The training grounds buzzed with tension.
Dozens of students stood in a wide circular arena, their eyes fixed on the center where instructors and officials observed in silence. Above them, a massive digital screen flickered to life—displaying names, levels, and stats.
Kai Draven stood at the edge of the field, arms folded, his expression calm… but his crimson eyes burned faintly beneath the surface.
Today wasn't about survival.
It was about proving worth.
"Today, you fight."
The instructor voice cut through the air.
A tall man stepped forward, his presence alone enough to silence the entire field.
"Now that you've awakened," he continued, "it's time to understand your true abilities. Strength is not just your stats—it is how you use them."
A ripple of excitement spread.
"Each of you possesses a Talent—a unique ability that defines your combat style. Today, you will test it… against each other."
The screen shifted.
MATCHES BEGIN
Match 1: Leon vs. Marcus
Leon stepped forward, adjusting his gloves.
Talent: Lightning Pulse
Electric sparks danced across his arms.
Marcus cracked his neck.
Talent: Iron Skin
His body hardened, a metallic sheen covering his skin.
"Begin!"
Leon moved first—vanishing in a burst of speed.
CRACK!
A flash of lightning struck Marcus—but he didn't move.
Instead—
BOOM!
Marcus countered with a punch that shook the ground.
The crowd gasped.
Leon barely dodged, his speed pushing to the limit. Sparks exploded across the arena as he unleashed rapid strikes, each faster than the last.
But Marcus endured.
Then—
Marcus grabbed him.
"Got you."
SLAM!
Leon crashed into the ground.
Winner: Marcus
Match 2: Lila vs. Serena
Lila raised her hand calmly.
Talent: Wind Manipulation
A soft breeze circled her.
Serena smirked.
Talent: Illusion Shift
Her body flickered—
Then multiplied.
Three Serenas stood before Lila.
"Let's see you hit the real one."
The battle turned chaotic.
Wind blades sliced through the air—but only hit illusions.
Serena appeared behind—
SLASH!
A shallow cut across Lila's arm.
But Lila didn't panic.
She closed her eyes.
The wind shifted.
Then—
All at once—
A powerful gust exploded outward.
WHOOSH!
The illusions shattered.
The real Serena was revealed—and blown out of bounds.
Winner: Lila
More Battles Unfold
One after another, the students fought:
A fire user clashed with a water manipulator, steam engulfing the field.
A speed-type overwhelmed a heavy fighter with relentless attacks.
A shadow user disappeared mid battle, striking from nowhere.
Each match revealed something new.
Power.
Strategy.
Fear.
Kai's Silence
Through it all…
Kai didn't move.
Didn't react.
Didn't speak.
His gaze remained fixed on the battles—but his mind was elsewhere.
Too weak…
Every fight.
Every ability.
Every move.
He saw through them all.
Inside him, something stirred.
A voice.
Low. Dark.
"This is what they call power?"
Kai clenched his fist.
Not now…
The Instructor Watches
From above, the instructor narrowed his eyes.
"…That boy."
Kai's name hadn't appeared yet.
But even without fighting…
He felt dangerous.
Final Match Announcement
The screen flickered again.
Silence fell.
"Next match…"
A pause.
Then—
"Kai Draven vs…"
The name appeared.
A murmur spread instantly.
"…Rex Valtar."
The crowd reacted immediately.
"Rex?!"
"No way…"
"He's one of the strongest!"
Rex Steps Forward
Heavy footsteps echoed.
A tall, muscular boy walked into the arena, a confident grin on his face.
Level: 12
Higher than most.
Talent: Beast Conversion
His arm began to transform—muscles expanding, claws forming.
"Finally," Rex said, cracking his neck. "I was getting bored."
His eyes locked onto Kai.
"So you're the quiet one everyone's talking about."
Kai Moves
For the first time—
Kai stepped forward.
Slow.
Calm.
But with every step…
The air grew heavier.
His crimson aura flickered—just slightly.
The ground beneath him cracked.
The entire arena went silent.
A Bad Feeling
Some students took a step back.
"…Why does it feel like that?"
"…Is that pressure?"
Even the instructor frowned.
Something wasn't right.
Kai vs Rex Begins
"Begin!"
Rex roared and charged—
But Kai didn't move.
Not even an inch.
At the last second—
Kai lifted his head.
His eyes glowed fully crimson.
And then—
He disappeared.
BOOM!!!
A shockwave exploded across the arena.
Dust filled the air.
No one could see what happened.
But one thing was certain—
This wasn't a normal fight.