At Hoshi no Gakko, the entrance ceremony was more than just formal speeches and introductions – it was a trial by combat, a practical assessment to gauge the capabilities of the new students. The format was straightforward: Each student would engage in a mock battle against a Professor, and their performance in this would determine their initial ranking within the school, ranging from D to S. These rankings weren't just for show. They came with varying levels of privileges, including quality of food and access to private training sessions.
For Ryujin, this was an excellent opportunity to flex his muscles and showcase his skills.
"Ryujin-sama, I wish you the best of luck," Lexia said, offering her support.
"Thanks."
As fate would have it, Ryujin was the first student scheduled to participate in the test. In the original storyline of Regressor Survival, this was the moment when he was caught employing underhanded tactics, a move that severely damaged his reputation. Pedro, the protagonist, exposed him, which subsequently boosted Pedro's standing. However, the current situation deviated drastically from the novel's plot.
As Ryujin approached the arena for his mock battle, he boldly declared. "Greetings, Professor. I am Ryujin Wan. As a demonstration of my true strength, I will not use any mana-related abilities."
This statement was quintessential Ryujin – a testament to his obsession with overcoming challenges without relying on his inherent magical abilities.
His opponent, a professor named Paul, raised an eyebrow at this declaration. "Greetings, Ryujin. Are you certain you won't be using mana?"
(He's as arrogant as his mother.)
"Yes, I am sure."
To most spectators, Ryujin's decision came off as an act of sheer arrogance, a needless handicap that could potentially cost him the match. However, Lexia, who knew Ryujin better than anyone else, understood this was simply his way – his unyielding commitment to his principles of strength and self-improvement.
With the stage set and the combatants ready, Ryujin and Paul prepared for the fight.
[Ready? Start…]
With the signal given, the mock battle commenced. The professor, Paul, wasted no time showcasing his lightning magic proficiency. His hands crackled with electric energy, sending arcs of lightning streaking toward Ryujin with intense speed and precision.
Ryujin, undeterred by the electrifying assault, demonstrated remarkable agility and reflexes. He moved with a dancer's grace, his movements fluid and precise. As the lightning bolts approached, he skillfully used his hands to deflect or completely dismantle the attacks. Each deflection was a masterful display of timing and speed. Ryujin managed to redirect the energy away from himself, causing it to dissipate harmlessly into the air or ground.
His ability to neutralize the lightning magic solely with physical maneuvers was a testament to his extraordinary combat skills. Ryujin's decision to abstain from using mana wasn't just bravado; it was a calculated display of his raw, unenhanced abilities.
The crowd watched in awe as Ryujin expertly handled the onslaught of magical attacks. His performance was a defiance of his opponent's magical prowess and a clear statement of his physical capabilities.
"Time to ramp up the attack."
Paul's eyes narrowed with determination as he summoned the full extent of his power. He unleashed a barrage of electric fury with a swift, commanding gesture. Lightning crackled and danced around them, creating an electrifying arena. The air buzzed with raw energy, and the atmosphere charged with tension.
A vortex of electric arcs encircled Ryujin, their bright flashes illuminating the area with an intense, bluish glow. Confident in his immense resistance to electricity, Paul believed the lightning would selectively target his opponent.
However, Ryujin wasn't one to be quickly cornered. With an agile leap, he positioned himself within the eye of the storm. As the lightning surged toward him, he skillfully redirected the bolts. His movements were fluid and precise, resembling a conductor leading an orchestra as he manipulated the trajectory of each electric arc.
With a focused gaze and lightning-fast reflexes, Ryujin turned the tables on Paul. The redirected lightning streaked towards its caster, each bolt a potential strike against its master. The crackling energy Paul had intended to be Ryujin's downfall was now a weapon in Ryujin's capable hands, poised to turn the attacker into the victim of his assault.
The tension in the air was palpable as Paul gathered his energy, his eyes ablaze with determination. "Domain expansion," he muttered, his voice barely audible over the crackling electricity that enveloped him.
But before Paul could fully unleash his Domain Expansion, a powerful and coordinated effort by the professors intervened. Three of them swiftly closed in, their movements a blend of precision and grace. Each professor took a strategic position, effectively cornering Paul and preventing him from activating his lightning domain.
With agility reminiscent of a panther, the first professor darted toward Paul's left, cutting off his movement. The second, exuding an air of calm authority, approached from the right, her hands glowing with soft but potent energy, ready to counter any sudden outburst of lightning. The third, emanating a formidable presence, advanced from the front, eyes locked on Paul's, a silent warning in their gaze.
Just as Paul's energy reached its peak, about to transform the battlefield, the professors' combined efforts brought his power to a halt. His electric aura fizzled out, contained and nullified by their expert restraint.
"That's already too much for a mock battle, isn't it, Paul?" One of the professors commented, his voice firm yet devoid of anger. His presence was commanding, yet his tone had an undercurrent of understanding.
Paul's shoulders slumped in defeat.
"Yes, I'm sorry," he muttered, his defiance giving way to resignation.
The observing professor nodded his head, turning his attention to Ryujin. "Well, Ryujin passed with flying colors. He's demonstrated capabilities worthy of an S rank."
With that declaration, the narrative of Regressor Survival – the story where Ryujin was initially demoted to D rank and had to rely on his mother's influence to ascend to S rank – was upended entirely. Ryujin had not only achieved an S rank on his merit but had done so impressively, compelling a professor to consider Domain Expansion, all without resorting to his magical abilities. This was a testament to his strength and strategic insight, breaking away from the preordained script of the novel in an unexpected, yet remarkable, twist of fate.
◆
Bella, the esteemed principal of the school and a close friend of Alexia's, was perusing the latest batch of reports with a keen eye. Known for her striking blue hair and eyes, Bella exuded an aura of authority and grace similar to Alexia's. In the novel Regressor Survival, she often protected Ryujin from the consequences of his vicious actions, such as harassing girls and engaging in other nefarious activities.
"Yes, Director." A professor approached with a stack of papers in hand.
Bella glanced up, her expression unreadable. "How did the other mock battles conclude?"
"Lexia achieved S-rank, as expected. Amanda and Yumi, despite finishing last, also secured S-ranks. However, unlike Ryujin, they heavily relied on their mana."
Bella nodded thoughtfully. "Ryujin Wan... Alexia always spoke highly of him, but I assumed it was a mother's biased adoration."
The professor shook his head, still reeling from the events he had witnessed.
"I must admit, I was taken aback myself. He compelled Paul to initiate a domain expansion while abstaining from mana usage. It was quite a sight."
"Hmm, keep a close eye on him. If he's anything like his mother, he's bound to stir up some trouble."
As the professor left, Bella turned her gaze back to the reports, her mind deep in thought.
"Ryujin Wan, let's see what potential you truly hold."