The sun cast golden rays over Astralis Academy's combat arena, illuminating the circular stone platform where Kairos and Leon stood. The air crackled with anticipation as students gathered around, forming a lively crowd. Some leaned forward eagerly, whispering bets and speculating about the mysterious newcomer's chances against one of the academy's top fighters.
Selene stood off to the side, arms crossed, watching with an amused glint in her violet eyes. "Not even a full day in, and you're already making waves."
Kairos sighed. "This isn't exactly how I wanted to introduce myself."
She smirked. "You'll get used to it."
Across from Kairos, Leon stretched his arms lazily, rolling his shoulders as if this duel was nothing more than a warm-up. His sharp green eyes gleamed with confidence, and a smirk tugged at his lips. He exuded the presence of someone who had never once doubted his own strength.
Aether and the Student Council observed from a raised balcony overlooking the arena. Aether's golden eyes flickered with interest as he rested his chin on his hand.
The proctor, a stern-looking instructor, stepped between the two fighters. His voice carried across the arena. "This is an official duel. No lethal attacks. The match ends when one of you is unable to continue or yields. Understood?"
Kairos and Leon nodded.
"Then begin."
The instant the word left the proctor's mouth, Leon vanished.
Kairos barely had time to react before a fist came hurtling toward his stomach. He twisted to the side at the last moment, but Leon's speed was terrifying. The air from the punch alone sent a shockwave rippling through Kairos' uniform.
Before he could recover, Leon pivoted on his heel, sending a roundhouse kick straight for Kairos' ribs.
Fast!
Kairos ducked, feeling the rush of air as Leon's leg sliced through the space where his head had been.
The crowd gasped.
Leon smirked as he flipped back, landing effortlessly. "Not bad. You've got reflexes. But let's see how long you can keep up."
Kairos exhaled slowly. His body was reacting instinctively, moving with a precision he hadn't known he possessed. Is this part of my evolution? His muscles felt stronger, his reactions sharper. It was as if his body was adapting mid-fight.
He decided to test it.
Dashing forward, he feinted to the right before suddenly shifting left. Leon moved to block—but Kairos had already anticipated it. He twisted his body, slamming a fist toward Leon's ribs.
Leon blocked, but the force of the impact made him stagger slightly. His smirk wavered.
"Oh?"
Kairos pressed forward, striking with a rapid series of blows. Each punch felt more precise than the last, as if his body was learning mid-battle. He wasn't just fighting—he was evolving.
Leon, no longer smirking, parried and countered, forcing Kairos to weave and dodge. The two moved in a blur of strikes, each testing the other's limits. The crowd was deathly silent, mesmerized by the sheer speed of the duel.
Aether leaned forward slightly. "Interesting."
Selene grinned. "He's adapting."
Leon, sensing the shift in momentum, clicked his tongue. "Tch. Guess I shouldn't hold back."
Without warning, he slammed his foot into the ground. A surge of force propelled him forward at double his previous speed.
Kairos barely had time to process it before Leon's fist was an inch from his face.
Too fast!
Instinct took over.
Kairos raised his arm, catching Leon's fist in his palm.
A shockwave erupted from the impact, sending dust and debris scattering across the arena.
The crowd gasped in disbelief.
Leon's eyes widened. "What?"
Kairos tightened his grip. "My turn."
With a swift motion, he twisted Leon's wrist and threw him across the arena.
Leon twisted mid-air, flipping and landing on his feet, skidding to a stop. He glanced at his wrist, flexing his fingers as if testing for damage. For the first time, his smirk was gone.
The crowd murmured in shock.
"Did he just overpower Leon?"
"No way… that guy's one of the top fighters here."
Selene chuckled. "Now this is getting fun."
Leon exhaled sharply before cracking his knuckles. "Alright, new guy. I'll admit—you're not bad."
His aura sharpened.
"But let's see if you can handle this."
With a burst of energy, he launched himself forward, faster than before—his next move unleashing something entirely different.