sheer force of his aura causing the air itself to vibrate. His piercing golden eyes scanned the contestants with an amusement that bordered on cruel.

"So, these are the ones who show promise?" His voice sliced through the silence, carrying a dangerous edge. "Let’s see if you can handle a real challenge."

His lips curled into a grin.

"I am Ramiel—your next examiner." His gaze darkened, filled with a deadly thrill. "I will test your physical and combat ability." He extended his arm, grasping at the air.

CRACK!

A bolt of lightning arced from the heavens into his palm. His eyes turned pure white, crackling with power.

"Prepare to taste death’s door." His smirk widened. "Because I won’t hold back."

Murmurs of unease spread among the contestants as they prepared themselves. Tension thickened the air.

Ren, Rex, and Alys formed their team. Their hearts hammered in anticipation, the weight of Ramiel’s power pressing down on them. Ren swallowed, the oppressive feeling almost suffocating. It was similar to the presence of Michael, the weight of an overwhelming force that made him feel small.

He shook the feeling off and steadied himself. Alys and Rex stood resolute beside him.

“We’re ready,” Ren said, his voice steady despite the storm brewing inside him.

Ramiel’s grin widened. “Excellent.”

Then, in a blink—he vanished.

CRACK!

A bolt of thunder slammed down toward them. The team barely dodged in time, the heat from the blast scorching their clothes. The ground where they had been standing was reduced to rubble, a smoking crater where their feet had been moments ago.

Ren’s heart pounded. He’s not holding back at all.

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They scattered. Ren’s mind raced, trying to formulate a strategy, but his instincts took over as he rushed forward, his fist ready to strike. But in the blink of an eye—Ramiel was gone.

Appearing behind him.

“Nice try.”

A fist coated in lightning slammed into Ren’s back.

Pain exploded through his body, and his vision blurred as he crashed to the ground, a sharp cry escaping his lips.

“Ren!” Alys shouted, her voice filled with urgency.

Rex’s eyes burned with fury. “You bastard!” He charged, swinging wildly.

Ramiel flicked his finger.

BOOM.

An unseen force struck Rex like a freight train, sending him flying into a nearby wall. He crumpled to the ground, gasping for air.

Alys narrowed her eyes. She wasn’t going to let this end so easily.

She drew her weapons and unleashed a flurry of arrows, moving faster than any normal person could. But Ramiel danced through them effortlessly, his body flickering in and out of sight.

Ren’s instincts screamed at him. This was their chance.

He’s distracted. Now!

Ren appeared behind Ramiel, ready to strike.

But—he was gone. Again.

A chilling chuckle echoed through the air. “You’re interesting.”

BOOM!

Ramiel reappeared, lightning crackling around him. He struck Rex with a concentrated bolt. Rex screamed as the electricity coursed through his body, seizing his muscles before he crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

“That’s one.”

He turned to Alys.

She clenched her teeth, her gaze hardening with determination. Her arrows flew faster, more precise this time, but Ramiel dodged each one with ease. He closed the distance between them with terrifying speed, delivering a crushing blow that sent her spiraling to the ground, unconscious.

“No!” Ren gasped.

Alys… Rex…

Ramiel’s eyes gleamed with amusement as he turned to Ren.

“Now, you.”

Ren’s panic flared. His pulse raced as he launched into an onslaught of punches and kicks, but nothing landed. It was as if his strikes couldn’t touch him.

Then—THUNDER SHOCK.

Electricity surged through Ren’s body, locking his muscles in agonizing paralysis. His vision swam, and his breath came in ragged gasps.

Ren gritted his teeth, trying to focus through the pain. I can’t let this be the end.

With a sudden burst of willpower, he forced himself to move. Despite the paralyzing shock, his hands shot out—grabbing Ramiel’s arm.

“I’ve got you!” Ren roared, his voice strained but fierce.

Ramiel smirked. “It’s futile. You can’t harm me with my own power.”

Ren struggled, every muscle screaming in protest, but he held on, refusing to back down. “Now.”

Ramiel’s eyes flickered with confusion for a split second.

Behind him—Rex surged forward.

“How is he still conscious?” Ramiel muttered in disbelief.

With a final, desperate burst of strength, Ren delivered a devastating punch to Ramiel’s side.

For the first time, Ramiel staggered.

Ren, gasping for breath, barely smirked. “Got you.”

Ramiel paused for a long moment, his gaze cold and calculating. Then, a deep laugh rumbled from his chest.

“You guys are fun,” he said, his voice tinged with amusement.

Ren and Rex exchanged a brief, victorious glance—before their bodies gave out, exhausted and battered.

They collapsed to the ground, their consciousness slipping away.

As their vision blurred, the last thing Ren heard was Ramiel’s voice, tinged with satisfaction.

“I might have overdone it with these guys.”

Ramiel turned to the next group of contestants, his smile widening.

“Now… will you be as entertaining?”