The failed data breach had only intensified Gareth's obsession. It wasn't just about being the best anymore; it was about proving Zane was cheating, about reasserting his dominance. The whispers hadn't stopped; they had merely shifted, now tinged with speculation about Zane's sudden rise. This only fueled Gareth's frustration. He couldn't understand how a nobody like Zane could suddenly become a topic of such intense discussion.He paced in his family's estate, the opulent surroundings offering no solace. He had invested heavily in his training, using his family's considerable wealth to purchase rare elixirs and undergo specialized spirit enhancement procedures. The thought that Zane could achieve similar results without such resources was infuriating."They failed," Gareth snarled, kicking a nearby ornamental stand, sending it crashing to the floor. Marcus and Theron stood nearby, their faces pale. They had relayed the details of their failed attempt, describing the advanced security system that had thwarted them."It was like an AI," Marcus had said, his voice trembling. "It knew we were there, it warned us."The idea of Zane having access to such sophisticated technology only deepened Gareth's suspicion. There had to be something more to it. He couldn't accept that Zane had simply improved through hard work alone."Fine," Gareth said, his voice cold and sharp. "If we can't get the information directly, we'll make him show us." He wasn't interested in subtle schemes anymore. He wanted a public display, a demonstration of Zane's abilities, a chance to expose whatever "trick" he was using.The atmosphere at Meron Preparatory had become charged with tension. Zane's sudden improvement was the talk of the school. He felt the weight of everyone's gaze, some admiring, some envious, but all curious. Even the instructors seemed to be watching him more closely, as if waiting for him to reveal his secret.The change in Gareth was the most noticeable. The veiled hostility had become open and aggressive. He would deliberately interrupt Zane during classes, making snide remarks about his "sudden talent." He would shove past him in the hallways, a blatant attempt to intimidate.One afternoon, as Zane left the training grounds, Gareth, flanked by Marcus and Theron, blocked his path. The setting sun cast long shadows across the courtyard, creating an almost theatrical backdrop for the confrontation."Well, well, look who it is," Gareth sneered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "The overnight sensation."Zane stopped, meeting Gareth's gaze. He wasn't afraid, but he was tired of the constant harassment. "Gareth," he said calmly. "What do you want?""I want to see what you can really do," Gareth retorted, his eyes burning with challenge. "All this talk about your 'improvement'… it's time you proved it."He gestured to the training grounds behind him. "A spar. Right now. In front of everyone."Marcus and Theron exchanged uneasy glances. They knew this was going to escalate the situation, but they also knew they couldn't stop Gareth.Zane hesitated. He knew that accepting the challenge would only give Gareth the attention he craved. But refusing would only make him look weak, fueling the rumors and speculation. He looked at Gareth, his expression resolute."Fine," Zane said, his voice clear and steady. "Let's do it."A crowd quickly gathered, drawn by the commotion. Whispers rippled through the onlookers as they took their positions on the training mats. The tension in the air was palpable. This wasn't just a friendly spar; it was a gauntlet thrown down, a public challenge that would define their rivalry.Gareth smirked. "Since you're so eager to prove yourself," he said, gesturing to Theron, "why don't you start with him?"Theron stepped forward, cracking his knuckles with a grin. He was larger than Zane, built like a bull, and specialized in earth-based combat, augmenting his already considerable strength with earth manipulation techniques. He was ranked 19th, a decent position, and confident he could easily overpower Zane.Zane nodded, focusing his spirit. He knew Theron was strong, but he also knew he had improved significantly. He had to maintain control and channel his spirit power effectively. He settled into a stance, his weight balanced, his eyes fixed on Theron.The crowd murmured with anticipation. This wasn't the fight they expected—they wanted to see Zane and Gareth clash. But this warm-up match would be a good indicator of Zane's true strength.Theron roared, charging forward like a battering ram. He slammed his right fist into the ground, channeling his earth affinity. A wave of earth surged upwards, forming a jagged spike aimed directly at Zane. The crowd gasped, expecting Zane to be impaled.But Zane had anticipated this. As the earth spike erupted, he channeled his spirit power, focusing on his fire affinity. A burst of heat radiated outwards from his body, momentarily softening the earth spike's tip. Simultaneously, he launched himself sideways, narrowly avoiding the attack. The spike grazed his side, tearing a small rip in his training uniform, but he was otherwise unharmed.He landed lightly on his feet, his eyes fixed on Theron. He could feel the heat building within him, the spirit energy coursing through his veins. He extended his right hand, and a small, flickering flame materialized in his palm. It danced and swayed, responding to his will.Theron, surprised by Zane's agility and the sudden burst of heat, roared again in frustration. He slammed both fists into the ground, causing a series of smaller earth spikes to erupt around Zane, attempting to box him in.Zane reacted instantly. He didn't try to dodge the spikes individually; instead, he unleashed a wave of heat, a controlled burst of fire magic that swept outwards in a circle. The heat was intense, melting the tips of the earth spikes and creating a momentary barrier of molten rock. He used this brief window of opportunity to leap over the remaining spikes, landing behind Theron.The crowd gasped again. Zane's control over fire was remarkable, far beyond what anyone had seen from him before.Theron whirled around, his face flushed with anger and surprise. He charged again, this time focusing his earth manipulation to enhance his physical strength. His fists were now coated in thick layers of hardened earth, making them like stone hammers.Zane knew he couldn't match Theron's brute strength in a direct confrontation. He had to rely on his speed and agility, and his growing mastery of fire magic. He dodged Theron's clumsy but powerful blows, weaving between his attacks like a dancer. Each time Theron came close, Zane unleashed a small, precise burst of fire, targeting his exposed limbs. The heat was enough to sting and distract Theron, preventing him from landing a solid hit.Finally, Zane saw an opening. Theron, exhausted from his relentless attacks, left his chest momentarily unguarded. Zane seized the opportunity. He channeled a larger amount of spirit energy, forming a more substantial ball of fire in his hand. With a swift, precise motion, he thrust his hand forward, the ball of fire striking Theron squarely in the chest.The heat was intense, forcing Theron to cry out in pain. He stumbled backward, his earth armor cracking and crumbling from the heat. He tried to summon more earth to defend himself, but Zane pressed his attack, using his speed and agility to keep Theron off balance.With a final burst of speed and a well-placed kick to Theron's legs, Zane sent him crashing to the ground. The crowd erupted in cheers and gasps. Zane had won. The warm-up match had become a stunning upset. Gareth's smirk faltered, replaced by a look of stunned disbelief. This was not how it was supposed to go.