The entrance test room of Purple Lock was a grand hall, its high ceilings adorned with intricate carvings of ancient runes that whispered of powerful magic. The air was thick with anticipation, the scent of polished wood mingling with the faint aroma of ink and parchment. Long tables stretched across the room, each filled with students chattering nervously, their eyes darting toward the front where the examiners stood. The atmosphere buzzed with the excitement and anxiety of those eager to prove their worth.
In the back corner, seated slightly apart from the others, was a boy with an air of quiet confidence. He had a tousled mane of jet-black hair that framed his sharp features, and his striking silver-black eyes scanned the room with a mix of curiosity and indifference. This was Kael, the male lead and the original main character of the story, known for his exceptional talent that had garnered attention even before he set foot in the academy.
Beside him sat a girl with flowing golden hair that shimmered like sunlight and bright golden eyes that sparkled with mischief. Her name was Mira, a close friend who often lightened the mood with her playful banter. Today, however, she sensed the tension that enveloped the room and kept her voice low, nudging Kael with her elbow.
Mira leaned in, her golden eyes gleaming with curiosity as she whispered, "Do you think you can get first place in the competition?"
Kael turned his gaze toward her, a hint of a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "Of course I can," he said confidently. "Nope, I don't think so even though I'm already at Rank-3, upper stage. There are some who are always stronger than me but I doubt even the nobles are at that level yet. And my physical strength?" He paused, flexing his fingers. "It's stronger than anyone I know—even some adults."
Mira raised an eyebrow, impressed but unsurprised. Kael's talents weren't news to her, but hearing him speak about how he may not get first place caught her attention.
Strength, for humans, was closely tied to their mana core rank. As one's rank increased, so did their physical capabilities, mana control, and overall combat power. Yet, rank advancement wasn't the only way to grow stronger. Intense physical training could push the body beyond its limits, honing it in ways that magic alone couldn't.
However, the greatest surge of power came when a person advanced between main ranks—like moving from Rank-1 to Rank-2, or Rank-2 to Rank-3. At those moments, the body reached a new maximum strength. It was a window of opportunity, a brief phase where potential peaked. But once a person advanced within sub-ranks—like from middle to upper stage—the chance to maximize that newfound strength faded, the body settling into its new limits.
Kael understood this well. His rise to Rank 3 wasn't just about magic—it was about pushing his body to its fullest potential. He had trained relentlessly during his transitions, knowing that after each main rank leap, there was a fleeting period where he could extract every ounce of physical strength his body had to offer.
"Most people don't realize it," Kael continued, his voice low but sure. "They focus too much on advancing quickly and forget that real strength comes when you push yourself at those key moments. I've made sure to use every opportunity."
In this world, almost everyone believed that the only way to gain strength was by advancing through the ranks. As one's mana core advanced, so did their physical and magical capabilities—this was widely accepted. But only a select few knew the real secret to unlocking true power. It wasn't just about reaching a higher rank; it was about what you did in between.
During the transitions between main ranks, like from Rank-1 to Rank-2, the body and mana core entered a unique phase where potential peaked. It was during this fleeting period that intense training could push a person far beyond the normal limits of their rank. Only those who understood this method could gain an edge that others would never know. Levi, for example, had used this technique to strengthen himself. It was almost like a moment of enlightenment on the strength path—a realization of how much further one could push their body and core with the right training.
Kael was one of those who had mastered this secret, ensuring that every transition brought him not just a rank but an exponential leap in raw power.
"Yeah, because you told me about it, I also started doing that and got a huge boost in my strength," Mira said, her voice filled with gratitude and excitement. She clenched her fists briefly, feeling the raw power she had gained through her training. "At first, I thought it was just about advancing through the ranks like everyone else believed. But when you explained how intense training during those transitions between main ranks could unlock so much more, it all clicked. It's like I broke through a barrier I didn't even know was there. The strength I have now—it's nothing like what I could have gotten just by relying on rank advancement."
She leaned back, a grin spreading across her face. "I've never felt this strong before. It's like my body finally caught up to what my mana core can do. You really gave me an edge, Kael. Thank you for teaching me, Kael."
Kael gave a small, reassuring smile. "Don't worry about that. You've been my friend since childhood. How could I not teach you something like that?" His tone was casual, but there was a certain warmth in it, the kind reserved for those he trusted.
As he spoke, his eyes drifted toward the ground beneath them—a smooth, circular duel ground, perfectly flat and evenly polished. The surface reflected the light from the mana crystals overhead, creating a bright, open space that offered no distractions or obstacles. It was the kind of place where skill alone would decide the outcome, a neutral ground where only the combatants' abilities mattered. Kael's gaze remained on the stage for a brief moment before returning to Mira.
As Kael and Mira's conversation drifted off, the room quieted. For a moment, Kael's expression changed—just slightly, too quick for Mira to catch.
A faint sound echoed in his mind, like a soft chime, barely noticeable but clear to him. Kael's eyes narrowed for a second before he returned to his usual calm.
Mira kept talking, unaware of what had just happened. Kael didn't react outwardly, but inside, he knew that sound meant something. And it wasn't the first time he'd heard it.