Chapter 16: Trial by Ascension V
As Kai stepped off the platform, sweat trailing down his temple and breath still steadying, a soft chime echoed inside his mind.
The system's cold, familiar voice followed.
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[System Reward Granted]
» Combination Technique Developed: Veilstep + Phantom Reversal – 2nd Layer
» Consecutive Wins (3): Strategic Combat Tier Bonus Achieved
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Reward: +30 Stat Points
Item: Minor Stamina Recovery Pill (x1)
Kai blinked once, feeling the familiar tingle of system energy ripple through his body. The stat window shimmered briefly before fading, waiting for him to allocate his gains. For now, he let them sit. He needed his mind sharp—no distractions.
But the pill… that, he took.
From his inner sleeve, he slid the small capsule into his palm—glowing faintly with a pale green sheen—and popped it into his mouth.
Warmth spread down his throat and into his limbs like rising firelight. The ache in his shoulders eased. The slight tremble in his fingers stilled. His ki flow evened out.
Not full recovery—but enough.
"KAI!!"
The voice cut through the silence of the crowd like a blade.
He turned just in time to see a familiar figure pressing up against the observation railing. Ren, arms waving, eyes wide with excitement and pride. His hair was mussed, his uniform rumpled—he'd clearly sprinted from wherever he'd been watching.
"That was insane!" Ren shouted. "You folded Rhess like a blanket! Are you even human?!"
Kai's expression cracked into the barest smirk.
Trust Ren to be the loudest supporter in a sea of tension and silence.
A few cadets nearby chuckled nervously, unsure whether to join in. The head instructors didn't silence Ren, which said enough. Even they were watching now—closer than ever.
Kai gave a small nod toward his friend.
Then turned back to the arena.
The announcer's voice returned, steadier now, but laced with something more—caution, perhaps. Or awe.
"Final match… Kai versus Alric Vann."
The name fell like a stone.
Even the murmurs in the audience dimmed.
Alric stepped forward from the shadows near the instructor's platform—tall, muscular, his sleeveless tunic revealing inked markings of martial lineage across both arms. His expression was unreadable, but his presence was undeniable. A quiet sort of gravity surrounded him. Not a showman, not a brute—just something… deliberate. Dangerous.
A Martial Expert, high-tier, by most whispers. Possibly close to Master.
The kind of student who was already being groomed for instructor ranks.
Kai didn't flinch.
He walked back to the center of the arena and rolled his shoulders once, the echo of Ren's cheering still in his ears.
One more.
He exhaled slowly.
"Don't lose."
That's what Elen had said.
Not just because of pride.
Because they all knew now—this wasn't just a trial of promotion. It was a measuring stick for something far greater. For who could rise in this academy… and who would be left behind.
He looked across at Alric, eyes steady.
No more holding back.