They went back to the base since there would be a combat training the next day for a promotion. Within the next few months, there would be a brigade selection. Akito knew he had to put in more effort in his training for the brigade selection. In his mind, he was determined to be the best mage there is and save the world by being so.
The next day, there was a combat promotion training. Everyone had to gather at the training field outside their base. The field was wide and it could be compared with 5 stadiums that fit together. As they gathered, each would need to pick a partner. This time, Akito got William Darkhart as his partner. William Darkhart was the son of the Royal Brigade General, General Ryker Darkhart. He is known to be one of the best magic users, with a confirmed kill count of 30, 000. He knew he wouldn't be able to land a single hit on William Darkhart, but he does have some faith in himself as Kaito told him to. As Akito had taken his position on standby, William tried to taunt Akito with his demotivational words, "What's wrong little kitty? Are you scared?". Akito was furious. But this only burned Akito's soul to go full out on him. After putting themselves to standby, Akito was ready to start the spar. "Go." uttered Akito. "So Akito, are you too weak to strike first?" spoke William. "I don't think so, if you're so tough then be my guest." Akito responded. This made William annoyed. "Alright, coward." while casting a staff.
William quickly moved to advance towards Akito. Once he gets the opportunity, he quickly strikes Akito. Fortunately, Akito quickly formed a staff. However, due to William's strong blow, Akito went flying into the air. But as soon as he fell, Akito immediately used his usual Smoke Combust move to distract William. "What a cowardly move." William spoke, being annoyed by Akito's magic. Akito had only his bare hands as his weapons due to William's blow, it broke off Akito's staff. Akito could've reformed a new staff but he was out of mana. As he was inexperienced in using his other magic.
While Akito was peering through the smoke that he casted, he quickly gathered the courage to strike back William. "Predictable!" shouted William. William quickly formed a strike of metal pillar that emerged from the ground and surrounded Akito in a cage. Akito knew if he couldn't do his best, he wouldn't get promoted and he would be labelled a loser. William was a hard-fought opponent compared to any other opponent he had before. Akito burned all of his soul to push himself to make cast an explosion magic, which quickly blew away the land in a 20-meter radius. The metal pillar that had been formed by William had been destroyed and torn apart by Akito's explosion. William was shocked which was shown in his facial expression, and so he formed many other metal pillars from the ground to hold Akito back, but Akito quickly resisted and jumped on each pillar that was struck at him and quickly got to land a strike on William, which quickly knocked him down. William had run out of mana to be able to use his magic, and so he fought Akito with his bare hands. They both were holding each other down in an intense battle. Akito had punched William but he quickly shrugged it off and kicked Akito. Their battle was surrounded by the other recruits as they were amazed. Within minutes, their hard-fought battle had come to an end when the instructor stopped them. "I guess you're not bad after all, but we'll see next time, loser." William spoke.
The instructor had listed the names who will be given promotions. Akito and William had been promoted to an Apprentice, the highest rank to be given compared to all the other recruits in the combat training. Kaito and Victoria had achieved the Intermediate Mage as their promotion. After the classes, Akito was praised by his dorm mates. They were impressed by his fighting skills. "How did you do it Akito?" Asked Eversal with admiration towards Akito. "I have no idea, I had to push myself and that happened." Akito replied.
"I thought I was better than you... Or have you gone easy on me?" Victoria was eager to know whether Akito had gone soft on her. "No, no it's not like that." Akito nervously spoke. "I haven't fought you yet Akito. Wanna try sometime later?" Asked Kaito. Akito laughed nervously. With a slight regret for going full out on William.
As Akito was laying on his bed, he noticed a letter in his backpack. The letter wrote
Dear Akito,
I saw how you did on your combat training today. I am quite impressed by your skill sets and almost defeating General Ryker's son, William Darkhart. Every High Ranking Officer has seen you excel in combat and I'd say, most of them are impressed by your skills and abilities. And so, I've decided to take you as my Apprentice. Though this decision is up to you to decide. I see potential in you and so I'd like to make you better. If you accept, please come to my office tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Brigadier Officer,
Colt Smith.
*Akito decided to accept Colt's offer on taking him as his apprentice. Akito knew he could achieve more by training alongside Colt *
To Be Continued [Chapter 5]