Chương 5: Chapter 4: First Fight

Three days later. Academy combat evaluation. Students filled the training arena. The instructors stood above. Watching. Judging. Ranking. Rayan expected another boring day. Then fate disagreed.

"Combat Match." The instructor called out names.

"Aeron Valis." Cheers erupted. Then—"Rayan Ashvar." Silence. Aeron grinned. The crowd laughed.

"What luck." The noble stepped into the arena. Lightning danced around his fingers. Rayan sighed.

"Of course." The instructor raised his hand.

"Begin." BOOM! This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Aeron charged instantly. Lightning exploded across the battlefield. Fast. Very fast. But something had changed. Golden lines appeared before Rayan's eyes. Every movement. Every attack. Every weakness. Visible. The world slowed. Aeron's fist approached. Rayan stepped sideways. Miss. A kick followed. Miss. Lightning spear. Miss. The crowd fell silent. Confusion spread. Aeron became furious.

"STOP DODGING!" Rayan answered calmly.

"Then stop missing." The arena exploded with laughter. Aeron's face twisted. His Astra surged. The strongest attack yet.

"Lightning Dragon Strike." The crowd gasped. Gold Rank Skill. Far too powerful. The dragon roared toward Rayan. Golden lines filled his vision. Hundreds. Thousands. Then one remained. One perfect path. Rayan moved. One step. Nothing more. The dragon missed. The attack crashed into the arena wall. BOOOOM! Dust exploded. Silence followed. Everyone stared. Nobody understood what had happened. Not even Rayan. Then instructor declared the result.

"Winner." Silence. Then—"Rayan Ashvar." The academy erupted. The forgotten prince had defeated a genius. Students argued everywhere. Cheating. Luck. Hidden talent. Conspiracy. Nobody knew the truth. Inside the palace. The king sat silently. Reports covered his desk. One report repeated the same statement. Again. And again. And again. Impossible reaction speed. The king stared at the paper. Then at the stars outside. His expression darkened.

"So." He whispered.

"It has begun." Elsewhere— Siena closed her book. A small smile appeared.

"I knew it." Meanwhile. Rayan sat alone in his training yard. Exhausted. His body hurt. His mind hurt more. The Guardian appeared.

"You are weak."

"Thank you."

"Your body cannot support Dharma."

"Wonderful."

"You require training." Rayan groaned. The Guardian smiled. For the first time. There was excitement in his eyes.

"Tomorrow."

"We begin."