After the explanation of the ranking system, the students began to disperse across the training field. Some chatted excitedly about future challenges, while others analyzed potential opponents.
Draven and Zayra walked towards a quieter training area.
"It seems everyone got excited about this ranking system," said Zayra.
"That makes sense," replied Draven. "Competition makes people work harder."
She glanced at him sideways.
"And you?"
Draven replied calmly:
"I just want to fight strong opponents."
Zayra smiled.
"I figured."
A hostile look
As they walked, Draven noticed someone watching.
It wasn't a curious look.
It was an evaluating look.
When he turned his head, he found the culprit.
A tiger-man Beastikim was leaning against one of the stone pillars near the field.
He was tall and extremely muscular. His eyes had feline pupils, and his expression showed confidence.
Around him were two other students, apparently from the same group.
"So you're the newcomer," said the tiger-man, slowly approaching Draven.
Zayra sighed.
"It's started..."
The rival's name
The Beastikim stopped a few meters from them.
"My name is Ragnar."
He crossed his arms.
"Bronze Class."
Some nearby students began to pay attention to the situation.
Ragnar continued:
"I heard you fought well in yesterday's training."
Draven replied calmly:
"It was just an exercise."
Ragnar smiled slightly.
"Modest."
He tilted his head slightly.
"But you don't look human... and you don't look like any race I know either."
Draven replied simply:
"I'm just a new student."
Ragnar took another step forward.
"In the academy, reputation matters."
He pointed to the training field.
"Many newcomers arrive here thinking they're special."
"I usually like to test those kinds of people."
Zayra crossed her arms.
"Ragnar, if you came to provoke, find someone else."
He completely ignored her comment.
"I can't officially challenge you yet," Ragnar said to Draven, "because you're in the Iron Class."
He gave a small smile.
"But that doesn't mean we can't train together."
The word "train" clearly had a challenging tone.
Draven's Response
Draven was silent for a few seconds.
He analyzed Ragnar.
High physical strength.
Confidence.
Combat experience.
He didn't seem like someone who attacked without thinking.
Finally, Draven replied:
"If it's training, I don't see a problem."
Zayra looked at him, surprised.
"You accept too quickly."
Draven calmly replied:
"That's how you learn."
The students' attention
Now several students were watching.
Some whispered amongst themselves.
"Is Ragnar going to fight the newbie?"
"This will be interesting…"
Ragnar himself seemed pleased.
"Great."
He started walking towards one of the training arenas.
"Let's see what you're capable of."
Draven followed right behind.
The battle instinct
As he walked towards the arena, Draven felt something familiar.
The same feeling he had in the forest before a battle.
Expectation.
His body seemed to awaken.
Fighting monsters was one thing.
But fighting other strong warriors was different.
And he wanted to find out how far he could go.
Great Sage
The voice appeared again in his mind.
[Analyzing opponent.]
[Race: Beastikim — tiger-man subspecies.]
[Estimated characteristics: high physical strength, great resistance.]
[Recommendation: observe attack patterns before advancing.]
Draven mentally agreed.
He entered the arena.
On the other side, Ragnar was already in a fighting stance.
The Beastikim smiled.
— Let's see if you truly deserve to be here.