Noah's voice boomed across the arena, cutting through the anticipation of the crowd. "Before we begin, let me announce the rewards! The winner will receive a 3rd-Grade Cultivation Technique, and the runner-up will receive either a 3rd-Grade Technique or a Spell, depending on their chosen path and his choosing!"
He paused, his expression turning solemn as he turned toward the VIP area. "And now, let me introduce the guest of honor for this event the Principal of this Academy, the Dharma Stage master... Malvik!"
Clap!
A sudden, heavy aura engulfed the arena. It was like heavenly beast was staring deep into everyone's souls. Ryan was filled with shock. He was a man who lived by his calm, but in this moment he felt as if every secret he owned was being laid bare before this monster
He looked up at the VIP stage. Seated in a throne-like chair was a man who looked majestically middle-aged, not old at all.
So it's true, Ryan thought. You really are in a different league once you step into the Dharma Stage.
Deep down, however, he was burning with excitement. Yes, this is the power I thirst for. This stage will be my first real hurdle. I will reach the peak of the 7th Realm and look down to see how it feels
Behind the Principal, he spotted Olivia seated with twelve other professors, all ranging from the Middle to Peak Gold Stage. Olivia smiled and offered a small nod, and Ryan acknowledged her nod. He marveled at the foundation of a single academy. If all four regional academies were combined, there would be four Dharma Stage masters, hundreds of Gold Stages, and thousands of Silver and Bronze cultivators. It was a force capable of flattening any opposition in Realm-1 and holding its own even in Realm-2. This was the true power of Phoenix University creating such a massive force just to supply of the talents.
Noah turned back to the ring. "Now, we are ready to start. If the two contestants have anything to say, speak now."
Alex Kellen was only slightly shaken; having met his own Dharma Stage ancestor, he was already adapted to the pressure.
He looked at Ryan. "Hey, Ryan. I told you my full name, but you still haven't introduced yourself."
"I don't believe I am obliged to follow your instructions," Ryan replied coldly.
Alex smiled. "Fine. Then I'll make you a deal. I'll surrender, and you can take first place. But I want a bet: if you give 100% and don't hold back—if you can actually make me bleed I'll hand my reward over to you as well. I already have a 3rd-Grade cultivation and martial technique."
Dammit, rich bastard, Ryan thought. Just you wait. But he needed those rewards. He calculated the risk; with Olivia as his backer, he didn't believe he had to fear the jealousy of others.
Ryan calmed his mind, his eyes turning to crystal ice. "Fine. My name... is Ryan Ragnor."
Boom!
The name detonated like a high-grade mana bomb blasted in arena. In Realm-1, every cultivator knew the name Ragnor. It was one of the noblest houses to ever exist, a family that once stood parallel to the Academy itself. Rumors suggested even the giants of Realm-2 feared the Ragnors.
Then, they had vanished. Their high-level experts everyone above the Gold Stage had been annihilated or forced to flee. The survivors were torn apart by hungry rival forces like sharks. It was a lesson to every noble that there is always a higher sky than you can imagine. The few Ragnors who remained had hidden their surnames for years leaving not a single record of their existence.
This bastar#d hid deeply, thinks Lucas.
Ryan watched the shocked expressions. His first step was a success. He let his mind wander back to why he chose to expose this dangerous name. It went back to when he was at the Peak Bronze Stage, looking for the chance to evolve into Silver.
Two Years Ago: The Star Forest
Ryan and David were blurring through the jungle like high-speed trains. At the Bronze Stage, their physical capabilities were far beyond those of an ordinary human.
"Sir, are you sure there is a ruin here?" David asked. "We have been searching for a month without a single sign."
"I am certain," Ryan replied. "My mind feels heavy with the sensation... if there is a chance to stand at the peak, it is here. The girl I rescued told me."
"But didn't you tell me to assassinate her?" David asked. "I already disposed of her body. Shouldn't you have kept her alive?"
"No," Ryan said. "A secret is only safe if she is dead."
One month prior, Ryan rescused injured girl from monster due to her air of nobility and had been near the edge of the jungle. Ryan had cleared most of the monsters on their trail but pretended to be heavily injured, acting as if they were trapped.
Inside a dark cave, Ryan had coughed up blood, looking at the girl, Ria. "I'm sorry, Ria... I couldn't save you. I fell in love with you the moment I rescued you."
Ria, covered in injuries and tears, clutched his hand. "No! Don't say that! You can't die! I love you too, Ryan... please don't leave me!"
Sobbing, Ria realized she was fading. "I am going to die... let me tell you the secret I have been hiding. My full name is Ria Ragnor."
Ryan acted shocked as she continued.
"I am from the Ragnor family. I was ten when my parents came to me and my brother, James. They were crying. My mother told James he had to be strong and protect me. They said they were going away and couldn't share the details. They told us if we ever met someone from the family, we must say: 'Void Needed Someone To Help'.
"They told us never to trust anyone. They had stored resources in a remote jungle ruin... including the Ragnor Blood Essence. It can make the bloodline pure and increase the chances for major evolution. Go... go now."
Her father had given her one final gift. "Ria, be careful... take this." She showed him a Golden-Red Pearl. "The blood essence is for my brother, because my mother wasn't originally from the family. He has very little Ragnor blood, but I have a strong amount. This Golden Pearl will help you when you need to evolve to the Gold Stage. That is when you can start understanding the game and the trap the Ragnor family fell into. Until then, hide it. Trust nobody."