First Combat Training

The military academy was divided into five training divisions based on ability levels. The highest-ranking students, with Level 6 and above, were placed in Division A—the elites destined for commanding roles. Those with Level 4 and 5 went to Division B, still highly respected.

Then there were Divisions C and D, for Levels 2 and 3, trained as standard soldiers.

And at the very bottom… Division E.

This was where Draven had been placed.

A group of students stood in a large, circular training arena, all wearing gray military trainee uniforms. The massive steel walls of the facility stretched high, enclosing the space like a cage.

Most of the students in Division E looked disheartened. Some murmured amongst themselves, already expecting a life of mediocrity in the military.

Draven, however, wasn't paying attention.

He was focused on the system message still hovering in his vision.

> [QUEST: PROVE THEM WRONG]

Objective: Defeat a Level 4 opponent in a sparring match

Reward: Unlock 'Abilities' Tab

Draven clenched his fist. He needed to get stronger.

Suddenly, a loud voice echoed across the arena.

"Listen up, recruits!"

A tall, battle-hardened instructor stood before them. His uniform was decorated with medals, and his sharp, gray eyes held authority.

> [Commander Veydris Kaelthorne]

Rank: Elite Instructor

Ability: Warborn Insight (Level 7)

"I am Commander Kaelthorne, and I will determine whether you are worthy of being here," the man said coldly. "Division E or not, you are still soldiers. You will fight, bleed, and survive—or you will be discarded."

His eyes scanned the group.

"Some of you believe that because you were born weak, you will always be weak. That is a lie." He took a step forward, his presence alone making some students shiver. "Strength is earned. If you have the will, you can climb out of the dirt."

A pause.

"Now, let's see if any of you are worth my time."

The ground rumbled as combat droids rose from hidden platforms. Their metal bodies gleamed under the lights, and their red eyes locked onto the trainees.

"First test—hand-to-hand combat!" Kaelthorne bellowed. "Each of you will fight a droid programmed to match your current level. If you cannot last three minutes, you will fail."

The students stiffened.

Even a basic combat droid was designed for battle. Many of these trainees had never fought seriously before.

Draven exhaled, stepping into one of the combat circles.

A metallic voice rang out.

> [INITIATING SPARRING PROTOCOL]

A droid rushed toward him, its arms shifting into bladed weapons.

Draven dodged, narrowly avoiding a slash. He could feel the system's passive enhancements boosting his reflexes. Even though he had no active abilities unlocked yet, his body was already stronger than before.

> [SYSTEM TIP: Observe. Learn. Adapt.]

Draven's eyes sharpened.

He shifted into a defensive stance, letting the droid attack. Each movement—each strike—he studied its patterns.

Then, he moved.

A step to the left. A counterpunch to the metal joint.

The droid staggered slightly.

Draven smirked.

He was getting the hang of this.

As the test continued, many trainees struggled. Some barely lasted a minute before being knocked down. Others tried their best but had no combat instincts.

Then there were the few who stood out.

One of them was Ceylin Arvane.

Draven glanced across the arena as he saw the short-haired girl dismantle her droid with calculated precision.

She dodged and countered with smooth, effortless movements. Even without a high-level ability, she was clearly well-trained.

> [Ceylin Arvane]

Rank: Division E Trainee

Ability: Enhanced Reflexes (Level 3)

Draven smirked. She was skilled.

Then there was Ryce Zorhan, a tall, broad-shouldered trainee with a confident smirk. He didn't dodge much—he overpowered his droid with sheer brute strength, delivering a final punch that sent it crashing down.

> [Ryce Zorhan]

Rank: Division E Trainee

Ability: Minor Strength Augmentation (Level 2)

Finally, there was Renzo Kyrax.

Unlike the others, he wasn't fast or strong. But he was smart.

Instead of fighting head-on, he analyzed the droid's movements, finding weak spots and using precise strikes to disable its functions.

> [Renzo Kyrax]

Rank: Division E Trainee

Ability: Tactical Vision (Level 2)

Draven nodded slightly. These three… they were different. Unlike the others in Division E, they had potential.

And that meant one thing—they wouldn't stay at the bottom for long.

After the test, Kaelthorne clapped his hands.

"Not bad. Some of you show promise," he said, glancing toward Draven, Ryce, Renzo, and Ceylin. "The rest of you… disappointing."

The students gulped.

Kaelthorne turned toward a raised platform where a group of Division B trainees were watching.

"If you want to climb ranks, you need to prove your worth." His gaze locked onto Draven. "You."

Draven blinked.

"The system ranks you as Level 1, which means you should be one of the weakest here." Kaelthorne's lips curled. "But I don't believe in numbers. I believe in results."

A pause.

"You will spar against a Level 4 opponent."

The students froze.

Even Zyrek Faeron, who was watching from a distance, raised an eyebrow.

A Level 4 was far beyond what a Level 1 could handle.

Was Kaelthorne setting Draven up to fail?

Draven, however, was calm.

Because he already had a mission to complete.

> [QUEST: PROVE THEM WRONG – Updated]

Objective: Win the sparring match

Bonus Reward: ???

A figure stepped forward from Division B.

Tall, muscular, with sharp features and a confident smirk.

> [Opponent Identified: Vaelion Draxis]

Rank: Division B Trainee

Ability: Blood Contract (Level 4)

"I won't hold back," Vaelion said, cracking his knuckles.

Draven simply smirked.

"Neither will I."

Kaelthorne raised his hand. "Begin."

The moment the command was given—Vaelion attacked.

A sharp gust of energy exploded from his body, his movements unnaturally fast.

Draven barely dodged, skidding back as a fist slammed into the ground where he had stood.

The audience gasped.

Draven wiped a small cut from his cheek.

> [SYSTEM MESSAGE: Combat Mode Activated]

[WARNING: Significant power gap detected.]

Draven exhaled slowly, his fingers curling into fists.

It was time to even the odds.