The Grand Training Hall was still buzzing with excitement after Kaels performance. Students were standing around the arena, whispering and arguing about the results on the screen. The rank was displayed in glowing letters above the battlefield: A+. Some students looked really amazed. Others looked jealous.. A few looked pretty irritated.
Kael stepped out of the arena slowly brushing dust from his uniform. His muscles still hurt from fighting ten combat drones. The strange blue power inside him was calmer now. It was almost as if it was satisfied. Lyra was waiting for him near the edge of the arena leaning against her spear with a grin. "Well well " she said as he approached. "Ten drones. An A+ rank." She tilted her head slightly. "You're making the rest of us look bad hero."
Kael rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "I didn't plan it." Lyra stepped closer her silver eyes studying him carefully. "Sure you didn't." There was a teasing sparkle in her gaze. Before Kael could respond a familiar voice cut through the noise. "Don't get too comfortable." Both of them turned to see Rex Draven walking toward them electric sparks flickering around his fingers.
Rex stopped in front of Kael looking calm but with eyes. "So you beat a machines " Rex said. "That doesn't mean you're stronger than me." Lyra sighed dramatically. "Oh great round two already?" Kael crossed his arms. "I thought Instructor Valeria told us to stop fighting." Rex smirked. "She said stop destroying the arena, not sparring."
The students nearby immediately backed away sensing what was about to happen. Whispers spread quickly. "Are they fighting again?" "This is going to be insane." Lyra stepped between them before things escalated. "Relax, lightning boy." She lightly tapped Rexs shoulder with her spear. "You already showed off today." Rex raised an eyebrow. ". He didn't?" Lyra smirked. "Fair point."
Kael exhaled slowly. "I'm not looking for another fight." Rex stared at him for a moment then chuckled. "Too bad." Suddenly a loud voice echoed across the hall. "That's enough." Everyone turned toward the entrance. Instructor Valeria had returned, her gaze sweeping across the room instantly silencing the students. "You three " she said, pointing at Kael, Lyra and Rex. "Follow me."
A minutes later they arrived in a smaller training arena deeper inside the academy. The walls were reinforced with metal and energy barriers surrounded the combat zone. Valeria walked to the center. Turned around. "You three are currently the first-year students." Lyra raised an eyebrow. "That was quick." Valeria ignored the comment. "Apex Academy encourages competition. So I'm giving you an opportunity."
Rexs grin slowly returned. "A real sparring match?" Valeria nodded. "Controlled combat." Then she looked at Kael. "You haven't fully tested your power yet." Her gaze shifted to Rex. ". You clearly want to." Finally she looked at Lyra. ". You enjoy chaos." Lyra smiled innocently. "I have no idea what you're talking about." Valeria crossed her arms. "The rules are simple. Three-way sparring match. One standing wins."
The three students blinked. "Wait " Kael said. "All three of us?" Valeria nodded. " One standing wins." Rex cracked his knuckles lightning already dancing around his arms. "Now this is interesting." Lyra twirled her spear casually. "Guess things just got spicy." Kael sighed. "This academy is insane." Valeria stepped back toward the observation area. "Begin."
The energy barrier activated with a hum. For a moment none of them moved. The tension in the arena was thick. Rex was the first to act lightning exploding around him as he dashed toward Kael. His fist shot forward like a thunderbolt. Kael reacted instantly blocking the punch with his forearm. The impact created a shockwave.
Before Kael could counterattack Lyra appeared behind him. "Sorry, hero." Her spear swung toward his side. Kael barely managed to jump. "Hey!" Lyra laughed. "Three-way fight remember?" Rex used the distraction perfectly launching another lightning- strike. Kael ducked under the punch. Kicked Rex backward.
Rex slid across the floor. Quickly regained his balance. His eyes were shining with excitement. "Now this is a fight." Lyra rushed forward next her spear flashing like silver lightning as she thrust toward Rex. Rex twisted his body. Avoided the attack. Electric sparks clashed with light. Kael watched both of them carefully. They're both strong.
Then the power inside him stirred again. Blue energy flickered around his hands. Rex noticed immediately. "Oh?" Lightning burst around his body again. Lyra grinned. "Looks like the hero is powering up." Kael stepped forward energy spreading around him like a small storm. The ground beneath his feet cracked slightly. " Right " Kael said calmly. "Lets do this properly."
The second all three moved at once. Lightning, silver light and blue divine energy exploded across the arena. Rex attacked with a series of lightning punches. Lyra spun her spear with precision. Kael. Countered with bursts of blue power. The fight became a blur of speed and energy. Each attack was faster than the last. Each clash stronger.
From above Instructor Valeria watched quietly. Even she looked impressed. "These three..." Meanwhile inside the arena Lyra suddenly leaped into the air. Her spear began glowing. "Celestial Strike!" She slammed downward toward both boys. Rex dodged left. Kael jumped right. The spear struck the ground. Released a shockwave. Dust filled the arena.
When it cleared Kael was already moving. He dashed forward with speed. His fist collided with Rexs lightning guard. Energy exploded across the battlefield. Rex grinned wildly. "This is what I wanted!" Lightning surged even stronger around him. Lyra rejoined the fight spear flashing again. For minutes the battle continued. None of them willing to back down. None of them holding back.
Suddenly a strange presence appeared. All three fighters froze. Someone had entered the arena. A tall girl with black hair stood near the barrier. Her cold blue eyes observed the battle silently. She wore the uniform of Apex Academy. The emblem on her chest was different. Silver, with a star-shaped crest. Lyras expression changed instantly. "Wait..." Rex frowned. "No way." Kael looked confused. "Who is that?" Lyra answered quietly. "That's... Aurora Nightvale. The strongest student in Apex Academy."
Aurora stepped closer, to the barrier her eyes examining the three fighters. Then she spoke softly. "You're making a lot of noise." The air suddenly became colder. Even Rex stopped smiling. Aurora looked directly at Kael. "So... You're the God Slayer everyone is talking about.". For the first time since entering Apex Academy Kael felt a truly dangerous presence.