FIRST CLASH!

The classroom buzzed with energy as tensions rose between two students. Callix adjusted his pristine glasses, his sharp gaze slicing through the air.

"Apologies for the intrusion, classmates, but engaging in combat within the confines of this classroom is strictly prohibited as our esteemed instructor has already stated." His voice was calm, yet carried an unmistakable weight.

Victor smirked, crossing his arms over his chest. "Blah, blah. Who cares? You're a warrior, aren't you? Shouldn't you be curious about a good fight?"

Callix pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, the light reflecting off the lenses momentarily obscuring his eyes. His tone turned cold, sharp as a blade. "Unfortunately for you, I couldn't give a fuck about your primitive warrior philosophies."

Victor's smile twitched, a vein pulsing at his forehead. "Four-eyes, how about we settle this right now?"

Zion, seated comfortably with a bag of chips in hand, leaned in. "Oh shit, they're really about to throw hands," he muttered under his breath.

Squeals erupted from the female students.

"Callix-kun! Don't do this! You'll ruin your handsome face!"

Callix let out a soft chuckle, smirking ever so slightly. "Fret not, ladies. I shall ensure this ends swiftly." His voice dripped with effortless charm.

The effect was instantaneous.

"Oh my god, I'm getting wet!"

"Callix-kun, notice me!"

"He just spoke to me! He actually acknowledged my existence!"

"Please destroy that barbarian!"

Zion popped a chip into his mouth. "Wow. Being handsome really is an unfair advantage."

He turned to Andrea, offering her the bag of a chips. "Hey, want some?"

Andrea nodded politely, her voice gentle. "Thank you."

Zion grinned. "Yeah, let's enjoy the show."

Callix calmly removed his blue blazer, folding it neatly.

"Allow me to hold that for you, Callix-kun!" One of the girls practically lunged forward, hands clasped together.

Callix smiled faintly as he handed it over. "How gracious of you. My thanks." His voice was as smooth as silk.

Victor cracked his knuckles, raising his voice. "Alright, everyone, move the desks and chairs aside!"

A tired voice interjected. "Keep it down." Leo muttered before going back to sleep, completely unbothered.

The class rearranged the furniture, the anticipation thick in the air until a voice cut through the tension.

"Before you two fight, how about we save it for the main event? I mean, you guys are probably strong, right? It'd be a shame to waste such a clash right away."

Victor rubbed his chin, considering the suggestion. "Huh. That's actually not a bad idea. What do you think, four-eyes? Gives us both time to prepare."

Callix gave an indifferent shrug. "I have no qualms with delaying your inevitable defeat."

Victor grinned. "Alright, then. Who's stepping up first?"

A hand shot up. "Me."

A boy strode forward with confidence. His hair was a messy mop of blonde, save for a single crimson streak that fell over one eye. His aura carried the unmistakable scent of battle.

"Yin Kaisenberg," he introduced himself, voice steady, gaze unwavering.

Victor raised a brow. "Huh. You're ranked 14, right? Challenging a top 7 is a bit reckless, don't you think?"

Yin didn't flinch. "Please trust me." His determination was unwavering.

The student who had suggested the fight earlier stepped forward, a calm smile on his face. His sharp bowl-cut hair and odd eyes made him instantly recognizable.

"My name is George, by the way. Nice to meet you, top 14."

Yin's gaze locked onto his opponent. "Likewise, top 7."

Victor stepped between them, his excitement barely contained. "Alright, are both of you ready?"

Yin and George clenched their fists, their battle spirits flaring.

"Yes!" they answered in unison.

The classroom vibrated with energy. The first fight was about to begin.

"It's your time to shine, Yin. Don't let them be disappointed show them you're the pride of the Fiery Fierce Arts!" Yin thought, his heart pounding with determination. He lowered into his stance, a traditional karate form, firm yet fluid. His body tensed, every fiber of his being focused on the battle ahead.

Across from him, George stood lazily, his hands in his pockets, an amused smile playing on his lips.

Yin didn't hesitate. He dashed forward, leaping mid-step to gather momentum, his fist engulfed in a raging crimson energy. The sheer force of his movement sent shockwaves through the ground.

Zion, watching from the sidelines, narrowed his eyes. "Aetheris?" He murmured, sensing the powerful aura emanating from Yin.

"No..."

Just as Yin's fist was about to collide with George's face, George whispered a single word cold, quiet, and absolute.

"Zone."

At that moment, George's eyes shimmered, transforming into something unnatural a celestial glow, like miniature stars with intricate lines stretching across them, pulsing with eerie energy.

Yin's world vanished.

He gasped as reality itself shattered around him, his vision swallowed by an abyss. When he regained awareness, he was standing in a vast desert but the sand was black, the sky an endless void. Despite the darkness, everything was eerily visible. A deep, unsettling stillness surrounded him.

"What the hell is this?!" Yin's voice echoed, his pulse racing. His instincts screamed at him he wasn't in the real world anymore.

Then, George appeared in front of him, smirking.

"What is this?!" Yin demanded, his voice laced with panic.

George's smile widened, his voice an icy whisper. "Welcome to my domain."

Yin clenched his fists. "Like hell I'm staying here!" He lunged forward, his fist tearing through the air only for George to disintegrate into black ashes.

"Huh?!"

Before Yin could react, the ground beneath him cracked like shattered glass. The entire landscape trembled, a horrifying growl vibrating through the void.

From the abyss, a massive demon dog emerged. Its body was shrouded in shadows, its crimson eyes glowing with an unnatural hunger. Its jagged teeth could tear a man in half with a single bite.

Yin turned and ran.

"What the fuck is this?!" He glanced over his shoulder the beast was gaining on him.

His breath was ragged, panic creeping into his mind.

"Damn it… Mr. Monk was right I shouldn't have left yet! I haven't even mastered my Aetheris!"

Regret burned in his chest. This wasn't just a fight anymore.

This was survival.

"N-No... C'mon, Yin!"

He skidded to a stop, his breath ragged, sweat dripping down his forehead. Running wouldn't save him. It was fight or die.

Clenching his fist, he pivoted his foot, twisting his body with raw force. His muscles tensed, and with a primal roar, he launched a devastating punch straight into the demon dog's massive face.

BOOM!

A crimson explosion erupted from his fist, the impact sending a shockwave through the void. The beast's skull wrenched backward, its enormous body trembling from the sheer force.

Yin's fist crackled with intense energy, his entire arm engulfed in a violent, crimson blaze. His eyes burned with the same fiery glow but something was off.

The energy surging through him… it didn't feel like his own.

High above, perched on a twisted black tree, George watched with mild amusement. His glowing eyes reflected the carnage below, yet he remained perfectly relaxed, one leg dangling lazily over a branch.

"Hmph… interesting." He mused, resting his chin on his hand.

"I still don't know what that ability of his is."

He tilted his head slightly, analyzing Yin's movements. The raw power was undeniable, but…

"Tch." A smirk crept onto George's lips. "His mental strength is top-tier... but his will? Weak."

He leaned back against the tree trunk, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the bark.

"Well… let's have some fun with him first."