The sun dipped below the horizon, bathing the sprawling city of Auria in a crimson glow. Towering spires loomed over cobblestone streets, and merchants hurried to pack up their wares as twilight settled in. Amidst the bustling academy grounds of Ryan's College, the students gathered in the central plaza, excitement buzzing through the air.
Today marked the Combat Aptitude Examination â the gateway to ranking within the academy and securing a place in one of the prestigious combat divisions. Freshmen and seniors alike mingled, sizing up their competition.
Among them stood a boy of average height, clad in simple dark attire with a hood loosely draped over his head. His emerald eyes flickered with a mysterious glow, only to dull as he blinked. His name was Rayne Arclight â a name whispered only in shadows, for those who knew of his past dared not speak it.
A tall, burly student with sandy hair and a confident grin approached, flanked by his entourage.
"Oi, you're the new kid, right?" the boy sneered. "Name's Virat Kohli, top ranker among second-years. Try not to faint when I unleash my Blazing Meteor Fist."
Rayne merely shrugged, his expression indifferent. Unfazed, Virat scowled and turned away.
As the examiner, a stern man named Thala, took the podium, the crowd quieted. His mere presence demanded respect.
"The rules are simple," Thala announced. "Survive. Knock your opponent out or force them to yield. Begin!"
Pairs began stepping into the ring, each clash lighting up the night with bursts of magic and weapon strikes. Rayne remained still, eyes half-closed, seemingly uninterested.
A loud cheer erupted as Rohit Sharma, wielding a massive hammer, obliterated his opponent with one swing. "Ain't nobody takin' my spot!" he roared.
Amid the chaos, Rayne's name was called, paired against a notorious fourth-year â Darius Craven, a flame manipulator known for his ruthlessness. The crowd hushed, murmurs spreading about the unlucky freshman.
Darius sneered as he stepped forward, flames licking his arms. "You better back out, kid. I don't play nice."
Rayne didn't respond. He stepped into the ring with a casual stride, hands still in his pockets.
"Begin!"
Darius wasted no time, conjuring a roaring inferno and hurtling it toward Rayne. The crowd gasped as the entire ring was swallowed by flames.
When the smoke cleared, Darius stood triumphant â until he noticed something amiss. The ground where Rayne had been standing was untouched, devoid of even a scorch mark.
A chill ran down his spine.
Before Darius could react, Rayne appeared behind him, whispering, "Too slow."
A faint tap on the shoulder sent Darius crashing to the ground, unconscious, his flames snuffed out in an instant. The spectators fell silent, eyes wide with disbelief.
Thala narrowed his gaze, his instincts screaming that something far more dangerous lay hidden within the boy.
As whispers of awe and fear spread, a lone figure watched from a distance â Daddy Vyuk, a legendary warrior whose name alone struck fear into hearts. A smirk tugged at his lips as he murmured to himself,
"So... the Veiled Sovereign has surfaced again. This might get interesting."
To Be Continued...