Raizen moved through the dim corridors of the underground arena, his mind still buzzing from his encounter with Ayaka. His muscles ached from the fight, but his body felt lighter, stronger, as if something had shifted within him. The fight had been more than just a test of skill—it had solidified his place within the academy's power structure. But with power came responsibility and danger.
The system chimed softly in his mind.
[Physical Recovery Boost Applied]
The lingering soreness in his muscles faded slightly, the benefits of his earlier experience with Ayaka kicking in. He rolled his shoulders and smirked. Looks like that wasn't just for fun after all.
Stepping out of the underground arena, he pulled up his system interface, scrolling through the latest quests.
[Active Quests:]
1. Establish Influence in the Independent Guild – 0/3 Key Supporters Acquired
2. Enter the Upper Circle – Time Limit: 6 Months
3. Claim Selene Asakura as Your Wife – Time Limit: 2 Years
Raizen sighed. He had his work cut out for him.
The cool night air greeted him as he left the underground district, making his way toward the academy dorms. The VR battlefield tournament was still on his mind—his earlier battles had put him on the radar of the elite families, and while some saw him as an upstart, others undoubtedly saw him as a threat.
His instincts proved correct when he noticed a group of figures waiting for him near the academy's main courtyard. Their uniforms bore the crest of House Valen.
Darius wasn't among them, but Raizen could tell by their expressions that they were here to deliver a message.
The tallest among them, a young man with slicked-back silver hair, stepped forward. "Raizen Izumoto." His voice carried authority, but there was an underlying sneer to it. "You've made quite a name for yourself."
Raizen stopped a few feet away, keeping his posture relaxed. "I tend to do that."
The silver-haired noble's smirk deepened. "House Valen doesn't take kindly to commoners embarrassing them in public. You might have won against Darius, but you won't always be so lucky."
Raizen's fingers flexed. So this was how they wanted to play it?
The system chimed.
[New Challenge: Defend Yourself Against House Valen's Retaliation]
Objective: Survive a 3v1 ambush.
Reward: Combat Adaptation Boost – Tier F4.
A slow grin spread across Raizen's face. "You're right. Luck won't always be on my side."
He shifted his stance. Good thing I don't rely on luck.
The nobles rushed him.
Raizen moved, his battle instincts sharper than before. The first attacker threw a right hook, but Raizen sidestepped, twisting his body mid-motion and driving his elbow into the noble's exposed ribs. A sharp grunt of pain followed as the noble staggered back.
The second opponent lunged, aiming for Raizen's legs. He anticipated the move, jumping slightly and bringing his knee up, colliding hard with his attacker's face. The noble crumpled to the ground, dazed.
The third fighter, the silver-haired leader, didn't waste time. He drew a short energy blade, its blue glow illuminating the night. Unlike the others, he wasn't here to fight fair.
Raizen's mind calculated the danger in an instant. Unarmed against a blade wasn't ideal. But then again—
His system pulsed. [Combat Adaptation Processing…]
The noble slashed, but Raizen saw it coming. He dodged, twisting his body at an unnatural angle, the blade missing his face by inches. Before the noble could recover, Raizen stepped into his guard and slammed a brutal palm strike into his chin.
The noble's head snapped back, his body collapsing to the ground. The energy blade clattered onto the pavement.
The courtyard was silent.
The first noble groaned, struggling to his feet. The second was still on the ground, unconscious. And the third—their leader—was out cold.
The system chimed.
[Challenge Completed: Defend Against House Valen's Retaliation]
[Reward Unlocked: Combat Adaptation Boost – Tier F4]
Raizen exhaled, flexing his fingers as a faint warmth spread through his muscles, signaling the system's enhancement taking effect.
He stepped over the unconscious noble, casting a glance at the two remaining attackers. "Tell House Valen…" He smirked. "Next time, send someone stronger."
Without another word, he walked away, the weight of the night settling over him. His enemies were growing restless, and the real battles were only beginning.
Raizen's Status – End of Chapter 15
Basic Information
Name: Raizen Izumoto
Age: 15
Cultivation Level:
F4-Tier (Combat Adaptation Boost Applied)
Current Quests: Establish Influence in the Independent Guild – 0/3 Key Supporters Acquired
Enter the Upper Circle – Time Limit: 6 Months
Claim Selene Asakura as Your Wife – Time Limit: 2 Years
Stats: Attribute Current
Strength F4
Agility F4
Endurance F4
Reflexes Enhanced via Draconic Combat Instincts
Stamina High (Boosted by Recent Activities)
Equipment:Basic Academy Uniform (Light Combat Fabric)Concealed Dagger (F5-Tier)VR Combat Gear
Alliances & Connections:Selene Asakura: Childhood Friend (Affinity Growing)
Ayaka Renji: Friends with Benefits & Independent Guild Leader
Leon Veyron: Potential Ally from the Noble Factions
Enemies & Rivalries:House Valen: Hostile – Recent Conflict
Darius Valen: Defeated Rival – Unresolved Tension
This status page will be updated every 15 chapters to track Raizen's progress in cultivation, relationships, and influence.