Chapter 22: The Perfect Strategy – Rei's First Victory
The first trial of Aether Academy was reaching its climax.
Control zones were changing hands rapidly. Teams were falling one by one.
And now—the strongest students had finally clashed.
Rei Kurogane's team vs. Kozuki Renjou's team.
This was Rei's moment.
If he failed now—he would never catch up to Kozuki.
The Battlefield – Rei's First True Challenge
Kozuki's team had set a perfect trap.
Lina Veras was attacking at blinding speed. Kenji Arata was charging head-on, overwhelming with brute force. Daigo Shiranui waited silently, ready to end the fight with a single sword strike. Mika Fujiwara positioned herself at a distance, ready to take out anyone with her deadly accuracy.
And Kozuki?
He was simply watching.
Kozuki (calmly): "Let's see how you handle this, Kurogane."
Rei's flawless control was being pushed to its limit.
For the first time, he was struggling.
Rei (thinking fast): I can't keep up with all of them at once…!
Rei's Turning Point – Trusting His Team
A sudden realization hit Rei.
He was still trying to control everything alone.
That's why he lost last time.
He couldn't be the one fighting.He couldn't be the one carrying the burden alone.
Rei (sharpening his focus): "No. I don't have to do this alone."
This time—he would rely on his teammates.
Rei (commanding): "Souta—handle Lina. You're the only one fast enough to keep up."
Souta (grinning): "On it!"
Rei: "Akari—counter Kenji's aggression. Use his strength against him."
Akari (nodding): "Got it."
Rei: "I'll deal with Daigo's attacks before they even happen."
Rei let go of total control.
Instead, he trusted his team.
The Climax – Rei's Strategy vs. Kozuki's Experience
The moment Rei changed his approach, everything shifted.
✔ Souta matched Lina's speed, forcing her into a deadlock.✔ Akari perfectly countered Kenji's aggression, sending him off balance.✔ Rei preemptively read Daigo's movements, dodging every deadly sword strike.
For the first time—Rei was winning.
The final control zone was in their grasp.
Rei (confidently): "We're finishing this!"
But then—
Kozuki finally moved.
In a single step, he was already in front of Rei.
Kozuki (calmly): "Too slow."
His hand was already at Rei's throat.
Rei's eyes widened.
Rei (thinking): He saw through everything…!
Kozuki had predicted Rei's prediction.
Rei's Final Move – Outsmarting the Genius
For a moment, everything froze.
Kozuki had him.
This was it.
…Or so Kozuki thought.
Rei (grinning slightly): "You forgot one thing."
Suddenly—a blur of movement.
From behind—Akari struck Kozuki.
Akari (smirking): "You're not the only one who can see weaknesses, Kozuki."
It was a trap within a trap.
Rei had sacrificed himself—just to set Kozuki up for a perfect counterattack.
For the first time, Kozuki was forced back.
He narrowed his eyes.
Then—he smiled.
Kozuki: "Clever."
DING!
[Final Control Zone Captured – Team Rei Kurogane][Trial Winner: Team Rei Kurogane]
The battle was over.
Rei had won.
The Aftermath – Kozuki's Silent Acknowledgment
As the final results flashed on the screen, Rei stood still, catching his breath.
Souta and Akari cheered.
Souta: "WE ACTUALLY DID IT!"
Akari: "Hah… That was way too close."
But Rei's eyes were still on Kozuki.
And Kozuki?
He was simply smirking.
Kozuki (calmly): "Not bad, Kurogane. But this was just a trial."
He turned away.
Kozuki: "The real test is still coming."
Even after losing, he wasn't bothered.
Because he knew he was still ahead.
Rei (clenching fists): Damn it… he's right.
Rei had won this battle…
But Kozuki still felt untouchable.
And Rei wasn't satisfied yet.