Lightning Prodigy

The air inside the arena buzzed with excitement. The audience was louder than ever, and Renji found himself folding his arms while watching the field with narrowed eyes.

The next match was about to begin—and this one was different.

The crowd's reaction was unlike anything so far. Students and even spectators from the upper viewing decks were on their feet, shouting a single name like thunder.

"Roan! Roan!"

Renji scoffed lightly, leaning against the rail. "Hmmm, interesting."

Still, even he couldn't deny the pressure that came from the center of the field. There stood Roan, clad in noble robes trimmed with regal red. His sleeves shimmered faintly with a spell-forged sheen, and his long coat was tailored in the design of the prestigious Clayheart Household. The red accents danced like embers with every step he took. On his back rested an elegantly carved sword, its scabbard lined with glowing crimson veins, pulsating as if it had a heartbeat of its own.

"Why does he look like he's walking down a fashion runway?" Renji muttered under his breath.

A group of fan girls screamed again from the viewing area. Some were even waving small flags with Roan's name etched in calligraphy. One of them threw petals into the wind.

"He's so cool!"

"Marry me, Roan!"

"How unlucky… whoever is his opponent," someone commented.

Indeed, across from Roan was a boy trembling ever so slightly. He had no fanfare. His stance was firm, but the difference in presence between the two was night and day.

The referee raised his hand and spoke clearly. "Match start!"

In one smooth motion, Roan drew his sword from the back of his waist. The sound of the blade leaving the sheath echoed like thunder. A bright arc of electricity crackled across its length.

Sparks scattered into the air. Like a thunder dragon was blasting its thundering roar. The spectators were all in edge as they saw the spectacle.

The lightning was spreading and was crackling with each second that passed.

The prodigy then smiled.

Swoosh!

In that instant, Roan vanished from sight.

The spectators gasped.

"Where—?"

He reappeared right behind his opponent.

Crack!

A single lightning-infused slash tore through the air and struck the poor boy's back before he could even turn around.

Zzzrak!

Electricity surged across the opponent's body, paralyzing him. The impact knocked him forward with a burst of smoke. His limbs convulsed briefly before he collapsed.

The audience was silent for a second—then it erupted like a volcano.

"DID YOU SEE THAT!?"

"He disappeared...he literally blinked!"

"No way! That wasn't just speed… was that teleportation?!"

"Lightning Elementalist… and a Spatial-class user?! Is he a Dual Class?!"

The referee immediately raised his hand as the smoke cleared. "Match over! Winner: Roan!"

The paralyzed boy groaned faintly while the healer rushed to his side.

The entire arena shook from the thunderous applause and cheers. The Guild Masters sitting at the elevated stands immediately turned their heads toward each other.

From the Crimson Guild, their Master leaned forward.

"He's fast... terrifyingly so."

Obsidian Guild's cloaked master narrowed his eyes. "He didn't even chant the lightning spell... Instant-cast, high output. Rare."

Ashen Guild's Master grinned. "I like him."

Radiant Guild's Master crossed her legs with a smile. "So elegant. And that control. Perfect for us."

Even the Dark Guild Master, known for rarely showing emotion, scribbled notes eagerly.

They were all vying for him.

Renji clicked his tongue, a trace of frustration lingering in his expression.

"Tch. Even I'm not that fast yet," he muttered bitterly, glancing at his own feet. He was a perfectionist at that. He even wanted to curse as he was not fast enough.

He could feel the difference. The pressure. The clean execution. There was a gulf...one that even he had to admit existed. But that didn't mean he would accept it. No, it only made his hunger to grow stronger burn hotter.

Roan sheathed his blade with practiced elegance. His face was calm, almost bored. He offered a casual nod to the crowd, then walked away as if the match was merely a formality.

The fans screamed louder.

"I bet he didn't even go all out…"

"His sword didn't even crack the barrier."

"Did you see that lightning trail? It moved like a serpent!"

Somewhere in the corner of the audience, an old instructor murmured to another.

"Teleportation combined with elemental enhancement… That's a rare skill synergy. He might really be a Dual Awakener."

"Or worse," the other instructor replied. "He's hiding something more."

Back in the waiting area, several of the other students watched the match with clenched jaws and sweaty palms.

"That guy… how do we fight someone like that?" one muttered.

"Simple," another replied. "We don't."

Renji, however, remained standing, gaze locked on Roan's retreating figure.

"He's strong," he whispered. "But he's not untouchable."

Then immediately all the Guild master stood up. They all announced that he was selected. With all of them standing, his future would be bright. It was not even a problem who to choose as everyone would be vying for him.

"I think he will choose the strongest guild, Right Obsidian Guild?" The Master of Radiant Guild asked him.

With the Obsidian Guild the weakest, her question was of an insult than its original function.

"Yes, your guild is the strongest. Don't ask the obvious, you're wasting your time." He said with a rebuttal.

Then the two locked eyes like they were friend and enemies. Best friend and enemies at the same time. Others even wanted them to be lovers.

Meanwhile, Renji saw his flicker. It was indeed a Teleportation skill of a Teleporter.

With more practice, it would be a devastating skill to the enemies. Especially when mastered to the fullest. If he could train Rolan, then he would unlock its full mastery.

There was a fire in his chest that wouldn't let him look away. A determination growing stronger by the second.

If Roan was a prodigy…

Then he would be the one to train him. That's the goal.