Chapter 12: Rivalry Intensifies
The training yard buzzed with excitement as the cadets gathered around the circular arena. It wasn't often that duels were sanctioned during academy trials, and the anticipation in the air was palpable. Ethan stood on one side of the arena, his fists clenched, as Logan Steele paced across from him, a smug grin etched on his face.
Ethan's heart pounded in his chest. This wasn't just about the trial anymore. Logan had made it personal.
"Cadet Cross," Logan called, his voice carrying over the murmurs of the crowd. "You've been hiding something. I don't know what it is yet, but I'm going to find out."
Ethan kept his expression neutral, but inside, his mind raced. Logan was too smart for his own good, and the last thing Ethan needed was for his secret to be exposed.
---
The academy trial was supposed to be a group exercise, a simulation designed to test teamwork and strategy. But Logan, always the opportunist, had twisted it into a one-on-one challenge.
"Instructor Hale approved it," Logan had said earlier, his voice dripping with mock humility. "After all, isn't competition the heart of progress?"
Ethan had no choice but to agree. Declining would've branded him a coward in front of the entire academy.
---
"Ready yourselves!" Instructor Hale's voice boomed, silencing the crowd. The tall, broad-shouldered man stood at the edge of the arena, his sharp gaze flickering between the two cadets.
Ethan took a deep breath, the system's interface flickering to life in his mind.
---
System Update:
New Mission: Win the Duel
Objective: Defeat Logan Steele in combat.
Reward: +150 XP, Bonus Skill Progression.
---
"Thanks for the pressure," Ethan muttered under his breath.
Across the arena, Logan smirked. He was the academy's top cadet for a reason—his mastery of combat was unmatched, and his confidence bordered on arrogance. He cracked his knuckles, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp, like a predator toying with its prey.
The duel began with the blare of a horn.
---
Logan moved first, closing the distance between them in a blur of motion. Ethan barely had time to react, dodging to the side as Logan's fist shot past his face.
"Fast," Ethan thought, his instincts kicking in.
The system activated automatically, enhancing his reflexes. The world seemed to slow as Logan launched a series of precise strikes. Ethan countered, blocking and dodging with an ease that surprised even himself.
"You've gotten better," Logan said, his tone laced with suspicion. "But it won't be enough."
Ethan didn't reply, focusing instead on staying one step ahead. Logan's attacks were relentless, each one calculated to expose a weakness.
---
Ethan waited for an opening, and when it came, he struck. Using the Force Dash ability, he closed the gap in an instant, landing a solid punch to Logan's ribs.
The crowd gasped as Logan staggered back, his smirk replaced with a scowl.
"What the hell was that?" Logan muttered, his eyes narrowing.
Ethan didn't answer, though his heart raced. The system had saved him again, but it was risky. If Logan connected the dots, Ethan's secret would be in jeopardy.
---
Logan adjusted his stance, his expression serious now. He lunged forward, faster and more aggressive than before. Ethan countered with Shield Burst, creating a brief energy barrier that deflected the attack.
Another murmur rippled through the crowd. The cadets couldn't see the energy shield, but Logan had noticed something.
"What are you hiding, Cross?" Logan growled, his attacks growing more ferocious.
Ethan gritted his teeth, the strain of maintaining his abilities starting to wear on him. The system flashed a warning in his mind:
---
Warning: Energy Levels Depleting.
---
He had to end this quickly.
---
Ethan feinted to the left, drawing Logan into overextending. With a burst of speed, he swept Logan's legs out from under him, sending him crashing to the ground.
The crowd erupted into cheers as Ethan stood over Logan, breathing heavily. For a moment, victory felt sweet.
But then Logan laughed, a low, menacing sound that sent chills down Ethan's spine.
"You're full of surprises, Cross," Logan said, pushing himself to his feet. His eyes gleamed with a dangerous light. "But I know there's something unnatural about you."
Ethan's stomach dropped.
---
Instructor Hale stepped into the arena, raising a hand to signal the end of the duel. "Enough! The trial is over. Cross wins."
The cadets clapped and cheered, but Ethan barely heard them. His focus was on Logan, whose intense stare promised that this wasn't over.
---
Later, back in the dorm, Ethan sat on his bunk, his head in his hands.
"You okay?" Lila asked, sitting on the edge of her desk.
"No," Ethan admitted. "Logan knows something's up. He's not going to let this go."
Lila frowned. "You should've held back."
"I couldn't," Ethan said, looking up at her. "If I didn't use the system, he would've destroyed me."
Lila sighed. "You're walking a fine line, Ethan. If Logan figures out the truth, you're in serious trouble."
"I know," Ethan said, his voice grim. "But I didn't have a choice."
---
That night, Ethan lay awake, staring at the ceiling. The duel had proven one thing: Logan was more than just a rival. He was a threat.
The system pulsed faintly in his mind, a constant reminder of the power—and the danger—it brought.
Ethan clenched his fists. If he was going to survive, he couldn't just rely on the system. He had to get stronger on his own.
But as he drifted into an uneasy sleep, one thought haunted him: Logan wouldn't stop until he uncovered the truth. And when he did, Ethan's life would never be the same.