The courtyard fell silent. Students gathered, their murmurs rising like the low hum of a brewing storm.
Lucian Aldren, the reigning champion of the school, stood before Kairos with an expectant smirk. He was clearly enjoying the tension, the weight of every eye in the academy fixed on them.
Kairos didn't need to be a genius to see what was happening. Someone had engineered this situation—put his name at the top of the rankings, knowing it would draw out challengers like Lucian.
But who?
Selene nudged him with her elbow. "You don't have to take this fight, you know. This idiot just wants to show off."
Lucian laughed. "Show off? No, sweetheart. I just don't like frauds." His sharp eyes locked onto Kairos. "So? You gonna prove you belong up there, or are you running with your tail between your legs?"
Kairos exhaled slowly. His power had changed since his first evolution. His strength, speed, and perception had increased beyond what even he fully understood.
But he hadn't tested himself against another fighter yet.
His lips curled into a grin.
"You talk a lot," he said, stepping forward. "Alright, let's do this."
A cheer rippled through the crowd as Lucian's smirk widened.
"Good choice, newbie." He cracked his knuckles. "Let's see if that rank actually means something."
---
The Duel Begins
They moved to the training grounds, an open space surrounded by towering walls. It was meant for supervised combat exercises, but today? This was a spectacle.
Selene and a few others stood at the edge, watching closely.
Lucian stretched his arms, rolling his shoulders. "Rules are simple: first one to surrender or be unable to continue loses. No killing."
Kairos raised an eyebrow. "That last part shouldn't have to be said."
Lucian grinned. "You'd be surprised."
The instructor overseeing the match, an older man with a stern gaze, raised his hand. "Begin."
Lucian vanished.
Kairos barely had time to react before a fist slammed toward his face. Instinct kicked in—his body twisted just enough to avoid the impact, Lucian's strike grazing past his cheek.
Fast.
Lucian wasted no time. He followed up with a spinning kick, his movements fluid, precise. Kairos ducked, feeling the wind shift above him.
A grin formed on his lips.
So that's how it is?
Kairos didn't need to match Lucian's speed—he just needed to predict him.
As Lucian lunged again, Kairos shifted his weight, sidestepping at the last possible moment. His opponent's momentum carried him forward, and Kairos struck—one clean hit to the ribs.
Boom!
Lucian skidded back, eyes wide. "Tch… Not bad."
Kairos flexed his fingers. He had held back. Way back. If he had used even half his strength, Lucian would be unconscious.
But the smirk never left Lucian's face. If anything, he looked excited.
"You're something else," Lucian admitted, rolling his shoulders. "Guess I'll stop playing around."
He clenched his fists—and the air around him shimmered.
Kairos narrowed his eyes. Magic.
Lucian's aura flared, his presence growing heavier. "You're not the only one full of surprises, newbie."
A spark of golden energy crackled around Lucian's hands.
Kairos' smile widened.
Now this is getting interesting.