Chapter 15: Ripples of Power

The grand training hall of Zenith Academy buzzed with energy as students sparred, pushing their limits under the watchful eyes of their instructors. Among them, Alex stood apart, his eyes calm yet calculating. He had already begun weaving his plans, carefully displaying only enough strength to remain among the elite but not enough to expose his true potential.

His newly enhanced boots, "Phantom Stride," allowed him to move with eerie speed, making his dodges appear effortless. His sparring partner, a top-ranked student named Garrick Vale, gritted his teeth in frustration.

"You're playing with me, aren't you?" Garrick growled, launching a flurry of aura-infused strikes.

Alex smirked. "If you think so, maybe you should hit harder."

Garrick's aura flared, his fists encased in a fiery glow as he lunged. But in an instant, Alex sidestepped, a faint afterimage lingering in his place. With a swift counter, he struck Garrick's shoulder, sending him sprawling across the arena.

The room fell silent. Even the instructors raised an eyebrow.

"Enough." A firm voice cut through the tension. Instructor Rovan, a seasoned warrior and one of the academy's elite trainers, stepped forward. "Alex wins."

Whispers spread through the crowd. Many had underestimated him, assuming his rise was due to luck or connections. But now, doubts began to form.

Alex, however, remained indifferent. This was only the beginning.