Chen had spent weeks training with the guidance of the System, his skills growing at an astonishing rate. The elemental trials within the academy had pushed him to his limits, but he had emerged stronger and more determined than ever. His newfound abilities were becoming harder to keep a secret, and he knew that it was only a matter of time before Michel discovered the truth.
One evening, as the sun set over the academy, Michel approached Chen with an unusually friendly demeanor. "Hey, brother, I was thinking we should train together tonight. You know, push each other to new heights," Michel suggested, a sly smile playing on his lips.
Chen eyed his brother warily. Michel had never shown any interest in training together before, but he decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. "Sure, why not?" he replied, though a small voice in the back of his mind warned him to be cautious.
The brothers headed to a secluded part of the academy's training grounds, far from prying eyes. Michel led the way, his steps confident and purposeful. As they arrived, Michel gestured to an ancient stone circle. "I've heard that this place has special energy. It might help us unlock even greater power," he said, his voice filled with feigned enthusiasm.
Chen nodded, feeling a strange sense of unease. "All right, let's give it a try," he agreed, stepping into the stone circle.
As they began to spar, Michel's attacks were more aggressive than usual. Chen matched his intensity, the flames at his fingertips flickering with power. But something felt off. Michel's strikes were precise, almost as if he was guiding Chen into a specific position.
Suddenly, Michel's expression shifted, his friendly facade melting away. "I've had enough of your little tricks, Chen. It's time to end this," he snarled, activating a hidden mechanism in the stone circle.
The ground beneath Chen's feet began to tremble, and before he could react, the stones glowed with a sinister light. An invisible force gripped him, pulling him towards the center of the circle. He struggled to break free, but it was no use.
"What have you done?" Chen shouted, panic rising in his voice.
Michel's smile was cold and cruel. "This circle is a trap, designed to contain and destroy any who enter it. I told you, Chen, you will always be a failure. This is the end for you."
Chen's mind raced, the System's voice echoing in his thoughts. **"Stay calm, Host. Use your elemental power to disrupt the trap."**
Drawing upon the energy within him, Chen focused on the flames that danced at his fingertips. He channeled his power into the ground, the fire spreading through the stones, seeking the mechanism that held him captive. The ground shook violently, and the sinister light began to waver.
With a final, desperate surge of energy, Chen shattered the mechanism, breaking free from the trap. He fell to the ground, gasping for breath, his body trembling with exhaustion.
Michel's eyes widened in shock and fury. "Impossible!" he shouted, lunging at Chen with his sabre raised.
But Chen was ready. Summoning the last of his strength, he unleashed a powerful blast of fire, sending Michel flying backwards. The flames licked at the edges of the stone circle, casting an eerie glow on the scene.
Michel lay on the ground, seething with rage. "You won't get away with this, Chen. I'll make sure you pay," he hissed, struggling to his feet.
Chen stood tall, his eyes cold and unyielding. "You've already lost, Michel. And from now on, I won't hold back," he declared, his voice filled with unwavering resolve.
The sound of approaching footsteps interrupted their confrontation. Academy instructors, alerted by the commotion, arrived at the scene. They took in the sight of the shattered stone circle and the brothers standing amidst the chaos.
"What's going on here?" one of the instructors demanded.
Chen spoke up, his voice steady and calm. "Michel set a trap for me. He tried to kill me."
Michel's face twisted with anger and desperation. "He's lying! I would never—"
But the evidence was clear. The instructors exchanged glances, their expressions stern. "Michel Druig, you will be held accountable for this," one of them said, stepping forward to restrain him.
As Michel was led away, Chen felt a mixture of relief and determination. He had survived his brother's betrayal, and he knew that his journey was only just beginning. With the System by his side, he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
**The next day**
Chen packed his belongings, preparing to leave Ronald Academy. The instructors had decided that it was too dangerous for him to stay, given Michel's actions. They recommended that he continue his training elsewhere, where he could grow stronger without the threat of his brother looming over him.
As he walked away from the academy, Chen felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. The world was vast and full of mysteries, and he was ready to explore it. With the System's guidance, he knew he would unlock his true potential and carve out his own path.
His journey had truly begun.
---