Kaito didn't want to get out of bed.
His whole body ached.
His ribs still hurt from yesterday.
His shoulder felt stiff.
Even his legs were sore just from walking.
He pulled the blanket over his head.
"…I quit," he muttered.
The door opened.
Tanaka's voice came in immediately.
"Get up."
Kaito groaned.
"No."
"Yes."
"I fought three times yesterday."
"You'll fight again today."
"This place is actually evil."
Tanaka didn't sound sorry.
"You chose to stay."
"I didn't know it would hurt this much."
"You'll get used to it."
"I don't want to get used to it."
Tanaka grabbed the blanket and pulled it off.
Kaito squinted at the light.
"…You're the worst teacher ever."
"Get dressed."
Kaito sat up slowly.
Every movement hurt.
"…Do I at least get food first."
"Yes."
"…Okay, this place is slightly less evil."
Tanaka left the room.
Kaito stretched his arms carefully.
Pain shot through his side.
"…Yep. Still broken."
He clenched his fist slowly.
The vibration was there.
Faint.
But steady.
Not disappearing anymore.
"…Good," he whispered.
...
The courtyard was already full when they arrived.
More people than yesterday.
More noise.
More fights.
The ranking board glowed brighter than before.
Names shifting.
Ranks changing.
Kaito stared at it.
"…I moved again?"
Tanaka nodded.
"304 to 301."
Kaito blinked.
"…Wait, I didn't even fight yet."
"Others lost."
"…I like this system."
Tanaka crossed his arms.
"You'll still fight."
"I knew you were gonna say that."
The bell rang.
CLANG.
CLANG.
CLANG.
Everyone quieted down.
The instructor stepped forward again.
"Second day evaluation."
More whispers spread through the crowd.
Some people looked excited.
Some looked annoyed.
Some looked nervous.
Kaito sighed.
"…Here we go again."
Tanaka nodded.
"Yes."
"All new fighters, step forward."
Kaito walked forward again.
His legs felt heavy.
But his chest felt steady.
The vibration hummed softly.
Like it was waiting.
The instructor looked at the tablet.
"Next match."
He paused.
Then spoke.
"Rank 301… Arata Kaito."
Kaito sighed.
"…Of course."
The instructor continued.
"Against… Rank 260… Shun Kairi."
The crowd reacted louder.
"260?"
"He jumped again."
"That's too high."
Kaito blinked.
"…That sounds bad."
A boy stepped forward.
Tall.
Lean.
Sharp eyes.
Calm expression.
But the pressure around him felt heavier than yesterday's opponent.
Not Ryo level.
Closer.
Shun stepped onto the field.
He looked at Kaito once.
"…You're the new one."
Kaito scratched his cheek.
"Yeah."
"You fight a lot."
"I don't get a choice."
Shun nodded.
"…Good."
Kaito frowned.
"That's not comforting."
The instructor raised his hand.
"Begin."
Shun moved instantly.
Fast.
Faster than yesterday.
Kaito barely blocked.
BAM.
The impact slammed into his arms.
His feet slid back hard.
"…Okay… that's strong," Kaito muttered.
Shun didn't stop.
Punch.
Kick.
Turn.
Step.
Every movement clean.
Every hit heavy.
Kaito focused.
The vibration hummed.
He moved with it.
Block.
Step.
Punch.
CRACK.
The air trembled.
Shun blocked.
But his arm moved slightly.
His eyes narrowed.
"…You feel it."
Kaito smirked.
"A little."
Shun stepped forward again.
Faster.
Kaito reacted.
Barely.
Block.
Turn.
Punch.
CRACK.
Louder.
The vibration surged.
His chest burned.
Stronger than yesterday.
His body felt lighter.
Faster.
For a moment...
He almost matched the speed.
The crowd reacted.
"He's faster."
"He's adapting again."
"That's not normal."
Shun stepped in close.
Too close.
Kaito moved on instinct.
Punch.
CRACK.
The air shook harder.
Shun slid back half a step.
The entire field went quiet.
Kaito blinked.
"…That felt..."
Shun disappeared.
BAM.
The hit slammed into Kaito's stomach.
He doubled over.
Air gone.
Pain everywhere.
He tried to stand.
His legs shook.
But the vibration exploded.
Louder than ever.
His chest burned.
The air around him trembled.
The crowd leaned forward.
"He's spiking."
"That's big."
"Too big."
Kaito clenched his fists.
"…Move…"
The energy surged.
His body reacted.
Step.
Punch.
CRACK.
Loud.
Much louder.
The air shook across the field.
Shun blocked...
But slid back two steps.
His eyes widened.
"…There it is."
Kaito blinked.
His arm trembled.
"…What was that…"
The vibration roared.
Too strong.
Too fast.
His vision blurred.
His legs gave out.
He dropped to one knee.
Breathing hard.
The energy faded.
Slowly.
The instructor raised his hand.
"Stop."
Silence filled the field.
Shun looked at him for a moment.
"…You're close."
Kaito coughed.
"…Close to dying?"
Shun shook his head.
"…Close to breaking through."
He turned and walked away.
The ranking board flickered.
ARATA KAITO - Rank 295
Kaito stared at it.
"…It moved again…"
Tanaka stepped onto the field.
His eyes sharp.
"…You felt it."
Kaito nodded slowly.
"…Yeah."
"…It was stronger."
Tanaka nodded.
"Yes."
Kaito smiled weakly.
"…Good."
Far above the courtyard, Ryo watched again.
This time his smile disappeared.
"…He's almost there."
The girl beside him nodded.
"…One more fight."
Ryo crossed his arms.
"…Yeah."
He looked at Kaito.
"…One more push."