The Grand Arena stood still.
Thousands of students filled the stands, their eyes locked onto the two titans who had stepped onto the battlefield.
At the center of the arena, Leon Valeheart stood tall, his golden eyes glowing with fierce determination.
Across from him, Velgrath the Abyssal Flame exuded an aura of raw, oppressive heat. The air itself shimmered around him, waves of flame distorting the space, making it appear as if reality was bending beneath his presence.
This wasn't just another duel.
This was the final battle for the throne.
Rank #1 vs. Rank #2.
The Supreme Leader vs. The Abyssal Tyrant.
The Crowd Watches in Silent Anticipation
The energy in the arena was suffocating.
Even the most hardened students felt the weight of the battle that was about to unfold.
Everyone knew what this fight meant.
If Leon won, it wouldn't just mean he was the strongest student in the Academy—
It would mean change.
And change was terrifying.
From the highest tower of the Academy, the Headmistress Elaris observed with narrowed eyes. She had seen countless battles, but this one?
It would determine the future.
Velgrath – The Living Inferno
Velgrath took one step forward.
The stone beneath his foot cracked and melted.
A low, rumbling growl echoed from his throat. His crimson eyes burned, but his expression was calm.
"Leon Valeheart," he said slowly. "You're different from the others."
Leon smirked. "And you're about to find out why."
Velgrath's smile widened slightly. "Good."
[Selene]: "Warning! Velgrath's energy levels exceed all previous opponents. His Abyssal Flame is not just fire—it is destruction incarnate."
Leon exhaled. "Then I'll just have to go beyond it."
Velgrath raised a hand.
The temperature in the arena skyrocketed.
The stone walls began to melt.
Students in the crowd shielded their eyes as the very air became too hot to breathe.
"Kneel."
Velgrath's voice was calm, but his power was absolute.
Flames erupted from his body, twisting and forming a massive ring of fire around the battlefield.
A cage of flame.
Leon grinned. "Cute trick."
The Battle Begins – Flames vs. Supreme Instinct
Velgrath moved first.
One second he was standing still—
The next, he was right in front of Leon.
His fist, wreathed in pure fire, swung forward like a meteor.
Leon barely had time to react—
He twisted to the side, but the sheer heat burned through the air, singing his skin.
Before he could counter—Velgrath's knee struck his ribs.
A shockwave rippled outward.
Leon was sent flying.
He skidded across the stone floor, feeling the burn sear through his muscles.
The crowd gasped.
Velgrath stood still, watching him with a blank expression.
"Too slow."
Leon exhaled sharply. His body was already adapting—the pain fading, his movements recalibrating.
He grinned.
"Let's fix that."
The Supreme Awakening – Pushing Beyond Limits
Leon moved.
Not just faster—beyond speed itself.
Velgrath's eyes widened.
For the first time, his opponent was gone before he could react.
A split second later—
Leon's fist slammed into Velgrath's face.
The impact sent the Abyssal Tyrant skidding backward.
The crowd froze.
Leon rolled his shoulders. "Not so fun being on the other side, huh?"
Velgrath wiped the blood from his lip.
Then—he laughed.
"Interesting."
[Selene]: "Supreme Adaptation activated. Speed and combat synchronization increased by 20%."
Leon's golden eyes burned.
Now the real fight began.
The War of Kings – Power Against Power
What followed was a battle that shook the very foundations of the Academy.
Leon dodged, struck, countered—his Supreme Instinct pushing him beyond his previous limits.
Velgrath matched him blow for blow, his Abyssal Flame growing stronger with every attack.
The arena floor melted beneath their feet.
The sky above cracked with energy.
The students watching felt fear creep into their hearts.
This wasn't a duel.
This was war.
The Final Clash – Supreme Power vs. Abyssal Wrath
Leon knew it.
If this battle dragged on—he would lose.
Velgrath's flames weren't just powerful.
They were alive.
Every second, the heat grew stronger, suffocating him, draining his energy.
He had to end it.
Now.
[Selene]: "Warning! Abyssal Wrath approaching maximum output! Leon, if you don't strike first, you will not survive his next attack!"
Leon gritted his teeth.
Then—he charged.
Velgrath's eyes flickered with amusement. "A last stand?"
He raised his hands.
A pillar of Abyssal Fire erupted behind him—
Then rushed forward.
A tidal wave of pure destruction.
It would erase everything in its path.
Leon didn't stop.
He couldn't.
He was beyond limits now.
His body glowed with golden light.
His fists crackled with raw Supreme Energy.
And then—he struck.
A single punch.
Straight through the flames.
Straight through Velgrath's attack.
Straight into Velgrath's chest.
The world exploded.
The Aftermath – A New King is Crowned
When the dust settled…
Velgrath was on the ground.
Leon stood above him.
His breath heavy.
His body burned and bloodied.
But he had won.
The Ranking Pillar shifted.
Leon Valeheart – Rank #1
The Supreme Leader had ascended.
Velgrath's Words – A Warning from the Fallen King
Velgrath exhaled, lying on his back, staring at the burning sky.
Then—he laughed.
"You really did it," he muttered.
Leon sighed. "Was there any doubt?"
Velgrath grinned.
"Not from me."
Leon raised an eyebrow. "You don't seem angry."
Velgrath closed his eyes. "Because you don't realize yet."
Leon's smirk faded. "Realize what?"
Velgrath's eyes opened, burning with something different.
"That wasn't your real fight."
Leon frowned. "What do you mean?"
Velgrath chuckled, shaking his head.
"You'll see soon enough."
And with that—the war for the Academy had truly begun.