Chapter 53: Rei's First Step Forward
Night had fallen.
Most students were either asleep or recovering from their brutal training.
But Rei Kurogane?
He was still awake.
Lying in his bed, staring at the ceiling, his body aching in pain.
His arms felt numb.His legs refused to move.His muscles screamed with exhaustion.
And yet—
His mind was still analyzing.
The Gap Between Them
Rei (thinking, serious): Kozuki… Akari… Ryoma… Souta…
✔ Kozuki Renjou had passed every test with monster speed.✔ Akari Kisaragi had maintained her perfect evasion and counters.✔ Ryoma Takeda had crushed opponents through sheer endurance.✔ Souta Arclight had outclassed his entire group with inhuman reflexes.
And Rei?
💀 He had barely survived.
He was still the weakest.
Rei clenched his fists.
Rei (thinking, determined): I have to change.
Then, slowly—he sat up.
His body protested.
Every movement felt like he was being stabbed with needles.
But he forced himself to stand.
Because if he stayed weak—
He would never reach their level.
The Secret Training Begins
Rei staggered his way outside.
The academy grounds were silent.
Everyone else was resting.
But Rei couldn't afford to rest.
He limped toward the training hall.
💥 His arms trembled.💥 His legs felt heavy.💥 His chest burned with every breath.
But when he reached the training room—
He gritted his teeth and got to work.
🔹 Pull-ups. His muscles screamed, but he forced himself to complete them.🔹 Push-ups. His body collapsed after just a few, but he kept going.🔹 Balance training. His legs shook, but he refused to fall.
One step at a time.
One movement at a time.
He was going to push past his limits.
Because if Kozuki could do it effortlessly—
Then Rei had no excuse.
Meanwhile – Kozuki Takes Notice
Unknown to Rei, someone was watching him.
From the rooftop of the training hall, a familiar smirk formed.
🔹 Kozuki Renjou.
Kozuki (grinning): "Heh. What a crazy bastard."
Most students collapsed after training.
But Rei?
He had dragged himself back in.
Kozuki watched for a while, amused.
Kozuki (muttering): "Guess he's not giving up just yet."
Then—with a chuckle—he walked away.
Because to Kozuki…
💀 Rei was still too weak to be interesting. 💀
Rei's First Step Forward
By the time Rei finished his training, his body had reached its limit.
His vision blurred.
His breathing was ragged.
And then—his body gave out.
💥 THUD! 💥
He collapsed onto the ground.
But before everything faded to black—
One final thought ran through his mind.
Rei (thinking, exhausted): I… will not… stay weak.
Then—darkness.
But for the first time…
💥 Rei had taken his first real step forward. 💥