Ren could still feel the weight of the progress report in his hand as he walked toward the Saiyan Academy's main training grounds. While his performance had been commendable, it was clear that the instructors expected more. For a Saiyan, strength was not just a measure of survival but a source of pride, a birthright, and a legacy.
From that day onward, Ren's training shifted focus. Gone were the monotonous drills of basic stances and elementary sparring. Instead, his classes now focused on what truly set Saiyan warriors apart from the rest of the galaxy: the mastery of ki and advanced combat techniques.
For Ren, this was a long-awaited opportunity. His earlier meditations and experiments with energy manipulation had been self-taught and rudimentary. Now, the structured lessons offered him a chance to refine those skills, to mold raw potential into a sharp and precise weapon.
The academy's training grounds buzzed with activity as Ren joined his classmates. Rows of young Saiyans stood at attention, their expressions a mix of focus and frustration as instructors barked commands.
"Ki is the lifeblood of a Saiyan warrior!" roared a senior instructor, his voice booming across the open field. His presence was commanding, his sharp gaze scanning the students. "Without it, you're nothing but a grunt. But with it… you are unstoppable. Learn to control your ki, or you'll never survive on the battlefield!"
Ren clenched his fists, feeling the energy simmering within him. He had felt it before—during moments of intense focus or desperation—but now he needed to bring it to the surface on command.
The first exercise was simple in concept but challenging in execution: summon ki into a visible form. Around him, bursts of energy flared and flickered as students attempted to harness their power. Some succeeded, forming weak, unstable orbs that fizzled out after a few seconds. Others failed spectacularly, causing minor explosions that sent them tumbling backward.
Ren closed his eyes and blocked out the chaos. Drawing on the meditative techniques he had practiced, he visualized the energy flowing through his body. Slowly, he extended his hand, channeling the ki to his palm. A small, glowing sphere of energy began to form, steady and bright.
"Not bad," muttered the instructor as he passed, his tone gruff but approving.
As the weeks progressed, the lessons became increasingly advanced. Ren and his classmates were introduced to a variety of techniques that defined the Saiyan fighting style.
Ki Blasts: The first technique every Saiyan warrior learned. Ren mastered it quickly, refining his blasts to be smaller, faster, and more precise. Unlike his peers, who often focused on raw power, Ren emphasized accuracy, hitting distant targets with ease.
Energy Waves: A more powerful, sustained attack. This technique required immense focus and control, as any lapse could cause the energy to dissipate. Ren struggled initially, his waves lacking the consistency needed to sustain their power. However, after hours of practice, he managed to fire a concentrated wave that obliterated a massive boulder.
Solar Flare: A tactical move borrowed from other alien races, the Solar Flare emitted a blinding flash of light, disorienting opponents. Ren found this technique fascinating and practiced it relentlessly. His first attempts were lackluster, producing only dim flashes. But with persistence, he perfected the technique, creating blinding bursts that left even seasoned instructors momentarily stunned.
Ki Flight: The ability to hover and maneuver using ki was a hallmark of advanced warriors. For many students, this was the most challenging skill to master. Ren approached it methodically, first focusing on hovering for short periods before gradually increasing his control and agility. By the end of the training cycle, he could remain airborne longer than most of his classmates, maneuvering with surprising grace.
As the students progressed, rivalries began to form. For Ren, two individuals stood out above the rest: Vegeta and Raditz.
Prince Vegeta was an enigma. His arrogance was as immense as his power level, and he carried himself with an air of superiority that was impossible to ignore. Vegeta excelled in every exercise, his ki control flawless and his combat techniques devastating. To him, Ren was an anomaly—a strong and skilled warrior who lacked the arrogance and aggression typical of their race.
Raditz, in contrast, was a picture of grit and determination. While not as naturally talented as Vegeta, he compensated with relentless effort and unyielding tenacity. His techniques were rough, his power level respectable but unpolished. Despite their differences, Raditz saw Ren as a rival, someone to challenge and overcome.
During one session, the trio was paired together for a demonstration.
"Vegeta, Raditz, Ren," barked the instructor. "Show me what you've learned. Form up and prepare your techniques!"
Vegeta smirked, stepping forward with his usual confidence. "This should be entertaining," he said, forming twin ki blasts in his hands.
Ren and Raditz followed suit, each summoning their energy. The three warriors unleashed their attacks simultaneously, the blasts colliding mid-air in a brilliant explosion of light and sound. The resulting shockwave sent dust and debris flying, forcing the onlookers to shield their eyes.
When the dust settled, Vegeta stood with his arms crossed, a smug expression on his face. "Not bad," he said, glancing at Ren. "You've got potential, but don't think for a second you're on my level."
Raditz growled, his pride wounded. "Keep talking, Vegeta. One day, I'll knock that smirk off your face!"
Ren stayed silent, his mind already analyzing the exchange. The rivalry between Vegeta and Raditz was palpable, but it was also clear that both saw him as a wild card, a warrior whose potential was yet to be fully realized.
Despite Vegeta's overwhelming power and Raditz's relentless aggression, Ren managed to carve out his own victories.
During one exercise, the students were tasked with using the Solar Flare to disorient their opponents before landing a decisive blow. Ren executed the technique flawlessly, his burst of light catching both Vegeta and Raditz off guard. Seizing the opportunity, he delivered a precise strike to Raditz's chest, sending him stumbling backward.
Vegeta recovered quickly, his scowl deepening. "Impressive," he admitted grudgingly. "But don't think a cheap trick like that will work on me twice."
Ren smirked. "We'll see."
As the training cycle came to an end, the academy announced the upcoming tournaments—grueling competitions designed to test the students' progress and separate the weak from the strong.
For Ren, the tournaments represented both a challenge and an opportunity. He continued to refine his techniques, pushing his limits in both power and strategy. His rivalry with Vegeta and Raditz remained a mix of competition and camaraderie, each pushing the others to grow stronger.
One quiet evening, as Ren sat meditating under the stars, he reflected on his journey so far. The path ahead was uncertain, filled with challenges and dangers. But one thing was clear:
"I'm here to survive and to surpass them all."