he sun rose blood-orange over the Valkyros Academy battlegrounds, casting a burning glow across the newly erected training fields. This morning was different. Today marked the beginning of the Live Combat Series, a mandatory event where cadets battled summoned monsters or rival students in a carefully controlled yet unforgiving environment.
For Kai Drakonis, it was just another opportunity to grow.
---
The Announcement
Instructor Varyn stood at the edge of the assembly ground, flanked by instructors from each of the major combat disciplines: elemental warfare, close-quarters combat, beast mastery, and shadow arts.
"You've survived the initiation. Now it's time to prove you're not just lucky."
With a gesture, a massive illusion of the academy's Combat Index appeared in the sky—ranking cadets by points earned in duels, class challenges, and trials.
Kai's name flickered into view:
> #8 – Kai Drakonis | Iron Oath Faction | Lv. 10
Many eyes turned toward him.
Some full of curiosity. Some of fear. Some... envy.
Varyn spoke again. "This week's test is a series of solo live combat rounds. The top five performers will receive access to the restricted core library."
Gasps spread through the cadets.
"The monsters you face will scale with your level. No support. No second chances. Show us your worth."
Kai entered the arena alone. Stone walls rose around the circular stage, enchanted to shift the terrain and summon monsters.
> [SYSTEM MISSION ACTIVATED]
Survival Trial – Phase One
Objective: Eliminate the summoned threat within the time limit.
Enemy Detected: Nightblood Hounds x 3 – [Elite Class | Coordinated Pack Killers]
Time Limit: 4 Minutes
The arena darkened.
A blood-colored mist filled the field, followed by snarling growls from the shadows.
They came fast.
Three wolf-like beasts, each the size of a warhorse, pounced with unnatural speed. Their black fur shimmered like shadow-forged armor, eyes glowing violet.
Kai dodged the first lunge, using a pivot and low roll, then drove his blade into the flank of the second. The hound howled but twisted midair, trying to bite his arm.
Too slow.
Kai's dagger met its throat.
The third beast circled behind—silent, smart. It leapt—
But Kai was faster.
He activated [Flash Step], appearing mid-air behind the beast. His blade descended with both hands.
> Critical Hit!
The monster hit the ground in two pieces.
He turned in one smooth motion and ended the wounded hound behind him.
Three corpses. One breath.
> [SYSTEM ALERT]
All enemies eliminated.
+2,000 EXP
Kai Drakonis – Lv. 10 → Lv. 11
Trait Progression: [Battle Instinct II → Enhanced Reflex Circuit]
Bonus Reward: Nightblood Essence ×3
The arena returned to normal. A hush fell over the crowd.
Even the instructors looked intrigued.
---
Back in the Halls
Later that evening, Kai walked the stone corridors of the Iron Oath dorms. Every cadet he passed gave him space—many nodded in respect, others whispered his name as he passed.
He didn't care for the recognition.
He cared for the growth.
Elira, seated in the common room with a rune-inscribed book, looked up as he passed.
"You're progressing faster than expected," she said, flipping a page.
"I'm just catching up to what I already was," he replied.
She raised an eyebrow. "And what was that?"
He paused,but didn't talk.
She smirked.
But someone else was watching.
From the corner of the upper landing, a student with short black hair, heterochromatic eyes, and the emblem of the Obsidian Fang faction observed Kai closely.
Zephyr Runehart, rank #3.
---
Duel Invitation
The next morning, a magical scroll floated into Kai's dorm room.
> Official Academy Notice
Kai Drakonis, you have been challenged to an official ranking duel.
Challenger: Zephyr Runehart | Obsidian Fang | Rank #3
Terms: No fatal strikes. Win by incapacitation or surrender.
Scheduled Time: Tomorrow, Sundown
Location: Valkyros Duel Ring – Black Arena
A small smirk formed on Kai's face.
At last, someone worth testing his blade on.
---
That Night
Kai stood in his room, shirt off, blade in hand, running silent forms through the air.
His body moved fluidly, every strike, every block, every twist tuned for battle.
> [SYSTEM UPDATE]
Skill Tree Unlocked: [Shadow Predator]
Passive Bonus: +15% damage against enemies unaware of your position.
New Ability: [Umbra Dash] – Teleport 5 meters in any shadow you touch. 10s cooldown.
He closed his eyes.
He was getting stronger—but so were the challenges.
And Zephyr... he wasn't ordinary.