The second-year class began with the pre-ranking system, a fiercely competitive event that set the stage for the starting hierarchy among students.
The hum of energy filled the air as Karl stepped into the open-air arena. Rain drizzled steadily, adding a dramatic sheen to the stone tiles and amplifying the tension in the atmosphere. Students gathered in a loose circle, their chatter filled with excitement. All eyes were on the match for the top 8.
Across from him stood Derrick Argos, a towering figure from the prestigious Argos Clan. Known for their unparalleled command over the earth element, Derrick's lineage carried weight, and his abilities reflected it. His confident stance radiated authority as he adjusted his posture, his fists clenched.
Karl maintained his calm demeanor, his hand resting lightly at his side. The rain streaked down his face, but his focus never wavered.
"Shall we begin?" Karl asked, his voice steady.
Derrick's lips curled into a smirk. "Don't hold back, Sox. Show me the strength of a newly promoted junior Zhun guardian."
The air crackled with tension as Derrick made the first move. He slammed his foot into the ground, sending a ripple through the wet stone. Sharp earthen spikes erupted from the arena floor, rushing toward Karl with terrifying speed.
Karl leapt back, his feet sliding slightly on the wet surface. A streak of blue lightning crackled around his arms as he twisted mid-air, firing a bolt of energy to shatter the oncoming spikes. The clash of lightning and stone sent shards flying, the audience gasping at the sheer intensity of the opening exchange.
Derrick wasted no time, following up with a thunderous stomp. The ground beneath Karl's feet trembled before collapsing into a pit. With barely a moment to react, Karl surged forward, his movements a blur. Lightning arced from his body as he dashed across the arena, avoiding the trap.
"You're faster than I expected," Derrick admitted, his tone laced with grudging respect. "But speed won't win you this fight."
With a roar, Derrick clapped his hands together, summoning a massive earthen golem from the fractured tiles. The construct towered over the arena, its hulking form glinting in the rain.
Karl's eyes narrowed. He sidestepped the golem's sweeping arm, the sheer force of its movement sending a spray of rainwater across the arena. Lightning surged around Karl as he retaliated with a concentrated bolt aimed at the golem's core. The attack struck true, causing cracks to spiderweb across the golem's chest, but it remained standing.
"You'll have to do better than that!" Derrick taunted, raising his arms to reinforce the golem.
Karl smirked faintly, his calm breaking for a moment. "Don't underestimate me."
The rain intensified, drumming against the arena. For Karl, the storm was an ally, amplifying his affinity with the lightning element. Closing his eyes briefly, he centered himself, feeling the rhythm of the raindrops and the surge of energy coursing through his veins.
When he opened his eyes, they gleamed with electric blue.
The next exchange was a blur of motion and energy. Karl darted around the golem, his movements erratic and unpredictable. Lightning danced across the arena, striking the golem repeatedly. Each strike chipped away at its defenses, forcing Derrick to pour more energy into maintaining the construct.
Derrick's breathing grew labored as Karl pressed his advantage. Seizing the moment, Karl launched himself into the air, rain cascading off his form as he charged a massive bolt of lightning. With a thunderous roar, he hurled it downward, the impact shattering the golem into a shower of stone and mud.
Derrick stumbled back, his energy drained from maintaining the golem. He raised his hands in a defensive stance, but Karl was already closing the distance. With a burst of speed, Karl struck, his palm crackling with residual energy as it stopped just short of Derrick's chest.
The arena fell silent.
"I yield," Derrick admitted, his voice grudging but respectful.
The crowd erupted into cheers, the rain failing to dampen their excitement. Karl stepped back, lowering his hand and offering a nod to his opponent.
"Good fight," he said simply.
Derrick chuckled, wiping rain from his face. "You're tougher than I gave you credit for, Sox. But next time, I'll be ready."
Karl smiled faintly, his calm demeanor returning. "I'll look forward to it."
As Karl exited the arena, his friends and rivals greeted him with a mix of praise and friendly banter.
As the cheers of his classmates echoed around the arena, Karl took a deep breath, steadying himself. His victory against Derrick wasn't just another win; it was a testament to the countless hours of grueling effort that had shaped him.
His thoughts drifted back to his first year at the Fourth Martial Academy—a time when he was still climbing the ranks of the Fei level, pushing himself past every limit he knew.
Flashback:
The night sky stretched endlessly above, rain falling in rhythmic sheets. Karl's breaths came in ragged gasps as he trained alone in the academy's deserted courtyard. The electric glow of lightning techniques sputtered and danced around him, a reflection of his relentless determination.
At the time, he was struggling to reach Intermediate Fei rank (3rd step of Fei). Without a bloodline or natural talent, every advancement felt like an uphill battle.
Yet, Karl refused to yield.
One particular night at the school ground, he had been pushing himself harder than usual. Rain soaked his clothes, and the cold bit into his skin, but his focus was unwavering. He repeatedly channeled his energy, attempting to stabilize the lightning coursing through his body. Each failure only fueled his resolve.
"You're close," a deep voice broke through the storm.
Startled, Karl turned to see Alden Manes, one of the Ten Seats, observing him with an unreadable expression.
"Elder Manes," Karl greeted, bowing deeply despite his exhaustion.
Alden studied him, his sharp eyes assessing the young man's condition. "I've always been seeing you train here all night every time I visited the school, tell me, why do you push yourself so hard? Most students would have stopped long before now."
Karl hesitated before meeting Alden's gaze. "Because I refuse to accept mediocrity. My clan doesn't have a successor to rely on, and I'm not naturally gifted. If I want to keep our place as a martial clan, I have to earn it."
Alden's expression softened, just slightly. "Determination is a fine quality, but raw effort alone won't break the barriers ahead of you. Show me your technique."
Karl nodded, assuming the stance for the Sox Clan's Revolving lightning technique. He focused, channeling his energy with all the precision he could muster. Lightning crackled along his arms, but the flow wavered, unsteady.
"You're forcing it," Alden observed, stepping closer. "Spells isn't brute strength; it's about balance and timing. Watch."
Alden extended a hand, and a streak of lightning arced effortlessly through the air, coiling with perfect control before dissipating into the rain.
"Lightning is alive," Alden explained. "It seeks the path of least resistance. If you fight against it, you'll always struggle. Instead, guide it. Become its path."
Karl adjusted his stance, closing his eyes to focus on the rhythm of the rain. After few trials, when he channeled the lightning, it flowed more naturally, harmonizing with his movements.
Alden nodded approvingly. "Better. Your much resilient than that daughter of mine, I'll be visiting here till the end of the month so continue to work endlessly, I'll give you some hints but you have to find your own answer to the path of lightning."
The elder disappeared with those words, leaving him unable to thank him. Over the following weeks, he refined his control, focusing on synchronization rather than force. It wasn't easy, but the breakthrough came in that same month.
Through sheer effort, meticulous practice, and an unyielding drive to improve, Karl pushed past the barrier, ascending to Junior Zhun rank—a feat that placed him among the top students of his year.
The sound of applause brought Karl back to the present. The crowd was dispersing, though a few students lingered, still marveling at his performance.
Shina approached, her expression unreadable as always. "You're improving," she remarked. "Your control over lightning is sharper than before."
Karl smiled faintly. "Thanks. If you were not enrolled here, that man would not have visited."
Shina was puzzled and then her gaze shifted toward the darkening sky. "Your victory is no surprise. Few second-years are already at Junior Zhun rank, let alone ones without a bloodline."
The pre-ranking matches were only the beginning, and Karl knew that his true test was still to come. For now, he would continue to hone his skills, preparing for the day when his strength would be needed not just for himself, but for the legacy he was destined to uncover.