The sun had not fully risen when Alex Yuan got out of bed. His body, although lighter than the previous day, still felt the lingering effects of his awakening. He knew there was little time to adjust—just days before the Sacred Light Baptism, a ceremony that would determine his future at Jianghua Academy and beyond.
He put on his training uniform and stepped into the courtyard. To his surprise, Emily Yuan was already there, arms crossed, waiting for him.
—Can't sleep? —she asked without turning to face him.
Alex flashed a tired smile.
—I could say that. Not every day you discover you're one of the few SSS-level physiques in the world.
She glanced at him from the corner of her eye before tossing him a wooden sword.
—Then you'd better get used to it. If you're truly an SSS-level physique, proving it won't be enough. You'll have to earn it.
Without further warning, she launched herself at him with her own wooden sword. Alex barely had time to react before the blow struck his improvised defense. The force of the impact pushed him back several steps.
—Hey! Aren't I supposed to be recovering? —he protested, but Emily didn't stop. Her sword moved with precision, attacking from various angles.
—If you were anyone else, yes. But you don't have that luxury, Alex. The faster you master your power, the less vulnerable you'll be. Now focus.
Alex clenched his teeth and began to counter her attacks. Although he still didn't fully understand his physique, something within him seemed to activate. His reflexes sharpened with every strike, his body responding quicker and more fluidly. But Emily didn't relent. She knew her brother needed real training if he wanted to survive what lay ahead.
The training lasted almost an hour, until both were drenched in sweat. Alex was breathing heavily, but there was a spark in his eyes.
—Not bad —admitted Emily—. At this rate, you might not die in the Baptism.
—Thanks for the vote of confidence —Alex grunted.
Before he could respond further, a voice interrupted their conversation.
—Well, well, what a touching sight. The Yuan prodigies training together so early.
Alex turned his head and saw a group of students approaching. Leading them was Ryan Carter, a smug smile on his face. Beside him, several members of his family followed, observing the scene with interest.
—Need something, Carter? —Emily asked coldly.
Ryan ignored her tone and fixed his gaze on Alex.
—I just wanted to meet the famous SSS-level genius —he said with feigned courtesy—. After all, it's not every day a prodigy like you shows up.
Alex held his gaze without flinching.
—If you wanted to see me, here I am. Anything else?
Ryan smirked mockingly.
—Actually, yes. Since you're the academy's new "biggest talent," I wondered if you'd accept a little duel. Just a friendly match, of course. Only to see what you're made of.
Emily frowned and stepped forward.
—You don't stand a chance against him. Besides, the Sacred Light Baptism is in a few days. It's pointless to take a risk now.
—Risk? —Ryan laughed—. It's just a simple practice duel. Unless the great Alex Yuan is afraid of losing.
Alex sighed. He knew the Carter family wouldn't easily accept his rise. Still, if he let them challenge him without responding, it would only show weakness.
—Fine —he said, stepping toward Ryan—. But don't blame me if you regret it.
The students watching murmured excitedly. A duel between the new SSS talent and one of the Carter family's most skilled members was not something anyone wanted to miss.
Ryan smiled arrogantly and drew his training sword.
—Let's see if the Yuan family talent is really worthy of its reputation.
The duel began in the center of a circle of expectant students. Ryan Carter adopted an aggressive stance, his sword pointed directly at Alex. He knew he had to act quickly to impress the onlookers.
Alex, on the other hand, stood still, the wooden sword resting lightly in his hand. He watched Ryan calmly, analyzing every movement with quiet focus.
—Don't think that just because you have an SSS physique, you can underestimate me —Ryan growled before launching his attack.
The first strike was quick and precise. Ryan aimed a combination of lateral slashes, trying to force Alex into a defensive position. But at the last moment, Alex twisted his wrist slightly and deflected the blow with ease. His response was immediate: a fast counterattack that Ryan barely managed to block.
The spectators held their breath. The exchange of blows grew increasingly intense. Ryan attacked with fury, but Alex dodged with an almost inhuman precision. His speed and reflexes were on a completely different level.
After a few minutes, Ryan began to pant, his movements growing more erratic. Alex, however, remained composed, analyzing each attack with unsettling coldness.
—This... can't be —murmured Ryan, frustrated.
In one fluid movement, Alex avoided another slash and, with a swift flick of his wrist, struck Ryan's sword, sending it flying through the air. Before the heir of the Carter family could react, Alex placed the tip of his wooden sword against his chest.
—It's over —he said calmly.
The silence in the training field was deafening. Ryan Carter, one of the academy's top duelists, had been defeated with humiliating ease. Whispers began to grow among the spectators.
—That was incredible! —a student whispered.
—He didn't even seem to be trying... —another commented.
Ryan clenched his fists, his face flushed with rage and humiliation. Without a word, he turned and walked away, followed by his family members. Alex watched him leave, knowing this wouldn't be the end.
Emily approached with her arms crossed and a half-smile on her face.
—Well, that was satisfying. But don't drop your guard. This is just the beginning.
Alex nodded. He knew his victory had only earned him more enemies. And with the Sacred Light Baptism approaching, he had no time for distractions.