Chapter 17: Trial by Ascension – Final Clash
The arena was a roaring crucible of anticipation. Every spectator held their breath, the tension thick enough to taste. Kai stood opposite Alric Vann — the living legend of Emberlight Academy — a towering figure whose reputation alone had crushed countless challengers before they even raised a fist.
Alric's gaze was steely, eyes like burning coals that missed nothing. His presence alone commanded silence, yet his lips curled in a slight, knowing smile. "So, you've come this far, Kai. Let's see if your strength matches your spirit."
Kai met the challenge without flinching. "I'm ready."
The bell shattered the stillness, and the clash erupted.
⸻
Alric struck first, his fist a thunderclap aimed straight at Kai's head. Kai ducked with fluid grace, feeling the shockwave ripple through the air above him. He countered with a quick jab — Alric blocked effortlessly, their arms colliding like iron.
Kai pivoted on his heel, summoning Veilstep. His form blurred, vanishing only to reappear behind Alric in a breath's time.
"Veilstep!" Kai whispered fiercely.
Before Alric could react, Kai's palm lashed out, aiming for the ribs. Alric twisted, absorbing the strike, and launched a sweeping kick. Kai ducked low, dodging and retaliating with a spinning heel strike.
Their battle was a storm of fists, feet, and ki. Each blow exchanged carried the weight of countless hours of training, each dodge a dance on the knife's edge.
⸻
Mid-fight, Alric unleashed a brutal palm strike infused with ki — a move Kai recognized as the "Crimson Gale."
"Kai, watch out!" Ren's voice rang out from the sidelines, eyes wide.
Kai barely had time to respond. The Crimson Gale struck air as Kai leapt back, but the force cracked the stone beneath his feet.
"I won't let you end this now," Kai muttered, his mind racing.
He felt the familiar surge inside — 30 stat points glowing in his interface.
Without hesitation, he allocated:
+10 Strength
+10 Speed
+10 Endurance
His body flared with renewed vigor.
⸻
Alric's eyes narrowed. "Impressive."
Kai grinned grimly and charged again, mixing techniques with ruthless precision.
"Balance Reaper!"
His elbow smashed into Alric's back knee, disrupting the legendary warrior's stance. The impact sent Alric staggering, but the veteran recovered swiftly.
"You think that will stop me?" Alric growled, channeling ki into his fists.
Kai sidestepped just in time, countering with Phantom Reversal.
"Phantom Reversal—Second Layer!"
Kai twisted mid-air, reversing the momentum of Alric's strike, flipping the force back onto his opponent. Alric roared, stumbling back but grinning wider.
"You've learned well," he said, wiping blood from his lip. "But can you keep up?"
⸻
Alric exploded forward with a barrage of strikes—blindingly fast, brutal, and relentless. Kai dodged, blocked, and parried, every muscle burning with effort.
At a critical moment, Kai combined Veilstep and Phantom Reversal in a daring gambit.
"Veilstep! Phantom Reversal!"
He vanished and reappeared, catching Alric's extended arm, twisting and throwing him off balance. The crowd gasped.
Kai pressed the advantage, delivering a crushing palm strike aimed at Alric's chest.
Alric absorbed it, but the breath left him. He stumbled.
⸻
Both fighters stood panting, sweat slicking their skin.
Kai's vision blurred but he forced himself to stay focused. This was the defining moment.
Alric smiled faintly, "You've earned your place, Kai."
Kai bowed slightly. "Thank you."
The bell rang.
⸻
The arena erupted in cheers. Ren jumped up and down, shouting Kai's name.
Kai's heart pounded—not just from the fight, but from the realization that this was only the beginning.
The Trial by Ascension was complete.