The tension in the underground arena didn't fade after Ash's swift victory. Instead, it intensified. Whispers filled the air as the Awakened gathered around, their eyes flickering between Ciro's unconscious body and the black-haired swordsman who had defeated him in seconds.
Some looked impressed. Others… wary.
Ash, however, remained indifferent. His blade had already been sheathed, his stance relaxed as if the fight hadn't even been worth his attention. He was here to test himself—not to entertain the crowd.
Then, the announcer's voice cut through the murmurs.
"Winner—Ash!"
His name echoed through the hall, solidifying his presence among the fighters. Yet, even as the victory was confirmed, Ash didn't celebrate. His focus had already shifted.
His Observation Haki was still active, subtly sweeping over the gathered combatants. Some were strong. Stronger than Ciro.
Good.
He needed stronger opponents.
---
Stat Absorption Process: Ongoing
Strength +2
Agility +2
Endurance +1
Perception +2
---
Ash barely reacted to the increase. It was expected. His Abyssal Tyrant aspect ensured that every victory made him stronger. And now that the absorption rate had accelerated, it wouldn't be long before his stats reached another threshold.
But even with this growth, he knew it wasn't enough.
He needed more.
More battles. More challenges.
And from the way the crowd was reacting, it wouldn't take long before he got exactly that.
"Hey."
A new voice interrupted his thoughts.
Ash turned his head slightly, his sharp gaze landing on a figure who had stepped forward.
A tall man with silver hair and an aura of quiet confidence. Unlike Ciro, this one didn't carry the arrogance of someone who underestimated his opponents.
His stance was relaxed, yet there was an undeniable sharpness to his presence.
"My name is Kael," the man introduced himself. "You're strong. I want to see how strong."
The murmurs grew louder.
Kael wasn't just another participant. He was one of the stronger contenders in the combat evaluations—someone who had already established a reputation among the Awakened trainees.
If Ash fought him now, it wouldn't just be another match. It would be a statement.
Ash met his gaze. He didn't hesitate.
"Fine."
The arena officials barely had time to process the agreement before another match was declared.
---
Combat Evaluation: Ash vs. Kael
The crowd shifted, eager for what was about to unfold.
Kael's weapon of choice was a long spear, its blade gleaming under the arena lights. His grip was steady, his stance perfect. He had the aura of someone who had trained relentlessly—someone who had refined his craft through countless battles.
Ash, on the other hand, stood motionless, his hand resting lightly on his sword's hilt.
A single breath passed between them.
Then—
The signal was given.
Kael moved first.
His spear thrust forward, fast and precise.
Ash stepped aside at the last possible moment, the tip of the weapon barely grazing past him. But before he could counter, Kael's footwork shifted seamlessly into another strike.
A follow-up attack—instant and fluid.
Yet Ash wasn't caught off guard.
His Observation Haki had already warned him.
Before the spear could reach him, his blade was already in motion.
Abyss Fang.
The delayed slash activated the moment Kael deflected his strike, sending an invisible cut through the air.
Kael's instincts screamed at him, and he barely managed to twist his body at the last second. But even with his quick reaction, a thin line of blood appeared on his arm.
The crowd gasped.
Ash pressed forward.
His sword flickered through the air, each movement refined and deadly. Kael, however, didn't falter. His spear danced between them, blocking, parrying, and countering with pinpoint accuracy.
It was a clash of precision.
Speed against reach.
Blade against spear.
For the first time since the evaluations began, Ash found himself in a battle that required effort.
And he welcomed it.
---
Stat Absorption Process: Ongoing
Agility +1
Perception +1
---
The fight continued, their movements blurring across the arena floor.
The tension escalated with every exchanged blow, and the crowd was completely absorbed in the spectacle.
But as the fight dragged on, Ash's movements became sharper.
His breathing steadied.
His attacks refined.
And then—he saw it.
A single opening.
His body moved on its own.
Phantom Rend.
A single step forward.
A flash of silver.
Kael's spear was knocked aside.
Before he could react, Ash's blade was at his throat.
Silence.
Then—
"The match is over!"
The official's voice cut through the tension.
Kael exhaled slowly, stepping back as he lowered his weapon. A small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.
"You're the real deal," he admitted. "That was fun."
Ash didn't respond. He simply turned and walked away.
The crowd erupted in murmurs once again.
A new name had entered the rankings.
And this was only the beginning. The tension in the underground arena lingered even after Ash's victory. The weight of his performance had shifted the atmosphere, turning every gaze in the room toward him with a mixture of awe, caution, and intrigue.
Kael, despite his loss, still wore a smirk as he rolled his shoulder, testing the faint sting left behind by Ash's Abyss Fang.
"You don't waste movements," he said, his silver eyes sharp with analysis. "Every attack is meant to kill."
Ash remained silent, his expression unreadable.
Kael sighed. "Not much for conversation, huh?"
He sheathed his sword in response.
Kael chuckled. "Well, let's do this again sometime." With that, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the gathered Awakened.
The crowd, still murmuring, parted as Ash moved toward the edge of the arena. He had made his mark. Now, the real challenge would begin.
---
Stat Absorption Process: Complete
Strength +3
Agility +2
Endurance +2
Perception +2
---
A subtle wave of power coursed through his body as his stats adjusted. It was an addicting feeling—the tangible proof of his growth.
His Abyssal Tyrant aspect continued to refine itself, adapting to his constant battles. Each fight pushed him further, sharpening his instincts, his reflexes, and his combat efficiency.
Yet, as satisfying as it was, he knew he was still far from reaching his peak.
His next trial awaited.
---
Academy Combat Evaluations: Ranking Update
New Contender: Ash
Performance Rating: Exceptional
Official Rank: Pending
---
Whispers of his performance spread quickly. He could already feel the calculating stares of others gauging his worth. Some looked impressed. Others wary.
But Ash wasn't interested in their opinions.
What mattered was the next fight.
And from the way some of the stronger Awakened were now watching him, he wouldn't have to wait long.
---
Academy Training Hall – Post-Evaluation
After the matches concluded, Ash found himself standing before the academy's combat instructors. A panel of Awakened sat behind a long table, reviewing footage of the fights.
One of them, a man with a scarred face and sharp eyes, tapped his fingers against the table. "Ash, was it?"
Ash nodded.
The man studied him for a moment before speaking. "You don't fight like a normal Awakened."
He said nothing.
"You rely too much on prediction," the instructor continued. "It works well against predictable opponents. But if you ever face someone who can hide their intent or counter your awareness, you'll have problems."
A challenge.
Ash remained composed. "Then I'll adapt."
The instructor raised an eyebrow before chuckling. "Good answer." He leaned back. "Your performance in the evaluation was exceptional. You're officially ranked among the top trainees."
---
Academy Rankings Update:
Rank Placement: Top 20
Standing: Unconfirmed Potential Elite
---
As the meeting concluded, Ash stepped out into the academy's main hall, his mind already shifting toward his next step.
Then—
He felt it.
A presence.
A sharp, familiar sensation rippled through his Observation Haki, warning him of something—or someone—approaching.
It was different from the others. More… distinct.
Ash turned his head slightly, his gaze landing on a group of trainees entering the hall.
At the center of them—
A figure with messy black hair and piercing dark eyes.
The moment their gazes met, Ash knew.
It was him.