Chapter 15 : First Lost [ 1 ]
The holographic panel flickered in life, displaying the information of the two contestants.
[ Lo : 0th(Intermediate) mortal rank. Class ( None ) ]
[ Bryan Lloyd : 0th(Peak) mortal rank. Class ( None ) ]
As soon as the holographic panel came into view, the students inside the training hall erupted in a loud commotion upon seeing the panel.
"I thought Peak 0th rank was the minimum requirements for the elite class?" questioned the student wearing eyeglasses.
"Maybe Lo backdoored his way into the elite class?" speculated the black-haired student with purple eyes.
A third student scoffed, "That's not possible. If backdooring into the elite class were that easy, anyone with power would have done it by now."
Anne couldn't help but shake her head as she glanced at the holographic panel. "I still don't understand why they placed that brat in the elite class," as she muttered under her breath.
However, she couldn't deny that Lo possessed the skill to conceal his rank. 'But any 4th crescent ranker or higher would be able to see through his facade and sense his true strength.'
Anne knew that Lo was only at intermediate mortal rank, as she can barely sense his weak aura around him.
Lena snorted, "That guy is just an intermediate 0th rank, yet he acts arrogant in front of me."
Before Eleanor could reply, a voice from behind interrupted them. "I think he is concealing his rank."
The group turned to see a young woman with striking purple hair. "Hello there!" she greeted them with a warm smile. "My name is Aya Mortez. It's a pleasure to meet you all!"
"Likewise, I'm Eleanor Enes. it's a pleasure to meet you," replied Eleanor warmly.
Lena nodded and addressed Aya, "Lena, Nice to meet you."
Leo spoke up, "Hello, I'm Leo. Pleasure to meet you too!"
"H-hello! I'm Mary Lenora, but you can call me Mary," said the shy girl.
As they introduced themselves, their attention shifted to Lo and Bryan. Aya narrowed her gaze at Lo and speculated, "Do you really think he's only an intermediate mortal rank, or is he hiding his true strength?"
"I'm not sure. I can't sense his aura," Leo responded immediately to Aya's question.
"We'll see what he's capable of in the virtual simulation and whether he's truly concealing his rank," Lena said coolly.
***
I couldn't help but widen my eyes in shock. Although my true rank wasn't revealed in front of the class, I felt a sense of relief wash over me.
Making my way towards the black room, I could feel the stares of my classmates on me filled with ridicule and disdain.
'Classic' I thought to myself, "being looked down upon because I am just an intermediate mortal rank inside a class full of elites."
However, their opinions didn't faze me in the slightest. With a shrug of my shoulders, I continued towards my destination with determined steps.
Upon reaching the room, I was met with my opponent, Bryan Lloyd, a striking figure with short light blue hair, white streaks, and golden orange eyes. He had a toned physique that exuded strength.
Raising an eyebrow, I began to appraise him, 'Appraisal'. A ding sounded as the information appeared before me.
[ User : Bryan, Lloyd
Rank : 0th(Peak) Mortal Rank
Title : None
Class : None
Martial Technique : [ Star Shattering Fist (★★★★) ]
Blessing : None
Bloodline : [ Iron Castle ] < Restricted >
Talents : Crimson Fist < Restricted >
Traits : None
Energy : Mana( Magic )
< Magic : Basic reinforcement >
Skills :
[ Active : Time Dilation ( S Rank ) ] < Restricted >
[ Passive : Eagle's Eye ( D Rank ) ]- Enhances the user's perception by 10%
]
Upon taking a glimpse of Bryan's status, my shock was visible on my face and I couldn't help but exclaim inwardly, "HOLY SH*T!"
It was a stark reminder of the monstrous talents that filled the elite class, something I was already aware of. Fortunately for me, Anne had placed restrictions on the mock battle. otherwise, this battle would have been an instant win for Bryan.
Suddenly, a friendly voice resonated through the dark room, catching me off guard. "Hello there, Nice to meet you, Lo." Bryan greeted me.
"I may have a higher rank than you, but I cannot underestimate you since I cannot sense your real rank," he continued.
I nodded towards him and responded with a rare smile, "Likewise, it's a pleasure to meet you too."
I had anticipated being ridiculed by him, but to my surprise, he was respectful and courteous despite me being a intermediate mortal rank. Although, in truth, my actual rank is at the peak of the mortal level.
"Don't hold back, Lo. I'm ready to give it my all, and I hope you are too," Bryan spoke with a determined expression.
Lo replied with a smirk, "I'm not going to hold back, Bryan. I hope you're ready for everything I've got,"
As they prepared for battle, the black room transformed around them, becoming a ruined city. The landscape was bleak and dreadful, as if monsters had invaded the city. The sky was dark as a void, with a silver moon shining brightly overhead.
A loud ding echoed through the area, signaling the start of the fight between the two.
Lo unsheathed his sword while Bryan donned his gauntlets. They locked eyes, each sizing up the other. Lo without hesitation activated his signature skill, [ State of Calming Sea ].
His deep scarlet eyes soon became lifeless, as his mind focused solely on the calculations necessary to defeat his opponent.
Lo then thought to himself, 'I should intentionally lose, but not too badly. If I perform too poorly, I'll become an easy target for bullies. However, I doubt anyone would dare to bully me after I displayed my capacity for murderous intent'
Although both of us are at peak mortal rank. my overall attributes are weaker than Bryan's. However, In terms of battle experience, I'm far superior than Bryan due to the countless adversities I had overcome before I came to the academy.
The two gaze continues locking with each other, as Lo's cold red eyes impassively stare deeply towards Bryan's golden orange eyes.
Without a sound, Lo vanished and reappeared right in front of Bryan, swinging his sword in a deadly vertical arc aimed at serving Bryan's head.
Bryan widened his eyes in panic as he saw Lo's sword coming towards his head. Reacting quickly, he activated
Regaining his composure, Bryan jumped back and touched his neck while staring at Lo with a shocked expression.
Meanwhile, inside the training field, everyone who witnessed the sudden attack from Lo fell in silence, all the students shared the same expression as Bryan including Anne.