Power in connection's

The previous day's events had left the entire Academy in shock. For years, the top ten members had reigned supreme, and nobody had been able to unseat them. But then, Azrael had come along and become the first student in over four decades to earn a spot on the top ten through a fight. It was a historic moment, and many were still reeling from the shock of it all.

Ryzel Academy's rankings were always predetermined by the school, and they did change over time. Students like Ryo had moved up the ranks from 200 to 11, and Azrael had climbed from 400 to 166. However, the top ten rankings were different. Nobody dared to challenge these elite fighters, and their strength seemed almost incomprehensible.

But Azrael had changed all of that. He had climbed from the very bottom to the top, earning the coveted rank of ten. However, many students were not willing to let him keep his position for long. They knew that Zach had lost because he had suppressed his ki, and they believed that they could easily defeat Azrael if they fought him with full strength.

In less than a day, Azrael had received numerous challenge requests. However, according to academy rules, there could only be two rank fights per week, so none of the challengers could immediately get a shot at his position. Despite this, many students were determined to take down the history-making Azrael and claim the rank ten spot for themselves.

Ryo and Azrael were sitting together in the infirmary, their conversation filled with the usual banter and friendly rivalry. Ryo's arm was bandaged where it had been cut in his fight.

"You finally passed me, huh?" Ryo said, breaking the comfortable silence.

"We both knew it was going to happen eventually," Azrael replied, grinning.

"I still can't believe Zach fell for such an obvious provocation," Ryo said.

"Yeah, I was worried for a second, but it worked out somehow," Azrael chuckled.

"Now I'm Ryzel's rank ten," Azrael said, pride in his voice.

"Don't get too happy. I'm coming for it soon," Ryo teased.

"I've gotten so many challenge requests already. It's crazy," Azrael said, settling back into the bed he laid on just beside Ryo's.

"How's your hand?" Azrael asked, concern in his voice.

"It's better. The Vice Headmaster told me the Silverbloods are sending a magician who can regrow it or something," Ryo replied.

"That must take some really high-level magic," Azrael said, impressed.

"They're either really nice people or just want to avoid my dad's anger. He's not exactly known for being easygoing," Ryo said.

"I've heard he's the strongest human. You'll have big shoes to fill," Azrael said, smiling.

"Not for long. I'll take his place soon," Ryo said confidently.

"We'll both definitely surpass him," Azrael said as they fist-bumped.

As the sun began to set and the sky turned dark, the two friends continued their conversation, enjoying each other's company in the quiet of the infirmary.

Meanwhile some where else in Ryzel a middle aged looking man sat in a room meditating, it seemed as if the space around him bent and twisted.

The man took a deep breath as the great power that covered him faded but not completely as the aura around him still remained very domineering.

*****

The next morning Celine, the Vice Headmaster's assistant, walked into his office the day after the fight with a somber expression on her face. "Vice Headmaster," she began, "I have some news about Azrael."

The Vice Headmaster looked up from his papers, curious. "What is it?" he asked.

"Aaron from the Zefron Empire has come to recruit Azrael into their army," Celine said, her tone grave.

The Vice Headmaster's face showed a hint of surprise. He had assumed the Zefron Empire had made this recruitment to keep Zach's rank by removing Azrael from the academy. "Will they really stoop that low?" he murmured.

He stood up and walked to his office window, lost in thought. "And to think that they would still take Azrael away, knowing that he was personally brought here by the Headmaster," he said.

Celine nodded in agreement. "I understand the top ten rank is extremely important to the families, but is it worth going this far?" she asked.

The Vice Headmaster sat back in his seat and let out a small laugh. "Maybe I've forgotten how the world works. People are willing to do anything for power," he said, his expression turning serious and dark. "Even if it means risking their life."

Aaron, the general's guard, strode through the halls of Ryzel Academy with determination. He had been given explicit instructions to recruit Azrael into the army of the Zefron Empire, regardless of any obstacles in his way.

As he approached the office of the vice headmaster, his nerves began to fray. He knew that this would not be an easy task, and that he would likely face resistance.

As he entered the office, he saw the Vice Headmaster seated at his desk, with Celine standing by his side.

"What is the meaning of this?" the Vice Headmaster asked calmly. "You can't just come in here and take any student you want. Do you forget where you are?"

Aaron stepped forward, his face expressionless. "I apologize for the intrusion, Vice Headmaster," he said. "But I have been sent here by the Grand commander of the Zefron Empire to recruit Azrael into the army. It is mandatory by law, and it is not within your power to refuse."

Celine spoke up, her voice tinged with anger. "Mandatory by law? That's ridiculous! We all know the real reason for this sudden recruitment."

"I advise you not to make any baseless assumptions, miss," Aaron replied sternly. "This is a delicate matter, and I must follow the Grand commander orders."

The Vice Headmaster summoned Azrael to his office, emphasizing that his consent and willingness to join the army were important considerations in any decision.