The brothers, clad in their combat attire, followed Druig downstairs. Michel, in his simple brown garb, and Chen, in a stark contrast of white and black, exuded an air of readiness. Druig, their mentor, stood beside a majestic creature - a snow-white, three-eyed feline, large enough to carry several riders.
They mounted the beast and journeyed to Ronald Academy, one of the world's most prestigious institutions. Druig wished them luck before the test began. The academy was teeming with young hopefuls, a hundred or so, all eager to prove their worth.
A middle-aged man, his face etched with authority, stepped onto the stage. "The test will be conducted in groups of five," he announced, his voice echoing through the hall. "Twenty groups in total. You will battle against each other. Only ten groups will emerge victorious, securing their place in Ronald Academy. The rest... will be dismissed with shame."
The grouping was swift and decisive. Chen and Michel were pitted against each other, a twist of fate that ignited a spark of rivalry. The two groups were led to a vast, open field, overseen by an instructor.
The signal was given. "BEGIN!"
Michel, driven by a desire to settle the score with his brother, charged forward. Chen, more calculated, observed his opponent's aggressive tactics. They clashed mid-air, a flurry of blows exchanged. Chen, realizing the futility of direct confrontation, distanced himself, seeking a strategic advantage.
Michel, relentless, unleashed a series of powerful attacks. A solar ball, a burst of concentrated energy, exploded near Chen, forcing him to retreat. "You've grown stronger," Michel taunted.
Chen, undeterred, countered with a swift strike, aiming for Michel's neck. Michel, with practiced ease, evaded the attack and retaliated with a series of deadly slashes. Chen, feeling the pressure, narrowly avoided the blows, sweat beading on his brow.
Michel, sensing his opponent's vulnerability, unleashed his most powerful technique: the Solar Ring. A spinning ring of pure energy hurtled towards Chen. Chen, gritting his teeth, punched the ring, halting its momentum. However, the ring, driven by immense force, tore through his knuckles, threatening to dismember him.
As Chen clung to the ring, his mind raced. He knew that if he let go, he would be obliterated. The outcome of the battle hung in the balance.