"Even though the official tests number only two, an unspoken third trial lurks to weed out the weak. At this moment, the academy recognizes 80 martial artists above Rank 7, welcoming them as students into the Imperial Academy. However, the remaining martial artists of Rank 7 will engage in a free-for-all battle. Only the 120 people who haven't fallen out of the ring will be granted the privilege of joining our esteemed academy," announced an elderly man, donned in a white and golden ensemble, featuring a shirt, pants, and a golden blazer. Positioned on the second floor of the arena, he projected his voice resoundingly.
The arena, a two-story structure, accommodated contestants on the first floor positioned within the ring. Simultaneously, the Imperial family and their associates, alongside the 80 acknowledged contestants, occupied the second floor, facing one another.
Observing the second floor, where the Imperial family occupied seats, Newt speculated, 'Is that the Queen?' The woman in a blue dress, adorned with a crown, sat regally on the second floor, flanked by individuals mostly of Rank 3 Martial Artists. She had two Rank 1 bodyguards, maintaining her own standing as a Rank 2 Martial Artist.
"Begin," declared the elderly man, initiating the fights within the ring. Chaos ensued as combatants engaged each other, jostling for position and dominance, while Newt positioned himself at the center, observing the unfolding clashes.
Whoosh.
A dart sliced through the air, aimed at Newt. The attacker, a stout man with a sporty build but a fat face, closed in on Newt with rapid punches. However, Newt skillfully countered with aura-enhanced strikes.
Both combatants recoiled, the stout man surprised that Newt had successfully blocked his assault.
The fat boy charged towards Newt, throwing punches in rapid succession. Newt responded with aura-infused punches, a formidable exchange that left the onlookers staggered.
As the fat boy attempted kicks, Newt countered with swift leg movements. The fat boy displayed signs of discomfort, his skin reddening due to the onslaught. Newt, while showing minimal physical strain, allowed signs of exhaustion to creep onto his face.
Switching his expression to a serious demeanor, Newt faced off against the determined fat boy. Observing the transformation, the fat man mused, 'What a change—he looks like a loser when he smiles, but adopts the demeanor of a formidable gangster when serious.'
Determined, the fat boy pressed on, realizing that Newt was not an opponent to be taken lightly. The battle raged on, lasting for an hour, with both fighters showing signs of weariness.
'He looks exhausted, but why won't he give up? His punches are weaker now, and so are mine,' pondered the fat boy.
'I can do this,' thought the fat boy, rallying himself for the fight. Newt, while appearing exhausted, reflected on the situation, 'This is a waste of time.'
Examining the fat boy's techniques, Newt critiqued, 'His techniques are lacking. His aura manipulation is crude, and he lacks precision in targeting weak points. I could have easily thrown him out of the ring if not for that person watching our every move.' Newt glanced at the individual standing behind the queen in black robes—a Rank 1 Martial Artist.
With the arena almost reaching the target of 120 participants, the elderly man announced, "Now, now, cease your internal strife. All of you within the ring are now granted admission to our academy."
The fat boy slumped to the ground, while Newt, feigning exhaustion, dropped to his knees. His eyes met the fat boy's, burning with fiery determination.
"All those outside the ring, it's time for you to leave," declared the elderly man, prompting the guards to escort those who had fallen out of the the ring to the outside of the premises.
With the outside cleared, the elderly man announced, "All of you within the ring are now officially recognized as students of the Imperial Academy. Carriages are waiting outside to transport you to the academy."
A wave of cheers and hopeful glances swept through the crowd in response to the announcement.
"Follow me," commanded a guard, donned in a soldier's attire with a bronze mask concealing his face. He beckoned for the newly declared students to accompany him.
Exiting the ring, Newt observed that the fat boy had not joined them; instead, he had ascended to the second floor. Nevertheless, Newt followed the group, keeping his head down and attentively scanning his surroundings for any pertinent information.
***
"You performed admirably, Ryan," commended the figure cloaked in a black robe, addressing the fat boy named Ryan.
"Did I, Grandpa? That brute, Newt Lawson, refused to back down even when I unleashed my full strength. I am a Rank 7 Martial Artist with fighting skills comparable to a Rank 6, but he confronted me directly. He doesn't possess a significant aura, yet he defended himself earnestly and used it sparingly when attacking," lamented Ryan to his grandfather, the individual in the black robe, with a sense of dejection.
"Why did you choose to pick a fight with him? You could have displayed your abilities against a different opponent," responded the black-robed figure, caressing Ryan's head.
Eyes bloodshot and almost filled with intensity, Ryan retorted, "Newt, that name infuriates me." Even the mere thought of it sent shivers down his spine.
The black-robed individual smiled, placing a comforting hand on Ryan's shoulder. "I've told you before, Newt Salamander and his family are already gone. I took care of them. Why continue living in his shadow?" he sighed, expressing a sense of pity.
"Shadow? No, I intended to be the one to end Newt Salamander myself one day. I despise that word 'Newt' more than anything," declared Ryan, a mix of anger and various emotions evident in his response.
***
Twelve years ago, young Ryan Wood found himself amidst the opulence of the Salamander Family, invited due to his family's prestige. As his eyes fell upon Newt, a four-year-old with a striking handsomeness that surpassed his own, a seed of jealousy took root within Ryan. Determined to showcase his perceived superiority, the six-year-old Ryan seized Newt by the hair, yanking him out and parading him before a gathering of children from other distinguished families, such as the Knight family and Moore family, playing in the expansive back garden.
With a mocking tone, Ryan declared, "Behold, one of the supposed most handsome children of the Salamander family, shedding tears."
Reveling in his cruel amusement, Ryan released Newt's hair, allowing it to tumble disheveled. The children erupted in laughter, casting disdainful glances at Newt's dirt-stained clothes, a result of being dragged through the garden.
Suddenly, a sharp sound echoed – a resounding thud as a large stick struck Ryan's back, causing him to collapse face-first in front of his peers.
"Did you find it amusing?" challenged the four-year-old Newt, his eyes ablaze with determination.
Fixing his gaze upon the other children, he issued a stern warning, "Remember this – if you ever contemplate opposing me, be prepared to face consequences, just like him."
Seizing Ryan by the hair in return, Newt forcefully dragged him, overcoming the boy's futile struggles. The prestigious families' children watched in stunned silence as Newt continued his retaliation.
Arriving at a pool, Newt thrust Ryan's face into the water, an act seemingly intended to end his tormentor's life.
"If you dare to challenge me, be ready to meet your end," warned Newt to all of them as he submerged Ryan.
"Stop, stop!" cried another child, attempting to intervene. Newt swiftly incapacitated him with a kick to the groin, leaving the child on his knees. Unfazed, Newt questioned, "Do you also wish to face death?" before plunging both children into the water.
The onlookers, children of prestigious families, trembled in fear, paralyzed by the unfolding events. In the nick of time, Jack Salamander, Newt's father, rushed to the scene. He forcibly pulled Newt away, saving the two submerged children.
This incident marked the moment when the prestigious families learned the name of Newt Salamander. The two nearly submerged children, including Ryan, were left with an enduring sense of fear and terror in the wake of their encounter with Newt Salamander.